Boruto's Disregard for Madara's Legacy leaves fans disappointed

Boruto, being a sequel to Naruto, has encountered numerous challenges and triumphs. However, one of the major drawbacks has been its impact on the overall franchise. While individuals who are not fond of the sequel can simply distance themselves from it, those who value the canonical aspects and worldbuilding may experience frustration with certain decisions, especially regarding the excessive increase in power levels and the consequences it has on characters like Madara Uchiha.

Many avid Naruto fans may be tempted to argue that Madara, widely recognized as one of the franchise's greatest villains, could effortlessly overpower the entire Boruto universe. However, taking into account the power escalation prevalent in this sequel and the inherent nature of the shonen genre, it becomes apparent that the Uchiha progenitor would not necessarily excel when compared to the majority of characters in the series.

The impact of Boruto on Madara Uchiha's legacy as a powerhouse

Madara in battle (Image via Studio Pierrot).

Looking back at Madara's character in the original Naruto series, it is intriguing to observe how the power escalation in Boruto has tarnished the villain's once formidable reputation. Although Madara himself can be considered a prime example of power escalation in the original manga, he possessed the commanding presence and historical significance to uphold his stature. Hence, it is disheartening to witness his current portrayal as a warrior in the franchise.

The revived Madara in the Fourth Great Ninja War and the Juubi Madara killed by Black Zetsu both fall short in terms of strength compared to the sequel's strongest characters. This is due to the power creep phenomenon and the common trend in shonen where each new villain surpasses the previous ones.

In contrast, the Boruto versions of Sasuke and Naruto are capable of defeating Madara. In addition, Baryon Mode Naruto demonstrates significantly greater power. Furthermore, new characters such as Isshiki, Jigen, Shibai, and even Kawaki have the potential to rival the strength of the Uchiha ancestor.

The overall legacy of Boruto as a franchise

However, it is indeed a disappointing revelation for followers of the original show who may not have delved into the sequel's manga; nonetheless, it is an ignominious end for such a legendary antagonist.

The ongoing debate about the validity of Boruto as a sequel continues due to its significant impact on the beloved characters and the original series. Many fans have grown attached to the Naruto manga, despite its controversial ending with the Kaguya twist and various writing choices made by Masashi Kishimoto. Therefore, the immediate release of a sequel right after the conclusion of the original story may have hindered the success of this project from the very beginning.

However, there are valid criticisms regarding the sequel, particularly regarding its reliance on Naruto as its main appeal. Many beloved and significant characters, such as Shikamaru, Sakura, Kakashi, and others, are heavily sidelined throughout the story. This can be understood to some extent, as the manga primarily focuses on Naruto. However, the problem arises because these characters are not organically or logically removed from the narrative.

The power creep mentioned earlier is widely acknowledged, and there are several instances where the worldbuilding falls short. The recent introduction of Blue Vortex has attempted to address some of these issues, but for many, it is seen as too little too late. Boruto often comes across as an afterthought in the minds of many readers and fails to captivate newcomers in the same way as the original series did. Additionally, the ongoing Madara situation only adds to the existing problems.

Final thoughts

Madara Uchiha is undeniably one of the most iconic antagonists in the realm of anime and manga, leaving an indelible mark on the Naruto franchise. Nevertheless, due to the escalating power dynamics within the series, his formidable prowess has noticeably diminished, causing understandable dissatisfaction among devotees.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about Boruto's treatment of Madara's legacy. On the one hand, I understand that the power levels in the Boruto series have increased significantly, and it would be difficult for Madara to maintain his status as the strongest character. On the other hand, I feel that Madara's legacy as a powerful and influential villain has been tarnished by his portrayal in Boruto.

Overall, I think that Boruto has not lived up to the expectations of many fans, and the treatment of Madara's character is just one example of this. I hope that the series can improve in the future and find a way to balance the need for power escalation with the preservation of the legacy of characters like Madara.