Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Manga Issue 18 Review – Hand

This month’s issue of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, titled ‘Hand,’ introduced a character from the anime and focused on how technology might change the way ninjas operate.

In my recent Boruto anime review, I was wondering if the manga was ever going to acknowledge characters such as Sumire, Iwabe, and Denki. This month’s manga issue answered my query, and now I’m looking forward to seeing more of Boruto’s classmates appear in this monthly series.

Boruto manga issue 17 mentioned the kids taking a field trip to the Hidden Mist village and in issue 18, ‘Hand,’ we got to see Sumire. It was revealed that she didn’t participate in the Chunin exams and decided to become a researcher instead. With Sumire’s father being a researcher, it made sense that she wanted a similar career.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the manga showed Denki and even Iwabe pursuing some other career instead of becoming ninjas in upcoming issues. Not everyone wants to become a ninja, and that’s okay.

‘Hand’ mostly dealt with teaching Boruto how science can be used to help make lives better. There are even a couple of panels showing a ninja dog being happy because of how its lost leg was replaced by a prosthetic one. The manga issue also introduced a new character named Inudzuka Akita. Considering she’s the one who observed Boruto and his team while they tested new ninja gear, I think she might have a larger role down the line.

The panels showcasing all of the new ninja tools were fun to read. However, I wanted a lot more from this issue after waiting an entire month for it to be released. Things did pick up pace near the end when Naruto asked Boruto and his team to figure out what happened to Konohamaru.

I’ve been going through some online reactions and a lot of fans aren’t happy with Naruto ordering Boruto, Salad, and Mitsuki to go on such a dangerous mission. Even I think that Naruto shouldn’t have done that, especially after Sasuke warned him about Kara. But I guess our little heroes need to face a Kara member sooner or later to progress the story. So, I’ll just go with Naruto’s plan even though I disagree with it. I need a fight sequence to occur already!

What did you think of Boruto manga issue 18? Did you enjoy reading ‘Hand’? Let us know.

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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