4 stars, the beginning of a new chapter for the Hidden Leaf 
Village.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is, as the name suggests, the follow on series to the highly popular Naruto: Shippūden. It is based on the manga written by Ukyō Kodachi and illustrated by Mikio Ikemoto. The anime is produced by studio Pierrot (Yona of the Dawn) and directed by Noriyuki Abe (Black Butler: Book of Circus).
“Whatever path I choose, it won’t have anything to do with my Dad. I’ll walk my own path, ’cause this is my story.”
With the final episodes of Naruto: Shippūden set to be released in the UK very soon, here we have the beginning of the next chapter in the lives of our favourite Ninjas, told through the eyes of their children.
It is now ten years since the end of the Fourth Great Ninja War and the Hidden Leaf Village are enjoying a time of growth and prosperity. Without the threat of war, the village has flourished and now enjoys all manner of modern technology, including trains, computers and handheld games consoles. The Ninja Academy is also now able to offer academic pursuits as well as Ninja techniques and a new generation are learning the ways of the Shinobi.
Our young hero Boruto Uzumaki (Amanda Celine Miller – Durarara!! x2) is the son of Naruto (Maile Flanagan – Pig Goat Banana Cricket), now the Seventh Hokage and Hinata (Stephanie Sheh – Erased, Mirai) who also have a young daughter Himawari (Melissa Fahn – Noein: To Your Other Self).
Unlike Naruto, Boruto has a privileged upbringing, with a loving family and surrounded by good friends. He is very resentful of his father however, as he feels that he puts work above his family and is always looking for ways to get one over one him.
He has reached the age to join the Ninja Academy and along with his friends they begin their training. His best friend Shikadai (Todd Haberkorn – Ajin: Demi Human) tries his best to keep him out of trouble, but to no avail. He also makes new friends, Denki (Erica Mendez – Charlotte), Iwabe (Ray Chase – Dragon Ball Super) and the mysterious transfer student Mitsuki (Robbie Daymond – A Silent Voice).
However, trouble is brewing, a new threat is rising and the young apprentices will find themselves in the thick of it all.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is very enjoyable to watch. It is an entirely new story, although it retains much of the same feel as Naruto and still contains the same messages about friendship and teamwork as its predecessor. The animation style is familiar, but everything feels as if it has moved on and it really works.
It does take a bit of adjusting seeing everyone all grown up, but it’s good once you get the hang of it! I’m not sure how much sense, if any, it would make to someone who hasn’t watched Naruto, but I suppose this one is aimed at fans of the franchise, and for them this is a must own. A great start and I look forward to watching the story develop.
“I suppose, at least he’s not a coward. He’s just stupid.”
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is available to buy now on Blu-ray.
| Director | Noriyuki Abe |
| Author | Ukyō Kodachi |
| Genre | Action, adventure |
| Starring | Amanda Céline Miller, Robbie Daymond, Ray Chase, Erica Mendez, Erica Lindbeck |
Available to buy on :  | |