Summary

Boruto's anime features a unique mix of manga canon, anime canon, and filler episodes to fill in gaps between manga releases.
The anime-only arcs offer character development, worldbuilding, and story exposition that the manga may lack.
Viewers can skip anime-only arcs if solely following the main storyline, but fans of the original Naruto series may enjoy them.

Most anime series are composed of two distinct types of episodes; story arcs adapted directly from the manga and filler episodes that allow the manga to progress ahead. However, Boruto's anime-adaptation consists of an odd mixture of episodes, namely manga canon, anime canon, and filler. This new category of episodes is deemed canon, yet the arcs aren't based on the manga.

This peculiar situation raises the question of whether fans should sit through hundreds of anime canon episodes or directly follow the manga canon story arcs. Despite not being rooted in the Boruto manga, the series' anime-only arcs are necessary to fill the gaps between the manga episodes. Nevertheless, analyzing exactly what Boruto's anime-only arcs offer to the narrative can help viewers in reaching a decision.

Why Does Boruto Feature Anime-Canon Episodes?

Boruto’s Manga Timeline Has Led to a Peculiar Situation

Boruto's odd mix of episodes is certainly a peculiar case within the shonen landscape, yet there's a sound explanation behind the producers' decision to opt for such a complicated method of storytelling. Unlike usual filler episodes that serve the purpose of allowing the manga to progress ahead of the adaptation, Boruto’s anime canon episodes offer a more profound purpose. Since the manga is rather limited and only touches upon the key events of the Boruto universe, the anime canon episodes expand the events that take place in between the manga’s storyline.

With multiple writers and production studios, Boruto’s production can often seem like a mess. However, the anime canon episodes are produced in a way that ensures there isn’t any discrepancy between the manga and the anime adaptation. While some argue that anime canon episodes are still filler, the claim is refuted by the fact that Boruto’s manga canon episodes often reference the events that have taken place in the anime canon arcs. This deems the anime canon episodes canonical to the manga and the overall premise of Boruto.

The Anime-Only Episodes Fill in the Gaps

Anime-Only Arcs Expand on What the Manga Missed Out

Unlike filler episodes that are notorious for botching the anime's credibility with bizarre premises and absurd plots, Boruto's anime canon episodes are meticulously directed to mirror the manga canon episodes’ quality. Moreover, the canonical status of these episodes lends the anime another advantage — exposition that the manga failed to provide. Since manga panels are limited and authors are pressed for time, most manga end up being rather rushed.

Boruto's anime canon episodes offer a sort of breathing space for the manga, as any details left out by the original source can be addressed in these anime-only arcs. The development of Boruto's new Rasengan during the Mujina Bandits arc is an example of how the anime expands on how Boruto acquired his new jutsu, something that remained somewhat obscure in the manga.

Ample Character Development

Anime-Only Arcs Add to the Roster’s Character Development

Naruto Boruto Inojin Shikadai Medical Ninjutsu

With limited release dates and extreme time constraints, the Boruto manga largely focuses on the Otsutsuki and the events related to their existence. This focus leads to a lack of character development for the series' entirely new set of cast. However, the anime-only arcs showcase a side of these characters that the manga canon episodes fail to present.

Whether it's the second chunin exams arc or the initial academy arc, the anime canon parts of the story are essential to understanding each new character's backstory and motivations. Be it Sumire's drive to protect Konoha or Shikadai’s feats as Chunin, the anime arcs are crucial to understanding the role these ancillary characters play in aiding the primary cast.

Worldbuilding and Exposition

The Boruto Manga Has Limited Worldbuilding

Apart from filling in the gaps in the manga’s storyline, Boruto’s anime-only episodes add one more integral element to the series — worldbuilding. From the refurbished Hidden Mist Village to the Hidden Stone’s new advancements, the Boruto anime sheds light on the developments that have taken place in the Five Great Nations.

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While this element might not be integral to the manga’s central premise revolving around the Otsutsuki, it still serves as a way for fans to connect to the Naruto world. Moreover, the Five Great Nations received little to no screen time in the original Naruto series, making this exposition a redemption for the franchise’s initial lack of geopolitical exposition.

The Final Verdict

Boruto’s Anime-Only Episodes Are Worth a Shot

Boruto’s anime adaptation and manga can be considered two separate storylines, with both mediums intertwining at certain points of the story. This has led to the manga referencing certain elements from the anime-only arcs, making them canonical to a certain degree. Moreover, these arcs are packed with character development, worldbuilding, and story exposition.

Viewers who are merely following the Boruto series to catch up with the storyline can safely skip the series’ anime-only arcs. However, fans of the original who would love to see their beloved characters in action once more should certainly give the anime-only episodes a try. While some can be a let-down, the vast majority of these arcs add to the overall narrative of Boruto, all while bridging the gap between the manga and the anime.

Boruto is available to stream on Prime Video.

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