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NARUTO SHIPPUDEN ANIME #263

tezukameister — Thu, 17 May 2012 08:15:00 CDT

Naruto Shippuden anime episode #263 "Sai and Shin" is out.

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Naruto: Shippuden Episode #263 Review

Kamui_Takahashi — Thu, 17 May 2012 06:26:00 CDT

The war is underway but there's more to it than just straight out action for now.

What They Say:
The Allied Shinobi Forces’ commando unit engages with the Akatsuki in the first wave of battle.

The Review:
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers)
While the main forces for the war were just starting to move out at the end of the previous episode, there are those already out there on the front lines that are engaging the Akatsuki. It's been interesting to watch so far sinc ethere are so many connections that some of these characters have from past battles that come to the surface which throws off the plans just a little bit, or at least ramps up the emotional side of it. With the number of times some of the characters have gone up against each other since the Akatsuki were formally introduced, it's no surprise that there are grudges and issues that come up that certainly spans quite a lot of time.

And because of this, what we'll likely get at various stages of this war are episodes like thi sone that does a heavy dose of back story expansion. As we see the fight getting ready to shift into the next gear between the two sides that are meeting, we get a look back in time to Shin and Sai when Shin was doing things to help out Sai and make sure that he was on the right path. With the two having spent so much time together in the Foundation, they bonded very well with each other and became closer than they might have thought possible. But that closeness is something that Danzo doesn't like to see in his members and he set the two on the path to kill each other in a match where only one could survive. It goes with the obvious angle of one willing to do it and the other not, which is where the rift really became something more between them.

This does help in the end because it makes their encounter later in life in the present more powerful, but it's the kind of piece that does slow down the story overall when you wanted something to really just get into the action and intensity. That said, what we do get something suitably emotional here that helps to bring some closure to part of Sai's life and it's very well done. This dominates the episode, but there are other aspects as well as the puppet masters are working their jutsu against each other, though it's more psychological because of what's gone on with the changes that have been made to become less human. It has a decent and thankfully short flashback to when Sasori went up against Sakura and Granny way back in this series, newly animated, which helps to bring all of this full circle as well. They make it clear that this is going to be a big part of this arc as events go on and as the bodies fall, but it's hard to complain about it because it does bring more closure.

In Summary:
With the war essentially underway, the first couple of fights that go on certainly don't play out like you'd expect, especially when it comes to how Shin deals with his fight against Sai. That's more dealing with the past that one would expect so quickly as you'd figure we'd have a lot of action for a bit first, but what it does is to show that there are definite emotional issues to be had here with the way so many of these characters have long and deep connections with each other. There's a lot to like with this episode across the board, but it's one where once again it feels like we're not getting what we were expecting or really wanting. We get good stories out of it, but with all the buildup towards the war, well, we want that war.

Grade: B

NARUTO MANGA CHAPTER #586

emakimeister — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:03:00 CDT

Naruto manga chapter #586 "Izanami Is Released!" is out.

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Naruto: Shippuden Episode #262 Review

Kamui_Takahashi — Thu, 10 May 2012 07:42:00 CDT

The war starts to build more now that the forces are moving into the field.

What They Say:
Kankuro’s commando unit enters enemy territory to set up a stronghold for the Allied Shinobi Forces. They are immediately ambushed by the Akatsuki’s own commando unit comprised of the reanimated Deidara and Sasori.

The Review:
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers)
With the war storyline getting underway here a good bit, the previous episode showcased the way the formations were being set, who was grouped with who and how the overall structure of the Allied Shinobi Forces were going to deal with things. It's kind of scary seeing that much power concentrated in one area and knowing that it may not be enough to really do what needs to be done to face off against the Akatsuki and all their varied plans and machinations over the years. With some quiet but deadly scenes, we got a look at how things were progressing on their end as well and a brief but intense bit involving some of the scouts that got caught up in events in a pretty bad way.

With this episode, a good bit of the focus is on Kankuro and his group as they're doing some of the really hard work by being the advance unit sent in to lay the groundwork for what's to come. While we've seen the scouts attacked, these guys have to go in and start setting up more detailed aspects of the war plan, from traps and tricks to first round combat encounters as well. And even more importantly to some degree, setting up solid lines of communication so that as the main forces come through, they aren't all separated and picked off one by one. There is some amusement at how the group dynamic works at first, since some of these characters aren't well known even to each other, but it sets things well for how effective they'll work when push comes to shove.

