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shieldbearer's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
Kishimoto's art was best at the start of the series when it still had some personality before it became all generic
studiomikarts's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.5
I don't feel sure about how to explain my opinion of this book. The book itself, in terms of physical materials, design, layout, etc., is wonderful and I can find no fault there. But the content itself ended up being a mixed bag for me. Perhaps some of these feelings are coming from my long lost interest in Naruto in general. When the series first came out, I was one of its biggest fans (I even wore my Konohagakure headband in my high school senior photos!) but eventually it dragged on so long that I not only stopped watching/reading, I started feeling annoyed by the series' persistence. In a way, this change of heart makes me feel guilty, but that guilt only adds to my negative feelings, it doesn't ease them. I just got tired of Naruto and I'm still tired of it. So, unfortunately, I wasn't much inspired by the illustrations collected here. I did at least receive a boost of confidence as an illustrator, seeing published examples proving that my images don't have to be perfect to tell a great story that reaches the world. The section at the end with Kishimoto-sensei's illustration process and the notes about the included illustrations were all really interesting and valuable, but overall, I felt so apathetic going through this artbook that I am considering removing it from my library to make space for something that inspires me more. After all, going full otaku mode and getting inspired in my illustration career are the two reasons I even own artbooks. This one didn't let me do the former, and only partially helped me in the latter.
In a less personal view, for anyone who is a Naruto fan, I don't think you could go wrong with this book! It's beautiful, well-made, and has interesting and instructional content at the end. Definitely a worthwhile addition to any Naruto collection.
In a less personal view, for anyone who is a Naruto fan, I don't think you could go wrong with this book! It's beautiful, well-made, and has interesting and instructional content at the end. Definitely a worthwhile addition to any Naruto collection.
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