Why Do People Underrate Naruto and Ichigo

The characters of Naruto Uzumaki from Naruto and Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach often face a stumbling block in terms of recognition and respect from the broader audience. Despite their immense popularity and their significant contributions to the shonen genre, there are compelling reasons why these two characters are sometimes undervalued. Let's explore these reasons further and analyze the deeper implications of such undervaluation.

Mainstream Popularity

One of the primary reasons why people underrate these characters is rooted in their immense popularity. Both Naruto and Bleach are among the most well-known anime series, which can lead to backlash from some fans. It's common for fans to dismiss highly popular works as lacking depth or originality. This perception creates a divide, where characters like Naruto and Ichigo are seen as merely fitting into established tropes rather than breaking new ground.

Character Development

Another factor contributing to the undervaluation of Naruto and Ichigo is their character development. While both have undergone significant growth throughout their arcs, some viewers may feel that their journeys lack nuance. This criticism is often based on the idea that their storylines follow typical shonen tropes. Such a perception can foster the belief that these characters are less complex compared to those from darker or more mature series, like Attack on Titan or Death Note.

Comparison to Other Works

A significant portion of the undervaluation stems from the comparison of Naruto and Ichigo to characters from more sophisticated series. Fans of darker or more complex narratives might overlook the straightforward nature of Naruto and Ichigo's arcs, viewing them as less sophisticated. This mental model of comparing characters based on the narrative depth of the series they belong to can cause underestimation of their character’s development and complexity.

Filler Episodes and Overexposure

In the case of Naruto, the large number of filler episodes can detract from the main story. While the filler does provide additional content and context, it can also be seen as redundant, leading to a loss of interest among some fans. Ichigo, on the other hand, benefits more positively from the main story, but his journey is not devoid of filler. However, for a character like Naruto, the sheer volume of filler can overshadow the vital storyline, leading to a perception of undervaluation.

Expectations and Writer Influence

Undervaluation of these characters can also be influenced by fan expectations, particularly for action-oriented shonen series. Fans often have high expectations for character depth and complexity. When Naruto and Ichigo fail to meet these expectations, they may be undervalued. However, it's worth noting that the writers of both series might have had their own influences on character development. For instance, it has been suggested that the writers of Naruto might have underrated some of the character’s potential.

Conversely, fans of Bleach have suggested that Ichigo, in particular, has not been fully developed. It's often debated whether the series could have pushed Ichigo to his true potential if more emphasis had been placed on his growth. The notion that Ichigo's potential has been underutilized is particularly pertinent given that other characters like Aizen showed impressive transformations through the Hougyoku, potentially setting a higher bar for character progression in Bleach.

Conclusion

Despite their undervaluation, both Naruto and Ichigo have a significant impact on the shonen genre and continue to resonate with many fans. Their stories explore themes of perseverance, friendship, and personal growth. While some of their arcs may have been tainted by filler content or not fully developed, the potential of these characters remains profound. The undervaluation of Naruto and Ichigo is a complex issue, influenced by factors such as mainstream popularity, character development, narrative expectations, and the writers’ intent.