Sasuke... Like You've Never Seen Him Before!

Naruto: Chibi Sasuke’s Sharingan Legend is where the characters let loose!

By Alexis Kirsch September 12, 2017

Editor's Sidebar: Where we hear directly from VIZ editors about series they've worked on.

The Naruto series has gone many interesting places over the years. The manga has spawned multiple anime series, video games and even a stage show in Japan. And we’re now in the midst of a Naruto revival with the introduction of his son Boruto starring in his own manga and anime. But where are fans of the classic series supposed to get their fix? Okay, Naruto: Chibi Sasuke’s Sharingan Legend might not be the obvious choice here. While it takes place during the timeline of the original, Chibi Sasuke is a huge change in tone. The manga recreates many of the iconic scenes and then immediately makes fun of them. But if you like a little goofiness, this series really is a satisfying return to your favorite characters and scenes. If you’re ready to get your helpings of Sasuke with a side of hilarity, this manga won’t let you down.

Chibi Sasuke 12

Let me start off by saying that this series is genuinely funny. Don’t believe me? Then check out a FREE preview of Chapter 1.

Chibi Sasuke 12

As a serious Naruto fan, I remember not actually expecting this manga to make me laugh. Sure, maybe I’d crack a grin or two, but how funny could it be? The it only took me about eight pages to start cracking me up. Sasuke and his teammates are facing off against some ninja when Suigetsu reveals the true reason why Sasuke is so mad at his brother Itachi. It’s all because Itachi deleted Sasuke’s Dragon Quest save by mistake! And this is just the start of non-stop hijinx. Sasuke somehow suffering battle damage from having to eat his least favorite food, a brutal pillow fight involving Team Taka, Sasuke stepping in dog poo... And that’s just in the first chapter!

Chibi Sasuke 12

One thing becomes quite clear when reading Chibi Sasuke, and that’s that the creator really loves Naruto. I mentioned this fact to Masashi Kishimoto Sensei when I interviewed him at Jump Festa and Kishimoto Sensei said that it’s because Kenji Taira was a longtime assistant on the Naruto series. That love of the series enhances the humor by allowing Taira Sensei to even make fun of the series itself. I always get a kick out of Sasuke being depressed over nobody coming to his Christmas party. This is goofy humor done right!

Chibi Sasuke 12

Some of the best moments of the volume focus on Sasuke rivalry with his brother Itachi. In the actual Naruto story, Sasuke wants revenge against his brother because Itachi slaughtered their entire clan. But that’s not exactly how Itachi remembers things in Chibi Sasuke’s Sharingan Legend…

Chibi Sasuke 12

The brothers later get into a crazy fight over who gets to use the TV remote. The battle soon escalates until they destroy their entire house. To quote Suigetsu: “Seriously, guys?! Over the remote?!”

And later in the volume, Naruto makes an appearance and we get some heart-warming reunion scenes with Cell Seven. In the actual manga, we didn’t get these scenes until way later in the storyline. So seeing the characters interact like this is a treat. They even go see the cherry blossoms together! What a wonderful time! Well, until Naruto and Sasuke start fighting over something stupid…

Chibi Sasuke 12

Check out this hilarious take on Naruto by picking up the manga available here!