Naruto, Vol. 4: The Next Level [Paperback]

Masashi Kishimoto (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 3, 2004

Reads R to L (Japanese Style), for audiences T

Naruto is a ninja-in-training with a need for attention, a knack for mischief and, sealed within him, a strange, formidable power. His antics amuse his instructor Kakashi and irritate his teammates, intense Sasuke and witty Sakura, but Naruto is serious about becoming the greatest ninja in the village of Konohagakure! Believe it!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Author/artist Masashi Kishimoto was born in 1974 in rural Okayama Prefecture, Japan. After spending time in art college, he won the Hop Step Award for new manga artists with his manga Karakuri ("Mechanism"). Kishimoto decided to base his next story on traditional Japanese culture. His first version of Naruto, drawn in 1997, was a one-shot story about fox spirits; his final version, which debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999, quickly became the most popular ninja manga in Japan.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: VIZ Media LLC (August 3, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591163587
• ISBN-13: 978-1591163589
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #111,799 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #26 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Comics & Graphic Novels > Manga > By Series > Naruto
  • #64 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Comics & Graphic Novels > Graphic Novels > Fantasy

More About the Author

Author/artist Masashi Kishimoto was born in 1974 in rural Okayama Prefecture, Japan. After spending time in art college, he won the Hop Step Award for new manga artists with his manga Karakuri ("Mechanism"). Kishimoto decided to base his next story on traditional Japanese culture. His first version of Naruto, drawn in 1997, was a one-shot story about fox spirits; his final version, which debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999, quickly became the most popular ninja manga in Japan.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars don't write it off just yet..., August 27, 2004

By 

Ms. L. A. David "didski" (glos, UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Naruto, Vol. 4: The Next Level (Paperback)

Ok, so maybe this was a bit of an anticlimax following the huge cliff hanger at the end of volume three. However, loads of new characters are introduced in this volume which give rise to a whole new level of story telling and character development. There are currently 22 volumes of naruto waiting to be translated into English and this volume sets the stage for what is to come. It's a really good read, and if you can't wait for the next volume, there are plently that have been scanlated available on the net, so go check it out...it's definately worth it!

27 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The story of the Demon Zabuza and Haku, December 16, 2004

By 

Zack Davisson "japanreviewed" (Seattle, WA, USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Naruto, Vol. 4: The Next Level (Paperback)

"Naruto vol. 4" continues the fierce battle begun in vol. 3, against the ninja-hunting Demon Zabuza and his deadly assistant Haku. The stage is set with Sasuke slain, Kakashi literally mystified and Sakura learning her own limitations. As everyone knows, when things look darkest for a band of heroes...it is time for a little payback.

Payback is what you get in vol. 4, but not exactly in the way expected. Naruto, full of rage over his friends death, unleashes the power of the Nine-tailed Fox demon. Kakashi shows that he is more than the Sharingan Eye, using an innovative attack to overcome the loss of vision. Sasuke lies on the ground dead, and there is lots of weeping.

The real story, however, is the love and loyalty between Zabuza and Haku. Compared to this, the trials of the four heroes are trivial. Haku sees himself as a weapon to be wielded by Zabuza, and the true test of his loyalty comes when Zabuza's feelings are made clear. Its some powerful, emotional stuff.

Along with the conclusion of this story arc, vol. 4 also sets up the next adventure for the Naruto gang. This time, they head home to face the challenge of the examinations for chunin, the next level of Ninja. Several groups of older kids come into town to face the examinations, and run foul with Naruto and friends. Cue the music and start the fights!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It just gets better, November 15, 2010

By 

dbw08a - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Naruto, Vol. 4: The Next Level (Paperback)

At first, I was hesitant to get into Naruto. It just seemed like a stupid anime/manga that was trying to be Dragon Ball Z. However, with some prodding from my friends to watch it, I instead bought the manga and checked it out. I was blown away by how fun of a read it was, the great artwork and the great story. The end came too soon for me and I started buying more and more Naruto. Currently, I just finishes Naruto Vol 7 and am about to go out and buy Vol 8.
Volume 4 carries a great story and a heavy choice for Naruto and friends as they come to the realization that ninjas are just tools. Tools for killing. The double team of Haku and Zabuza proves to be quite a match for Team Kakashi and was so enthralling to read. Seeing the Black Ops Dogs in action for the first time was too cool!
If you are looking for a good comic to read. Choose Naruto. It's cheap. It's fun. And it might be one of the best mangas our there. Don't be the only guy or girl out there who hasn't read or watched Naruto. Life will suck.