Summary
BothDragon BallandNaruto’s storylines attempted to do something few series have pulled off byshifting their focus to future generations, but it’s somethingBorutodid much more effectively thanDragon Ball Z. Authors Akira Toriyama and Masashi Kishimoto created beloved worlds filled with compelling characters, but when their main characters completed their exciting character arcs in their series' climaxes, one had a more challenging time shifting their focus than the other.
In their original series' final arcs,Goku saved the world from Piccolo Jr., and Naruto rescued his own from complete domination, but both series had more in store for the main characters. Their sequel series,Dragon Ball ZandBoruto: Naruto Next Generations, jump ahead into the future to introduce the hero’s children, who were supposed to become the new main characters of their respective franchises.
Dragon Ball Zis arguably one of thebest anime of all time, but it made a habit of sidelining other cast members to give Goku more time to shine. While Naruto has a few incredible moments inBoruto’s story, itmore effectively shifts the focus to his son compared to Gohan’s treatment in the sequel series, which struggled to move its focus away from his father, Goku.
Gohan Was Originally Planned To Be DBZ’s Main Character
Akira Toriyama Admitted He Didn’t Believe Gohan Was A Suitable Lead
In retrospect, the first part ofDBZ’s story seems perfectly set up to shift the focus onto Goku’s son, Gohan. The main character ofDragon Ballis killed, but not before his son showcases incredible strength that he needed to learn how to control. He’s then trained by the previous series' most powerful villain to fight the looming alien threat, but as fans are aware,Goku did not stay out of the spotlight for long.
If Goku had stayed dead and out of the picture, many ofDBZ’s arcs, which many regarded as some of thebest shōnen anime arcs of all time, would have played out significantly differently. However, it’s tough not to be curious about how the series storyline would have transformed if Toriyama and his staff had successfully made the shift for Gohan to take his father’s mantle and keep it. This is something that theNarutofranchise did successfully with theBorutosequel series.
Boruto Provided A Much Smoother Protagonist Transition Than DBZ
Narutoofficially became the world’s most popular showfor young adults thanks, in part, to its incredible action and emotionally complex relationships. While it began as a story about a lonely orphan pursuing acknowledgment from a society that loathed him, it evolved into an iconic tale of companionship and what amazing things people can accomplish if they put their differences aside. Thankfully, when that storyline came to a satisfying conclusion,the sequel series shifted its themes as effectively as it shifted its focus from Naruto to his sonBoruto.
Unlike Naruto, Boruto grew up with a loving family, but he struggled to find his own identity while feeling disconnected from his father, who kept incredibly busy with his role as the village’s Seventh Hokage. How effectively the sequel series explores these themes is arguable, but it clearly tries something different than what theNarutoseries focused on. On the other hand,Dragon Ball’s wildly entertaining sequel series' does little to set itself apart from the formula and themes of Akira Toriyama’s originalDragon Ballepic.
Despite Very Different Approaches, Dragon Ball and Naruto’s Sequels Excel
Both Mangakas Returned To Help Work On Their Sequels, But To A Lesser Degree
WithBorutoshifting its focus to a new main character, it provided a clean break for new fans to enjoy the ninja-filled universe without fully understanding all of the events ofNaruto’s 700 manga chapters. Still, to fully appreciate its cast’s emotionally complex character journeys, it pays to beginBorutofrom the start of its run.Dragon Ball ZandSuper’s arcsfocus more on action than character development, so jumping in at almost any point can be a thrill ride, even for someone who has never experienced the originalDragon Ballstory.
Regarding sequel series, bothDragon BallandNarutoexcel in providing exciting plotlines that have expanded their universes in fascinating ways. Each series has hardcore fans who will defend the stories that have brought them joy, but they all excel in different ways. WithDragon Ball SuperandBoruto: Two Blue Vortexmangas each approaching their endings, it will be interesting to see if they reach definitive endings or pave the way for something new like they’ve tried to do in the past.
Dragon Ball
From the creative mind of Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball is a mega multimedia franchise that spans back to the 1980s. Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan. It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide. Dragon Ball was the initial starting animated series that followed the adventures of the young Son Goku as he sought after the Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together. Then, the series would branch off into the immensely popular Dragon Ball Z, which followed Goku as an adult and featured high-intensity battles and Goku’s never-ending search to be the strongest. The series has also enjoyed several popular video game adaptations and continues to release several new animated series and theatrical films up to the recent popular Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
Cast
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations follows Boruto Uzumaki, the son of Seventh Hokage Naruto Uzumaki, as he joins the Ninja Academy amidst changing times for shinobi. As mysterious events unfold, Boruto’s journey begins, establishing a new chapter in the Naruto universe. Released in 2017, the series expands on the ninja legacy.
Naruto: Shippuden
Naruto: Shippuden follows Naruto Uzumaki as he returns to Konoha after two and a half years, facing new challenges and enemies, including the Akatsuki organization. The series continues Naruto’s journey and growth as a shinobi while navigating complex alliances and adversaries.
