Naruto, the popular anime series featuring the orange-clad ninja, continues to capture the hearts of fans worldwide. Recently, actor Michael B. Jordan, known for his roles in “Black Panther” and “Creed,” received a special illustration from Tetsuya Nishio, one of the series’ character designers.
Jordan, a devoted Naruto fan, visited Pierrot, the studio responsible for producing the Naruto anime, and was gifted the unique artwork. Pierrot shared the exciting moment on their Twitter page, showcasing a photo of Jordan proudly displaying the drawing while giving a thumbs up to the camera.
The global recognition of Naruto is a testament to its iconic status. With over 250 million copies in circulation worldwide as of March 2023, the series has secured a spot among the top 10 best-selling manga of all time. Furthermore, in a global poll that attracted over 4.6 million participants, Naruto’s father, Minato, emerged as the franchise’s favorite character.
The influence of Naruto even extended to the world of sports, as NFL running back Jamaal Williams humorously referred to himself as the “First Swagg Kazekage, leader of the Hidden Village of the Den” during a Sunday Night Football game in January.
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Not only has Naruto captured the hearts of fans, but it has also garnered recognition from fellow manga artists. Eiichiro Oda, the creator of “One Piece,” expressed his admiration for Naruto in a published conversation between the two authors. Oda revealed that Naruto was the manga that made him work the hardest out of all the existing titles during the creation of “One Piece.” He even stated that he believes Naruto has a larger following than his own work.
The special illustration gifted to Michael B. Jordan by Tetsuya Nishio serves as a symbol of the profound impact Naruto has had on fans and the entertainment industry as a whole. Its enduring popularity, accolades from fellow manga artists, and the ability to captivate fans across various fields demonstrate the timeless appeal and cultural significance of this beloved ninja series.
Source: CBR
