Naruto: Chibi Sasuke’s Sharingan Legend, Vol. 1

This episodic comedy spin-off follows the misadventures of the most infamous member of the Naruto books. Sasuke and his villain team, juxtaposed onto the page as adorable chibi (cute) characters, deal with a myriad of two-page escapades involving dysfunctional ninja Christmases and problems with an overly warm kotatsu (heated table). While the art style and jokes are so intense that they can only be read a few at a time without bringing on a headache, the book offers a deep and playful knowledge of the characters that will readily amuse any fan of the original series. Taira, a former assistant of Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto who also helmed the Naruto spin-off Rock Lee’s Springtime of Youth, once more delivers the franchise’s high artistic and storytelling standards with dexterity, helped along by a punchy translation. (Sept.)