Is the Entire Boruto Anime Filled with Filler Episodes?
Is the Entire Boruto Anime Filled with Filler Episodes?
Many fans often wonder whether the entire Boruto anime is merely filler, consisting of episodes that do not contribute to the main storyline or character development. This article delves into whether the Boruto anime should be considered filler and explores the distinction between filler and canon content.
Understanding Canon and Filler in Anime
The terms canon and filler are commonly used in the anime industry to categorize the content of a show. Canon refers to the set of events and storyline that are directly tied to the original source material, such as a manga or light novel. In contrast, filler refers to additional storylines or episodes that are created to keep the show on track while the source material is on hiatus or not yet available.
Early Season Fillers in Boruto
While the early seasons of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations do contain a significant amount of filler, it is important to note that not every episode in the entire series is just filler. Some episodes serve to develop the overarching story and character arcs. The series, which follows Boruto Uzumaki, the son of Naruto, delves into themes of legacy, friendship, and the challenges of living up to one's predecessors.
The Manga Foundation
Original content for the series is often derived from the naruto manga, which serves as the primary source material. Manga arcs are frequently followed by their on-screen adaptations, but the anime also includes original content created specifically for the series, which is referred to as "anime-canon." While some fans see this content as filler, it is essential to understand that the anime has struggled to create a solid and cohesive storyline like its predecessor, Naruto.
Anime-Canon: A Convenient Excuse
Some argue that the expansion of storylines through "anime-canon" is not necessary, as it does not significantly contribute to the core narrative. Critics argue that these episodes are often bland and unengaging, serving merely to occupy viewers until the manga catches up. The consistent production of filler episodes was more common with anime aimed at children, as it ensured a steady stream of revenue. Given the current demographic of Boruto's fans, who are primarily in their 20s and beyond, the need for filler episodes has diminished.
Personal Experience with Anime-Canon
During my own experience, I found that the "anime-canon" episodes often failed to provide significant value to the Boruto storyline. Many of these episodes were long, drawn-out and did little to advance the plot or character development. While I attempted to engage with these episodes occasionally, it was not until I began watching only the episodes directly tied to the manga that my viewing experience became more enjoyable. Similarly, I found the manga itself to be unremarkable, largely due to the lack of depth and quality that one would expect from a piece of literature.
Conclusion and Viewing Tips
For those seeking to avoid filler episodes, there are resources available that can help identify which episodes are crucial to the main story. By watching only the episodes that adapt the manga or contribute significantly to the narrative, fans can enjoy the show more thoroughly. Ultimately, the decision to include "anime-canon" episodes in the series reflects a choice to focus on revenue over narrative quality, which may not align with the expectations of dedicated fans.