How will the dub affect Naruto's popularity?

[R_Lee86]

Pretty simple question, will the dub be good or bad for its popularity? Will the so called "Anime Elitists" shun it like they did with the DBZ dub? Will Naruto be ruined by kids under 12 buying everything in sight?

[Masaki]

Well, if you consider a bunch of kids liking the show towards making it popular...

[A Wolf's Shadow]

i really wish they hosted it on [as].:notrust

[Daniee]

The dub will only raise it's popularity...some people who see the dub first might just come on the internet and get the subs/manga.

[Shino's a Bad Man]

i think it will be good and bad. yes, you'll get the kid crowd who will watch nothing but the dub, and will buy happy meals with naruto toys ect., but it'll mean more exposure to the american public who might then go online and look up the real episodes and dload some manga chapters.

[Dannyz]

Animes in general do not have much appeal to the general American audience. If you guys are thinking you will see naruto happy meals or naruto headbands on every kid you see, you will be sorely disappointed. Anime has been and will most likely will be in the future a "niche" genre of American entertainment. It is true that now the dub is coming out that Naruto will be more popular stateside, but the things you guys are saying are vastly overappreciated.

edit: American can be substituted with any non-Japanese society, since Canada is also getting the dub.

[Bizarro]

Animes in general do not have much appeal to the general American audience. If you guys are thinking you will see naruto happy meals or naruto headbands on every kid you see, you will be sorely disappointed. Anime has been and will most likely will be in the future a "niche" genre of American entertainment. It is true that now the dub is coming out that Naruto will be more popular stateside, but the things you guys are saying are vastly overappreciated.

edit: American can be substituted with any non-Japanese society, since Canada is also getting the dub.
But anime in america is growing popular solely because of toonami and [adult swim] so there is no telling what to expect from naruto

[helldragon]

Pretty simple question, will the dub be good or bad for its popularity? Will the so called "Anime Elitists" shun it like they did with the DBZ dub? Will Naruto be ruined by kids under 12 buying everything in sight?

Kids liking Naruto won't ruin it. Why? Because Naruto has always been and always will be a kids show. Don't forget that Japanese TV is more liberal when it comes to violence and nudity. A lot of little kids in Japan already like it so there's nothing wrong with american kids liking it.

Also, Viz isn't even targetting kids even though they're the target audience audience in Japan. They said they were targetting teenagers and tweens.

[Dannyz]

But anime in america is growing popular solely because of toonami and [adult swim] so there is no telling what to expect from naruto

yeah but from what ive been reading on the forums people think its going to be the next pokemon or something. its just going to be another show on tv, i dun even expect it to get monster ratings like people are expecting. though i dun expect it to get very low ratings either. the thing is, a year from now if you ask someone off the street if they know what naruto is i expect 8/10 to have no idea what you are talking about.

[R_Lee86]

Kids liking Naruto won't ruin it. Why? Because Naruto has always been and always will be a kids show. Don't forget that Japanese TV is more liberal when it comes to violence and nudity. A lot of little kids in Japan already like it so there's nothing wrong with american kids liking it.

Also, Viz isn't even targetting kids even though they're the target audience audience in Japan. They said they were targetting teenagers and tweens.

But the difference there is American kids are alot stupider than Japanese kids.

[helldragon]

It's not the american kids who are stupid. It's the parents. They think that showing a little bit of blood will turn their kids into psychos.

[EndlessMix]

i think it will be good and bad. yes, you'll get the kid crowd who will watch nothing but the dub, and will buy happy meals with naruto toys ect., but it'll mean more exposure to the american public who might then go online and look up the real episodes and dload some manga chapters.

No, they will not go and download subs and manga. If they were anything like I was while watching DBZ, I didn't even KNOW it was a comic until.. a while.

I just don't want these people coming on NF.com, and then whining if we spoil it for them. Because come on... the entire spoiler's a forum until they even INTRODUCE Lee, Neji, etc etc.

I just hope they keep the kickass beginning themes.

[Crush!]

Considering it's a kids show, what's the problem with actual kids watching and liking it? Does it make you feel less anime-nerd elite?

