Masashi Kishimoto, the renowned creator of “Naruto”, has earned his place among the most influential manga artists of the modern era. His work, particularly “Naruto”, has captivated millions of readers and viewers worldwide with its intricate world-building, engaging characters, and deeply emotional narrative arcs. What makes Kishimoto’s work particularly fascinating is the clear lineage of influence, both from within the manga world and beyond. His admiration for “Dragon Ball”, “Blade of the Immortal”, and “Akira”showcases the breadth of his artistic and narrative inspirations, which have shaped his approach to storytelling and character design.
This critical explication delves into Kishimoto’s influences and explores how these inspirations have manifested in “Naruto” and beyond. By examining how “Dragon Ball”, “Blade of the Immortal”, and “Akira” have contributed to his artistic vision, we can better understand the elements that make his work resonate so deeply with fans and what this means for his future endeavors.
Influence of Dragon Ball on Naruto
Kishimoto’s admiration for Dragon Ball by Akira Toriyama is no secret, as he has frequently cited it as one of his greatest inspirations. Dragon Ball’s impact on Naruto is evident in several key elements, including the action-packed storylines, character dynamics, and the emphasis on growth and perseverance. Toriyama’s work revolutionized the shōnen genre, particularly through its mix of martial arts, fantastical abilities, and light-hearted humor. Kishimoto clearly drew upon these elements when constructing the world of Naruto.
One of the most significant aspects Kishimoto inherited from “Dragon Ball” is the use of power scaling and progression. In both series, characters grow stronger as they face increasingly difficult challenges. In “Naruto”, we see this with Naruto Uzumaki himself, who starts off as an underdog—much like Goku from “Dragon Ball”—and gradually becomes a powerful figure capable of changing the world. This sense of evolution is a hallmark of shōnen manga, and Kishimoto successfully capitalized on it by giving his characters clear paths of growth, not only in terms of physical strength but also in emotional maturity and relationships.
Another influence is the presence of larger-than-life characters, particularly in terms of their abilities and personalities. Just as “Dragon Ball” features iconic, overpowered characters like Goku, Vegeta, and Frieza, “Naruto” offers an ensemble cast of powerful ninjas, each with their unique techniques and strengths. The concept of special abilities, whether it’s ki-based attacks in “Dragon Ball” or chakra-fueled jutsu in “Naruto”, shows the direct lineage between the two works. Kishimoto takes this a step further by creating a more intricate system of power with the various clans, Kekkei Genkai (bloodline limits), and techniques like the Sharingan and Rasengan, adding layers of complexity to the battles and character development.
Additionally, the mentor-student relationships that are integral to “Dragon Ball”—such as Goku and Master Roshi or Gohan and Piccolo—are mirrored in “Naruto” through the dynamic between Naruto and figures like Jiraiya, Kakashi, and Iruka. These bonds not only help the protagonist grow in strength but also in wisdom and emotional depth. Kishimoto’s depiction of these relationships adds an emotional resonance to “Naruto” that goes beyond the physical battles, something “Dragon Ball” also achieved in its finest moments.
Blade of the Immortal and Akira: Expanding the Narrative Depth
While Dragon Ball heavily influenced the action and pacing of Naruto, Kishimoto has also drawn inspiration from darker, more mature manga like Blade of the Immortal and Akira. These works offer more nuanced storytelling, dealing with complex themes of morality, trauma, and human resilience, elements that Kishimoto weaves into his own narratives.
Blade of the Immortal, created by Hiroaki Samura, is renowned for its intricate artwork and philosophical themes, particularly around the concept of immortality, revenge, and the cyclical nature of violence. In Naruto, we can see echoes of these themes, particularly in the characters of Orochimaru and Madara Uchiha, both of whom seek immortality in various ways. Orochimaru’s obsession with eternal life and his willingness to sacrifice anything to achieve it speaks to the darker side of human ambition, a theme Kishimoto explores with depth and nuance.
Furthermore, Blade of the Immortal’s focus on moral ambiguity is reflected in Naruto’s treatment of characters like Sasuke Uchiha, who walks a fine line between heroism and villainy throughout the series. Sasuke’s pursuit of vengeance after the massacre of his clan by his brother Itachi mirrors the cycle of revenge that plays a central role in Blade of the Immortal. Kishimoto’s exploration of these themes gives Naruto a complexity often absent in more straightforward shōnen manga.
On the other hand, Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo presents a dystopian vision of the future, dealing with themes of power, corruption, and the destruction wrought by unchecked ambition. Akira’s influence can be seen in the darker elements of Naruto, particularly the destruction caused by individuals with extraordinary abilities. Characters like Pain, whose “Almighty Push” literally decimates the Hidden Leaf Village, bear a thematic resemblance to the destructive forces in Akira. The moral questioning of how much power is too much, and the potential for catastrophic consequences, plays a pivotal role in both works.
The visual style of Akira, especially its cinematic approach to destruction and action scenes, also left a mark on Kishimoto’s work. The level of detail in large-scale battle sequences in Naruto reflects the kind of meticulous craftsmanship seen in Akira. Kishimoto’s ability to balance personal, emotional conflicts with epic battles between ninja villages speaks to his mastery of scale, a technique undoubtedly influenced by Otomo’s work.
Kishimoto’s Future Projects: What’s Next ?
Given Kishimoto’s eclectic range of influences, his upcoming projects are likely to continue exploring the balance between action, emotional depth, and complex narratives. After concluding Naruto and working on the spin-off sequel Boruto, the next stage of his career will be watched closely by both long-time fans and new audiences.
One of the most exciting prospects for Kishimoto’s future work is how he will evolve as a storyteller. With Naruto, he successfully merged shōnen tropes with deeper thematic concerns, creating a work that appeals to readers of all ages. As he moves on to new projects, we may see him take even more risks, perhaps venturing further into darker, more mature themes, similar to the styles of Blade of the Immortal and Akira.
There’s also the question of how Kishimoto will innovate on a visual level. While his style has always been highly recognizable, his continued engagement with other art forms and manga could lead to new artistic directions. Whether he decides to explore different genres, such as science fiction or historical fiction, or continue in the vein of fantastical action-adventure, fans can expect his future work to be as thoughtfully crafted as Naruto.
Impression
Masashi Kishimoto’s career has been shaped by a wide range of influences, from the explosive action and character-driven narrative of *Dragon Ball* to the darker, more complex themes found in *Blade of the Immortal* and *Akira*. His ability to synthesize these inspirations into a cohesive and emotionally resonant narrative is what sets *Naruto* apart as one of the most beloved manga series of all time. As Kishimoto prepares for his next project, fans eagerly anticipate how he will continue to push the boundaries of his storytelling while remaining true to the core elements that made him a household name in the world of manga.
Kishimoto’s legacy is already firmly established, but his willingness to grow and experiment as an artist suggests that the best may still be yet to come. His future endeavors will likely continue to draw from the well of inspiration that has fueled his career thus far, ensuring that his next works will be just as engaging, thought-provoking, and memorable as Naruto.