Thankfully, it's not all bout the Allied Forces and what they're up to from their perspective as we do see things from the Akatsuki's side as well. It's a bit frustrating to see Deidara and Sasori running around again as I do wish characters would actually die and stay dead sometimes, but it makes for a good first round fight here overall. Of course, having these two back in the world of the living means there are some twists to be had and one of the ones that cuts the most involves Sai. Sai's been a character that has really grown on me over the years since his introduction and seeing the minor but deep pain he feels here, to see him finally act out with emotion in a fight, makes it resonate all the more with just how much is at stake here both on the larger scale and on the personal level.

In Summary:
While some events start with a bang and others with a whimper, this first btatle between the forces feels more like something a bit in between. It has some good moments to be sure, an interesting matchup of characters and abilities, but it doesn't hit it out of the park with a big bang nor does it feel like something just slipped and suddenly everything will escalate quickly. It's a deliberate approach here, one meant to evoke certain paths taken by the Forces as the Akatsuki are the ones who started this fight and intend to have it go their way. It's definitely fun to watch and I like the small twists that makes their way into it and it certainly is going to push the personal connections hard as more of the battles come to light.

Grade: B

Streamed By: Crunchyroll

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN ANIME #262

tezukameister — Thu, 10 May 2012 07:30:00 CDT

Naruto Shippuden anime episode #262 "War Begins!" is out.

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NARUTO MANGA CHAPTER #585

emakimeister — Wed, 09 May 2012 08:05:00 CDT

Naruto manga chapter #585 "So That I Can Be Myself" is out.

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Naruto: Shippuden Episode #261 Review

Kamui_Takahashi — Thu, 03 May 2012 08:20:00 CDT

The recap is over and it's on to war. War! War!

What They Say:
The Allied Shinobi Forces are on standby, ready to confront Madara’s army of reanimated shinobi and 100,000 White Zetsu. But distrust still exists among the Allied Shinobi Forces, who were once sworn enemies until recently.

The Review:
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers)
After the four part flashback segment that run through the previous month, Naruto: Shippuden gets back on track with the present this time around by getting our war on. Or at least giving us a lot more lead-up to it as well with a wholly out of place opening sequence that's far too bouncy and fun for the subject matter. We get a good bit of prologue material here that shows us the various companies of ninja that are being grouped together and who is leading them, noting that Gaara is the overall commander but also in charge of a particular company as well. Add in Kakashi as another commander and a few others and you've got a good, solid leadership level though not without its quirks as well. It sets the tone well, though I can't see seeing a horde of cheering ninja ready for war clicks that well for me.

Not that everything is full of harmony there though, as we've had years of bad blood between the various villages and all sorts of instances that have rankled others. With people having had their losses because of it and grudges that run long and deep, it isn't a surprise that there words said, fights breaking out and a sense of anger bubbling just below the surface that could break through in a big way. Especially when you consider the problems between Leaf and Sand over the years, notably with what the Sand village has been involved in and caused. What helps to salvage some of it though is the foundation laid down between Naruto and Gaara because of their encounters, emotion and understanding of each other. It's a pretty good moment that sets Gaara on a strong path when he speaks about it and cements him as a good leader that has an understanding and connection to the people below him that many lose over time.

Mixed in with all of this is a little field work as well as some of the shinobi are out on the scouting side and finding out tidbits of what's happening. They're not hugely important at the moment, more just a portent of what's to come, but it helps to show that even as the allied forces are getting together, things are moving out in the rest of the world and won't slow down to wait. We also get to see a bit with the bad guys here as there are some plans being put into motion there as well, which is pretty mild when you get down to it and doesn't really excite, though I liked the seemingly vast army of subjects that they have on hand to utilize. But it also reminded me of other shows that just serve up a big group of fodder for the actual event, which can work in the short term until you get to the big moments with the name characters.

In Summary:
Naruto has only a little time here in this episode but that's not a bad thing after the flashback arc since we need a little distance after revisiting that material again. The prologue to the war is what this is about as the forces are marshaled, serious faces are used and a dark intensity of purpose is paramount. There are some good bits to be had and it does start to show its scale well as it goes on, though it does feel a little forced with the CG hordes of shinobi that are arrayed out before us, both in the beginning and in the final moments. It's not badly done, but it just feels out of place, especially at the beginning. The show is shaping up for a large event here and is giving us a good taste of what's to come, but there needs to be some real payoff here and soon.

Grade: B

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN ANIME #261

tezukameister — Thu, 03 May 2012 08:03:00 CDT

Naruto Shippuden anime episode #261 "For My Friend" is out.

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NARUTO MANGA CHAPTER #584

emakimeister — Wed, 02 May 2012 08:32:00 CDT

Naruto manga chapter #584 "Kabuto Yakushi" is out.