[TheVileOne]

i really wish they hosted it on [as].:notrust

Why? Naruto believe it or not is a youth oriented show. And by putting it on Adult Swim you cut a large part out of a potential audience.

Cartoon Network recognizes the mass and broad appeal this property could have. So putting a show like Naruto on Cartoon Network is ridiculous.

And the DVD's will be totally uncut, so what's the big deal?

The English dub of Naruto will just make it more popular and accessible. I think that's a good thing.

[Sweet Ambrosia]

Considering it's a kids show, what's the problem with actual kids watching and liking it? Does it make you feel less anime-nerd elite?
It might make someone who is 20 and likes the show a little uncomfortable thinking that they're into something little kids obsess over. They and others may question their maturity.

[TheVileOne]

It might make someone who is 20 and likes the show a little uncomfortable thinking that they're into something little kids obsess over. They and others may question their maturity.

They'll also probably get pissed about it when kids start loving and talking about the show. Even though its much loved by kids already in Japan and believe it or not, here as well. I see tons of young people cosplaying as Naruto characters at anime conventions. So its not just adults right now either.

[Toadstule]

It will make Naruto more popular probably, but thats because many young kids will be watching it.

[Hatake Kakashiold]

I will bring many halfassed noobs to the forums, thats what.

[TheVileOne]

It will make Naruto more popular probably, but thats because many young kids will be watching it.

Young kids already watch it. Especially in its native Japan.

I will bring many halfassed noobs to the forums, thats what.

These people already exist without an English dub.

[Chas3265]

i think it will be good and bad. yes, you'll get the kid crowd who will watch nothing but the dub, and will buy happy meals with naruto toys ect., but it'll mean more exposure to the american public who might then go online and look up the real episodes and dload some manga chapters.

Yeah it's gonna be so weird seeing Naruto toys at Mcdonalds and all the merchandise.

[TheVileOne]

Yeah it's gonna be so weird seeing Naruto toys at Mcdonalds and all the merchandise.

In other words...we *GASP* might be seeing nearly the same amount of Naruto merchandise that there is in Japan?! THE HORROR!

[Blaze of Glory]

More likely all the kids will be interested in Kakashi because he was ranked No.1 in the American manga and pretty much the most popular dude.Also little kids probaly won't be able to watch it after the 1st episode because of Naruto's little eye candy show.

[organizedcrime]

And I suspect once Jiraiya shows up anyone left sneaking TV will be caught.

[Kool ka lang]

It might make someone who is 20 and likes the show a little uncomfortable thinking that they're into something little kids obsess over. They and others may question their maturity.


well, not unless they go on the net, find this site, and find that other twenty somethings likes the stuff. btw, Naruto has already crept in the little brains of elementary school kids near my house, I overheard a little kid saying, "Hey, y'all should go to the internet and read naruto. I stayed up the whole night reading and watching the stuff!!! my brother told me about it.":blink :blink
That was scary for me.

[Masaki]

yeah but from what ive been reading on the forums people think its going to be the next pokemon or something. its just going to be another show on tv, i dun even expect it to get monster ratings like people are expecting. though i dun expect it to get very low ratings either. the thing is, a year from now if you ask someone off the street if they know what naruto is i expect 8/10 to have no idea what you are talking about.


Hey, don't go comparing Naruto's dub to Pokemon's dub! Pokemon was dubbed by 4Kids, which automatically makes it bad. Viz is more trustworthy than 4Kids, though it's still no guarantee that it'll turn out as good as one would hope.

[TheVileOne]

More likely all the kids will be interested in Kakashi because he was ranked No.1 in the American manga and pretty much the most popular dude.Also little kids probaly won't be able to watch it after the 1st episode because of Naruto's little eye candy show.

Well Kakashi is one of the coolest characters. Kakashi is like the Wolverine of Naruto, so of course he's going to be one of the most popular in America.

The show will be edited, and kids will be able to watch it.

They did things more suggestive on Dragon Ball when it was shown on Toonami. Like Yamcha peaking in on a naked Bulma in a shower. Though they just covered up the naughty bits. There is no explicit nudity in Naruto, so I doubt it will be that big of an issue.

