Viz seems to be moving rather quickly to insure that Naruto will have a mass market of items on the horizon this fall when the anime begins airing on Cartoon Network. They just recently signed a deal with mall staple Hot Topic to sell “junior girls T-shirts, men’s T-shirts, and men’s hoodies as well as NARUTO branded stickers, pins, patches and headbands” in their stores this Fall. Viz’s website will also offer online apparel purchasing.

Could a licensing deal with a toy maker be next on the horizon? I hope so, lets hope the deal with Bandai may extend to some of their larger 6 inch figures they released in Japan. The limited Bandai line included Kakashi, Naruto and Sasuke, and they featured great sculpting and multiple points of articulation. If such a line could be brought over and greatly expanded, the fan base will eat them up.

Word comes by way of Anime News Network today, that Bandai and Viz have jointly announced a plan to bring Naruto games to North America. This will include titles for the Sony vide game consoles and trading card games.

This more or less confirms words from several months ago where Bandai stated they would be bringing Narutimett Hero to the U.S..

The following areas have new or updated content:

New

+ Ninjutsu: Shikomi Shindan, Mizu no Tatsumaki
+ Kekkei Genkai: Byakugan, Souma no Kou
+ Bio: Fuuma Kamakiri, Fuuma Kagerou, Fuuma Sasame
+ Vol. 19 Manga Summary

Updated

+ Summonings
+ Clothing
+ Custom Weapons
+ Weapons and Tools
+ Accessories
+ Ninjutsu: Mizu no Muchi, Kage Kubi Shibari no Jutsu
+ Vol. 28 Manga Guide
+ Bio: Akimichi Choji, Aburame Shino, Misc name meanings updates

Update: I forgot to mention I added the cover and link to order Uzumaki Ninden over on the right hand side of the page.

The cover for volume 28 marks the beginning of the second part of the Naruto manga. Since I received my copy a few days ago, I’ve scanned in a larger version of the cover.

Right click here to download the big version.

Chapter 264 has been released today. The showdown begins, what chance will Akatsuki have against a pissed off Naruto?…

Click For Chapter 264 Spoiler Preview Image:

Naruto and Kakashi take chase, while Chiyo and Sakura face Sasori…

You can view my comments and discuss this latest chapter in our forums! Click here to view the discussion! Caution, there are spoilers present! If you are a new user and have yet to register to post on the forum, click here.

Update: Added Sasori’s ending image from this chapter to his bio in the Akatsuki Guide. Caution, there are spoilers.

Update #2: Added Chapter 264 summary to the Volume 30 manga guide.

Episode 139 has aired in Japan. The filler arc contines and the team makes it inside Hidden Sound. What dangers await them inside?… Episode 139 is titled Terror! Orochimaru’s Compound!.

Click For Episode 139 Spoiler Preview Image:

Naruto and Gamakichi’s bad day…

You can view my comments and discuss this latest episode in our forums! Click here to view the discussion! Caution, there are spoilers present! If you are a new user and have yet to register to post on the forum, click here.