I assume you like the Japanese version or the manga, but lets move on, shall we?
Well, this post is gonna be a long one *stretches arms and yawns* so hopefully anyone reading this is prepared for a long read, along with a nice cup of tea. And don't worry, the argument I state will be an educated one, not the generic - HE'S A NINJA AND HE WEARS ORANGE!-
Firstly, I read the manga. It was decent. The plot was cliche, the background was cliche, but the characters were colourful (literally) and I found it an enjoyable experience. Of course eventually I heard that Naruto was going to become an anime, when I did I had no expectations, I already knew what was going to become of Naruto.
My assumption was that it was going to be basterdized, retarded, and overrated. And of course, it appears I was right. Now, I'll go off topic and talk about anime in general. I my self am not exactly an anime fan boy, but I do have a fine respect for it. I can watch an anime *an intelligent one anyway.* just as easily as I can watch an American show.
Of course though, the difference between anime and American Sitcom *Lets say, south park or Simpsons* you have to actually be dedicated to it, which poses quite a few problems. Allow me to explain.
The Simpsons, if you miss an episode you don't need to worry, the show doesn't really follow an overall plot and a story is never developed nor progress. An anime however you have to pay a lot of money. For a manga alone you're looking at 12 - 50 dollars per volume, and then the shows...which are often times butchered by American translators/broadcasters, whoever the hell is in charge of the port. And that's not even mentioning the fact that if you miss a single episode for most animes you're fucked.
It seems like whatever becomes mainstream has to be retarded. It seems, whatever America gets their hands on it has to be dumbed down to the point it insults your intelligence, Naruto became incredibly offensive. Hence finally commences my thoughts on Naruto.
As I said, my expectations were incredibly low, the bar was set low, they didn't really have to work to hard to surprise me. Surprisingly though, they did surprise me, they actually managed to make the anime worse then I assumed. (Sick of my redudant use of 'surprise?' Well too bad, I had to deal with this horrifying show.
The Japanese show, the manga, I can understand how people could enjoy it, but the American show, is for those absolutely devoid of taste. For one, I'd prefer having to shove a fork in my ear then listen to Naruto's annoying voice. Second, the last thing the show needed was a god damn catch phrase.
Yeah, catch phrases CAN be good.The Simpsons definitely did it well, but you know why? Because It's a f*cking comedy! And best of all they didn't hammer the catch phrases in your head, they at least had some reason or logic.
'BELIEVE IT!' Shut the F*ck up, Naruto. Believe what? Is there even a point for this catch phrase? No, it's retarded, and he never ONCE said this in the manga. The language in the manga was also dropped down because America is retarded and if anything has a bit of language they panic (Even though, 70% of what a kid may say will end up to be swear words they don't even understand)
And also, Naruto the anime was dumbed down mainly for younger audiences, who have absolutely little to no respect for anime. Pronouncing the names incorrectly, spelling the names incorrectly...it was butchered.
This I assume is why most people hate Naruto. They picture not the Japanese version or the manga, (Which, are both overrated but at least they have redeemable features which I can understand makes the series popular) instead they picture the horrible American version.
Oh, and final...a ninja yelling out their attack 'NARUTARD - JUTSU' Defeats the purpose of being a ninja, now doesn't it? The morale of the story is to appeal to the masses you need to make something retarded, something that requires little to no thought, that way everyone will like it.
