Masashi Kishimoto, creator of the 205,000,000 copies in print Naruto comic, will be making an extremely rare appearance at this year’s New York Comic Con with two special signings—one at Books Kinokuniya and one at the Tribeca outpost of Barnes and Noble. It’s not only Kishimoto-sensei’s first appearance in the US, it’s also his first con appearance ever. And probably one of the few times he’s left his house during the 18-year run of the international smash hit.
We’re kidding a little about the leaving the house bit, but as we’ve mentioned here many times in the past, manga creators can lead a pretty monastic lifestyle, even with the help of assistants. Since Naruto ended last year, he’s been busy with various manga about Boruto, Naruto’s son, and also writing the Naruto movie, but hopefully he’s been enjoying some time off.
The two signings, which will be co-sponsored by the Japan Foundation and Viz, Naruto’s US publisher, are part of ReedPOP’s Super Week that will see the whole city of New York given over to nerd and geek events that are sure to delight and entertain fans. “Masashi Kishimoto has had a tremendous impact on the pop culture landscape with NARUTO, and the bestselling series has captivated millions of fans internationally and introduced scores more to the exciting world of manga,” said Andy Nakatani, Editor in Chief, WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP. “We are honored to welcome him to New York Comic Con and Super Week and invite fans to share in the excitement with these special personal appearances!”
Details of the signings, which will be huge events, below:
Masashi Kishimoto Kinokuniya Signing Event
Friday, Oct. 9th, 8:30pm
Kinokuniya Book Store, 1073 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10018
Meet Masashi Kishimoto, creator of NARUTO, the best-selling manga series that inspired a generation of fans around the world and spawned hit anime series, movies, video games, novels and more. This event is an extremely rare opportunity to see the legendary Kishimoto in his first public appearances outside of Japan.
All participants must secure a SuperWeek event ticket. NARUTO Volume 72, featuring an exclusive New York Comic Con variant cover drawn by Kishimoto, will be available for purchase. Attendees will receive a free autographed Shikishi art board with purchase of one of Kishimoto’s works. (*Note: Kishimoto will only sign the provided shikishi and on-site purchased book.) For additional information and tickets, please visit: http://www.newyorksuperweek.com/en/Sessions/14846/Masashi-Kishimoto-Signing
Masashi Kishimoto Barnes & Noble Tribeca Signing Event
Saturday, Oct. 10th, 3:30pm
Barnes & Noble Tribeca, 97 Warren St., New York, NY 10007
Masashi Kishimoto makes his second appearance for New York Super Week at the Barnes & Noble Tribeca location. The Barnes & Noble Tribeca signing will be limited to the first 110 customers that purchase one of Kishimoto’s works; NARUTO Volume 72 featuring an exclusive New York Comic Con variant cover drawn by Kishimoto will also be available for purchase at this venue. Each person will receive an exclusive shikishi art board signed personally signed by the artist. (*Note: Kishimoto will only sign the provided shikishi and on-site purchased book.) For additional info, please visit: http://www.newyorksuperweek.com/en/Sessions/14847/Masashi-Kishimoto-Signing
