Why Masashi Kishimoto Continues Naruto through Boruto Instead of Starting a New Manga Title

Masashi Kishimoto, the renowned author and illustrator of Naruto, continues to be a central figure in the manga and anime industry. Despite his initial intentions to end the series, Kishimoto now oversees the continuation of the franchise through Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. In this article, we explore the reasons behind his decision to continue the legacy rather than embark on a new manga title.

Kishimoto's Early Intentions to End Naruto

When Kishimoto started Naruto, his initial goal was to work on the series for a limited time and then move on to other projects. Specifically, he wanted to conclude the story after the ‘Chunin Exam arc with Orochimaru as the ultimate baddie’ (which corresponds to episodes 500-600 in the anime adaptation). However, the popularity of the series and its fanbase grew beyond his expectations. This led to the continuation of the narrative through subsequent works like Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.

Collaboration and Creative Opportunities

The continuation of Boruto allows Kishimoto to collaborate with other talented individuals while still contributing to the ongoing success of the Naruto franchise. One of the key figures in establishing Boruto is Keiko Ikemoto, who initially joined the production as a key assistant and later took the seat of the main writer for the manga. Keiko Ikemoto, though not the original author, has contributed significantly to the series, especially in narrative aspects, making the continuation a collaborative effort.

As Kishimoto stepped back from writing, he still provided guidance and oversight. Miyoko Tanaka, the main artist, continued the visual aspects. The transition was smooth, ensuring that the continuity and quality of the Naruto universe were maintained. Even the animation direction for the Boruto anime series changed hands, with Hiroyuki Yamashita adding his unique touch to the project.

Industry Trends and Financial Incentives

The manga and anime industry often favors the continuation of well-established franchises. The existing Naruto franchise has a massive following with a vast array of merchandise, fan communities, and a well-defined fanbase. Continuing Boruto provides Kishimoto with opportunities to engage and grow this audience further. Financially, the market for established franchises is more stable, making it a more attractive option for creators.

Moreover, the creative opportunities in expanding an existing universe are immense. The Naruto franchise offers a rich tapestry of characters, storylines, and themes that can be explored and developed further. This allows Kishimoto to delve into new areas while still leveraging the familiarity of the original series.

Character Development and Audience Engagement

The Naruto series, with its extensive cast of characters, has always been about character development. The continuation through Boruto allows Kishimoto to focus on the evolving storylines and the growth of the next generation of characters. Fans of the original series will find continuity and new depths to explore, while new readers can discover the rich world of Naruto through Boruto.

The Boruto series has been described as a reboot rather than a direct sequel, as it brings a new perspective and shifts the focus to the children of the original protagonists. Keiko Ikemoto, who was a trusted collaborator of Kishimoto, ensured that the narrative and style stayed true to the franchise's essence while introducing fresh elements.

The industry trends toward expanding successful franchises align with Kishimoto's decision to continue with Boruto. This approach not only appeals to the existing fanbase but also attracts new audiences seeking a new take on familiar characters and themes.

Conclusion

While Masashi Kishimoto may eventually create a new manga title, the combination of collaboration, industry trends, and the creative opportunities offered by the Naruto franchise make continuing the series through Boruto the current focus.