This article contains spoilers from the Naruto series.
Summary
Narutocreator Kishimoto recently got an opportunity to talk about both theNarutoand theBorutoseries in great detail, and that is something that the fans really appreciated. Ever since the end of theNarutoseries, Kishimoto has stayed rather low, and simply went on about his life, enjoying it the best way possible. That said, every once in a while,Kishimoto got opportunities to speak about the wonderful storythat he created that went on to inspire countless people all over the world.
Recently, he got another opportunity to talk about the Naruto series at the convention, and it’s safe to say that fans were absolutely delighted by the amount of informationKishimoto revealed to them recently. While most of it was related to the Naruto series, some other bits of information pertaining to his own life and his own tastes in media, such as manga. For those wondering what Kishimoto’s favorite manga is, he has finally revealed this answer himself, and his picks are certainly very interesting.
Kishimoto’s Favorite Manga Of All Time
When it comes to Kishimoto’s favorite manga of all time, fans know that the answer to this question is going to be an obvious one, and that is Dragon Ball. Dragon Ball is the father of most Shonen series that fans witnessed over the course of the last few decades. Dragon Ball was created by the legendary Akira Toriyama, and he came up with a unique formula that is currently being utilized by many authors as well.Toriyama’s Dragon Ball was a game-changerfor manga in general. The story went on to become a phenomenon not just in Japan, but worldwide as well. Many anime that exist today do so only because of Dragon Ball, and Shonen manga today are as successful as they are because of the formula that Toriyama created.
Toriyama Sensei is a god!
Kishimoto Leaves Toriyama A Deep Message
Fans know that without Dragon Ball, most of their favorite series wouldn’t even exist today, and for that and many other reasons,Toriyama will always be held in high regard. It is no surprise for fans to know that Kishimoto considers him to be one of the most incredible authors, and that Toriyama inspired him to write Naruto greatly. In fact, when Toriyama passed away, Kishimoto left a big message for him, and it was clear for the fans to see how deeply he was affected by his loss. For those wondering, hair is what Kishimoto had to say about Toriyama’s Death:
“Honestly, I don’t know what to write or how to write about something so sudden. However, for now, I would like to express my thoughts and feelings to Toriyama-sensei, something I wish he would have asked me someday.
I grew up with Dr. Slump in the lower grades of elementary school and Dragon Ball in the upper grades, and it was natural for me to have his manga next to me as part of my life. Even if I had a bad experience, watching Dragon Ball every week made me forget about it. It was a relief for me, a country boy who had nothing. Because Dragon Ball was really fun!
It was when I was a university student. Suddenly, the Dragon Ball that had been a part of my life for so many years ended. felt an incredible sense of loss and didn’t know what to look forward to. But at the same time, it was also an opportunity for me to truly understand the greatness of the teacher who created Dragon Ball. I also want to create works like yours! I want to be like my teacher!
As I followed in my teacher’s footsteps and aspired to become a manga artist, that feeling of loss began to disappear. Because making comics was fun. I was able to find new fun by following my teacher. My teacher has always been my guide. I admired it. I apologize for the inconvenience, but I would like to express my gratitude to the teacher. For me, he was the god of salvation and the god of manga.
When we met for the first time, I was so nervous that I couldn’t say a word. However, after meeting him many times at the Tezuka Prize screening committee, we became able to talk. As Dragon Ball Children, I and Mr. Oda went back to being children again, and when we talked excitedly about how much Dragon Ball was fun, as if we were competing with each other, I forgot how he looked a little embarrassed and smiled at me. I can’t.
I have just received the news of the death of my teacher. I feel an even greater sense of loss than when Dragon Ball ended… I still don’t know how to deal with this hole in my heart. Now I can’t even read my favorite Dragon Ball.
I don’t feel like I’ve been able to properly write this sentence that I want to convey to my teacher. Everyone around the world was still looking forward to seeing your work.
If Dragon Ball’s one wish really comes true…I’m sorry… Maybe that’s selfish, but it’s sad, sensei. Thank you, Akira Toriyama-sensei, for all of your enjoyable works over the past 45 years. And thank you very much for your hard work. We are sure that the remaining family members are still deeply hurt. Please take care of yourself. I pray that Mr. Akira Toriyama rests in peace.”
Kishimoto’s Other Favorite Manga’s
Kishimoto Loves Stories Aside From Dragon Ball As Well
While Dragon Ball is likely Kishimoto’s top one, there are also other two manga that he revealed to be among his favorites. Akira is one such fans may be well aware of, and fans know that this post-apocalyptic and futuristic story is one that inspired Kishimoto greatly. Previously, Kishimoto has mentioned that he wants to write more ideas pertaining to science fiction and science settings, in general. In fact, his second manga, Samurai 8, was actually heavily inspired by science fiction.
Finally,the last manga that Kishimoto mentionedto be in his top three was Blade of the Immortal. This is quite a touching story where a samurai named Manji goes on a journey to get rid of his immortality, and while doing so, protects an orphan named Rin. It is clear for the fans to see that a story this deep and touching would be something that the creator ofNarutowould absolutely love, and at the same time, it is something that fans of the series would appreciate as well. These are Kishimoto’s favorite stories of all time, and while some of them are predictable, like Dragon Ball, others are very unique and interesting picks, such as Blade of the Immortal.
As fans know,Kishimoto announced during this eventthat he might be working on a new manga as well, which means that fans will get to see Kishimoto try his luck at writing manga after his failures with Samurai 8 once again. Hopefully, this time around, Kishimoto ends up creating a phenomenal story for the fans to enjoy, given that they know that he is a majestic writer. His next work is heavily anticipated, but, when it will happen is something that fans absolutely cannot say.
Naruto and Boruto series are available to read on Shonen Jump andManga Plusapps.
