I'd like to have a quick look at Naruto's covers!

I think it started by following the shounen standard in Japan as you showed for Dragon Ball: a square frame and bit popping out of it:

http://i500.listal.com/image/3852312/500full.jpg

Sometimes though the composition goes a bit crazy (lazy?)...at first glance a lot of the covers are a bit difficult to read or don't seem to convey much:

http://cache.coverbrowser.com/image/bestselling-comics-2006/383-1.jpg

http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/narutocouple/images/d/d4/Nartuo-Images-Manga-Volume-29.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140906143024

A lot of covers can be read in a circular way - the japanese read right lo left, so in the covers below you can easily see how each element of the picture guides you to the next - an object, an arm, a look...there is often a strong standing element in the middle, and things happening around him.

http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1435526255l/2453403.jpg

http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/naruto/images/2/2a/Vol37.png/revision/latest?cb=20141102221710

http://images.saiyanisland.com/data/585/Naruto-Manga-Volume-63.jpg

http://www.nonsolomanga.altervista.org/nonsolomanga/albums/naruto/cover-manga-naruto-shippuden-seconda-serie-./49.jpg

I think that with time, Naruto has created his own style through his cover illustration, often very dramatic in the centre, and balanced with calm on the side:

http://i.imgur.com/gggdg.jpg

http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140422113120/naruto/images/5/57/Volume_69.png

I still don't think Naruto manga covers are amongst the best though! The manga chapters cover are a lot more experimental and original (fish eye view anyone?), but I have to admit that the style and composition makes Naruto stands out in manga stores!

Hi mina-san!

I stumbled upon this forum while looking for manga cover analysis / reviews.

I draw manga and at the moment my two focus are improving composition for illustrations, and reading any Leiji Matsumoto's work.

I currently read Kimi ni Todoke, Tokyo Ghoul Re: (though I can't seem to understand the latest chapters...), Shingeki No Kyoujin, Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki Kun.

I speak French, English, Japanese (intermediate) - waiting patiently for releases of Gun Frontier and the new Captain Harlock edition in France.

I've been reading manga / watching anime for the past 20 years 

And oh yeah I'm participating to the Manga Jiman Competition (UK only) if any of you are from around here