Recently Read: Naruto, Vol. 11: Impassioned Efforts

Naruto Vol. 11, "Impassioned Efforts", slows the pace a bit to allow for more humor, intrigue and characterization. A new trainer, Jiraya (and not the one Kakashi Hataki assigned) takes over the instruction of Naruto, helping him tap into his latent Nine-tails powers. Meanwhile, the Villages Hidden in Sand and Hidden in the Sound conspire to destroy Konohagakure Village, with some fatal, irrevocable results. Gaara's origin story is told and he's even more of a cold, psychotic killer than we suspected. Hinata and Naruto's relationship develops and the last Chunin Selection Finals are about to commence. The 175 pages are packed with ever more suspenseful subplots and complicated ties between individuals, provinces, enemies and alliances. Top notch cartooning!

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Recently Read: Naruto Vol. 8: Life and Death Battles

One of Naruto's greatest strengths is the way creator Masashi Kishimoto takes his time telling a story. After four volumes, our heroes are still struggling to survive the Chûnin Exams. Before beginning the third level, the number of participants must be whittled down, necessitating one-on-one combat, possibly to the death. Meanwhile, shinobi Kakashi Hatake attempts to heal Sasuke and suppress his curse when the malevolent Orochimaru shows up. I like how the Naruto series makes clear that the students' teachers and authority figures must also deal with threats and danger. No one is immune from contact with evil.

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