View source for Rock Lee

{{Short description|Fictional anime character from the series ''Naruto''}}
{{For|the basketball player|Rock Lee (basketball)}}
{{Infobox character
| name = Rock Lee
| series = [[Naruto]]
| image = RockLee.png
| caption = Rock Lee by [[Masashi Kishimoto]]
| first = *''Naruto'' chapter 36: ''Sakura's Depression''
| creator = [[Masashi Kishimoto]]
| voice = '''Japanese''' <br> [[Yōichi Masukawa]]<ref>{{cite episode|title=名乗れ！現れた強敵たち!!|number=21|series=Naruto|credits=Studio Pierrot|network=TV Tokyo|airdate=February 27, 2003}}</ref> <br /> '''English''' <br> [[Brian Donovan (actor)|Brian Donovan]]<ref>{{cite episode|title=Identify Yourself: Powerful New Rivals!|number=21|series=Naruto|credits=Studio Pierrot|network=Cartoon Network|airdate=January 28, 2006}}</ref>
| data31 = Unnamed parents<br>Unnamed older brother<br>Metal Lee (son)
| lbl31 = Notable relatives
| data32 = Married
| lbl32 = Marital Status
| data33 = Genin in [[List of Naruto chapters (Part I)|Part I]] <br> Chunin in [[List of Naruto chapters (Part II)|Part II]] <br> Jonin in epilogue
| lbl33 = Ninja rank
| data34 = [[List of Naruto characters#Team Guy|Team Guy]]
| lbl34 = Ninja team
}}
{{Nihongo|'''Rock Lee'''|ロック・リー|Rokku Rī|lead=yes}} is a fictional character in the [[anime]] and [[manga]] series ''[[Naruto]]'' and ''[[Naruto Shippuden]]'' created by [[Masashi Kishimoto]]. At first Masashi designed Lee to symbolize human strength.<ref name="AnimeProfiles">{{cite book|last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto Anime Profiles, Volume 1: Episodes 1-37|year=2006|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|isbn=1-4215-0657-2|url=https://archive.org/details/narutoanimeprofi0000unse}}</ref><ref name="May2006">{{cite journal | title=none |journal=[[Shonen Jump (magazine)|Shonen Jump]] | volume=4 | issue=5 | date=May 2006|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|page=4}}</ref> In the anime and manga, Lee is a ninja affiliated with the village of Konohagakure, and is a member of [[List of Naruto characters#Team Guy|Team Guy]], which consists of himself, [[List of Naruto characters#Neji Hyuga|Neji Hyuga]], [[List of major Naruto characters#Tenten|Tenten]], and [[List of Naruto characters#Might Guy|Might Guy]]—the team's leader. Unable to use most ninja techniques, Lee dedicates himself  to using solely [[taijutsu]], ninja techniques similar to [[martial arts]]. Lee dreams of becoming a "splendid ninja" despite his inabilities. Lee has appeared in several pieces of ''Naruto'' media, including the third and fourth featured films in the series, the third original video animation, and multiple video games.