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NARUTO SHIPPUDEN ANIME #260

tezukameister — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 07:57:00 CDT

Naruto Shippuden anime episode #260 "Schism" is out.

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NARUTO SHIPPUDEN ANIME #259

tezukameister — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:08:00 CDT

Naruto Shippuden anime episode #259 "Rift" is out.

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Naruto: Shippuden Episode #258 Review

Kamui_Takahashi — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 08:54:00 CDT

Being a Naruto fan just isn’t easy some days.

What They Say:
During the Chunin Exam, Sasuke witnesses Naruto’s growth as a shinobi.

The Review:
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers)
Despite what I say sometimes, I really do feel for the long time Naruto fans that have to deal with the things like the season of filler that happens every now and then and the random nonsense episodes when all you want is the core storyline. It’s certainly not an easy thing to deal with, but the fact of the matter is that when you have a show that runs as long as this does, you have to find creative ways to give yourself a breather, especially if you’re closing in at the manga depending on production times and planning that needs to be done. With the show opting to do a newly animated compressed form story that deals with the original Naruto series, I was pretty ambivalent about the whole idea, but was at least glad it wasn’t Naruto on a Boat.

The storyline in here isn’t exactly varied since it’s still dealing with the eraly days as Naruto is growing in his training, sparring against Sasuke regularly because of the friction between them and getting smacked around by Sakura when appropriate. While there’s rivalries and tensions, the larger shadow has yet to fall on the group as they’re focused mostly on what they’ve been trying to achieve. All of that changes with the way Sasuke is looking for something more in order to achieve his goals and we can see how some of those hooks being put into him were done, since there were those within the village that were operating on a different plan. The main thrust that we see here is the slow but steady change in how Sasuke perceives Naruto. While they’ve grown up “together” in way, Naruto has been easy to dismiss. Watching him in the midst of a fight here shows him how much Naruto has grown and that’s what slowly begins to change their relationship.

In Summary:
While fans are their own worst enemy, the only thing I can really suggest at this point to those that are hating on this is to know that it’s going to go on for a little bit and that you do have a few options. You can watch it, you can choose not to watch it. You can also go and watch the Rock Lee series for a few weeks (which may be part of the intent here!) and treat that as the “true” filler that should be in this series right now and enjoy that for what it is. All the complaining in the world won’t do anything. While I’m not a huge fan of recap episodes, these are kind of enjoyable on a base level since it’s reanimating it and compressing it rather than just using the original animation and slicing and dicing to achieve the same result. This shows some care and effort and an attempt to make this very long running show a bit more accessible to people who may just tune in to see what the fuss is all about. While I find it hard to recommend the original series, if you want to give them an idea of the basics, this run of compressed storytelling may be the best thing to happen.

Grade: C+

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN ANIME #258

tezukameister — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 08:47:00 CDT

Naruto Shippuden anime episode #258 "Rivals" is out.

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NARUTO MANGA CHAPTER #582

emakimeister — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:22:00 CDT

Naruto manga chapter #582 "Nothing" is out.

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NARUTO MANGA CHAPTER #581

emakimeister — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 18:30:00 CDT

Naruto manga chapter #581 "Everyone's Leaf" is out.

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Naruto: Shippuden Episode #257 Review

Kamui_Takahashi — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:09:00 CDT

It’s back to the beginning for awhile as the original series undergoes some seriously compressed but well done recapping.

What They Say:
A look back into the early years when Naruto and Sasuke first met and got to know each other.

The Review:
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers)
While the series as a whole doesn’t hit its tenth anniversary in anime form until October, Naruto: Shippuden is getting a bit of an early start to it here with some flashback style episodes for this month that goes back to the early days of the series and reminds us how everything came together in more “innocent” times. It’s something that definitely can throw you off of the energy that the series has been building towards recently, but at the same time it has been ten years since the anime started so spending some time looking back at the past in this way isn’t all that bad, especially after the storyline we had recently that explored the time prior to Naruto’s birth with how his parents came together and what they went through in order to bring him into the world.

Going back to the original series and giving us a compressed view of it isn’t that bad of an idea either since it can serve as a good launching on point, though I would be interested in seeing if they could do what Gundam did with its original TV series in this way with movies. With this being freshly animated though, we get a look at the first six episodes of the original series in this form in a way as we see Naruto struggling with his time as a young ninja wannabe while running up against Sasuke all the time. With a fresher coat of paint on it here, and widescreen high definition materials, it breathes a new life into it that surprised me. I really didn’t care for Naruto when it started, in either manga or anime form, but came to appreciate it much later on. The early episodes were always a struggle so getting it streamlined like this makes it kind of fun to take in again.

