Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is a 2016 Japanese manga series written by Ukyo Kodachi and Masashi Kishimoto, and illustrated by Mikio Ikemoto. Set as a spin-off and a sequel to Naruto, the manga follows the exploits of Naruto Uzumaki’s son, Boruto and his ninja team including Sarada and Mitsuki as they train to become shinobi.

The story of Boruto isn’t far from the parent series Naruto, which isn’t a bad thing. Like Naruto, the series follows the titular character and his adventures as he becomes a more experienced shinobi. It’s a coming of age story and with it some new and really good side stories that help flesh out the main characters as they develop as well as explore the world which has evolved since the end of the previous series.

The story begins in a pretty big way introducing the Otsutsuki and this awesome battle between Naruto and the good guys against the bad guys. The result of that battle affects Boruto that help sets the story for the series. It slows down to give us time to learn more about Boruto, the dynamic he has with his family and friends, and his learning to become a shinobi. It’s got good moments that help fill the story with humor, drama, and enlightenment. The overarching plot concerning Kara and the Otsutsuki is a really good step in the right direction. Unfortunately I’m read up to chapter 53 and it looks as if mostly the Kara storyline is over with. The Otsutsuki has room to grow and I hope it does. (3 out of 5)

I wasn’t a fan of Boruto because I felt like he initially is a brat, unlike Naruto who did it for attention because he had no one, Boruto resents Naruto because he prioritizes the village before his family. It’s an understandable grievance and one that he learns and develops from. His friends and teammates, Sarada (Sasuke and Sakura’s daughter) and Mitsuki (Orochimaru’s “son”), are actually interesting characters. Between the three of them they do stand out more than Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura especially Sarada compared to Sakura. I do like their camaraderie and how well they work together.

There are a lot of interesting new characters. I really like Choji’s daughter Chocho, Shikamaru’s son Shikadai, Boruto’s sister Himawari, and even Kawaki. Kawaki’s the new Sasuke and at first I didn’t like him. But he’s actually a pretty well written character. And I liked the rivalry and camaraderie between him and Naruto. It mirrors Naruto and Sasuke’s perfectly.

I like seeing the original characters and where they’re at now now that they are older. Of course, Naruto is Hokage now and it’s great seeing him being the same person, just more mature. I like seeing Sasuke, who’s pretty much the same but not consumed with vengeance. He’s more likable now and I like the kinship between him and Naruto. Gaara’s still the Kazekage, Shikamaru’s married to Temari and have a son, Choji gets married and has a daughter; basically all our favorite characters have formed a life for themselves.

Naruto has had some great villains; Orochimaru, Yagato, Zabuza, and Obito to name a few. So how does Boruto hold up? Well, the answer is they’re okay. There are certainly some interesting villains but they’re not really memorable. The series is ongoing and hopefully, we can get more backstory and development with them. I really like the thought of Kara but unfortunately they’re defeated rather quickly and without giving much to the backstories and motivations for the members. Still, the manga does have some pretty good characters. (4 out of 5)

The art style is good reflecting the art style of the its parent series. There’s a bit more refinement to detail that gives the original characters a more mature look while giving the new updated designs. It captures the emotion of the characters allowing them to express themselves. The fights are drawn with intensity and capture the momentum of battle. The characters fight in unique ways offering variety to the combat and pacing. Even when it comes to the setting, the background looks good with detail. (3 out of 5)

I don’t mind the writing and like some of the new direction the series is heading in. There are some modern day concepts that have been introduced such as technology and how it affects everyday life. There are prosthetic limbs, guns, trains, cyborgs, and the Kote (a device that allows the user to perform any ninjutsu pre-stored in a scroll). There’s a scene where you see Boruto playing a handheld but it doesn’t feel out of place. There’s a lot to the writing that can be appreciated. It’s got great characterization and the dialogue between characters feels authentic. It’s got humor, drama, action, suspense; everything to make a compelling story with decent narration.

One of the issues that I’ve seen is that the series doesn’t focus enough on the other characters like the previous series did. This can be a good thing especially if it keeps the story crisp. However, it would be good to see new characters and not necessarily the offspring of the older generation. Naruto and Naruto Shipudden managed to balance an extremely large cast and I hope Boruto can do it as well. I do like the dialogue. It can be cheesy at times but there are conversations and characters insights that are pretty meaningful and thought provoking. The writing’s good and has room to improve. (4 out of 5)

In the end, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is a good follow up to such a great series. The series does have its share of flaws but like I stated before it has so much room to grow and improve. I really like the characters, the evolution of the story, the direction, the art work, and the writing. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations gets 4 out of 5. There’s definitely potential here.