Thanks to barnesandnoble.com for the image.

Uzumaki Naruto is a young ninja-in-training.  His dream is to become the world’s greatest ninja and “Hokage” (village champion) of his home, Konohagakure, but the incorrigible youth also has a nine-tailed fox spirit imprisoned within him.

In Naruto, Vol. 18, Naruto and his mentor, Jiraiya, search for the legendary kunoichi, Lady Tsunade.  They have an offer for her from the council of Konohagakure – become the Fifth Hokage.  However, the murderous Orochimaru and his partner, the ninja medic, Kabuto, have found Tsunade first, and they also wish to strike a bargain with her.  What Orochimaru offers Tsunade is both her fondest wish and most dreaded desire.

THE LOWDOWN:  Although known for its implausible, fantastic, and elaborate fight scenes, Naruto also offers poignant drama.  After all, it is the story of an amazing boy who wants to show the world that he really is worth something, and isn’t that grist for strong drama?  Creator Masashi Kishimoto lays bare Lady Tsunade’s past and shows us the broken heart of a great warrior and a brilliant mind beset by thoughts of a past it can only see through the haze of grief and regret.  Yes, Naruto can offer drama as breathtaking as its delightfully preposterous martial arts scenes.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  Because it is part of VIZ Media’s “Shonen Jump” line, some may mistake Naruto as merely manga for boys.  Actually, it’s one of the best comics on the North American market.

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