The Best Naruto Manga Covers

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Summary

  • Volume 54: This brant cover with intense emotions and dazzling colors pays off.
  • Volume 40: The intense cover showcases the unique character designs of Deidara and Sasuke.
  • Volume 35: A lighthearted cover that contains a colorful medley and quirky elements.

As a long-time fan of the Naruto series, I must say that the creativity and emotion poured into each manga cover are truly commendable. Each cover tells a story, capturing a moment from the series that resonates with fans.

The epic saga of Naruto and Naruto Shippuden encompasses a total of 72 volumes in the manga format. Over these volumes, we follow Naruto’s journey to becoming Hokage, with author Masashi Kishimoto providing us with breathtaking artwork as a treat to fans. His artistic talents are showcased beautifully across the numerous distinctive manga covers that were created during the story’s serialization.

“The cover art of a manga offers readers a peek into the ongoing storyline, its characters, and broader themes, as masterfully done by Kishimoto with his renowned illustrations. Let’s delve into the most striking Naruto manga covers that leave an indelible impression due to their impactful designs, memorability, and presence.

9. Volume 54

A Vibrant Cover Filled With A Mixture Of Emotions

In the realm of Shippuden, such vibrant and eye-catching covers were seldom encountered towards the later episodes, yet this one was undeniably invigorating, even exhilarating to behold. The figures of Guy and Kisame, heated in battle, burst forth from the page’s side, while Konan, like a celestial artist, filled the sky with paper, casting a rainbow that pierced through it all. The result was an astonishing display of chromatic brilliance.

The mixture of emotions on this page, from Guy’s rage to Konan’s concern, even to Naruto’s calmness, creates a cover that’s hard to look away from and which also feels extremely vibrant. Kishimoto decided to get bright and flashy with Volume 54, and it certainly paid off.

8. Volume 40

Kishimoto’s Excellent Character Design Takes Center Stage In This Intense Cover

As a die-hard Naruto fan, I can’t help but marvel at the breathtaking diversity in character abilities and powers that this series offers. In issue 40, we get a glimpse into two wildly distinct fighters from the Naruto universe, creating an electrifying spectacle as Deidara and Sasuke engage in an intense battle. The minimalistic background of this cover masterfully directs our gaze to the characters, who seem on the brink of their limits, making their expressive faces even more captivating. It’s a visual feast for any Naruto enthusiast!

Kishimoto sometimes struggles with deciding whether to include backgrounds on his manga covers, but in this instance, the absence of a background effectively highlights the distinct and captivating nature of his character designs. There’s even a hint of unsettling body horror present on this cover, which can be attributed to Deidara.

7. Volume 35

Volume 35’s Cover Harkens Back To The More Lighthearted Origins Of The Series

Issue 35’s cover offers an appealing blend of colors, as if a paintbrush had been carelessly flicked onto the page. Simultaneously, it portrays Naruto in a less energetic manner, a refreshing change given the story’s later intensity, reminiscent of the more light-hearted beginnings of the series.

It’s evident that Kishimoto enjoyed himself immensely while designing this cover, as evidenced by the assortment of distinct and uncommon books and decorations he incorporated into the background. The peculiar structure of the bookshelf, with its unusual shapes, further contributes to the cover’s eccentric and charming character, enhancing its one-of-a-kind appeal.

6. Volume 4

This Experimental Cover Perfectly Captures The Eerie Mystique That The Arc Was Known For

In the narrative, Zabuza and Haku are the initial formidable adversaries encountered by Naruto and Team 7. Though they seemed dangerous on the surface, there was a hidden depth to these two characters that wasn’t immediately apparent. For a significant portion of their story arc, both remained shrouded in mystery. This artwork brilliantly conveys this sense of enigma as Haku walks away from Naruto, while Zabuza remains concealed in the shadows with his sword angled sideways.

The shades of deep blue on the cover effectively mimic the chilly ambiance characteristic of the initial part of the storyline, adding an appealing extra detail. In summary, this cold and innovative cover design beautifully complements the narrative and characters that held center stage during that phase of the story.

