The Naruto anime franchise, created by Masashi Kishimoto, has captivated audiences worldwide since its debut in 2002. Chronicling the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with dreams of becoming the Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village, the series spans Naruto, Naruto: Shippuden, and its sequel, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. Known for its dynamic animation, intricate storytelling, and memorable battles, the franchise has become a cornerstone of the anime industry. Produced by Studio Pierrot, the series has expanded into films, video games, and a thriving manga continuation, cementing its legacy as a cultural phenomenon.
A remarkable story has emerged from the production of Naruto: Shippuden, highlighting the talent and dedication behind the series’ iconic visuals. Animator Henry Thurlow, whose credits include Naruto, One Piece, Pokemon, Castlevania, and Attack on Titan, recently shared an anecdote about a colleague’s exceptional contribution.
He revealed, “Funny random memory. I remember the Douga-man (in-betweener/clean-up artist) who drew this cut from Naruto Shippuden 377 got paid an extra high amount for it and I believe she got the next day off and a thank you from the higher ups at the studio. This is all hand drawn. lol.” This standout image from episode 377, a testament to the artist’s skill, earned her a significant bonus and recognition from Studio Pierrot’s leadership, underscoring the impact of individual artistry in the collaborative world of anime production.
The image in question, a hand-drawn masterpiece, exemplifies the meticulous craftsmanship that defines Naruto: Shippuden. Episode 377, part of the series’ climactic arcs, features intense battles and emotional stakes, with Studio Pierrot’s animators pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. The in-betweener’s work, typically involving refining keyframes to ensure fluid motion, played a pivotal role in bringing this dynamic sequence to life. Thurlow’s anecdote sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of clean-up artists, whose precision enhances the polish of the final product. This rare acknowledgment from the studio highlights the value placed on exceptional work, even in the demanding, fast-paced environment of anime production.
Is Boruto anime returning?
While Naruto: Shippuden remains a high point of the franchise, fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. Studio Pierrot has confirmed plans to resume the anime, though no official release date has been announced. The studio initially planned to release four new episodes of the original Naruto series in 2023 to celebrate its legacy, but production challenges have delayed these installments, leaving their status uncertain. Meanwhile, the Boruto manga, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, continues to advance the story, following a teenage Boruto Uzumaki as he navigates a chaotic ninja world under Eida’s reality-altering spell and faces new threats like the Divine Trees.
Studio Pierrot’s current slate extends beyond the Naruto universe, with projects like Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 4 and the return of Black Clover in development. These commitments may delay Boruto’s animated comeback, but the studio’s dedication to quality ensures that when the Uzumaki family returns, it will be with the same passion and artistry exemplified by the Naruto: Shippuden animator’s celebrated work. As the franchise evolves, its legacy of stunning visuals and compelling narratives continues to inspire animators and fans alike.
