“Boruto: Naruto Next Generations” Manga Issue 50 Review: Potential Value

Considering all of the hype the fandom had for Boruto manga chapter 50, ‘Potential Value’, after what happened last month, I have to say that the latest installment was very frustrating to read. The creative team wasted panels on useless recaps.

I thought that ‘Potential Value’ was going to an action-filled chapter showcasing Boruto, Naruto, and Sasuke trying everything possible to defeat Isshiki. And while we got some cool action sequences, the fun of it all was diluted due to a flashback as well as switching attention to a conversation with Kawaki.

Having Amado repeat the information we had already received in previous chapters made me roll my eyes. There was nothing new shared. That’s why those particular scenes felt like filler to drag the current fight.

In the end, we found out that, for some reason, Isshiki wasn’t willing to kill Boruto. I think readers would have noticed that themselves without wasting panels on Amado (and Boruto) stating the obvious. As I said, the way storytelling in ‘Potential Value’ was handled, the latest installment was quite frustrating to go through. I’m not a fan of having quite a lot of “filler” panels in manga releases.

As for the main battle, it’s clear that Boruto can’t do anything unless Momoshiki decided to take over his body. Naruto and Sasuke tried to land hits on Isshiki. The two badly lost their battle with Jigen and with Isshiki being stronger compared to when he was using Jigen’s body, seeing him throw Naruto and Sasuke around made sense.

Having Boruto act as a shield to save Sasuke’s life was a nice moment. Due to Isshiki being unable to kill the young ninja, let’s see how Sasuke and Naruto use that information to stop Isshiki from getting near Kawaki.

I’m also looking forward to learning about why Boruto’s safe from Isshiki. Does he not want to kill Boruto because Momoshiki might appear? Is an Otsutsuki forbidden from killing another clan member?

Also, I have to say that I’m still unable to care about Kawaki. I don’t think the creative time behind the Boruto manga has what it takes to make me feel sorry for a random character. And seeing a poorly-written random character like Kawaki take away screentime from others (especially Salad and Mitsuki) doesn’t help.

He’s literally a plot device at this point. Heck! Kawaki is the MacGuffin that the heroes have to prevent the villain from capturing.

Feel free to leave your thoughts about ‘Potential Value’ with us.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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