Rurouni Kenshin
Rurouni Kenshin, also known as Samurai X in the West has been one of the greatest works of Nobuhiro Watsuki. The manga was released from April 11, 1994 up to November 4, 1999. It was well received by most fans and critics garnishing into one of the best manga series up to date. The complete work consists of 28 tankobon volumes, while years later it was reprinted into twenty-two kanzeban volumes. Written and drawn by Nobuhiro Watsuki, the first chapter of Rurouni Kenshin premiered in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1994 and was serialized in the magazine until 1999. Rurouni Kenshin also developed an anime series which aired in Japan from January 10, 1996 to September 8, 1998. I remember vividly on how Rurouni Kenshin or Samurai X became so popular that almost every person I know, knows the anime quite well. There were many viewers both young and old who loved the series. Merely because the story is great and widely appealing. It focuses on atonement, peace and love.
Helping the weak against the abusive and evils of society, Kenshin aims to do and vows not to kill again. Himura Kenshin is known as Battosai the Slasher “Hitokiri Battosai” during the final days of the Edo period. He was a killer at a very young age, 15-19 years old to be exact. Plagued by his grief of killing countless people he later decides in becoming a Rurouni (wanderer) and help other people. He eventually met a young woman named Kamiya Kaoru. She’s in a middle of a fight with a person who claims to be “hitokiri battosai” of which tarnishes the school’s name of which Kaoru is teaching. Kenshin decides to help Kaoru out and he defeated the fake Battosai. Kaoru offers Kenshin a place to stay because of his help, of which Kenshin accepted. Now, he meets other people as well, like Sagara Sanosuke,a former Sekiho member. He also met Myojin Yahiko, an orphan from a samurai family and Takana Megumi, a doctor who’s formerly into opium trade. There are many other people he met along the way but basically, these are his “family” throughout the series. If you’re a fan of the series you’ll know what happens next. This is just an overview of how Kenshin become a killer into a protector of justice and a hero to all.
Rurouni Kenshin didn’t only become a hit with the anime series alone. There were also OVA’s made as well as a Live Action movie (2012 film). The live action movie was released in August 25, 2012 and it was released internationally in the progressing months. Various medias and merchandises were created in the whole series and movies. There was also a video game released solely for Japan as well. Going back to the movie, it was a huge hit. Many people praised Takeru Satoh for his role as Kenshin in the live action movie. He did a great job in portraying Kenshin in real life. The director and other staff even commented that there’s no ideal person to be Kenshin aside from Takeru Satoh, because his stature, charisma and charm reflects highly of the Kenshin in th anime and manga. The movie is absolutely excellent, based on my opinion. There’s also news of 2 sequels coming for the live action movies, now this is exciting indeed.
Overall, Rurouni Kenshin has impacted not only a general core of audience but it also impacted a large fan base whether they are young or old. Kenshin’s story is honorable and definitely worthy of respect. The dark tone of the series has ever been so appealing that it makes you feel the contrast of Kenshin’s past and present ideals and situations. Rurouni Kenshin is definitely one of the best Manga/Anime/Movie ever made since the past decade, and I believe it’s safe to say that people will continue to love the franchise no matter what. Considering that it sticks to its theme and quality, Rurouni Kenshin will continue to expand its way through greater heights of the industry.