Numerous anime and manga publications have commented on Lee's character. [[IGN]] compared Lee to [[Bruce Lee]] and [[Noel Gallagher]],<ref name="IGNNarutoReader">{{cite web|url=http://anime.ign.com/articles/834/834323p4.html|title=IGN: Naruto Reader's Guide|publisher=[[IGN]]|author=Sparrow, A.E.|date=2007-11-09|access-date=2008-06-15}}</ref> and [[Anime News Network]] called Lee the "goofiest looking character" in the series.<ref name="ANNNarutoManga8-10">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/naruto-gn-8-10|title=Naruto GN 8-10 - Review|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|author=Kimlinger, Karl|date=2006-11-02|access-date=2008-06-15}}</ref> Among the ''Naruto'' reader base, Lee has been popular, placing high in several popularity polls.<ref name="Vol7Poll">{{cite book|last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 7|year=2005|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|chapter=Chapter 60|isbn=1-59116-875-9|url=https://archive.org/details/naruto00kish_0}}</ref><ref name="Vol12Poll">{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 12|year=2006 |publisher=[[Viz Media]] |chapter=Chapter 107 |isbn=1-4215-0242-9}}</ref> Numerous pieces of merchandise have been released in Lee's likeness, including [[Action figure|figurines]] and [[Plush|plush dolls]].<ref name="AmazonLeeActionFigure">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FDFCM8|title=Amazon.com: Shonen Jumps Naruto Rock Lee|website=Amazon |access-date=2008-06-15}}</ref><ref name="AmazonLeePlush">{{Cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ZPJXQ2/ <!-- https://www.amazon.com/NARUTO-ROCK-LEE-PLUSH-TOY/dp/B000ZPJXQ2 --> |title=Amazon.com: NARUTO ROCK LEE 12"PLUSH TOY |access-date=2008-06-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080619061936/http://www.amazon.com/NARUTO-ROCK-LEE-PLUSH-TOY/dp/B000ZPJXQ2 <!-- Do not use the short URL here. --> |archive-date=2008-06-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Creation and conception ==
In an interview in ''[[Weekly Shōnen Jump]]''{{'}}s ''Naruto Anime interview Episodes 1-37'', Masashi Kishimoto stated that he enjoys drawing Lee more than any other character in the series.<ref name="AnimeProfiles"/> When designing Lee's appearance, Kishimoto intended to have Lee wield a variety of weapons, including [[nunchaku]]; however, due to time constraints while creating the series, he was unable to do so.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi |title=Uzumaki: the Art of Naruto|year=2007 |publisher=Viz Media|isbn=978-1-4215-1407-9 |page=130}}</ref> Kishimoto's first editor, Kosuke Yahagi, originally drew the author a draft of Lee's appearance. While the design highly changed from its draft to the original one when Kishimoto designed it, Yahagi felt pleased because some parts were kept.<ref>{{cite book|title=NARUTO―ナルト―キャラクターオフィシャルデータBOOK 秘伝・陣の書|year=2014|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|author=Kishimoto, Masashi|pages=378–387|isbn=978-4-08-880263-3|language=ja}}</ref> Kishimoto has noted that he originally designed Lee to symbolize human weakness; Kishimoto's design of [[Sakura Haruno]] was also intended to carry the same symbolism.<ref name="May2006"/> Kishimoto was surprised by Lee's popularity among fans. He intended to write more about him but the timing was never right.<ref name="comiconinter">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2015-10-14/masashi-kishimoto-at-new-york-comic-con/.94186|title=Masashi Kishimoto at New York Comic-con The Anime News Network Interview|publisher=Anime News Network|author=Aoki, Deb|access-date=October 15, 2015|date=October 14, 2015}}</ref> Due to the popularity Lee garnered over the course of the series, Kishimoto tends to place him toward the front of promotional artwork in which he appears.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi |title=Uzumaki: the Art of Naruto|year=2007 |publisher=Viz Media|isbn=978-1-4215-1407-9 |page=133}}</ref>

In an interview, [[Brian Donovan (actor)|Brian Donovan]], the voice actor for Rock Lee in the English adaptation of the anime, commented that he likes Lee because he felt he was attempting to be a "knight in shining armor but bumbling and stumbling at the same time".<ref name="kidzworldinterview"/><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.facebook.com/neonalleynetwork/photos/a.475966149080104.117575.422391634437556/966315100045204/  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/422391634437556/966315100045204 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited| title=NARUTO Spin-Off! Rock Lee & His Ninja Pals  | author=Neon Alley | author-link=Neon Alley | work=Facebook | quote=English dub cast<br>Rock Lee played by Brian Donovan<br>Might Guy played by Matt Mercer<br>Neji played by Steve Cannon<br>Tenten played by Danielle Nicole<br>Sakura played by Johanna Luis | date=April 16, 2015 | access-date=November 18, 2015 }}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite episode|title=Identify Yourself: Powerful New Rivals|number=21|series=Naruto|credits=Studio Pierrot|network=Cartoon Network|airdate=January 28, 2006}}</ref>

