Gaara is introduced as a character with a cold exterior, concealing a tumultuous inner world, closely resembling the turmoil of his life. Over time, Gaara has undergone a profound emotional transformation, becoming one of the most beloved characters in the series. Interestingly, in the initial sketches of the character, Gaara looked vastly different from what we know today.
Gaara’s Initial Appearance
In “Naruto Secret: Scroll of Formation Character,” creator Masashi Kishimoto allowed fans a brief glimpse at the early drafts of several characters, including the Sand Ninja Gaara.
The image above depicts Gaara alongside a large dog. Notably, his initial design shares some characteristics with Shinki from “Boruto,” particularly the detail of his outer garment.
Kishimoto noted that the first glimpse of Gaara was so drastically different that it was hard to recognize him. The design aimed to reflect Gaara’s complex persona, a character often mired in emotional turmoil, portrayed through his stark exterior. Undoubtedly, this initial design of Gaara evokes an entirely different atmosphere.
Additionally, Kishimoto originally considered naming the Sand Ninja “Kotarou Fuuma.” However, the editorial team advised him to name the character Gaara. Upon learning that the name Gaara was inspired by a legendary snow region in Japan, the creator felt a deep connection with the name.
Furthermore, Kishimoto has shared that he drew inspiration from several elements, including the iconic look of Neo from “The Matrix,” starring Keanu Reeves, to develop Gaara’s character design.