[Potentialflip]

The dub being good or bad for popularity?! Don't know if that's even worth answering cause that would eventually make Naruto hit the mainstream all over the westernized culture of the world. So I would say yes it should be good. As far as shunning away from it you have to more elaborative with it like will you not watch it at all or put it down like some have with the DBZ dub. In all fairness I don't think so. Cause after all we all have favorite episodes and parts in the anime. I'm sure we will go and watch and not shun away from it unless the dub is truly that horrible. Will Naruto be ruined by kids under 12 years old? I don't see how that would ruin Naruto at all. It might ruin some older people's pride that kids are so into this stuff. That is the only ruinning I could consider when it comes to that question.

the thing is, a year from now if you ask someone off the street if they know what naruto is i expect 8/10 to have no idea what you are talking about.
When you mentioned "someone" your talking about a kid or just anyone in particular?! Cause believe me... If that someone has no knowledge of cartoon shows in general (meaning like today's cartoons) of course you could expect that 8/10 will have no idea what one would be talking about.

If you guys are thinking you will see naruto happy meals or naruto headbands on every kid you see, you will be sorely disappointed.
Uhm... You have to remember. Unlike some series. Naruto is slated to be very marketed to the public the way Pokemon and Dragon Ball was. Not every series does the marketing stuff. Viz has put effort and a lot of time to team up with companies to help market Naruto the way those two (Pokemon and Dragon Ball) have. I'm not sure about the happy meals just yet. But I do see the lunch boxes the school supplies. Will it be a huge craze now that you could say is going a bit over the top. Cause only Pokemon (despite almost everyone dislikes that now including myself) was the only craze that came from Japan that hit the U.S. (Possibly because it was on Network TV; But heck Dragon Ball started on Network TV in some areas like mine) other than that nothing else.

[Kakashi and Sasuke Lover]

Originally Posted by Dannyz
yeah but from what ive been reading on the forums people think its going to be the next pokemon or something. its just going to be another show on tv, i dun even expect it to get monster ratings like people are expecting. though i dun expect it to get very low ratings either. the thing is, a year from now if you ask someone off the street if they know what naruto is i expect 8/10 to have no idea what you are talking about.

I have to agree with you half on that. Naruto is way better then Pokemon so I don't really think you should be comparing them together. On the other hand, they are both really popular in Japan, ne? Thats probably why everybody is expecting it to be so popular. Nobody really knows if it will turn out like a fad just like Pokemon or not..

[Procyon]

I think Naruto is the spark that's going to start a United States anime craze. I know very few people besides myself that enjoy anime, but this is one anime, that if it is publicized properly, it'll eventually spread by word of mouth and look attractive to anyone. This might lead to a lot of kiddy Naruto stuff, but it seems as though it will also be preserved for the people who have been watching the dub for years. I got that impression by going to the VIZ website, and stuff. Hot Topic is to be an exclusive retailer, and that store is more geared towards teenagers.

[SeruraRenge]

I believe the true question is "How will it NOT affect Naruto's popularity?"

[Rudox]

With a bigger audience it's obvious Naruto will be more popular now which is a good thing. Now there's a bigger chance of someone out there liking something you like and that means more Naruto goodness for all. If you don't like it you can always have the comfort of watching the subbed version.

[iGo]

Who cares if others are going to start liking Naruto? I always considered Naruto under the DBZ category, and many at my church already knew what Naruto was before it hit CN...and the only other shows they knew were DBZ and Inu Yasha and "those" shows...

As for its popularity...I am confident that Naruto WILL be big, just give it some time.

[Hotaru]

I really doubt that there will ever be McDonald's toys. It will definitely make the show more popular, though.

[Aethos]

Heck Naruto''s gonna be big. Thanks to the fact that the dub is actually decent.

I wish One Piece would have gotten the same treatment. Heck most everyone I see hates the series in general all thanks to the dub T_T

[Nination]

This is gonna be bad...very bad...

At least it will correct people from saying nar-a-tu.

[KaizokuxAi]

I'm gonna have to go around correcting people on how to pronounce "Naruto" and "Uchiha"... *sigh*.

