Naruto Fever by Steptoussai

(Author Note: I recommend reading this is you're a Naruto fan. If you absolutely DESPISE the show...than what's the point in reading this, neh?)

1997 was one big year for one average manga-ka. Who would've know that a series with such a cliche plot could become *this* huge?

"Naruto" was first seen in "Akamaru Jump" in 1997 and was created by Kishimoto Masashi. Kishimoto was born in 1947 in Okayama Prefecture. His idols were none other than Toriyama Akira, the creator of the "Dragon Ball" series, and Ootomo Katsuhiro, the creator of "Akira". His career got a kick start when his first manga, "Karakuri" (which was about a WWII forces squad), won the Hop Step award and a chance to have one of his manga series published. "Naruto" debuted in 1999 in Shounen Jump and after six years, it is still running. The anime didn't debut in Japan until October 2002, and, like the manga, is still running.

"Naruto" is considered to be the most popular, if not, *one* of the most popular anime series around the globe. The suprising thing about its popularity in America is that the actual anime hasn't even go on air yet(but it will...soon...*cringe*). Of course, with its' popularity comes wacky products and events dedicated to the series:

*Products: How about a pair of Konoha boxers or, for us ladies, a Konoha thong? There is everything from the ever-popular Leaf Headbands, plushies, sports bags, watches, and ever food! All of these products can be found at japanimation.com.

*Movies: As many of you know, the first ever Naruto movie ("It's the Yukihime's Ninja Arts Book!") came out on August 21, 2004 and was a smashing success with around 13,000,000 people across Japan seeing it. The second one came out on August 6th of this year.

*Events: One of the biggest events in Japan is Naruto Paradise. The name says it all. In California, us Americans were supposed to have Naruto Con, but that was, unfortunately, cancelled due to lack of pre-registration.

So there you have it. Naruto fever is burning up the entire planet and it doesn't look like it's gonna stop any time soon.

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