Naruto
It’s been a while since I’ve been drawn to an anime, I feel like all the right shows that were out there have all ended (and have been reviewed). There was this friend of mine who was always over-hyped about this show and I never got the appeal. I didn’t appreciate the visual style and though it was just an other story where a kid has to save the world from some evil. Of course what is best out there is mostly a re-hash of old ideas but I’ve become a fan of Naruto just after seeing one episode.
I was lucky to see episode number five on YTV, thanks to it I’ve decided I had to follow the show and I can say that for a series that has 220 episodes I had very few deceptions. The anime is derived from the manga of the same name and despite the use of many filler episodes the story line remained steady and focused on the development of many characters.
The story’s main character is called Naruto Uzumaki, he is a child coming of age and training to become a Ninja (Shinobi), he’s really the type you would consider hyper-active, never listening in class and very hard headed. Thanks to his perseverence and determination he manages to pass all the challenges to come between him and become the next Hokage (chief of the village). As an infant the spirit of a demon (Nine Tails Fox) was sealed into his body in order to save the village. However, while growing up many people resented him because he had this evil within him. He never let it get to him, he made friends and became a full fledge Ninja. What I like about most anime is the fantasy aspect of it. Ninjas have special abilities that involve spiritual energy called Chackras. The episode progression can be slow at times, but battling against the odds and coming on top is always a gratifying experience. The show was so successful that it sprung three movies and a second series called Naruto Shippuden was started to pursue the adventures of Naruto as he becomes a teenager.
If you get the chance to see the show don’t miss out on it. They sure made me a fan.