For three weeks now, Naruto has not only been included in USA Today's list of the nation's top 150 bestselling books but has significantly risen in the rankings ever since its volumes 16, 17 and 18 were released earlier this month.

Written and illustrated by artist Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto follows the adventures of Naruto Uzumaki, a hyperactive adolescent ninja who constantly searches for recognition and strives to become the strongest ninja in the village.  It also features his interactions with other characters like Sakura Haruno, Sasuke Uchiha and Kakashi Hatake.

Naruto's volumes 16, 17 and 18, which were released on September 4, initially landed in the 102, 93, and 62 positions, respectively.  The following week, all three volumes climbed the charts, with volume 16 rising to number 74 and volume 17 mounting almost 30 spaces to number 65.  Among the three volumes, volume 18 remains to be the bestseller with its current spot at number 37.

Other Naruto volumes that ever placed higher in the rankings were volumes 9 and 13.  Volume 9 spent seven weeks on the list and peaked at number 29, while volume 13, which also spent seven weeks on the list, ascended as high as number 25.  During its eight weeks as a bestseller from August to October of last year, it landed the number 21 spot.  It held one of the highest spots ever held by a manga.

Only time will tell if the recently released and upcoming volumes of Naruto will surpass or even equal the rankings of its earlier chapters.

As reported previously, more volumes are slated for release before the year ends.  These include volumes 19 to 21, which will be released in October, volumes 22 to 24, which is scheduled for November, and volumes 25 to 27, which is set for December.


-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: USA Today
(Image courtesy of Cartoon Network)