Review of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
Is Boruto a good sequel to Naruto? When I started Boruto back in 2022, I kept hearing everywhere that Boruto was a disgrace, a stain on the masterpiece that was Naruto. But knowing how people love to exaggerate, I jumped in with good intentions, convinced that Boruto couldn’t possibly be that bad of a sequel. And honestly, that very first intro scene — with Kawaki and Boruto facing off in a ruined Konoha, with powers and visuals still unknown to us — got me super hyped! After that, we get introduced to Boruto’s world: the technological advancements of the ninja world, the new mentality of the aspiringninjas. Whereas Naruto’s generation (and those before) grew up with rivalries and the constant threat of war, Boruto’s generation grows up in a world of peace. And I’ve got to say, during those first few dozen episodes — even though there were already a lot of fillers/semi-fillers in the mix — I was actually pretty happy watching them. The excitement of seeing the old Naruto characters again, now as parents; discovering their kids, their personalities, their powers, their lifestyles… that excitement made me overlook the problems that were already quite obvious from the very beginning. But, as you can guess, that enthusiasm didn’t last for 293 episodes…
That amazing opening scene with Kawaki — the one that got me so hyped — really gave the impression that this new character was crucial to Boruto’s story, a real turning point! So I expected him to show up within the first few dozen episodes. But no — you have to wait until episode 188 to finally see Kawaki for the first time. Episode 188! You have to wait all that time for the introduction of one of the key characters of the entire work. So what happened in those 187 episodes before him? A lot of sidetracks, most of them not very interesting, and very few manga canon episodes.
(Out of the 293 episodes, we have:
74 manga canon
174 anime canon
12 semi-fillers
33 fillers)
Basically, the story moves forward at a snail’s pace, overloaded with often useless information.
Speaking of the plot as a whole (without spoilers), the story focuses a lot on the Otsutsuki — at least in this first part, I don’t know yet for the rest. Honestly, I think it’s pretty well done. The episodes that push the story forward, usually tied to the Otsutsuki, are genuinely interesting, often with exciting and memorable fights. The only criticism I’d make here is actually toward Naruto itself. Out of Naruto’s 700 chapters, the word “Otsutsuki” doesn’t even appear until chapter 646, creating this almost absurd last-minute twist. Those who’ve seen the end of Naruto know what I mean. In my opinion, the Otsutsuki were added to Naruto solely to create content for Boruto. So yes, I hold some resentment about that, but it doesn’t change the fact that they’re interesting in Boruto!
On the other hand, something I really didn’t like is how unremarkable the antagonists are compared to Naruto (especially Shippuden). Every member of the Akatsuki had an EXCEPTIONAL design and style. Madara too. Obito too. But in Boruto? The “villains” are bland, unattractive, lacking charisma, with personalities that are often simple, empty, flat. Some are just okay (especially among the Otsutsuki), but just look at Kara’s members… three old men right off the bat. And then the Mujina Bandits arc — which is manga canon, by the way. Did you really see the look and powers of their leader?? A fat guy with pale skin and green hair who can take on the appearance and memories of his victims by swallowing their heads with his big mouth?? That’s the final antagonist of a canon manga arc in Boruto? Really?
Another thing: the animation feels smoothed out. I struggle to put it into words, but look at the characters’ faces in the anime — they’re so plain, a bit empty, lacking distinctive traits. I had this bad impression throughout the series. Whereas in Naruto, the art was rougher, with stronger lines that made the characters and environments feel more alive, more raw, more aggressive.
Musically, there are still several good openings/endings, though far from Naruto Shippuden’s near flawless track record. Still, some really good songs. But as for the OST, I was very disappointed. Not a single soundtrack felt impactful or uplifting in a scene — whether in a fight or in an emotional moment. No OST managed to add that little extra punch to a moment in the anime. And that’s unfortunate, because Naruto did this perfectly…
Well, you get the idea. Boruto is full of flaws, and even in what’s comparable, Naruto did it better. That said, I think the main storyline has massive potential and is far from disposable. Maybe the manga offers a better immersion into the story? Boruto, Kawaki, Himawari, the Otsutsuki, Code… I think the potential is enormous, and the last 7 episodes really hyped me up for what’s next!
I hope I'm not wrong in saying that Boruto still has the potential to make us dream.