Changing ideas is sometimes necessary because it reflects our ability to adapt and respond to new information or perspectives. This flexibility often leads to growth and improvement. However, it does not guarantee that going astray would lead to success, such was the case with Boruto. The anime sequel had big shoes to fill as they were assigned the difficult task of building a follow-up of Masashi Kishimoto’s magnum opus Naruto.
However, when the series’ first episode was aired it was instantly criticized by the fans because of how different it was from the original show. Moreover, the concept of true peace and technology that developed over the years did not resonate well with the fans. Mikio Ikemoto, the co-creator of the show explains how he took extreme steps to avoid clashing from the original series.
Boruto’s Co-Creator Explained How He Avoided Repeating Character Designs
When Boruto was first aired, it instantly came under fire from the fans as they heavily criticized the show for its themes, plot, pace, and everything from the sequel series. From the very first episode, fans started to compare the show with Masashi Kishimoto’s Shonen Series. But what really got to the fans was the character designs of the show.
However, there was a reason behind as he talked about it in an interview. During the launch event of Shueisha’s Manga Plus program, Mikio Ikemoto gave an exclusive interview via ComicBook and opened up about his inspiration behind the character design. The co-creator of the show explained that each character’s role and personality are decided first, and then he designs them.
However, he also makes sure that he does not repeat designs similar to characters from Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto series. He said,
“For each character, the role and personality are determined first, and I draft its rough design based on my personal impression. Then, I check other existing characters in Naruto series to avoid design overlap. I introduce new characters only after I know there is no duplication problem.”
He added,
“For each character, the role and personality are determined first, and I draft its rough design based on my personal impression. Then, I check other existing characters in Naruto series to avoid design overlap. I introduce new characters only after I know there is no duplication problem.”
However, he explained how does not go overboard in designing characters because he has received specific instructions from Kishimoto-san. He said,
“I always try to avoid drawing something too original by closely aligning my style with the original Naruto and Boruto. Mr. Kishimoto often tells me to make ‘eyes and mouths large,’ as smaller eyes and mouths leave characters spiritless.”
Nevertheless, as the series progressed fans started to develop a liking to the show, once they stopped comparing it.
Mikio Ikemoto Explains Why He Hesitates To Interact With Other Characters From The Show
In the same interview, Mikio Ikemoto states how drawing the characters consistently is a difficult task for him, and how he tries to keep a consistent design throughout the show. He explains through various instances in the show, that he was trying his best to avoid such inconsistencies in the show.
He said,
“I am careful when depicting Boruto interacting with other characters, as they often tend to affect my style. For example, when Boruto interacts with Tento, a character introduced in the [Chapter 11], there are so many scenes where Boruto exposes childish emotions that the drawing becomes slightly childish as well.”
“After Kawaki joined the story, Boruto started to look overgrown sometimes, because Boruto turns visibly rebellious in the presence of Kawaki. Such fluctuations in my expressions are where I need to tackle in the future.”
Nevertheless, Ikemoto-san is working tirelessly to avoid such inconsistencies in the show that tend to affect the fans’ experience.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
