Boruto's Artist Explains Big Controversial Character Design Choice

due to Narutolegacy of Boruto the manga has always been the focus of attention from fans and critics alike, often drawing controversy not only for its story decisions, but also for its character design of a new generation of female shinobi. BorutoKishimoto-directed artist and current author, Mikio Ikemoto received feedback regarding the clothing of the female charactersespecially the main character, Sara, due to her revealing and impractical clothing, unbecoming of an active ninja.

The character design though Boruto: Two Blue Vortexes was controversial, criticism began after Ikemoto changed Sarada's original dress drawn by Kishimoto to a tight mini dress. However, one of the biggest resistances Ikemoto faced was having the female characters replace their regular shoes with high heels. These shoes are stylish, but it's annoying that ninjas won't wear them on missions.

For this reason, in a special event in France Naruto“Nuit à Konoha” franchise, where Boruto's authors were interviewed about the new installment of the manga, Ikemoto decided to address the reasons behind the questionable choice of clothing.

The interview below was translated by fans, so there may be some inaccuracies.

Drawing BorutoImages of women wearing high heels help Ikemoto stay motivated

Female Character Design Boruto Worrying When Compared With Naruto

In an interview translated by Twitter user @UzuRepo, when asked for advice for manga artists, Ikemoto used the high heels he draws to talk about how drawing things you like keeps you motivated. Boruto he chose them because he liked them as an example and revealing.

I want to advise them to show and reveal their loved ones. […] Even if you love something that is more niche, if you can gain traction, maybe your loyal fans will encourage and follow you.

Every now and then I read comments about Boruto. Some find it strange that all the female characters wear high heels even though they are ninjas. However, that's my taste, that's it. It's one of the things that helps keep me motivated. First of all, they are professionals in chakra control, so this is not a problem for them. After all, they are a new generation of ninjas. Being able to do this kind of thing is also an advantage of manga. – Mikio Ikemoto

Ikemoto commented a new perspective on his character designsshowing that fashion is an important topic Borutosaid that his manga presents a different world than its predecessor and that as an author he has the right to do things that motivate him to continue drawing. However, fans have good reason to be concerned about the stark contrast between the female character designs Naruto and Borutobecause the clothes in the original series were more practical.

Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage, wore heels, but she was a retired ninja for a while, and she was also a grown woman. Sakura was wearing heels Naruto: Shippudenbut hers were not stiletto heels, nor were they as high as those used by the characters in the film. Boruto. Even in Boruto: Naruto Next Generationsanime, Sarada's heels have been altered to fit her better. So even if functionality isn't an issue Boruto'female characters who are pros at controlling chakra, fans still find their designs questionable.

Boruto isn't the only anime where female characters wear high heels to fight

The lack of criticism in other series suggests the controversy is more about the character's age than functionality.

In some anime, female characters like Nami and Robin often wear high heels during battles One PieceTired Spy x Familyand 2B Nier: Automata. Even in a popular game Bayonettacharacter Cereza uses her heels as weapons because she uses them to carry weapons. However, the reason why these characters are not controversial about their shoes and instead look feminine and stylish, because they are not minors.

Boruto's fans dispute the heel issue, as it reflects the characters' pre-time jump when they were 12-year-old girls. And while stored for style Boruto: Two Blue Vortexesthe characters are still in their teens. Ikemoto can wear heels to his liking, and as a fashion statement he believes does not constrain images, but as it is considered age-appropriate, the subject will probably remain a point of criticism. Boruto.

Source: UzuRepo.