== Appearances ==

=== In ''Naruto'' ===
[[Image:LeeGateOpen.jpg|thumb|When he opens the chakra gates, Lee's skin turns red and the power and speed of his taijutsu techniques are enhanced.]]
Rock Lee is a ninja from Konohagakure part of Team Guy, a four-man cell of ninja led by [[List of Naruto characters#Might Guy|Might Guy]]. Inspired by Lee's determination to become stronger despite his inability to perform basic ninja techniques, Guy takes a personal interest in him, deciding to help him achieve his dream of becoming a powerful ninja by using only taijutsu that is primary hand-to-hand combat.<ref name="rival">{{cite book|last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 10|year=2006|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|chapter=Chapter 84|isbn=1-4215-0240-2|url=https://archive.org/details/splendidninjanar10kish}}</ref> This relationship with Guy causes Lee to acquire many of Guy's traits.<ref>{{cite book|author=Kishimoto, Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 5|year=2004|publisher=Viz Media|chapter=Chapter 38|isbn=1-59116-359-5|url=https://archive.org/details/naruto00kish_4}}</ref> Lee believes he can surpass the natural talents of others through hard work and passion; throughout the series, he attempts to surpass [[List of Naruto characters#Neji Hyuga|Neji Hyuga]], who is labeled a "genius".<ref name="rival"/><ref name="honor">{{cite book|last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 24|year=2007|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|chapter=Chapter 213|isbn=978-1-4215-1860-2|url=https://archive.org/details/narutovol24unort24kish}}</ref><ref name="kidzworldinterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.kidzworld.com/article/11740-naruto-ninja-destiny-voice-actor-interview|title=Naruto: Ninja Destiny :: Voice Actor Interview|publisher=kidzworld.com|access-date=2008-07-21}}</ref> Lee first appears in the series as a participant in the Chunin Exams, twice a year exams for ninja who wish to increase their rank. During the Chunin Exams, Lee battles [[Gaara]], a ninja from the village of Sunagakure. In the fight, Lee opens the five of the eight [[chakra]] gates, limits on the body's ability to use chakra, using a forbidden technique known as the Hidden Lotus, increasing his natural abilities at the cost of his health.<ref name="Train">{{cite book|last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 6|year=2005|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|chapter=Chapter 52|isbn=1-59116-739-6}}</ref> Despite his effort, Gaara cripples Lee by crushing his left arm and leg, injuring Lee to the point that he must abandon being a ninja.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 10|year=2007|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|chapter=Chapter 87|isbn=978-1-4215-0240-3|url=https://archive.org/details/splendidninjanar10kish}}</ref>

When [[Tsunade (Naruto)|Tsunade]], a Konohagakure medical ninja, returns to lead the village as the Fifth Hokage, she offers to operate on him.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 20|year=2007|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|chapter=Chapter 173|isbn=978-1-4215-1655-4|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781421516554}}</ref> Despite the procedure's fifty percent chance of failure, Guy encourages Lee to have the operation. Ultimately, Lee undergoes the surgery, which succeeds in healing his arm and leg.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 20|year=2007|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|chapter=Chapter 180|isbn=978-1-4215-1655-4|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781421516554}}</ref> Immediately after the operation, Lee follows a team of ninja led by [[Shikamaru Nara]] who attempt to stop [[Sasuke Uchiha]] from defecting from Konohagakure to the village of Otogakure.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 24|year=2007|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|chapter=Chapter 209|isbn=978-1-4215-1860-2|url=https://archive.org/details/narutovol24unort24kish}}</ref> Lee battles the Otogakure ninja [[List of Naruto antagonists#Kimimaro|Kimimaro]] through using the {{nihongo|[[Drunken boxing|Potion Punch]]|酔拳|Suiken|''literally'' "Drunken Fist", ''English TV'': "Loopy Fist"}} fighting style in which he becomes inebriated with unpredictable attacks.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 24|year=2007|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|chapter=Chapter 211|isbn=978-1-4215-1860-2|url=https://archive.org/details/narutovol24unort24kish}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 24|year=2007|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|chapter=Chapter 212|isbn=978-1-4215-1860-2|url=https://archive.org/details/narutovol24unort24kish}}</ref> When Kimimaro is on the verge of defeating Lee, Gaara intervenes, continuing the battle.<ref name="honor"/>

