Home
/
Fandom news
/
Interviews with fans
/

Japanese openness to new works: acknowledging mistakes

Boruto Faces Fan Frustrations: Quality and Nostalgia Clash |

By

Noah Green

Feb 12, 2026, 02:41 PM

Edited By

Ravi Kumar

Updated

Feb 12, 2026, 08:33 PM

2 minutes (approx.)

A group of Japanese artists sharing their experiences and acknowledging past biases in a gallery setting, surrounded by new artworks

A new wave of critiques is washing over Boruto as fans reflect on its perceived shortcomings. While nostalgia for the original Naruto fuels some support, a vocal segment of the community questions the sequelโ€™s quality and character depth, raising concerns about its direction amid continued debate.

What Fans Are Saying About Boruto's Quality

As Boruto continues its run, reactions are decidedly mixed. The manga and anime series struggles to establish its own identity apart from Naruto, with many fans expressing dissatisfaction about its storytelling and character interactions. One fan bluntly stated, "After reading and watching Boruto, I can safely say it's not on par with Naruto."

Key Themes from the Ongoing Debate

  1. Lack of World-Building: Several commenters argue Boruto feels trapped within Konoha, with limited exploration of its world. A critical remark underscores this sentiment: "The world is so small; everything is happening in Konoha."

  2. Character Development Issues: Commenters lament the sidelining of beloved characters from the original series. One fan noted, "The older cast is nerfed and pretty much useless nowadays," echoing a sense of disappointment in how new dynamics have unfolded.

  3. Polarizing Nostalgia: Many view Boruto through a nostalgic lens, with some admitting they still watch out of a fondness for Naruto. A fan reflected, "Itโ€™s not hatred toward Boruto; itโ€™s about wanting improvement for the series."

Mixed Sentiments

The comments illustrate a divided fanbase. While some express frustration, others attempt to find pleasure in its action and storyline twists, saying, "It has its moments, but itโ€™s not that good." Notably, another user praised the manga's recent developments, describing the villains as interesting and certain plot elements as engaging.

"Most people who say itโ€™s good genuinely believe it in their hearts," commented another user, affirming ongoing debate among fans.

The Path Forward for Boruto

As discussions evolve, fans are curious about whether Boruto can adapt. Some speculate a shift in storytelling could breathe new life into the series. Thereโ€™s hope for deeper character exploration and less reliance on nostalgia to engage viewers moving forward.

Key Takeaways ๐Ÿ”

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "Boruto feels like a fanfiction of Naruto," criticized a disappointed fan.

  • ๐Ÿšซ Many believe Borutoโ€™s reliance on nostalgia is holding it back.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Concerns grow over character development and world-building.

As we progress through 2026, Boruto's fate hangs in the balance. Will it rise above the shadows of its predecessor or continue on its current path? The community watches closely as this story unfolds.