That is, if it becomes popular. And I'm not buying anything from Hot Topic; that store is totally retarded. I'll be ordering my Naruto merch online, plzkthx.

[Lien]

The popularity will boom, to those who haven't seen it before. They will love it even more, and as a result of that, even more members joining the forums. All welcome of course :)

[Kucheeky Badkuya]

As I see it. I don't give a damn. I am still going to watch and people here will still watch. The only way, it will lose popularity if it ends now. And than everyone is finished with it. I control what I watch, I don't control what you do. If I anna read/watch Naruto, I will read/watch Naruto.

But, popularity of dub fans wil grow but than stop probably by next year when the fillers attack. Soon, yo will here in the news, 'Local kid trys to do 'rasengan in front of an uncoming truck' or 'Young Girl tries to copy a mans gun while shooting at her'

[faux_fox]

well, not unless they go on the net, find this site, and find that other twenty somethings likes the stuff. btw, Naruto has already crept in the little brains of elementary school kids near my house, I overheard a little kid saying, "Hey, y'all should go to the internet and read naruto. I stayed up the whole night reading and watching the stuff!!! my brother told me about it.":blink :blink
That was scary for me.
Heh... Now ya know how I felt when I heard about people your age talking about it. For your information, I am twenty something. Also, it's not that hard to find other people that are twenty something and otaku. Besides, if there weren't people our age that were into anime, there would never be any manga artists.

[Despaired_Angel]

i somehow get the feeling that dubbed naruto will just be another anime like pokemon or yugioh. little kids will just run around acting like ninja wannabes, making a sad attempt to imitate the seals, holding naruto action figures, naruto trading cards, acting like complete retards, etc.

[DeathIsComing]

wait...that didnt make sense. if people, or should i say 12 years old, are buying Naruto merchandise, isnt that a good thing?....

[organizedcrime]

Yes, yes it is, but some people just think it will become like Pokemon. Not exactly, if they had some blood in it, naked women, and basic violence I don't think little "retarded" kids will be even allowed to watch it.

[DeathIsComing]

lol. cracked me up when i read "retarded"....harhar....anyways, i think the show is a bit too violence for them youngsters.

[TheVileOne]

I hope we see tons of Naruto merchandise in stores soon.

I want a Kakashi action figure. NON-imported!

[DeathIsComing]

yea. i want a Naruto plushie. :P

[trooper11]

naruto's popularity can only go up at this point.

i really dont care if the merchandising rivals pokemon or not. as long as they keep pumping out a good series in japan, ill be content lol

[Blackvoice]

i am guessing it will make it bigger than it already was. with the kids on the playground practicing their jutsus it's gonna be great.

as long as they do not try to leap from tree to tree and throw sharp things at each other.

[trooper11]

im reminded of a certain South Park episode involving ninjas lol

[TheVileOne]

That was a great anime parody episode. One could almost connect some of the references to Naruto :P .

The thing is, despite the heaping amounts of violence and some pervertedness, Naruto is actually a highly moral and CLASSY show. I think it teaches good values and has a strong message.

[icoselitham]

^I've been saying that for years.

[TheVileOne]

I mean that's why people can't really bitch about the content or anything.

I also think, having respect for one's home, patriotism, along with protecting your friends and family are things I think most people can sympathize and relate to.

[genesisofire]

I mean that's why people can't really bitch about the content or anything.

I also think, having respect for one's home, patriotism, along with protecting your friends and family are things I think most people can sympathize and relate to.


I agree completely. Naruto has great values and morals. I remember when (SPOILER if you're a dub only watcher)







Naruto told Neji how you can always change you're fate, no matter what the circumstance. I mean that can really help kids that suffer from let's say cancer. Sadly, I just know that at least someone will complain about how "evil" it is, but their opinions will never affect CN or any network from airing it or not.

[TheVileOne]

Also, no matter how hopeless the situation, Naruto NEVER gives up.

[Splintered]

The conventions will be dominated by Naruto cosplayers. There will be a flux of Naruto-Linkin Park AMV's and badly written fanfictions. We will have thousands of yaoi fangirls going "OMG SAKURA SUX0RZ SASUNARU 4EVA!" or "OMG INO PIG/HINATARD BOO! SAKURA IS X1000 BETTER". We will have annoying posts in this forum about the same thing over and over again. Elitism will spread. Grammar will be forgoten. Missprounciations will rule.

