If your an anime nut like I am, it doesn't take much effort to realize why Naruto and Naruto Shippuden are first class anime productions. It is one of, if not THE, hottest animated program in Japan with millions of viewers tuning in weekly to see what antics the "Orange and Black" ninja gets himself into. The litmus test of anime popularity (especially programs which have not been translated) is the number of "Fan Subbing" groups supporting the anime. Fan subs are groups of people skilled in multiple languages which translates the spoken native language into subtitles, which are then digitally inserted into digitized screen captures of the originally aired television footage. The greater the number of subbing groups, the higher the popularity of the animation. Without further ado, here are five of my personal reasons for Narutos' excellence.1) The ease at which Naruto can be looked upon as a REAL person, rather than a cartoon character.From a personal perspective, it was easy for me to relate to Naruto as a real person after only a few episodes because he experienced things that many of us have experienced in our own lives. His personal struggle with acceptance from his townspeople for being 'different' resounds throughout today's society. Naruto MAKES people like him. That phrase is used over and over again in the anime, and it is because of this talent, Naruto wins the hearts and loyalty of everyone one he interacts with.2) The emotional breadth of all the main characters.Each of the main characters have a deep personal story that intertwines with the main story line. A deep sense of duty and loyalty (even if it is only to ones self) is omnipresent in each episode, and we, the viewers are allowed to see the emotional strength and weaknesses of each and every character. When one person is hurting, their comrades comfort them and share in their pain. With this, the viewer is also given the opportunity to 'feel' along with the characters.3) An EXTREMELY complex story line which ties connections to events past and future.Given that each character has a unique story that adds to the over-all Naruto Universe, it is sometimes difficult to see connections between people and events. There are many instances in which some statement, or scene in season one may have some significant relationship to a major event happening in season four. The writers are definitely top-notch professionals with an eye for detail and continuity.4) A thriving internet community that supports Fan Subbing on a commercial scale, but without any profit received.My first exposure to Naruto was from a co-worker. We were just 'getting over' the whole DragonBall Z experience (and feeling jaded about it too). He asked me to give it a try, so I looked it up on Google that night. One hundred thirty nine MILLION hits, and an entry in Wikipedia!!! I quickly started looking for Fan Subs sites, and on a recommendation from a forum I found my resource. After attending two Comic-Con's, Naruto literally exploded into the world of mainstream animation, comics and full-length feature film. Franchise sales for Naruto merchandise are staggering, with an increase every year. Naruto wall scroll, headbands, keychains, dvd's, posters and wallpaper are all over the internet.5) It is a program that both children and adults can relate to.While containing profanity and adult situations, Naruto is generally kid friendly (I take the time to pre-screen every episode before allowing my two pre-teen daughters to view). I can sit down with my kids and look at 4 or 5 episodes back-to-back and we wont say a word until it's over. It really is THAT good. Then we talk about how we felt about their situation... and often times it reflects on some issues that come up in their schools. Themes like someone being teased, or a bully that picks on smaller, younger kids... typical things that most of us adults have gone through already. But Naruto actually creates a situation conducive to child/adult commonality.I could list so many more reasons for Naruto's success, but please don't take my word for it. Watch this anime yourself to draw your own conclusions, and perhaps Naruto will draw you in to the story like is has for millions of other people around the world. Believe it!! Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Five Reasons Why Naruto is an Excellent Anime
If your an anime nut like I am, it doesn't take much effort to realize why Naruto and Naruto Shippuden are first class anime productions. It is one of, if not THE, hottest animated program in Japan with millions of viewers tuning in weekly to see what antics the "Orange and Black" ninja gets himself into. The litmus test of anime popularity (especially programs which have not been translated) is the number of "Fan Subbing" groups supporting the anime. Fan subs are groups of people skilled in multiple languages which translates the spoken native language into subtitles, which are then digitally inserted into digitized screen captures of the originally aired television footage. The greater the number of subbing groups, the higher the popularity of the animation. Without further ado, here are five of my personal reasons for Narutos' excellence.1) The ease at which Naruto can be looked upon as a REAL person, rather than a cartoon character.From a personal perspective, it was easy for me to relate to Naruto as a real person after only a few episodes because he experienced things that many of us have experienced in our own lives. His personal struggle with acceptance from his townspeople for being 'different' resounds throughout today's society. Naruto MAKES people like him. That phrase is used over and over again in the anime, and it is because of this talent, Naruto wins the hearts and loyalty of everyone one he interacts with.2) The emotional breadth of all the main characters.Each of the main characters have a deep personal story that intertwines with the main story line. A deep sense of duty and loyalty (even if it is only to ones self) is omnipresent in each episode, and we, the viewers are allowed to see the emotional strength and weaknesses of each and every character. When one person is hurting, their comrades comfort them and share in their pain. With this, the viewer is also given the opportunity to 'feel' along with the characters.3) An EXTREMELY complex story line which ties connections to events past and future.Given that each character has a unique story that adds to the over-all Naruto Universe, it is sometimes difficult to see connections between people and events. There are many instances in which some statement, or scene in season one may have some significant relationship to a major event happening in season four. The writers are definitely top-notch professionals with an eye for detail and continuity.4) A thriving internet community that supports Fan Subbing on a commercial scale, but without any profit received.My first exposure to Naruto was from a co-worker. We were just 'getting over' the whole DragonBall Z experience (and feeling jaded about it too). He asked me to give it a try, so I looked it up on Google that night. One hundred thirty nine MILLION hits, and an entry in Wikipedia!!! I quickly started looking for Fan Subs sites, and on a recommendation from a forum I found my resource. After attending two Comic-Con's, Naruto literally exploded into the world of mainstream animation, comics and full-length feature film. Franchise sales for Naruto merchandise are staggering, with an increase every year. Naruto wall scroll, headbands, keychains, dvd's, posters and wallpaper are all over the internet.5) It is a program that both children and adults can relate to.While containing profanity and adult situations, Naruto is generally kid friendly (I take the time to pre-screen every episode before allowing my two pre-teen daughters to view). I can sit down with my kids and look at 4 or 5 episodes back-to-back and we wont say a word until it's over. It really is THAT good. Then we talk about how we felt about their situation... and often times it reflects on some issues that come up in their schools. Themes like someone being teased, or a bully that picks on smaller, younger kids... typical things that most of us adults have gone through already. But Naruto actually creates a situation conducive to child/adult commonality.I could list so many more reasons for Naruto's success, but please don't take my word for it. Watch this anime yourself to draw your own conclusions, and perhaps Naruto will draw you in to the story like is has for millions of other people around the world. Believe it!! 
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment