Rurouni Kenshin by Watsuki Nobuhiro
Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, Historical, Martial Arts, Romance, Shounen
Episodes: 94 (62+ are fillers)
Status: Complete, 255 chapters scanlated
Status: Complete, 255 chapters scanlated
Watsuki Nobuhiro will be continuing the Rurouni Kenshin manga in Spring 2017 to draw the Hokkaido arc he had planned to do long ago! I am soo excited! This was also the reason why I decided to read and watch Kenshin again. It's been a while since I last read it but it definitely does not disappoint! 22 years later, the anime and the manga are still capable of breaking and touching my heart. If only the Jinchuu arc will be animated one day as well. I mean, Hunter x Hunter (another of my all time favourites!!) got the Chimera Ant and Election arcs animated! So, I'm really hoping with the continuation in Spring, the anime will get a remake as well. Although, the anime definitely remains beautiful to this day (ignoring the anime originals).
If you don't know Kenshin, it is loosely based in the beginning of the Meiji era where swords have been banned and samurai have lost their means of living. As a killer who brought about this era, Kenshin hopes to atone for his sins of the past wielding his sakabatou (reverse-blade) in order to protect those who are weak/need help alongside his vow to never kill again. Eventually, he meets comrades and enemies that help him grow in this tumultuous era as he faces his sins of the past, the difficulties of living in the present and having to fight for the future.
In terms of pacing, the manga was perfect. Nothing was too long or too short. Everything was needed and done well. The Tokyo arc was a great foundation arc to introduce the main characters, their respective roles and with the enemies Kenshin encounters and the background of our characters, you are able to see the problems with the current era and how hard it is for some to live in this present and Kenshin's role in all this. The Kyoto arc is where Kenshin and them fight for the future against those who have been betrayed by the Meiji era. Whereas, the Jinchuu arc is where Kenshin finally has to deal with the ghosts of his past in order to bring forth the future. I'd say that the main theme of the manga would be the difficulties of living in a new and peaceful era when it is bound by the destruction and deaths of the past that created it. In that respect, Kenshin portrays this theme so well.
The anime and manga are both really amazing and the soundtrack in the anime makes the watching of the anime very worthwhile even if you've read the manga. Although, the characters' designs etc are most beautiful in the manga, I mean Yukishiro Enishi was sooo cool! But Aoshi and Saito are still my favourites to the end.
In terms of characters, I'd say it's more difficult to find characters I didn't like haha. I mean, they were all so memorable and real. Whether it be Aoshi, Saito, Soujiro, Anji, Jin-e, Hiko and Enishi, they were all great characters that I could empathise with so well it was scary or they were just so cool, I was so excited hahaha. The main cast is of course very likeable as well despite some annoying times here and there with Yahiko (for me haha) but their roles were designated nicely and they played it out very well.
However, I'd say the enemies in the Jinchuu arc were rather weak in impression and battle as they weren't very memorable. However, the main focus of that arc in the end was Enishi and Tomoe, so I have no major qualms over that.
Another weakness may also be the fights in Kenshin aren't the most "entertaining" for some, but me on the other hand loved it. I loved how it was the perfect display of battles being a psychological and mental fight as well as a physical one. This was especially apparent with Soujiro in my view.
I guess what I loved about Kenshin was that each character had their respective role in the manga but they were all very much "alive" despite that and I enjoyed it. Their reasons for fighting, their past and their techniques were entertaining but also heartbreaking. I can't tell you how many times I cried over these characters whether they be secondary or not. It most definitely follows the shounen 'genre' well but it also retains a lot of depth to it since our protagonist isn't a young boy and he carries a difficult and bloody past.
Personally, Kenshin is a top favourite of mine in terms of shounen, alongside Hunter x Hunter and it forever will be because I really enjoyed how it depicts the different circumstances the enemies became enemies in response to the new Meiji era. Naturally, things become solved but you can't help but understand how everything happened this way and why they stood up against this era they disagreed with. Instead of a clear black and white slate, what we are presented with would probably instead be the difficulties wrought with the introduction of a new era and how people can/cannot/will not accustom themselves to it. The Oniwabanshu that died and Sagara Souzo hurt my soul deeply. But in the end, which character didn't break my heart? I think that's a more difficult question to answer for me. I'd have to say Shinomori Aoshi still made the deepest impression on me (in terms of fighting style and story) and he will always be the one I love the most.
Some highlights I loved in the anime/manga
I love all of Kaoru's expressions! So funny and cutee! The first 30 or so episodes laid the foundation for the premise of Kenshin and the Kyoto arc can be said to be the true beginning of the fierce battles with the implementation of a new era considering Shishio Makoto's motives and destruction.
If you don't know Kenshin, it is loosely based in the beginning of the Meiji era where swords have been banned and samurai have lost their means of living. As a killer who brought about this era, Kenshin hopes to atone for his sins of the past wielding his sakabatou (reverse-blade) in order to protect those who are weak/need help alongside his vow to never kill again. Eventually, he meets comrades and enemies that help him grow in this tumultuous era as he faces his sins of the past, the difficulties of living in the present and having to fight for the future.
In terms of pacing, the manga was perfect. Nothing was too long or too short. Everything was needed and done well. The Tokyo arc was a great foundation arc to introduce the main characters, their respective roles and with the enemies Kenshin encounters and the background of our characters, you are able to see the problems with the current era and how hard it is for some to live in this present and Kenshin's role in all this. The Kyoto arc is where Kenshin and them fight for the future against those who have been betrayed by the Meiji era. Whereas, the Jinchuu arc is where Kenshin finally has to deal with the ghosts of his past in order to bring forth the future. I'd say that the main theme of the manga would be the difficulties of living in a new and peaceful era when it is bound by the destruction and deaths of the past that created it. In that respect, Kenshin portrays this theme so well.
The anime and manga are both really amazing and the soundtrack in the anime makes the watching of the anime very worthwhile even if you've read the manga. Although, the characters' designs etc are most beautiful in the manga, I mean Yukishiro Enishi was sooo cool! But Aoshi and Saito are still my favourites to the end.
In terms of characters, I'd say it's more difficult to find characters I didn't like haha. I mean, they were all so memorable and real. Whether it be Aoshi, Saito, Soujiro, Anji, Jin-e, Hiko and Enishi, they were all great characters that I could empathise with so well it was scary or they were just so cool, I was so excited hahaha. The main cast is of course very likeable as well despite some annoying times here and there with Yahiko (for me haha) but their roles were designated nicely and they played it out very well.
However, I'd say the enemies in the Jinchuu arc were rather weak in impression and battle as they weren't very memorable. However, the main focus of that arc in the end was Enishi and Tomoe, so I have no major qualms over that.
Another weakness may also be the fights in Kenshin aren't the most "entertaining" for some, but me on the other hand loved it. I loved how it was the perfect display of battles being a psychological and mental fight as well as a physical one. This was especially apparent with Soujiro in my view.
I guess what I loved about Kenshin was that each character had their respective role in the manga but they were all very much "alive" despite that and I enjoyed it. Their reasons for fighting, their past and their techniques were entertaining but also heartbreaking. I can't tell you how many times I cried over these characters whether they be secondary or not. It most definitely follows the shounen 'genre' well but it also retains a lot of depth to it since our protagonist isn't a young boy and he carries a difficult and bloody past.
Personally, Kenshin is a top favourite of mine in terms of shounen, alongside Hunter x Hunter and it forever will be because I really enjoyed how it depicts the different circumstances the enemies became enemies in response to the new Meiji era. Naturally, things become solved but you can't help but understand how everything happened this way and why they stood up against this era they disagreed with. Instead of a clear black and white slate, what we are presented with would probably instead be the difficulties wrought with the introduction of a new era and how people can/cannot/will not accustom themselves to it. The Oniwabanshu that died and Sagara Souzo hurt my soul deeply. But in the end, which character didn't break my heart? I think that's a more difficult question to answer for me. I'd have to say Shinomori Aoshi still made the deepest impression on me (in terms of fighting style and story) and he will always be the one I love the most.
Some highlights I loved in the anime/manga
I love all of Kaoru's expressions! So funny and cutee! The first 30 or so episodes laid the foundation for the premise of Kenshin and the Kyoto arc can be said to be the true beginning of the fierce battles with the implementation of a new era considering Shishio Makoto's motives and destruction.
Kenshin and Misao's first meeting was so hilarious! Especially when they turn all chibi and he keeps dodging her attacks hahaha! They were so cute.
I have to say, I do enjoy that instead of wanting revenge on the imperialists that burnt his body so severely, Shishio wants to rule the country because he believes that the Meiji government is weak. To be fair, I can understand why he would think it's weak.
When Houji asked whether it was okay to take Aoshi on board since he seemed mentally broken and Shishio said "Such a thing doesn't matter, all of us here are broken in the same way as well " it really put into perspective many characters in the whole show that went through the chaos in bringing forth the Meiji era. Anyone who fought in it couldn't have left with no wounds physically or mentally.
When Kenshin told Grandpa that they could still save Aoshi, I really teared up especially when I saw Misao crying and Kenshin saying that the Aoiya is where he belongs. I want to see Aoshi back here.
When Anji said the world can't be saved by kindness and Sano said that but those children on that memorial tablet were saved by it, I just couldn't deal T_T
The fights with Soujiro were the absolute best. It was exciting, interesting and amazing. I personally love Aoshi's fighting style the most but Soujiro's is hard to not love, whether it be the live action or the anime, Soujiro and Kenshin's fights against each other are undoubtedly fierce and hard to pass up. If you are strong you live, if you are weak you die. The depth behind Soujiro's character was one I anticipated but was still hit very hard with especially when he asked why Kenshin didn't protect him, the anime reflected those emotions so well.
When Houji asked whether it was okay to take Aoshi on board since he seemed mentally broken and Shishio said "Such a thing doesn't matter, all of us here are broken in the same way as well " it really put into perspective many characters in the whole show that went through the chaos in bringing forth the Meiji era. Anyone who fought in it couldn't have left with no wounds physically or mentally.
When Kenshin told Grandpa that they could still save Aoshi, I really teared up especially when I saw Misao crying and Kenshin saying that the Aoiya is where he belongs. I want to see Aoshi back here.
When Anji said the world can't be saved by kindness and Sano said that but those children on that memorial tablet were saved by it, I just couldn't deal T_T
The fights with Soujiro were the absolute best. It was exciting, interesting and amazing. I personally love Aoshi's fighting style the most but Soujiro's is hard to not love, whether it be the live action or the anime, Soujiro and Kenshin's fights against each other are undoubtedly fierce and hard to pass up. If you are strong you live, if you are weak you die. The depth behind Soujiro's character was one I anticipated but was still hit very hard with especially when he asked why Kenshin didn't protect him, the anime reflected those emotions so well.
The atmosphere of Saito Hajime, Kenshin and Soujiro were done really well in the movie and the costumes were amazing as well. It was so easy to recognise them when they're all wearing their classic outfits. But hands down, the manga and the anime are the best. I mean, Aoshi shines best in those mediums after all :P Also, Yukishiro Enishi and Tomoe are really crucial, so the manga wins out in how perfect it was with the three arcs that made it feel complete. Some stuff obviously doesn't feel complete (which is probably why there's a Hokkaido arc) but it is mainly complete in the sense of the fight with the present, future and past.
Basically, Rurouni Kenshin is too lovely of a classic to pass up and too tormenting of a story to not relate to. Well, the characters are the ones who drive the story and their actions and experiences are what make this manga so great.
P.S I didn't watch the anime original (filler) episodes because there were way too many and I cbb because I know that the fillers will ruin my thoughts of it. It's not because the fillers are necessarily bad but because it would ruin the pacing of the story that I enjoyed so well since it was very decisive with no useless stuff. It was clear cut in story, battles, character emotions etc, everything was simple and concise making it amazing. Definitely would read and watch again and again.
Basically, Rurouni Kenshin is too lovely of a classic to pass up and too tormenting of a story to not relate to. Well, the characters are the ones who drive the story and their actions and experiences are what make this manga so great.
P.S I didn't watch the anime original (filler) episodes because there were way too many and I cbb because I know that the fillers will ruin my thoughts of it. It's not because the fillers are necessarily bad but because it would ruin the pacing of the story that I enjoyed so well since it was very decisive with no useless stuff. It was clear cut in story, battles, character emotions etc, everything was simple and concise making it amazing. Definitely would read and watch again and again.