In [[List of Naruto chapters (Part II)|Part II]], Lee obtains the rank of Chunin, and is dispatched with his team to help save Gaara following his abduction by the criminal organization [[List of Naruto characters#Akatsuki|Akatsuki]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 28|year=2008|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|chapter=Chapter 253|isbn=978-1-4215-1864-0|url=https://archive.org/details/naruto00kish_2}}</ref> During the events of the Fourth Shinobi War Lee is assigned to the Third Division, Lee helps in fighting the Kabuto Yakushi's reanimated army and later aids [[Naruto Uzumaki]] in the fight against Obito Uchiha and Madara Uchiha.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 64|year=2013|publisher=Shueisha|chapter=Chapter 612|isbn=978-4-08-870628-3}}</ref> Years after the war, Lee marries an unknown woman and has a son named Metal Lee. In the epilogue, Lee is last seen many years later, training with his son. In ''[[Boruto: Naruto the Movie]]'', Lee hosts the third stage of the Chunin Exam.

=== In other media ===
Lee has made several appearances outside of the ''Naruto'' anime and manga. In the third featured film in the series, ''[[Naruto the Movie 3: The Animal Riot of Crescent Moon Island]]'', Lee acts as a member of [[List of Naruto characters#Team 7|Team 7]] for the duration of the film.<ref>{{cite video|date = 2008|title = Naruto the Movie 3: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom|format = [[DVD]]|publisher = Viz Video|access-date = 2009-03-22|url = http://www.viz.com/anime/dvd/naruto-the-movie-video-volume-3/7629|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130321225652/http://www.viz.com/anime/dvd/naruto-the-movie-video-volume-3/7629|archive-date = 2013-03-21}}</ref> In the [[Naruto: Shippūden the Movie|fourth film]], which is set in Part II, [[Naruto Uzumaki]], [[Sakura Haruno]], [[List of Naruto characters#Neji Hyuga|Neji Hyuga]], and Lee are assigned to escort the maiden Shion, who needs to perform a ritual to seal a demonic army.<ref>{{cite video |date = 2009 |title = Naruto Shippuden: the Movie |format = [[DVD]] |publisher = Viz Video |url = http://www.viz.com/anime/dvd/naruto-shippuden-movie-video-volume-1/8376 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130905003235/http://www.viz.com/anime/dvd/naruto-shippuden-movie-video-volume-1/8376 |archive-date = 2013-09-05 }}</ref> Lee also appears in the [[List of Naruto episodes#OVAs|third original video animation]], participating in a tournament.<ref>{{cite video |date = 2005 |title = ついに激突！上忍VS下忍！！無差別大乱戦大会開催！！|format = [[DVD]] |publisher = TV Tokyo|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000BNPT3E/}}</ref>

