‘Naruto: Shippūden’ bravely continues shinobi saga

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If you haven’t taken the opportunity to tune into YouTube and view episodes from latest season of the hit  anime series, Naruto, believe me when I tell you, you have no idea what you’ve been missing.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with the epic tale, Naruto and Naruto: Shippūden follow the days of a lovely village of shinobi, named Konohagure (“Hidden Leaf Village”).  The story focuses primarily on one boisterous young ninja, Naruto Uzumaki, who at birth was chosen to become the effective prison of a powerful and malevolent demon, the Nine-tailed Fox, which once threatened to destroy fair Konoha and all her people. 

Now, I don’t want to you come under the impression that the storyline is in any way simple or uncomplicated.  It is an intricate network of characters, relationships, plot twists, and flashbacks—none far-fetched or too strained.  (And, the soundtrack isn’t half bad either!)  All the regular and recurring characters are fully-developed and multidimensional.  Relationships between characters in the fantastic world of shinobi are as diverse and as complex as they are in our reality.  The plot twists will never cease to surprise and thrill you. And, I don’t think I’ve known flashbacks, be they in animated or live action serials, to have ever been so deliberately and appropriately introduced into to a story so that it might be both deepened and prolonged. 

In order to fully understand the degree of artistry expended in creating this series, it’s best to grow with the characters as they advance through time.  I recommend that you start your viewing journey from the beginning, eschewing all dubbed versions, and make your way to the current episodes.  Trust me.  Subtitled versions make for a better overall entertainment experience.  Furthermore, the voices used in dubbing are about as relevant to the characters as Peter Griffin is to Condoleezza Rice.  Sure, you will have to read, but you’ll definitely become better acclimated to the show’s intended tone.  However, if you’re still not convinced, the dubbed version of the first season still airs on Cartoon Network.  (Check your local listings for showtimes, you philistines.)
 
I, for one, will forever be indebted to the creators of Naruto and Naruto: Shippūden for providing American audiences with an intelligent and entertaining alternative to the tepid and uninspired regurgitation that plagues so many of our networks.  I am additionally thankful for having been introduced to the music of AKFG (Asian Kung-Fu Generation) from many of the Naruto opening credits.  I would go on and on about AKFG, but I will suffice it to say that these boys have managed to create a sound that codifies youthful exuberance in a major way.  In short, I am addicted to the band and the show ‘til solo careers and cancellation do us part.

Banzai!