Recently Read: Naruto Vol. 32

While Tsunade faces down Konoha Council's attempts to suppress and surveil Naruto, newcomer Sai joins Team Kakashi. Now led by Yamato while Kakashi is on the mend, the group prepares to continue the search for Sasuke. Sai, a Root member who's been taught to suppress all emotion, counterintuitively has an artistic leaning; he also has an abrasive relationship with Naruto, a clash which will need to be resolved if they're to work together. The book's spy intrigue ends with a cameo appearance by top villain Orochimaru himself. Vol. 32's another fine sampling of this sprawling epic.

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Recently Read: Naruto Vol. 28, by Masashi Kishimoto

With Volume 28 of the series, Masashi Kishimoto jump the narrative over two years into the future. The reunion of Naruto, Sakura and Kakashi is poignant and fun, with the trio reliving and updating their earliest training together (minus the rogue Sasuke).

Much needed downtime is interrupted by a most dangerous threat. Members of the Akatsuki (of which Orochimaru is a member) arrive at the Sand Village to kidnap a reformed Gaara (Lord Kazekage). Sasori and Deidara are some of the most lethal and creepy antagonists yet, a threat Lady Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage, must respond to.

Twenty-eight volumes into the series, Kishimoto's storytelling remains at a high level, well-paced, inventive, suspenseful, with fabulous art and superlative characterization. It's a great start to the series' second half. 

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Recently Read: Naruto Vol. 24, by Masashi Kishimoto

 

Naruto's complex narrative, previously in danger of becoming repetitious, picks up in Vol. 24 with the very welcome return of Rock Lee. Also welcome: the return of the Sound Ninja Four, now fighting on behalf of Konoha.

Meanwhile, the story ping-pongs with great suspense between Shikamaru's entanglement with Tayuya and Gaara and Rock Lee's battle with the body-horror based Kimimaro. There are also alternating interludes with Lady Tsunade, working behind the scenes to confront Lord Orochimaru's threat, and the schemings of Orochimaru and Kabuto. 

The art is, as always, amazing. 

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