Compare/Contrast “Naruto, Vol. 1: The Quest of the Ninja” and “American Borne Chinese”

I absolutely loved “American Born Chinese,” but I did not particularly like “Naruto.” I was worried about being able to read a graphic novel, since I have never been into comic books or any other graphic novels. However, “American Born Chinese” is a wonderful book for someone like me, who is just getting started with graphic novels.

Both graphic novels had great stories. Both stories were inspiring and very humorous at times. However, the “Naruto” storyline is one that is relatively overplayed. I’ve read too many stories about the trickster-orphan who goes on to greatness, it is sort of cliché. “American Born Chinese” had a story that has to do with real issues currently in the United States. On the back of the book, one critic compared it to Toni Morrison’s phenomenal (in my opinion) novel “The Bluest Eye.” I totally agree with that critic. I would teach “American Born Chinese” in my class, because it provides insight into the lives of Asian-American students. Through reading this, students can gain another perspective and critique the silly Asian stereotypes. This book has qualities that books of the Canon also possess, because through reading this book and books in the Canon, students may become better critics of themselves and of society. I think it is extremely important for students to not only be aware of stereotypes and complications of being an immigrant, but more important, to challenge the stereotypes and complications by learning to appreciate diversity and one’s culture.

The narration was simply placed in the boxes, where it was clear that it was narration. The balloons with dialogue were very easy to follow, also. However, the illustrations were so great, that the narration and dialogue bubbles were almost not even needed. I liked that the words were emphasized when necessary and that English-slip-ups were included. It was also effective to the portrayal of Chin-Kee that his R’s were L’s, and his L’s were R’s. The pictures were so well drawn that the story was totally clear to me. I especially liked the pane without any words at all, at some points, the illustrations drove the story. The large panes that took up the whole page were not only effective, but they made the book a super-quick read! I loved the characters and their illustrations. Chin-Kee, the Chinese cousin, was an exact depiction of common negative Chinese stereotype. The portrayal of the characters’ emotions was also very effective in the illustrations; perhaps my favorite was the frustration in the Money King’s face, it always made me laugh.

It sounds strange to say, but I liked the clean look of the page. There was a thick rim of white border on each page and thick white gutter that made reading the book easy and fast. In “Naruto,” I hated that the entire pages were covered in black ink. It was frustrating to me that the pages in “Naruto” didn’t have the same neat look that “American Born Chinese” (the color may have helped, too).

Clearly, I am extremely biased toward “American Born Chinese.” It deserved the manny awards it has won! I simply cannot put my finger on whatever has made “Naruto” such a hit. I had so much trouble figuring out how to read it. Once I had realized how it is meant to be read, I was still confused. There was too much going on in each page, my eyes must have gotten lost in the chaos. I researched and found that there are several volumes of "Naruto," there is a "Naruto" game, cartoons and it even a movie. I would recommend the book to students, however, because I know it is extremely successful and that others love it.