Naruto and Luffy first appeared in Shonen Jump #1, published by Independent in 2003. That places it in the Modern Age.
Why this issue matters
The US launch of Shonen Jump carried the first official English One Piece, Naruto, Yu-Gi-Oh and Yu Yu Hakusho, which makes it the practical first US appearance key for both Naruto and Luffy. A promotional Shonen Jump number zero from 2002 previewed some of the same strips, so there is genuine debate over which is the true first.
Key facts
Shonen Jump #1
- Character: Naruto and Luffy
- Publisher: Independent
- Cover year: 2003
- Era: Modern Age
Before you buy or sell one
- Check it is a first print, not a facsimile or reprint. Newsstand and direct editions are priced differently too.
- Condition decides most of the value. Whether grading is worth it depends on the copy.
Other first appearances from 2003
- Invincible Invincible #1, 2003
- The Walking Dead Walking Dead #1, 2003
More Independent firsts from the Modern Age
- Hellboy San Diego Comic Con Comics #2, 1993
- Preacher Preacher #1, 1995
- Transmetropolitan Transmetropolitan #1, 1997
- Y: The Last Man Y: The Last Man #1, 2002
- Battle Angel Alita Battle Angel Alita #1, 1992
- Ghost in the Shell Ghost in the Shell #1, 1995
- Pokemon Pokemon: The Electric Tale of Pikachu #1, 1998
- Son Goku Dragon Ball #1, 1998
Got a copy?
I buy key issues and whole collections across the UK, and I will tell you honestly whether what you have is the real first or a later printing. Send me photos of the cover and the indicia and I will come back with a straight answer, and a proper valuation if you want one.