Masashi Kishimoto Draws Naruto In The World Of How To Train Your Dragon

It’s surprising to think about it, but the Naruto anime actually concluded a full decade back. Although Boruto anime and manga have kept fans engaged for some time now, it’s always delightful to catch glimpses of our beloved protagonist in his youth through external works and collaborations. Most recently, Naruto’s creator, Masashi Kishimoto, has sketched an illustration depicting the future Hokage in a world vastly different from what fans are accustomed to, creating an image that is both peculiar yet mesmerizing to behold.

As an observer, I can’t help but notice an extraordinary homage unfolding. Usually, manga artists create such illustrations to honor other Shonen Jump series, but this time it’s different – it’s celebrating an upcoming live-action movie. Who would have thought a crossover like this was possible? Well, Masashi Kishimoto has made the impossible a reality, and as a result, we’re treated to one of the most breathtaking Naruto illustrations in recent memory.

Nauto Joins Hiccup On A Wild Ride Through The Skies

Gamabunta And Toothless Are Also Along For The Journey

In easier and more natural language, the latest artwork by Kishimoto features a youthful Naruto soaring through the sky with his faithful companion Gamabunta. Accompanying them are Hiccup and Toothless, popular characters from the “How to Train Your Dragon” films. Although this collaboration might appear unexpected, Kishimoto ensured that the artwork was meticulously detailed and visually captivating. One aspect of the drawing that stands out is the unique perspective or camera angle chosen by Kishimoto during the creation process. The expansive sky view and the upside-down positioning of Toothless and Hiccup create an impression of a grand, unforgettable adventure that the trio are embarking upon.

In the Naruto storyline, Kishimoto has previously drawn numerous summon characters like Gamabunta. However, dragons are creatures not commonly found in the series, making Toothless a more complex character to depict. Regardless of his lack of prior experience with such designs, Kishimoto successfully captured the playful and eccentric style of Toothless. Additionally, he carefully considered the size of Toothless to ensure that his wings appeared proportionate and natural when attached to his body.

Hiccup appears noticeably unique in Kishimoto’s art style for human characters, but he manages to accurately depict the charming protagonist’s traditional attire and exaggerated facial expressions quite effortlessly. Additionally, it’s important to note that Kishimoto chose pre-timeskip Naruto for this illustration, which fits well given his cheerful and expressive nature compared to his more reserved older self.

Kishimoto Admits His Love For How To Train Your Dragon

And He Believes The Live Action Version Will Be Just As Great

The live-action How To Train Your Dragon drops in Japan in September
Kishimoto admits he sees the oriignal as a ‘masterpiece’
This illustartion is to celebrate the big occasion

I find myself musing over an intriguing artwork, created by Kishimoto, that echoes the spirit of the upcoming live-action adaptation of “How to Train Your Dragon” in Japan. While American audiences have already embarked on this exciting journey a few months back, Japanese viewers are eagerly gearing up for a second ride with Toothless and Hiccup.

In celebration of this momentous event, Kishimoto expressed his deep appreciation for the original film, coupled with his anticipation for the live-action re-release. His artwork seems to be a testament to his admiration and eagerness for this cinematic adventure.

It’s evident that Kishimoto finds the original animated “How to Train Your Dragon” movie so remarkable that many cartoonists consider it a masterpiece. One might imagine that some of his peers in the manga industry have also praised the film, but alas, Kishimoto chooses not to reveal their names. Despite this, he openly admits to being a big fan of the animated version and expresses optimism that the live-action adaptation will be equally enjoyable.

The animated ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ is so captivating that even professional cartoon artists consider it a work of art. In its live-action form, it would still be equally engaging! I wager riding on the back of a live-action dragon would offer the same thrilling sensation.” – (paraphrased by) Masashi Kishimoto

Showing enthusiasm a month early by crafting a festive artwork for “How to Train Your Dragon” ahead of its release suggests not only Kishimoto’s excitement but also the eagerness of Japanese moviegoers for this beloved franchise to return to the big screen. For fans of anime and manga, however, it raises an intriguing query: Is live-action adaptation increasingly being seen as acceptable, even preferred, when adapting these popular cartoon and comic series?

Will Naruto Turn To Live Action?

There Is One Series Which Has Found Great Success As A Live Action Series

Live-action seems to be becoming more of a trend in the anime world
One Piece has had a very successful live-action adaptation
Naruto could work pretty well if it made the move to live-action

It makes sense that many people appreciate the transition of animated or cartoon content into real-life movies, as it can lend a more realistic and credible feel to the series while preserving some of the goofy aspects with computer graphics (CG). Once upon a time, live-action and anime were seen as incompatible, but nowadays, it’s increasingly common to see popular animations being adapted into live-action movies or television shows.

Without a doubt, One Piece stands out as the foremost illustration of success in this context. Its initial live-action season, captivating even those unaccustomed to anime, introduced countless individuals to one of the globe’s most acclaimed series. Given the overwhelmingly positive reception for that debut season, it’s plausible to speculate that the One Piece live-action series could persist for quite some time. However, pondering how suitable this format might be for Naruto is another question altogether.

“I want to play Luffy for a very long time” – Inaki Godoy

Naruto might not match One Piece in terms of special effects, but it showcases intricate Jutsu techniques that can be challenging to depict with CGI. However, it boasts intense hand-to-hand combat scenes that could be truly spectacular if enacted by skilled cosplayers embodying the characters. Interestingly, Kishimoto is currently taking a break from Naruto, but the success of One Piece might inspire him to consider live-action adaptations in the future to attract a broader audience.

2025-09-01 22:39