Naruto’s Subtle Gundam Connection
Fans of Naruto, the sensational manga and anime series, have always found Kishimoto’s distinct and unique characters appealing. Every character in Naruto brings something different to the table with their own unique abilities and characters. Masashi Kishimoto, the man behind the series, often draws inspiration from other sources. One such source is the iconic mecha anime: Mobile Suit Gundam. In fact, this influence can be clearly seen in the design of the character Kakuzu.
Kishimoto’s Gundam Love Affair
From a young age, Kishimoto was heavily influenced by the Mobile Suit Gundam series. He found himself drawn to the design of Gundam’s robotic figures and the characters that populated their world. This childhood fascination didn’t just wane with time. Instead, it made its way into his work, specifically when it comes to Naruto’s character Kakuzu.
Kakuzu’s Gundam-Inspired Features
In the vast Naruto universe, there are many characters, but there is something distinct about Kakuzu. He is part of the notorious group known as the Akatsuki. Unlike others, his chase for immortality sets him on a different, darker path. It’s in this character that Kishimoto’s love for Gundam comes to fruition, creating a unique tribute to the classic anime series.
Notably, the homage can be seen in the attacks assigned to Kakuzu, which closely resemble those of Gundam Units. This goes beyond the attacks’ power and functionality, even the names of these attacks bear a hint of Gundam’s influence. The Earth Grudge Fear, Earth Release: Earth Spear and Fire Release: Intelligent Hard Work are only a few examples to highlight this connection. Further parallels can be seen in the monikers chosen for these attacks which share similarities with Gundam names – Zeong, Dom, and Z’Gok.
The Unforgiving Seeking of Immortality
One unforgettable aspect about Kakuzu is his shocking claimed attempt to assassinate the first Hokage. Even though he failed, this act shed light on his audacious ambitions, leading his native village, the Village Hidden by the Waterfall, to consider him a failure. His reaction to this rejection led him on a frightening path of destruction.
To achieve immortality, Kakuzu resorted to the horrific act of murdering village leaders and absorbing their hearts. Such a method not only offered him a twisted form of eternal life but it also raised the risk level for his fellow Akatsuki members. Kakuzu’s anger was uncontrollable, making him a significant danger to everyone around him.
Kishimoto’s Unique Tribute to Gundam
Looking closely, you can find snippets of Kishimoto’s childhood influences peppered throughout Naruto. His fondness for Mobile Suit Gundam isn’t a hidden fact, and its influence on his work is unmissable. Through embedding elements of Gundam within Naruto’s narrative, Kishimoto essentially created a tribute to the Gundam universe.
If you’re curious and want to explore these influences yourself, you can find Naruto on Netflix and Mobile Suit Gundam on Crunchyroll. As you enjoy both series, keep an eye out for elements that Kishimoto has woven from one universe into another. It’s these touches that truly highlight his reverence for the series that inspired him and give an added dimension to the world of Naruto.
Article post script (closing section)
This content is a fresh take on Naruto, and its relation with Mobile Suit Gundam, bringing forward Masashi Kishimoto’s idolizing of Gundam series, especially in the creation of Naruto’s character, Kakuzu. The text clearly explains Kishimoto’s regard and infusion of his inspiration from the Mobile Suit Gundam in his works, and reaches a considerable analysis into the character of Kakuzu. Make sure to watch Naruto on Netflix and Mobile Suit Gundam on Crunchyroll to get a first-hand experience of Kishimoto’s imagination and a trip through the endearing world of anime.
For more details, visit Project Casting Blog on https://www.projectcasting.com/blog/news/narutos-creator-kishimoto-how-gundam-series-inspired-kakuzus-character/