How to draw Naruto step by step

How to draw Naruto will be explained in this article. “Naruto” is a manga and anime with a unique plot that reimagines the concept of silent, hidden ninjas. The story harmoniously blends the cultures of different nations and national characteristics.

It perfectly addresses relevant themes not only for children but also for adults. Both the manga and anime have their fair share of haters, but even more devoted fans. The yellow-haired boy has maintained his popularity for 22 years, and this trend will likely continue for decades to come, thanks to his creator, Masashi Kishimoto, who was blinded by the single dream of becoming Japan’s greatest manga artist.

In August 1997, Masashi created the one-shot “Naruto.” It was published in Akamaru Jump Summer. Just so you know, it’s the same Weekly Shōnen Jump, only published once a season on Japanese holidays. Viewers were enthusiastic about the work, but the mangaka himself was frustrated by the complex plot. Dissatisfied with the result, he decided to return to his first one-shot. In December 1997, he negotiated with an editor for a full serialization of Karakuri in Shōnen Jump, but due to an almost impossible deadline, the release was delayed by a couple of weeks and began in January 1998. Karakuri was received coldly by readers, and the sequel was immediately canceled.

Drawing Naruto is an amazing and challenging task for a young artist, just like the story behind the creation of this epic! Masashi’s longtime editor Yahagi intervened. He advised him to give Shonen one last chance, reworking his one-shot slightly and adapting it into a larger story. Masashi did just that, taking on the storyboards for the fantasy one-shot MAGIC MUSHROOM. Featuring mages, a chosen one, and a wondrous fantasy world. After reading the brief synopsis, the editor noticed a strong resemblance to Harry Potter.

For this reason, Yahagi advised Kishimoto not to try to force anything new out of himself, but to return to the old ways and refine the one-shot “Naruto.” Prepare the first three chapters for publication and be prepared for anything. Yahage called me and told me to develop storyboards for the serialization of “Naruto.” We decided to present a version of Naruto with a reworked story and world, and we storyboarded the first three chapters.

During the six-month production process, Kishimoto repeatedly revised and redrew the first few chapters of the series. He wanted to simplify the story of his previous one-shot, “Naruto,” as much as possible, to make the world as easily understood as possible by readers. In September 1999, the serialized version of Naruto premiered in Shonen Jump Weekly issue #43.

From an interview:

Shounen Jump: You had a fairly peaceful childhood—what inspired you to start drawing manga about an underdog?

Kishimoto: It wasn’t all that perfect. Although I’ve commented to various news magazines that everything was easy and simple, I did so to avoid making readers feel worse. In fact, there were hard times, just like everyone else. At school, I wasn’t the center of attention and was always “on the sidelines.” I wasn’t good at anything. Not in sports, not in school. So I understand Naruto very well—what it’s like to be an outsider. I don’t like perfect people.

Masashi Kishimoto: From a Loser to the Greatest Manga Artist. How Naruto Was Created

Thus began the story of Naruto, a loser chasing his dream. And it was created by a fellow former loser who managed to achieve his dream. Naruto ended on November 10, 2014, after more than 15 years of weekly publication. 700 chapters. 72 volumes. Sales exceeded 250 million copies worldwide.

I’m very glad that American audiences accepted and understood the ninja. This shows that American audiences have good taste… because it means they can embrace something previously unfamiliar to them.

Let’s get started drawing Naruto right away!