Key takeaways
-
The Boruto anime features a unique combination of manga canon, anime canon, and filler episodes to fill in the gaps between manga releases.
-
The anime’s unique arcs offer character development, world building, and story exposition that the manga may lack.
-
Viewers can skip the anime-exclusive arcs if they follow only the main story, but fans of the original Naruto series can enjoy them.
Most anime series are made up of two different types of episodes; story arcs adapted directly from the manga and filler episodes that allow the manga to move forward. However, Boruto The anime adaptation consists of a strange mix of episodes, namely manga canon, anime canon, and filler. This new category of episodes is considered canonical, but the arcs are not based on the manga.
This peculiar situation raises the question of whether fans should watch hundreds of canonical anime episodes or directly follow the narrative arcs of the manga canon. Despite not being rooted in the Boruto manga, the series’ anime-exclusive arcs are necessary to fill in the gaps between the manga’s episodes. However, analyzing exactly what the Boruto anime’s exclusive arcs offer to the narrative can help viewers make a decision.
Why does Boruto feature Anime-Canon episodes?
The Boruto manga timeline has led to a peculiar situation
Boruto The strange mix of episodes is certainly a peculiar case within the shonen landscape, but there is a good explanation behind the producers’ decision to opt for such a complicated storytelling method. Unlike the usual filler episodes that serve to allow the manga to move forward before adaptation, Boruto Canonical anime episodes offer a deeper purpose. Since the manga is quite limited and only touches on the key events of the Boruto universe, the anime canon episodes expand on the events that take place between the manga’s story.
With multiple writers and production studios, Boruto Production can often feel like a mess. However, the anime canon episodes are produced in a way that ensures that there are no discrepancies between the manga and the anime adaptation. While some argue that the canonical anime episodes are still filler, the claim is refuted by the fact that Boruto Manga canon episodes often reference events that took place in anime canon arcs. This considers the canon episodes of the anime to be canon to the manga and the general premise of Boruto.
Exclusive anime episodes fill in the gaps
Anime-exclusive arcs expand on what the manga missed
Unlike filler episodes that are known for ruining anime credibility with strange premises and absurd plots, Boruto The anime canon episodes are meticulously directed to reflect the quality of the manga canon episodes. Additionally, the canonical status of these episodes gives the anime another advantage: exposition that the manga failed to provide. Since manga panels are limited and authors are short on time, most manga end up being pretty rushed.
Boruto The canonical anime episodes offer a bit of a respite for the manga, as any details left out by the original source can be addressed in these anime-exclusive arcs. The development of Boruto The new Rasengan during the Mujina Bandits arc is an example of how the anime expands on how Boruto acquired his new jutsu, something that remained somewhat obscure in the manga.
Extensive character development
Anime-exclusive arcs add to roster character development
With limited release dates and extreme time constraints, the Boruto The manga mainly focuses on the Otsutsuki and the events related to their existence. This approach leads to a lack of character development for the series’ entirely new cast. However, the anime-exclusive arcs show a side of these characters that the manga canon episodes don’t present.
Whether it’s the second arc of the Chunin Exams or the initial arc of the academy, the anime’s canonical parts of the story are essential to understanding the backstory and motivations of each new character. Whether it’s Sumire’s drive to protect Konoha or Shikadai’s exploits as a Chunin, the anime’s arcs are crucial to understanding the role these supporting characters play in helping the main cast.
World building and exposition
Boruto Manga Has Limited World Building
In addition to filling in the gaps in the manga’s story, Boruto The anime-exclusive episodes add one more integral element to the series: world-building. From the revamped Hidden Mist Village to the new Hidden Stone developments, the Boruto The anime sheds light on the events that have taken place in the Five Great Nations.
While this element may not be integral to the manga’s central premise revolving around Otsutsuki, it still serves as a way for fans to connect with the world of Naruto. Additionally, the Five Great Nations received little to no screen time in the original Naruto series, making this exposition a redemption for the franchise’s initial lack of geopolitical exposition.
The final verdict
Boruto Exclusive Anime Episodes Worth Trying
Boruto The anime adaptation and manga can be considered two separate stories, with both mediums intertwining at certain points in the story. This has led to the manga referencing certain elements of the anime’s exclusive arcs, making them canonical to a certain extent. Additionally, these arcs are packed with character development, world building, and story exposition.
Viewers who simply follow the Boruto series to catch up on the story can safely skip the series’ anime-exclusive arcs. However, fans of the original who would love to see their beloved characters in action once again should try out the anime’s exclusive episodes. While some may be disappointing, the vast majority of these arcs contribute to the overall narrative of Boruto, while also bridging the gap between the manga and anime.
Boruto is available to stream on main video.