...

Oh wait.

The fandom is already like that. My bad.

[Cougar-kun]

I'm pretty sure that its population will sky rocket...those who haven't seen Naruto outside of the dubs (in anyway) would be drawn to it; if they like the story line that is.

I would like to see more Naruto cosplayers...It is fun to take their pictures, they go right onto my school binders once developed.

[Rurouni]

Most likely, Naruto's population will dramtically increase, probably reaching it's peak in the next year or so. Little kids (and probably older people) in the US will love it, while those who watch the subs can continue to watch the subs. The only thing that will cause its downfall, if it becomes another Pokemon or something (I love Pokemon by the way :D)....

[Prodigy-child]

Well if you check ANN or Animation Insider, the ratings were pretty much a sucess.

http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=856

[TheVileOne]

The conventions will be dominated by Naruto cosplayers. There will be a flux of Naruto-Linkin Park AMV's and badly written fanfictions. We will have thousands of yaoi fangirls going "OMG SAKURA SUX0RZ SASUNARU 4EVA!" or "OMG INO PIG/HINATARD BOO! SAKURA IS X1000 BETTER". We will have annoying posts in this forum about the same thing over and over again. Elitism will spread. Grammar will be forgoten. Missprounciations will rule.

...

Oh wait.

The fandom is already like that. My bad.

I love this post Splintered, you know why? It was the same deal when Fullmetal Alchemist was coming to the US. A bunch of jerks had that exact same attitude, but they were too ignorant to realize, that fandom was already like that before Funimation started doing Alchemist. And they did a great job. But the otaku still remained elitist and snobby. And it really just ticks me off.

[Cougar-kun]

Well if you check ANN or Animation Insider, the ratings were pretty much a sucess.

http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=856
Those are some high numbers... :oh

[genesisofire]

Ratings will go up even higher once the series actually builds up its storyline. It's still only in the stage when they introduce all the characters. Unfortunately, the good stuff won't start for another 10 or so episodes. That should take about 2 months airing one new episode a week.:sad Or at least I think it's one, I hope they stick to two like the first week.

[Heihachi]

Nope definetly not, I was playing world of warcraft and on general chat people were talking about it XD

[shadowfoxyuri]

But the difference there is American kids are alot stupider than Japanese kids.thats not true, my cousins (japanese) r waaaaaay more immature than i am, if u say a word like booger, or butt, they gigle, and think its hilarious, and theyre both 12, so its a lot more different than wat u think

[n8dogg]

It's not that Japanese kids aren't stupid or they're much more mature than kids in America... infact, it's practically opposite.

The only difference is that the japanese kids KNOW THEIR PLACE. They know to listen to their elders for fear of getting smacked around.

They don't respect foreigners though... especially of the American or Canadian type.

[Danielle]

Ratings will go up even higher once the series actually builds up its storyline. It's still only in the stage when they introduce all the characters. Unfortunately, the good stuff won't start for another 10 or so episodes. That should take about 2 months airing one new episode a week.:sad Or at least I think it's one, I hope they stick to two like the first week.

Unfortunately, the back-to-back new episode thing was only for the premiere night..... at least according to Toonzone. :sad

[Heihachi]

Aw, really? Damn oh well, I guess they are taking out the back to back episodes of one piece, atleast one of um.

[helldragon]

It's not that Japanese kids aren't stupid or they're much more mature than kids in America... infact, it's practically opposite.

The only difference is that the japanese kids KNOW THEIR PLACE. They know to listen to their elders for fear of getting smacked around.

They don't respect foreigners though... especially of the American or Canadian type.

True. I kinda find it ironic that a lot of Japanese dislike foreigners but at the same time love American music and movies. They're pretty successful in Japan.

[RadishMan]

True. I kinda find it ironic that a lot of Japanese dislike foreigners but at the same time love American music and movies. They're pretty successful in Japan.
Does disliking a person have much to do with that? My Mom doesn't really like black people or asians but I'll be damned if she isn't a mark for Chinese food and the Parkers.

