The Infinite Tsukiyomi is in effect and the world is in peril. Kaguya, the originator of chakra, is hellbent on absorbing the world's chakra and it's up to Naruto and Sasuke to seal her away before she destroys their world! Hiding in the shadows, her son Black Zetsu manages to wheel and deal his way through centuries of ninja history to revive his mother, using various individuals like Kabuto and the Uchiha clan. With this intricate plan already in motion, Kaguya and Black Zetsu aren't pulling any punches in this final battle of multidimensional proportions!

Having absorbed the power of the Sage of Six Paths, Naruto and Sasuke are holding their own against a foe who can shift through dimensions and insta-kill anything that her projectiles hit. Helping them out are Sakura, Kakashi and even Obito, who not too long ago was a villain but had finally seen the error of his ways. Teamwork is essential to survive, especially if you're dangling over a pit of magma! Still, survival isn't enough when trying to fight back against a god and thankfully Naruto is clever enough to counter with a never-before-seen jutsu. It's so crazy and novel, you'll laugh when it appears. And believe me, you'll know what I'm talking about when you see it. BOAWOOOOF!!

Kishimoto Sensei's art is strong in this volume, which is important for the climax of a 70+ volume epic. One of the backdrops, the ice world with the lone castle on top, is one of the coolest I've seen in the series. And the writing is solid, save for some long-winded exposition by Black Zetsu. There's a lot of defining lines, including one by Kakashi which is a throwback to his first impression to Squad Seven. It really brings out the nostalgia.

With just one more volume to go, Naruto volume 71 is the penultimate volume of the series. If you've been collecting the graphic novels since the very first one then you'll be satisfied with this climax of Naruto's adventures.

Naruto volume 71 is available in print at your local bookstore and digital at viz.com.

by Ray n.