Lee is a playable character in nearly every [[List of Naruto video games|''Naruto'' video game]], including the [[Naruto: Clash of Ninja (series)|''Clash of Ninja'' series]] and the [[Naruto: Ultimate Ninja (series)|''Ultimate Ninja'' series]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/736/736611p1.html|title=Naruto: The Complete Fighter Profile|author=Bozon, Mark|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=2006-09-29|access-date=2008-06-15}}</ref><ref name="IGNCoN3HandsOn">{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/551/551374p1.html|title=TGS 2004: Naruto Gekitou Ninja Taisen! 3 Hands-on|author=Alfonso, Andrew|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=2004-09-26|access-date=2008-06-15}}</ref><ref name="GUIDE1 26">{{cite book|title=Naruto: Ultimate Ninja English instruction manual|year=2006|publisher=[[Namco Bandai]]|page=26}}</ref><ref name="GUIDE2 21-30">{{cite book|title=Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 English instruction manual|year=2007|publisher=[[Namco Bandai]]|pages=21–30}}</ref> In some games, he utilizes variations of his techniques not seen in the anime or manga. ''[[Naruto: Clash of Ninja (series)#Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX|Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX]]'' and ''[[Naruto: Ultimate Ninja (series)#Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja 4|Ultimate Ninja 4]]'' marks his first appearance in [[video games]] set in [[List of Naruto chapters (Part II)|Part II]].<ref name="Accel2">{{Cite web |url=http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/naruto/goods/game2007.html |title=Naruto－ナルト－ 疾風伝:TV東京 - Goods |publisher=[[TV Tokyo]] |access-date=2008-06-15 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080522160824/http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/naruto/goods/game2007.html |archive-date=2008-05-22 }}</ref> Rock Lee is also the main character of a spin-off manga by Kenji Taira that follows his training in comical misadventures. The manga was adapted into an anime series titled [[List of Rock Lee & His Ninja Pals episodes|''Rock Lee and his Ninja Pals'']].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-11-09/shueisha-to-launch-super-strong-jump-mag-for-kids|title=Shueisha to Launch Super Strong Jump Mag for Kids|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=November 9, 2010|access-date=November 10, 2010}}</ref>

== Reception ==
Lee has ranked highly in the ''Shōnen Jump'' popularity polls for the series, initially continuously placing in the top ten and reaching fifth place once.<ref name="Vol7Poll"/><ref name="Vol12Poll"/> In later polls, Lee lost his top ten status.<ref name="PopularityPoll1">{{cite book|last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 28|year=2008|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|chapter=Chapter 245|pages=[https://archive.org/details/naruto00kish_2/page/8 8–9]|isbn=978-1-4215-1864-0|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/naruto00kish_2/page/8}}</ref> Also, several pieces of merchandise based on Lee have also been released, including action figures of his Part I and Part II appearances,<ref name="AmazonLeeActionFigure"/><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/naruto/goods/toy.html |title=NARUTO－ナルト－疾風伝 忍形コレクション |publisher=[[TV Tokyo]] |access-date=2008-06-15 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607141305/http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/naruto/goods/toy.html |archive-date=2008-06-07 |url-status=dead }}</ref> plush dolls,<ref name="AmazonLeePlush"/> and [[keychain]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EVFE4C/|title=Naruto - Rock Lee Character Keychain|website=Amazon |access-date=2008-06-15}}</ref> ''[[My Hero Academia]]'' author [[Kōhei Horikoshi]] said that Rock Lee's inhability to use ninjutsu and instead use hand-to-hand combat made him highly stand out in the manga. He also praised how heroic is Rock Lee's portrayal in the Chunnin Exams when facing Orochimaru's underlings.<ref>{{cite web|title=一番最初にガツンときたのは鬼兄弟！【対談】岸本斉史×堀越耕平|url=https://ddnavi.com/news/233992/a/|website=[[Da Vinci (magazine)|Da Vinci News]]|publisher=[[Kadokawa Corporation]]|last=Yoshida|first=Daisuke|date=April 8, 2015|access-date=February 6, 2022|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303184829/https://ddnavi.com/news/233992/a/|archive-date=March 3, 2021}}</ref>

