If Boruto Isn’t Your Thing, This Series Inspired by Naruto Deserves Your Attention

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It was always going to be difficult for *Boruto* to live up to the legacy of *Naruto*, one of the most popular anime and manga series ever. Balancing what fans loved about the original with new stories proved challenging, and many feel *Boruto* doesn’t quite measure up. While it has some good moments, viewers often find it lacks the strong emotions, detailed world, and compelling character development that made *Naruto* so impactful. The new series sometimes feels less intense, with an inconsistent pace and a more refined, but less heartfelt, style. For longtime *Naruto* fans, *Boruto* can feel disconnected from the spirit of the original.

If you’re not completely satisfied with *Boruto*, *Radiant* could be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s an anime based on a French comic series – similar to manga – that clearly draws inspiration from popular shows like *Naruto*, *One Piece*, and *Fairy Tail*. However, *Radiant* doesn’t just copy those series; it creates its own unique world, characters, and atmosphere. The anime aired for two seasons beginning in 2018, and the original comic by Tony Valente is still being released. This article will explain what makes *Radiant* special, how it stacks up against *Boruto*, and why it might actually capture the heart of *Naruto* better than its sequel.

Radiant’s Rise: A French Shonen That Found Its Place in Japan

Radiant is a French comic, part of a style called “manfra” – comics that look and feel like Japanese manga. While many similar stories come from Japan, Radiant was created by French artist Tony Valente, who aimed to create a series as popular as titles like Naruto and One Piece, but with its own unique spin. An anime adaptation produced by Studio Lerche aired for two seasons from 2018 to 2020. It was well-animated, stayed true to the source material, and was even broadcast internationally, including in Japan – a rare feat for a comic not originally from Japan.

Although the anime adaptation ended after two seasons and a third hasn’t been announced, it significantly increased the popularity of the *Radiant* series. Notably, *Radiant* became the first French manga published by a leading Japanese publisher, a major achievement that garnered industry recognition. Because of this success, the *Radiant* manga is still being created and enjoyed in 2025, with 19 French volumes currently available and translations ongoing for English, Japanese, German, Spanish, and more.

A Fresh Take on Familiar Shonen Themes

At its heart, *Radiant* uses many common themes found in shonen anime and manga. Like the main character in *Naruto*, Seth is a young boy with a unique power – called Fantasia – who faces fear and misunderstanding because of it. He’s seen as a danger due to his connection with the Nemeses, magical creatures that cause trouble in the world. Although the story starts with familiar elements, *Radiant* quickly sets itself apart.

The game *Radiant* takes place in a world of floating islands, where a powerful, corrupt group called the Inquisition controls everything and people are ostracized due to magical abilities. While inspired by Japanese games, *Radiant* stands out thanks to these original ideas. The story follows Seth’s quest to become stronger, but it’s also a personal journey of self-discovery – he has to decide who he wants to be in a world that’s afraid of him. This focus on his internal growth makes his development feel genuine and meaningful.

Unlike *Boruto*, which has struggled to establish its own identity while living in the shadow of *Naruto* and appealing to both old and new fans, *Radiant* starts with a clean slate. This allows it to maintain a consistent focus and tell a story that’s easy for everyone – both new viewers and longtime fans of the shonen genre – to enjoy and connect with.

I’m completely hooked on *Radiant* because of how it blends Western and Japanese storytelling – it’s brilliant! As someone who reads a lot of manga, the rhythm, the jokes, and even the emotional moments feel spot-on, but there’s a freshness to the characters that really grabs you. It just proves that amazing shonen stories aren’t limited to Japan; they can come from anywhere! *Radiant* clearly respects its influences, but it brings its own unique spin to things, and that’s what makes it so special.

Why Radiant Might Be the Naruto Successor We Actually Needed

Many fans feel that *Radiant* captures the spirit of the original *Naruto* better than *Boruto* does. Like *Naruto*, it focuses on a young hero navigating a dangerous world, building relationships, and maturing through genuine struggles – it’s about more than just getting stronger. Seth’s story emphasizes self-discovery and understanding the world, mirroring the emotional resonance that made *Naruto* so popular.

I’m completely hooked on *Radiant*! What really grabs me is the intrigue surrounding the Nemeses, and the way the world unfolds bit by bit, revealing deeper secrets. It builds tension so well without needing to lean on established characters. Honestly, if they ever get a third season – or even a fresh start with a bit more focus and funding – I think it could become *huge*. It’s not trying to *be* *Naruto*, and that’s great. It’s a fantastic story for anyone who loves the genre but wants something a little different, something that really respects its roots while still forging its own path.

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2025-09-27 20:18