L.A. Times reporter Charles Solomon recently interviewed manga-ka Masashi Kishimoto, and got the creator of Naruto to share some of his thoughts about his early artistic influences, how movies have influenced how he draws Naruto, and his take on why this teen ninja is so popular with manga and anime fans around the world:
"It's rather awkward to talk about what makes Naruto appealing to audiences, but I think his being a knucklehead gives him an appeal.... Perfect heroes are cool, but no one can really empathize or identify with them. Naruto often makes blunders, and he has weaknesses. Naruto feels inferior to his peers, but he hates to be a loser. Although he doesn't think about it too much, he knows he hates to lose, and we all know what that feels like. I think readers see themselves in Naruto, and that's what appeals to them: They can empathize with him and his weaknesses."VIZ Media is already planning another major push for Naruto in 2009, with new animated episodes of Naruto's Shippuden story arc on tap to be streamed on Naruto.com in January. Can't wait? Get caught up with five new, never-before seen in the U.S. episodes, from the The Village of Artisans storyline now streaming in their subtitled and uncut glory on Naruto.com.
Image credit: © Masashi Kishimoto
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