Passing on a legacy comes with a lot of responsibility, one that Masashi Kishimoto understands firsthand. Diving from Naruto into Boruto is not just about continuing a story that has impacted so many, but it also carries weight in responsibility. There was always a gamble when wishing to continue Naruto and fans found it to be a losing one.
Boruto has been subjected to a lot of hate, whether it is for the story, the reliance on older characters, or even for its art style. However, what remains true is that everyone responsible for making the story is filled with determination and is giving their best. The love and care put into the series is what makes it so good despite its flaws.
Masashi Kishimoto’s Liberating Advice
During an interview with BFMTV, Mikio Ikemoto talked about Boruto and all the responsibility he found on his shoulders as Masashi Kishimoto passed the baton onto him. He concurred that there was a lot he had to keep in mind and even the original author was weary of.
When I was entrusted with the making of Boruto, Kishimoto-san gave me the following piece of advice: ‘You have to make it freely, the way you feel it, without trying to be close to the art of Naruto on purpose, nor attempting to forcibly harmonize. No matter how hard you will try, it will never be the same thing and there is no sense in entrusting the series to you if it’s to make a copy anyway.’
He talked about how there was an important piece of advice given by Kishimoto that he could not ignore. There was a need to maintain originality through Boruto. It could not live under the shadow of Naruto and simply replicate what Kishimoto had already created long ago.
It was important in many ways, instructing that while the original was good, trying to connect the two and replicate the formula would only worsen the impact. It was Ikemoto’s own project, not one that the mangaka would work with alongside him.
Mikio Ikemoto had a Long Way to Go
Mikio Ikemoto understood that not immediately would fans react to his work. He was helming Boruto as the head artist after having watched Masashi Kishimoto take charge for so long. It was a big responsibility, one that he understood would take time to master.
On one hand, I’m sorry towards Naruto fans that it’s not Kishimoto-san who’s drawing. But on the other hand, since it’s me to whom they entrusted the series, I try create the best possible work being faithful to my feeling, while staying responsible to that what I create.
For the reasons I just explained, I don’t feel difficulty in the creation of Boruto. Nevertheless, I’m still a long way from reaching a graphical quality that satisfies me and so I am still working hard to be able to offer the best of my capacities.
He contemplated on how the art style would be mastered with ease, knowing that it would not be an easy journey at all. However, that wasn’t enough to let him take a hit as he continued to perfect the series.
As the artist in charge of Boruto, he had a lot of expectations and responsibilities to live up to. As someone who is continuing a legacy, things weren’t just a smooth sailing boat for him but a rocky trail.
Boruto is available to read on Viz Media.