Several publications for manga, anime, video games, and other media have provided commentary on Lee's character. [[IGN]]'s A.E. Sparrow called Lee one of his favorite characters in the series and compared his personality to that of [[Bruce Lee]] and [[Noel Gallagher]].<ref name="IGNNarutoReader"/> Fellow editor Ramsey Isler ranked him as the eight best character on the series and said he "was the true underdog of the series."<ref name=isler>{{cite web | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/11/12/top-10-naruto-characters | title=Top 10 Naruto Characters | author=Isler, Ramsey | date=2014-11-12 | publisher=[[IGN]] | access-date=2015-04-20}}</ref> Isler added, "Perhaps a little too intense, but always fiercely devoted to his cause, Rock Lee added all sorts of flavor to the series."<ref name=isler/> However, Rock Lee's profile on IGN describes him as "kind of stiff" because of his very polite demeanor.<ref name=IGNbiography>{{cite web|url= http://stars.ign.com/objects/142/14211442_biography.html|title= Rock Lee Biography|access-date= 2008-07-10|publisher= [[IGN]]|url-status= dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301062032/http://stars.ign.com/objects/142/14211442_biography.html|archive-date=2009-03-01}}</ref> Active Anime celebrated Lee's introduction in the series as a comedic relief to the growing tension of the story at that point.<ref name="AnimeJumpReview">{{cite web|url=http://www.activeanime.com/pn/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4264|title=DVD Reviews: NARUTO UNCUT BOX SET 2|publisher=Active Anime|date=2006-07-03|access-date=2008-06-15}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><!--This dead link can not be retrieved/replaced by using Wayback Internet Archive--> ''[[Anime Insider]]'' listed him in their top five list for "pure-hearted heroes" from anime and manga publications, ranking at number five. ''Insider'' praised him for "never [giving] up, even in the face of people with actual ninja powers."<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Anime Insider |issue=39|title=Pure of Heart - Our five favorite pure-hearted heroes|date=December 2007|pages=74}}</ref>

[[Anime News Network]] referred to Lee as the "star of [the Chunin Exam arc]", and claimed that he "almost single-handedly rescues this arc from being tossed into the 'entertaining but disposable' bin".<ref name="ANNNarutoManga8-10"/> His fight against Gaara in the exams was listed as second best one in anime by [[AnimeCentral]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animecentral.com/news/story.aspx?ID=281|title=Friday Feature|publisher=[[AnimeCentral]]|access-date=November 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101212004140/http://animecentral.com/news/story.aspx?ID=281|archive-date=December 12, 2010}}</ref> Anime News Network also called Lee the "goofiest looking character" in the series and praised Kishimoto's "ninja-punk visual sensibilities" that allowed him to make Lee "damn cool when the action starts".<ref name="ANNNarutoManga8-10"/> In the NEO Awards 2007 from [[Neo (magazine)|''Neo'']], Rock Lee won in the category "Best Anime Character".<ref>{{cite journal |journal=NEO Magazine |issue=40|title=NEO Awards 2007|date=January 2007|issn=1744-9596|publisher=Uncooked Media|pages=06–11}}</ref> He was also listed as one of the three "Honorable Mentions" from ''Naruto'' by [[Wizard Entertainment]]'s Danica Davidson with comments from the article being focused on Lee's determination.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wizarduniverse.com/040408naruto.html|author=Davidson, Danica|title=NARUTO: HONORABLE MENTIONS|publisher=[[Wizard Entertainment]]|date=April 4, 2008|access-date=September 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080718055854/http://www.wizarduniverse.com/040408naruto.html|archive-date=July 18, 2008}}</ref> When the ''Naruto'' manga ended, writer Yūto Kubota expressed that Lee was his favorite character.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2014-11-08/shonen-jump-manga-creators-also-send-off-naruto-with-comments/.80813|title=Shonen Jump Manga Creators Also Send Off Naruto With Comments|publisher=Anime News Network|date=November 8, 2014|access-date=October 24, 2017}}</ref>
== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Portal|Anime and manga}}
{{Naruto}}
{{Good article}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lee, Rock}}
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