Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto enjoyed a successful 15-year run from its debut in 1999 until its conclusion in 2014.
Kishimoto’s involvement extended to overseeing numerous Naruto movies and concluding the saga with “Boruto: Naruto the Movie,” providing a glimpse into the next generation. Given Naruto’s phenomenal success, Shonen Jump sought a sequel.
“Boruto: Naruto Next Generations” initially had Ukyo Kodachi as the writer as Kishimoto left. However, his initial departure from the series raised questions. After all, why did he leave?
Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, went on hiatus after “Boruto: Naruto the Movie” due to exhaustion from his 15-year dedication to Naruto. The cancellation of his “Samurai 8” series influenced his return to Boruto. During his absence, Boruto, under Ukyo Kodachi, couldn’t replicate Naruto’s success. Kishimoto’s return infused fresh ideas and rekindled Boruto’s popularity.
Why Did Masashi Kishimoto Stop Penning Boruto?
Masashi Kishimoto, the mastermind behind the beloved Naruto series, embarked on a hiatus from the franchise after the release of “Boruto: Naruto the Movie.”
After dedicating over a decade to crafting the epic tale of Naruto Uzumaki, Kishimoto made a heartfelt plea to fans to let him rest and take a break.
After all, the demands of being a manga artist, especially for such a renowned series, had taken a toll on him, leaving little room for anything else.
Kishimoto’s decision to step back from Naruto was a move towards a more sustainable work schedule. The relentless pace of producing a weekly manga, coupled with the immense pressure to deliver, was undoubtedly challenging.
The toll of working almost non-stop on a single series for 15 years was taking its toll on his creative spirit. Despite his profound love for the franchise and its characters, he recognized the need for a well-deserved break.
His next endeavor was “Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru,” a science fiction-samurai manga serialized in Shonen Jump from May 2019 to March 2020.
This new series revolved around Hachimaru, a disabled boy with dreams of becoming a samurai, embarking on a quest to find the seven keys required to open Pandora’s Box.
Kishimoto’s aim was to blend his passion for science fiction and Japanese culture into an engaging narrative. Initially, Kishimoto envisioned “Samurai 8” as a lengthy series, hoping for at least ten volumes, if not more.
However, the series concluded with only five volumes, much to the fans’ surprise. Unfortunately, “Samurai 8” faced criticism for its pacing, art, and a perceived lack of editorial oversight.
It struggled to secure a passionate audience, leading to its premature cancellation. Following the end of “Samurai 8,” Masashi Kishimoto made a significant return to the world of Naruto.
While fans eagerly awaited his next move, his decision to rejoin the Naruto universe was met with anticipation and excitement. As the saga continues with “Boruto,” Kishimoto’s involvement promises to bring new energy and insights to the ever-evolving ninja world.
When & Why Did Kishimoto Return to Boruto?
When Shonen Jump officially announced Masashi Kishimoto’s return to the Boruto series on November 15, 2020, it raised eyebrows among fans.
However, it becomes evident that several factors converged to bring him back to the beloved franchise.
One significant factor was the fate of Kishimoto’s previous endeavor, “Samurai 8.” The series faced an abrupt cancellation less than a year after its debut, despite Kishimoto’s intentions for a longer run.
Had “Samurai 8” achieved the success he envisioned, Kishimoto’s return to Boruto might not have occurred as swiftly.
Furthermore, Boruto had struggled to replicate the same level of success as its predecessor, Naruto, during Kishimoto’s absence.
The absence of his creative input had left a noticeable void. Kishimoto’s return injected new life into the series, rekindling the fans’ interest and reigniting the manga’s popularity.
After spending several years away from the franchise, Kishimoto’s return likely brought fresh ideas and perspectives to the table. This infusion of creativity revitalized the Boruto manga, leading to a resurgence in its success.
Do you think Kishimoto’s return was a net positive for the Boruto manga? Or do you think his return didn’t change things much?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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