Question Why is Naruto so unsympathetic as a main hero?

LnDRash · Apr 24, 2013

Thats something I've been thinking about, since usually I actually tend to love those retarded shounen main protagonists like Luffy or Natsu Dragneel... but in Naruto's case..? Not so much.

I realize this is just a personal opinion (although I'm far from being alone) and there are people who actually enjoy Naruto, in which case feel free to ignore this topic or share your views as for why you believe him to be likeable.

For me, it basically comes down to two factors.

1. Kishimoto fails at humor

Well, not completely, since Jiraiya actually used to be pretty damn funny and Gai is nothing to contemn either. But imho when it comes to Naruto's stupidity the comical aspect is just severely lacking and as a result Naruto seems more pathetic then funny.

Lets just take Luffy as an example:

He's seriously retarded, no doubt about that. I'd even say more so then Naruto. But at the same time he never seems pathetic because he can handle himself and thus his stupidity just becomes hilarious.

In Naruto's case however:

Usually his retardedness only gets him into trouble from which he requires saving by others. The fact that most of the time these moments of retardedness are preceded by some smug bragging makes it seem even more pathetic and instead of laughing one just can't help but to think "geez... what a loser".

2. Naruto's self-confidence makes him look arrogant

Point 1 still wouldn't be all that bad in itself, but in combination with point 2 it really becomes fatal.

So basically you have a dumbass like this:

who's despite the sheer amount of power he's wielding almost clue- and helpless when not constantly being backed up by others.

Still not a deal breaker in itself... but if this same guy suddenly starts acting like this:

... in front of opponents he has no business beating on his own, then it starts getting annoying.

I know this is a theme of the manga... "Your friends are the most important, you're nothing without them blablabla" and that message in itself is nothing bad. In case of Fairy Tail I actually really enjoy it, even though its often completely over the top and cheesy and thus gets a lot of critique.

Imho Kishi is overdoing it though, because regardless of how heavily reliant Fairy Tail or (to a lesser extend) One Piece characters are on the magical power of friendship, they never seem like sitting ducks even while on their own. They simply draw power from remembering their bonds or they demonstrate teamwork while fighting other groups of people, not single persons 5 against 1 like in case of Kakuzu (just for example) and then being smug about it.

What are your thoughts?