Recently Read: Naruto Volume 33

The Naruto series is known for its epic battles, but Volume 33's "The Secret Mission" perhaps outdoes all that came before. When the literally slimy Orochimaru triggers Naruto's Four-Tailed Demon Fox to take control of the young ninja's body, the ensuing havoc is gargantuan, inventive and, at times, deeply weird and visionary. Kishimoto's graphics here, using art techniques new to the series, sometimes recall Moebius or Frank Miller. The conflict is on a gargantuan scale. Ending quietly, with new revelations about Sai and his mentor, Danzo, this volume is one to experience. 

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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. 29, by Masashi Kishimoto

 

Creator Masashi Kishimoto rachets up the suspense in Vol. 29. Granny Chiyo (certainly one of the coolest Grandmas in fiction) joins Kakashi's team to rescue Gaara from the evil Akatsuki - not least because her grandson Sasori is one of them. Meanwhile, the Akatsuki are extracting the Biju (tailed beast) from Gaara's body in a bizarre, Lovecraftian ritual. Both Kakashi's team and Might Guy's team are fiercely tested on their way to the Akatsuki by doppelganger-like body doubles utilized to detain the teams (as well as lesson their chakra). It all ends on a terrific cliffhanger. It's also great to see some longstanding characters again, such as Neji and Pakkun, the talking, super-tracking Ninja Hound.

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Recently Read: Apes and Lasers: The Art of Ian Laser Higginbotham

 

Apes and Lasers, a collection of art pieces drawn from 2019 to 2024, is a remarkable calling card for this animator and cartoonist's talents. 162 pages of full-color cartoony fantasy, the book features a gallery of caricatured, beautifully drawn protagonists. While most are, I suspect, new creations, some wearing Kirby-tech armor, old standbys make appearances, too: Ninja Turtles, Wolverine, Judge Dredd, Dracula, Nosferatu, Ultraman, Tarzan and more.

Being more of a comic book guy than an animation diehard, I can only guess at Ian's inspirations. I see the quick, busy spontaneity of Mort Drucker and the propulsive action and foreshortening emblematic of the best anime (Hayato Date's work for Naruto comes to mind). Higginbotham's a superior colorist, too, with some backgrounds and color schemes reminding me of Genndy Tartakovsky's Samurai Jack. Somewhat contradictorily, these still drawings often have more action and convulsive energy than I see on the screen when watching animation (from any country) and I look forward to some of these creations making their debuts on screens big or small.

The two big takeaways I get from this collection are: extraordinary talent and drawing as fun. As with the best caricaturists, the artist has empathy for these creations in all their splendor - or lack of it - even the villainous-looking and not quite trustworthy among them. 

Apes and Lasers and Ian's companion book, F-Yeah Frankenstein, can be purchased at Stuart NG Books: ian higginbotham - Stuart Ng Books

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New Pop Culture Paper Ephemera for Perusal and Purchase

 Pop Culture Paper Ephemera

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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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Comics I've Recently Read, August 9, 2024

 

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Recently Read: Naruto Volume 27

 

Naruto Vol. 27, "Departure", is a respite between the story's Part 1 and Part 2 (volumes 28-72).Its downtime involves healing, camaraderie and renewed commitments. Understanding they have two and a half years before Orochimaru can completely claim Sasuke's body and soul, Naruto leaves to train with Jiraiya, while Sakura studies to be a mission medic under Tsunade's instruction.

Before Part 2 begins the series' time-jump, creator Masashi Kishimoto tells a flashback/side story: insight into Kakashi's past and the mysterious origin of his covered eye. If you're a fan of Kakashi (I am), this is essential reading.

In a brief preface, Kishimoto states that "...I don't think Naruto needs to be broken up into parts". Why did he, then? Was it editorial decree? I'd love to learn more about the inner workings of this series. 

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Recently Read: Naruto Volume 26

 

This is another excellent volume in the action-packed series. The epic fight between Naruto and Sasuke reaches a conclusion with both exhibiting powers never before displayed. With Naruto vowing his friendship and determination to bring Sasuke back to Konoha, he accesses powerful red chakra provided by his fox spirit, while Sasuke can only retaliate with forces which can threaten his own life. Kakashi, meanwhile, learns of Naruto's pursuit and tracks him down with the help of Pakkun. The volume ends with the various ninja healing in a hospital, with Shikamaru determined to make good on a mission he considers a failure.  

The flashbacks are poignantly written, the artwork magnificently detailed and imaginative, the pacing and editing constructed for maximum suspense. I recommend this series. 

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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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New Pop Culture Paper Ephemera for Perusal and Purchase

 Click here: Pop Culture Paper Ephemera (nenoworld.com)

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Recently Read: Naruto Vol. 23: Predicament, by Masashi Kishimoto

 

For the second volume in a row the chapters are centered on close combat as a result of the rescue mission for Sasuke's body and soul. The combatants are Naruto, Shikamaru, Kiba and Akamaru, in contention with Kimimaro, Tayuya and Sakon, respectively. While the battles themselves are tense, bizarre and suspenseful as always, the limited scope and missing longtime characters gives the feel of a series that's lagging and running out of inspiration.

I don't yet know whether the upcoming jump in time will benefit the series or harm it, but Naruto was a near perfect series for its first twenty volumes and its unsettling to see it start to falter. 

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New for May, 2023: Pop Culture Paper Ephemera for Perusal & Purchase

 Pop Culture Paper Ephemera (nenoworld.com)

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New February Pop Culture Paper Ephemera for Perusal and Purchase

Pop Culture Paper Ephemera (nenoworld.com)

 

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Recently Read: Naruto Vol. 21, Pursuit

 

Despite Sakura's protestation that she loves him, Sasuke leaves town on his own plan of private vengeance. The new Fifth Hokage, Tsundade, then assigns Shikamaru to gather a team to track down and return Sasuke, consisting of Choji, Neji, Naruto, Kiba and tracker dog Akamuru.

Even with strategic plans, the venture goes south quickly; first Sasuke submits himself to be killed by the Sound Ninja Four, and then our heroes are also beaten by the same, in a deadly, Chakra-sapping trap. Choji's hidden talents seem to come to the rescue. The emotions are raw and threadbare in this volume, as the stakes for salvaging friendships and lives are raised ever higher.

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Pop Culture Paper Ephemera for Perusal and Purchase on NenoWorld

 

Pop Culture Paper Ephemera (nenoworld.com)

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