Criticisms of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations and Its Reactions

"Boruto: Naruto Next Generations" has garnered a mixed reception from both fans and critics. While some viewers have found enjoyment in the series, others have expressed significant dissatisfaction. In this article, we will explore the primary reasons for the negative reception of the show, focusing on specific criticisms and drawing from first-hand experiences to understand the underlying issues that have led to the show's contentious status.

Reasons for Negative Reception

The negative reception of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations can be attributed to several factors. One of the main criticisms centers around the portrayal of Naruto as a parent. Critics argue that his role as a father is underwhelming compared to other anime characters, particularly in terms of the importance he places on being a Kage over his family.

Naruto's Parenting Role

Another key point of contention is the perception that Naruto, as a parent, neglects his family's well-being for his own ambitions. This is in stark contrast to earlier portrayals of Naruto in the original series, where he was portrayed as valuing his friends and allies above his own safety. Fans argue that a character who is an orphan and seeks to protect others would naturally value his family more highly.

Critical Plot and Character Elements

Additionally, the series has faced criticism for its inconsistent and potentially racist character designs, particularly the appearance of Boruto, the main character. One of the most notable criticisms is the portrayal of Boruto's Byakugan eye, which differs significantly from that of the Hyuga clan.

Byakugan Eye Design

The inconsistencies in the portrayal of Boruto's Byakugan eye have been a significant source of frustration for viewers. Typically, Hyuga characters have pale eyes with no pupils, and the use of the Byakugan is often accompanied by visible veins around the eyes. However, in Boruto, the Byakugan is active in just one eye and can be turned on and off, which has no basis in the in-universe lore. This design choice has been seen as an attempt to make Boruto more relatable to Naruto while preserving some unique powers, but it has received a lot of criticism for being inconsistent with the existing lore.

Boruto and Himawari's Appearance

More broadly, the appearance of both Boruto and his younger sister Himawari has also been criticized. While they share physical traits with their parents, none of them resemble Hinata, Naruto's wife, in any significant way. This has led to speculations about the underlying logic behind these design choices, which many fans find lacking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the negative reception of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is multifaceted and rooted in various plot and character elements. The portrayal of Naruto's parenting role and the inconsistent design of the Hyuga clan's Byakugan are among the primary issues that have contributed to this negative reception. While these criticisms may not change the course of the show, they reflect the importance of consistency and storytelling depth in maintaining a positive fan base.