Naruto: Volume 21 Review
Naruto: Volume 21 Review 
Well, Clockwork Angel had to go back to the library, so looks like we have a new Naruto Manga review! After reading this, I really am starting to see Kishimoto's talent at using his characters. If anybody takes the show in this manga, it's Choji, a character I considered to be average compared to the rest. Tell me how old characters are up to bar in each manga, new characters are still great, and even the little guys are getting character development. This one manga did a great job of making character development as well as continue the started conflict that began in the last manga. This manga helps Shkiamaru's character a lot as well, and being he's one of my favorites you can see why I liked this. In this, you can feel a strong group forming of old characters, characters that you wouldn't expect to return, let alone get development. I'm now excited to see what will happen to this group, and after seeing how amazing Choji was used, am wondering what will happen with Neji and more complex characters. This even gives back-story, and a hell of a good fight. I'm not going to ruin it, but Choji in my book went to average dude who's character was about eating, to a dynamic character who cares about his friends, and is a straight bad ass. Yes, Choji, a bad ass! Also, in this I felt the bad guys were much better. Until now, I thought of the four new (new to me at least) bad guys were simple henchmen of Orochimaru, and in sense, they are. But a simple henchmen of Orochimaru I guess automatically gets turned to a bad ass, and gains some pretty cool powers. This specific one went in depth with the fat one (forget his name) and he actually isn't that bad. I figure in the future more characters will be faced off against these guys, but maybe Kishimoto will do something a little more creative. But then again this is just my prediction. All I hope is that these next few manga keeps up the pace, and with it the amazing character development, because that's what's doing it justice right now.
Naruto: Volume 21 gets a 4/5
Spoilers: First off, I got to talk about those last few pages. I hope Choji doesn't die, but if he does that's the way to go. The average fat dude went up against a dude who was getting almost absurdly powerful for his role, and he actually won! I thought a random, "Oh Choji randomly has these things that make him stronger, but might kill him," was poorly hyped, but dammit it was to awesome to complain about. When Choji's eyes looked up, I couldn't stop studying the artwork. You can even notice a simple rock as it's falling if you follow carefully. Also, I liked how Choji and Shikamaru have this nice buddy relationship I hardly knew about. It helps a lot with their characters, and as outcasts I can see why they would be friends. Now when I think of my awesome character Shikamaru I also think, Choji, which makes me remember him when he was all buff and crap, and that helps his character! One thing I felt kind of weak during this review was Sasuke. This is the beginning of some serious character development for Sasuke, and he hardly is in this, and shows little emotion at that. Also, why not show Orochimaru just a little? He's playing a big role if you think about it, and I would like him to interact with this big conflict going on. Other than that though, no specific complaints. I did really enjoy this issue, don't get me wrong, I just hope this pace keeps as well as it did in this one. I just can't stop thinking of how awesome Choji is, and that's why this review is in his colors! Or at least best as I could get it.
Naruto Volume 20 gets THE CHARACTER BADGE
