The Boruto Manga’s Challenging Start and Impressive Turnaround
The Boruto manga initially struggled to gain traction due to the challenges it faced after the conclusion of Naruto. However, recent events in the Blue Vortex time-skip have turned the series around, impressing fans and marking a significant improvement.
The Challenging Start of the Boruto Manga
The Boruto manga faced significant challenges since its inception, stemming from the conclusion of its predecessor, Naruto. The original series, authored by Masashi Kishimoto, concluded with a satisfying ending that left a lasting impact on the franchise’s world-building. As a result, the Boruto manga initially struggled to gain traction within the anime community.
( Credit to: Sportskeeda )
According to Oricon, a Japanese platform that tracks manga sales, Naruto Volume 70 was the lowest-selling volume in the original series. This particular volume introduced the Otsutsuki clan, alien beings that many fans perceived as an erroneous addition to the story. Consequently, the introduction of the Otsutsuki clan greatly affected the Boruto manga’s reception, as fans found it difficult to embrace a sequel that continued to focus on these new antagonists. The disappointing ending of Naruto further compounded the challenge of establishing a successful sequel.
( Credit to: Sportskeeda )
The Impact of the Otsutsuki on the Boruto Manga
The Otsutsuki’s increasing role in the Naruto series, particularly in the conclusion, hindered the potential for a well-received sequel. Long-term fans of the franchise were disheartened by the direction the story had taken, leading to skepticism and reluctance towards the Boruto manga. Despite any criticisms of the writing quality, the prominence of the Otsutsuki clan as the main antagonists in the Boruto manga failed to resonate with many loyal readers.
The Impressive Turnaround of the Boruto Manga
Despite its challenging start, the Boruto manga has experienced a remarkable turnaround, largely due to several factors. One significant element is the series of mysteries and the escalating tension that has been masterfully crafted in recent chapters. The absence of iconic characters such as Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki, along with the presence of powerful clones and the fugitive status of Boruto Uzumaki, has added depth and intrigue to the story.
Furthermore, the return of Masashi Kishimoto as the author has brought a much-needed sense of direction to the sequel. Since Kishimoto’s return, the Boruto manga has seen a notable improvement, effectively recapturing the essence that made the original series beloved by fans. This resurgence signifies a significant turning point for the mangaka and reinforces the impressive success of the Boruto manga in recent times.
Conclusion
The Boruto manga faced an uphill battle from the outset, with the introduction of the Otsutsuki clan in Naruto’s concluding volumes impacting its initial reception. However, the recent success of the Blue Vortex time-skip demonstrates the manga’s ability to win back readers and attract new fans. The Oricon sales record serves as a reminder of the challenges the Boruto manga overcame, making its current achievements all the more commendable.