5. Volume 25

Naruto’s Attempts To Break The Cycle Of Vengeance Between Sasuke And His Brother Is On Full Display

At the conclusion of the original Naruto narrative, it appeared that the spirited lead character had relinquished significant influence over the storyline. Despite his efforts, he was unable to rescue Sasuke from Orochimaru’s grasp and couldn’t prevent Sasuke’s pursuit of vengeance against his brother. The cover art for this arc suggested a sense of despair and confusion, with Naruto suspended between Itachi and Sasuke, giving the impression that he was drifting aimlessly.

Kishimoto skillfully demonstrates the depth of storytelling through a character’s gaze, using Itachi and Sasuke as backdrop, with the air between them thick with an undeniable tension that permeates any space they occupy closely. This cover, a creative reimagination of the original series, is undoubtedly thought-provoking.

4. Volume 42

Volume 42’s Nostalgic Cover Is Made All The More Emotional When Put Into Context

In Issue 42, the narrative revolves around the “Pain” storyline, a particularly emotional segment in the “Shippuden” series that many viewers will recognize. The strong connection between Naruto and Jiraiya is vividly portrayed throughout this arc, with this manga cover highlighting their bond as they journey together.

I can’t help but marvel at Kishimoto’s skill once more! He expertly employs the art of lighting and shading to create an illusion that the sun is bathing them in a warm, summery glow as Naruto and Jiraiya unwind. It evokes such a poignant, nostalgic atmosphere that it feels like a piece of my past. This scene underscores just how at ease Naruto always felt around Jiraiya, making their moments together all the more heartrending when seen in context.

3. Volume 59

All Five Kage Get A Chance To Shine As Part Of A Color-Filled Illustration

As an ardent fan, let me tell you, witnessing the Five Kages united in Naruto Shippuden was nothing short of breathtaking! Sitting around a conference table was already thrilling, but watching them engage in battle together was simply mesmerizing. Kishimoto masterfully highlighted each Kage on that cover while also showcasing young Naruto, radiating a firm and resolute demeanor, hinting at his future role as Hokage.

It’s a nice added touch to show a Uchiha symbol in the top left to tease, but not fully show Madara as the main antagonist of the arc, and the chaotic battle the cover is referencing. Seeing a handful of the strongest characters in the Naruto universe giving it their all on a manga cover looks as jaw-dropping as it sounds.

2. Volume 53

A Cover Which Feeds Into The Story’s Major Theme Of Family

Ever since I could remember, my bond with my father, Minato, has been a complex tapestry of feelings. On one side, I harbored resentment towards him for abandoning me when the Nine-Tailed Fox was sealed within me, turning me into an outcast in our village. But as events unfolded and truths were revealed, it became evident that Minato’s love for me ran deep – a sentiment echoed by my mother, Kushina. The poignant portrait of their love, captured in Volume 53, left me with a profound understanding of the immense affection they held for Naruto Namikaze.

Kishimoto skillfully employs shading in this cover, depicting Kushina and Minato shielding Naruto from what appears to be a massive beam of sunlight descending upon the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. The idea of family is strongly emphasized throughout Naruto, and this cover serves as a heartfelt means to convey this theme as vividly as possible.

1. Volume 43

A Painful Family Portrait That Perfectly Conveys The Uchiha Brothers’ Troubled Relationship

The intense showdown between Sasuke and Itachi stood out as one of the most affecting scenes in the series, given the significant anticipation that preceded it. Driven by a relentless pursuit, Sasuke had made numerous sacrifices with the ultimate goal of avenging Itachi’s actions. However, upon discovering the truth, it left him devastated emotionally.

On this page, Sasuke’s chilling shriek and Itachi’s bloodied figure emerging from behind create a chilling tableau that intensifies the battle’s emotional impact. Remarkably, the cover forgoes the usual background to spotlight these two characters more vividly, underscoring their raw pain. In terms of design, these Uchiha siblings have never been more striking or poignant in this tragic family portrait.

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2024-12-21 17:36