[Splintered]

It's the same thing around the world. People hate America but love our merchandise. It's the same thing for Japan, the region distrusts Japan but loves their anime. -_-

Money crosses all boundaries.

[brother-ernest]

ive only seen a clip it wasnt that bad its popularity will increase obviously. If you make something available to more people then you're gonna get more people interested.simple as.


i await your negative reps, bring it

[ReikaiDemon]

I'd say it would get more popular, it was pretty popular before the dub, heck, I looked in PSM magazine this month, and one guy on the staff listed Naruto as his interests/likes.

[nah-nah]

...honestly...

I think giving it a bigger fanbase is cool...

But I'm really not looking forward to the commercials... and the explosion of merchandise...And here's my worst case scenario:

Naruto boxers. It's kind of creepy.

Think about it... some little 12-year old boy with Orochimaru on his crotch.

Or has that already happened...? hmm...

[ReikaiDemon]

Nah, I think Oro's going by years, he hasn't got a 12 year old yet, though, that may change with Orochimaru boxers *imagines the flap of the boxer where Orochimaru's mouth is* O.o *dies* X.X

[Kakashi_owns]

Hey Naruto is already getting alot of hype over here after airing only one episode. I went to school today and like almost my whole art class was talking about it and I asked them if they watched the subs, they said theve only saw the first episode on ytv. I was like wow that many people already like it after only one episode. After that they were asking how i got the naruto key chain on my bag.

[nah-nah]

Nah, I think Oro's going by years, he hasn't got a 12 year old yet, though, that may change with Orochimaru boxers *imagines the flap of the boxer where Orochimaru's mouth is* O.o *dies* X.X

Yeah, and then that kid thinking it's cool because it's kinda like Oro's sword...

:S

[blind51de]

Jeez, any dub is in its growing pains at this stage. It's only the first bloody week. The dub is going to good, wanna know why? Because I am always right. Honestly, I am. Because I have mystical precognitive powers.

OoooooOOOOOooooooOOOOhhhhHHHHH! I know the date of your DEATH. Go me!

Anyway, Naruto dub will turn out good when it grows into its own. Stop whining so early while it's in its weak state.

IT WILL BE GOOD AND THERE WILL BE A FAR LARGER FAN FOLLOWING. BLIND HAS SPOKEN.
/runs

[mgrace]

Well we will know in 3 months time... People will flood in here brand new... newbies.... also see if Toonami buys another 50 episodes

[Ultimate_Idiot]

I hope they never buy the recent ones...Then buy it later when it's not recent..
Anyways, I hate the idea of merchandise. It's gonna be Naruto boxers,sneakers, sad lunchboxes, bags, cheezy-ass costumes, the lot. Also, the themesong ub3r-s|_|><0r2!!!
(Sucks) (>^_^;)> Kirby says the same..Little kids practising jutsus in the park!?!?
Although, I know one jutsu that is actually possible:
Dude, this is aces info!! (http://narutofever.com/information/byakugan.php)

[Hatake7002]

I don think it will do well considering the fact that... Um many things I just dont wanna point fingers. It needs alot of work. but the voices need sum work too.
Like when ppl say names like Saucekay .and Naaruto . and Sockura. U know?

[RockLee]

Actually that's how they are pronounced...-_-'.

About the merchandice...guys, and gals, that already exists everywhere in Japan. So...deal. =D

[numerrik]

you know why people censor? because they think they can't teach well.
janan has the unedited naruto because the parents and what not think(and do) teacj their kids that this is a tv show not real. but american parents fear that once the kids see it it will corrupt them, because american parents shirk enough of the responcibility to raise/teach their kids what is right and wrong.

thats my guess anyway.

[speedygaara]

I think it wont be a problem only cause im 12, but i watch the subbs.
and i just wanted to let all of you people who have left comments that its not only America that watches Dubs.. do not forget australia!

[JediJaina]

This is a very old thread from 2005 anyway. The dubs are shown in the UK, Australia, Canada, and the US.


Locking it since the popularity thing is no longer an issue.