The show shifts about halfway through the episode to their first mission time under Kakashi as we get the trio together working as a group and a difficult one at that. There are obvious tensions in the air between them, with Sasuke coping with his family background issues that have long been explored and dealt with in the series over the years. But it’s somewhat cute to go back to when he and Naruto clashed and Sakura was just like a puppy dog in chasing after Sasuke. Watching them go through their last bit of training before the mission is fun as we see them doing the whole bell hunt thing again, something that still sticks in my mind after all these years, and it has a slicker approach to it in this form. Though it’s all predictable, the show moves quickly here and definitely keeps things engaging.

In Summary:
It’s easy to understand all the hate over this kind of filler material that’s coming into play and I certainly don’t dispute it. In fact, I’d love to see a “Hunter x Hunter” style redo of the original series to streamline things and utilize what we’ve learned since then in a tighter form. But what we get is this instead, a good bit of compression in a single episode that highlights the core relationships and motivations with fresh, new animation and a good sense of style and pacing. Some of it may be rushed and longtime fans can easily gloss over things, which makes it hard to understand how a new viewer might take it, but it’s something that’s certainly worth sharing and saying, “If you like this, watch more of the original series.” The execution and animation here is spot on and taking away the filler aspect leaves you with a decent little recap show of sorts.

Grade: B-

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN ANIME #257

tezukameister — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:47:00 CDT

Naruto Shippuden anime episode #257 "Meeting" is out.

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NARUTO SHIPPUDEN ANIME #256

tezukameister — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 08:33:00 CDT

Naruto Shippuden anime episode #256 "Amass! Shinobi Allied Forces" is out.

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Naruto: Shippuden Episode #256 Review

Kamui_Takahashi — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 08:13:00 CDT

The forces are being marshaled for the war that's about to get underway.

What They Say:
The Tsuchikage and his team manage to safeguard the Jinchuriki, but at the cost of losing Yamato to the enemy.

The Review:
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers)
After a good bit of action in the previous episode that focused on the exterior of the island that was under attack and had the Tsuchikage come to help out, things are starting to turn a bit for Naruto inside. He's managed to put together his animal army specialty group and they've been tossed around a few times as they don't quite understand what's going on outside, or that there really is an outside in a way. Naruto for his part has reached his limits with this mission though which is a nice bit of a change of pace to how this arc (and filler) has gone overall. Seeing him getting frustrated with what he sees as busy work at this point is welcome since it gets him being at least a little aggressive about getting back to the village and waiting for Sasuke to appear.

The results of that initial fight are definitely a mixed bag when you get down to it, but the biggest loss to them was that Yamato was captured. With him being in on at least some of the plans and workings of the Shinobi Alliance, having him in the hands of the enemy is not a good thing and some of the shinobi forces are panicking over it. But the elders are at least smart enough to not panic and look at it calmly so they can figure out how to adjust to it. In their minds, they at least made the right save in keeping both of the Jinchuriki that they have in their possession since that was what the enemy was after. When the enemy isn't scheming among themselves for position and power in some admittedly small and subtle ways as we see here with Kabuto.

Watching as the Allied forces get themselves into gear is a very slow build up but it works quite well, such as the introduction of the new headbands that they wear to signify that they're of one unit at this phase. With so many different villages at work, it's definitely useful to try and take out some of the potential tensions this way. There's a lot of talk of strategy as it progresses at the lower level with the rank and file setting up their missions and plans. But the show takes a surreal turn later on when we see the entirety of the forces together and it gets to be a big cheering moment as thousands of shinobi are laid out in front of us in very big way that paints the scale of the forces. It's understandable what they're doing and the overall rallying of the troops, but it's also rather unsettling in its own way as the "militarization" of the various villages in this way shows just how far they're prepared to go to do what must be done.

In Summary:
With Naruto: Shippuden taking a "break" of sorts for the next month as it celebrates its anniversary run with a look back at various parts of the show, this episode serves as the proper cliffhanger to what's to come after we get back on track with the manga. And it certainly does it well here by setting up a lot of material when it comes to both the enemy and the Allied Shinobi Forces. Kabuto and the group he's with are manipulating things in a dark and evil way, making you wince for Yamato quite a few times, but you also find moments at the shinobi side where you want to cringe a little as well, understandable as their positions may be. It's all building towards what should be a significant series of battles and actions that can change a lot of things. There's more than enough to like here, though I would have preferred a little more time with Naruto, and it's definitely plenty to keep me satisfied until things get back on track again after this upcoming look back.

Grade: B

Readers Rating: [ratings]

NARUTO MANGA CHAPTER #580

emakimeister — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 08:12:00 CDT

Naruto manga chapter #580 "Brotherly Time" is out.

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