Naruto
Reviewer: Morien Alexander [email]Overall Rating: A
Media Reviewed: Digital fansubs
Creator: Masashi Kishimoto
U.S. Licensed: Yes
Released by: FUNimation
Run time: Over 200 episodes (ongoing)
BL Content: None (slashable, possible gay side characters)
Genre: Action/Fighting/Shounen
Other media:
English-licensed manga
Three Japanese movies
Three Japanese OAVs
Naruto is probably one of the best series I have seen in the past two years. It's got everything you could ask for- fighting, romance, comedy, angst, and wonderful shounen-ai hints. The animation is very smooth and the music fits perfectly into each scene. Technically, Naruto is a masterpiece. As a side note, the anime is taken directly from the manga- dialogue, shots, and all. The only drawback to this is that the fight scenes tend to take a lot longer than most people like to sit for. But you can always fast forward.
Naruto is a story about a boy named, well, Naruto and his quest to become the best ninja in his village. But there is a huge obstacle in his way. Not only is he parentless, but he has the spirit of a nine tailed fox demon sealed inside him. All the people of the village are afraid of him and shun him for this reason. Together with the help of his sympathetic teachers Iruka and Kakashi and new-found friends Sakura and Sasuke, Naruto continues to fight against natural barriers in fighting and emotional barriers in the town.
As far as slashable series, this is one of the most slashable non-slash series I've ever seen. First of all, there is the obvious tension between Naruto and his rival/friend Sasuke which starts with an accidental kiss and progresses into a strong bond that could easily be seen as more. The fact that Sasuke remembers what Naruto tastes like helps along that assumption. Secondly, there is the famous pairing of Kakashi and Iruka- the two self appointed guardians of Naruto. They don't have much screen time together, but whenever Iruka sees Kakashi, he tends to blush and smile. Besides those two popular pairings, there are also Zabuza and Haku (the pairing that is canon), Gaara and Naurto (because they are so much alike at heart), Gai and Kakashi (eternal rivals), and much much more!
I strongly recommend this series both as a manga (which is being translated through Shonen Jump) and an anime. There is plenty of action, lots of gorgeous boys, amusing scenarios, and some things that can't even be described. Oh... plus keep some tissues around if you are inclined to feel for anime characters. All in all, this is a fantastic series which I believe is great for anyone.
