Japan Man

Dune, Jo Jo’s Bizarre Adventures, Star Trek, Star Wars, and Ghost in the Shell (to a certain extent..) are the popular epic myths of modern times. Useful thoughts and values can be taught using these amazing stories.  I never thought I would say this but Naruto has become a new myth because Kishimoto decided to make Sasuke the new main character.

Sasuke becoming the new main character of Naruto shows that Kishimoto is interested in contributing to a new system of thoughts and values. Naruto’s philosophy is slightly based on objectivism. Uzamki Naruto wants to become a hokage because he feels like it. Sasuke wants revenge on his old brother Itachi. Unlike most manga heroes who want to protect innocent people for no apparent reason Naruto and Sasuke work for their own selfish goals.

 When Naruto decided to dedicate his life to save Sasuke Kishimoto’s philosophy was in jeopardy.  Naruto struggling to save someone else when he should be focusing on becoming a hokage just doesn’t make any sense. Kishimoto must have realized this early on. Instead of following Naruto’s stagnant quest to save someone who doesn’t need his help Kishimoto switched his focus to Sasuke. Kishimoto’s decision allows us to view his philosophy from the perspective of the real main hero. While Naruto is just a tool for different factions Sasuke must defy the world in order to achieve his own personal goals.

Few manga can achieve myth status but Naruto pulls it off. I am interested in seeing how long it will last and if Kishimoto will remain dedicated to the integrity of his manga.  Vagabond, Naruto, Freesia, Sun-Ken-Rock, and Mirai No Nikki are probably the only manga I can stomach right now because all the other stuff is crap (yes including Bleach) It is nice to see that Naruto still has integrity in an industry where it has no value. What do you think of the main character change? Did you learn anything from reading Naruto? If so what did you learn?