Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 3 #7-9

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story - VIZBIG Edition #3

by Nobuhiro Watsuki, Kenichiro Yagi (Translator)

Packed with action, romance and historical intrigue, Rurouni Kenshin is one of the most beloved and popular manga series worldwide. Set against the backdrop of the Meiji Restoration, it tells the saga of Himura Kenshin, once an assassin of ferocious power, now a humble rurouni, a wandering swordsman fighting to protect the honor of those in need.

The Shinsengumi--fearsome and formidable protectors of the Shôgunate. Kenshin knows them well, having done battle with them during the final days of the Meiji Restoration. One man in particular--Saitô Hajime, captain of the third unit--lingers in Kenshin's mind. Now an officer of the law and known as "Fujita Gorô," Saitô arrives on the steps of the Kamiya Dojo, challenging Kenshin to a duel that will force a reawakening of Kenshin's own past. But the confrontation with Saitô is just the beginning of something much larger, something that will involve the future of the new Japan...

Genres: Manga, Graphic Novels, Historical Fiction, Comics, Fiction, Japan, Comics Manga

584 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 2008

About the author

Watsuki Nobuhiro (和月伸宏) is a Japanese manga artist, best known for his samurai-themed series Rurouni Kenshin. He once worked as an assistant for his favorite author Takeshi Obata.

Reviews

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who have watched the live action film Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno, this book volume will undeniably strike a familiar chord: after all, it does highlight Kenshin’s arrival in Kyoto to confront the greatest threat to the Meiji government that is Shishio Makoto, and show his unlikely alliance with former nemesis Saito Hajime. He leaves Kaoru and others in Tokyo to protect them from enemy retribution and be able to concentrate his mind into defeating the formidable enemy. To defeat Shishio, Kenshin knows he has to revert to his Battosai (assassin) ways, but it does contradict to his vow never to kill again. He struggles internally for choices, but in the end he has to make one for the future of his friends and his beloved Japan.

As always, the illustrations never fail to amaze me. The author’s manner of introducing his new set of characters to the story line is also spot on and significant, and his brief explanation to each of his characters’ history is always a chapter-end treat. I’ve always known too that the samurais of those times put so much science, philosophy and religion behind wielding a sword and defeating the enemy, but it’s still overwhelming to read about it and the different sword techniques they used, nonetheless.

[Maqluba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oro?




that is all I have to say:)

[Paolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally getting into the Shishio storyline, and oh boy it gets amazing.

[Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars. This is where the nostalgia really kicks in with the introduction of Saito Hajime, or Fujite Goro, he was always one of the more memorable character for me. Again, I hardly remember the show, but this character has stayed in my memories for a very long time and I finally get to see him in the manga and he doesn't disappoint. Though this hardly focuses on many of the supporting characters to Kenshin, it introduces two of my favorite characters.

Saito just rocks. The only thing is that he should have kept his hair long, but I still dig it short. This guy uses Sanosuke as a practice dummy, first for his sword and then for his fists. Even though I probably have no standard to say this from, he seems like the only character who carries a samurai-like attitude with him. I say that because he doesn't hesitate to kill or strike and he seems to get shit done.

Shout out before I forget, though Kaoru totally becomes a damsel in distress, they introduce a much more loving character in my opinion, Misao! So far she has that undying can-do attitude and it will be interesting to see what happens once she discovers the fate of the Oniwabanshu. I doubt she will change too much, but it will be a tug on my heart strings to watch her go through it. All I can see is an uncaring Aoshi being indifferent towards her. But, we'll see.

Then there is the introduction of my second favorite character. Who earned that position purely on his representation in the manga. I have no memory of seeing this guy in the anime. I knew he was badass the moment he showed up, the fallen priest, Yukyuzan Anji. I'm not even going to explain myself. These sorts of characters just make my blood flow and heart sing. His appearance (which never changes in these sorts of things) is humble, but sharp enough to make him intimidating. Love this guy, can't wait for him to put up the dukes with Sanosuke!

[Aksaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished reading last half of book in one setting (i believe in under 2 hours :) ). Anyone who wishes to read a manga series based off of Japanese history and swordsmen, PLS READ THIS BEAUTIFUL SERIES ORO!! XD

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that I really am starting to like this series. I think that it just took a little time to really establish the plot. I am at a point where I want to know what happens next. I'm excited to read the next volume.

[Roberto Carrasco Betancourth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me encanta Rurouni Kenshin. Es mi manga favorito!

[andré crombie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Notes: Featuring the introduction of Saito Hajime, one of my favorite comic book characters.

[Rita Verdial · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esta noite lá terminei mais um livro desta minha série de manga favorita. Este terceiro volume da belíssima versão VizBig, compreende os originais 7º, 8º e 9º volumes.

Fiquei super contente por desta vez não ter direito a um, mas sim a três capítulos coloridos! Fica tudo tão mais bonitinho *.*

Ora então, em relação ao volume 7, "In the 11th Year of Meiji, May 14th"... Este é um dos mais emotivos para mim. Sendo rapariga e desde sempre ter torcido pelo Kenshin e pela Kaoru, aquele momento da despedida toca-me sempre. Não há volta a dar... E as palavras não ditas são sempre muitas.
Enfim, passando à frente o drama romântico, é também neste capítulo que se começa a falar de Shishio e da urgente necessidade de que Kenshin o elimine, para o bem da nação, e que se dá a emocionante batalha de Kenshin Vs. Saito. Não consigo evitar, quando Kenshin perde o controlo e volta a ser Hitokiri fico ainda mais entusiasmada.
Portanto já deu para perceber que este é um graaande volume, cheio de emoção e por diversos motivos.

Volume 8, "On the East Sea Road", que dizer? Aqui temos uma Kaoru deprimida pela partida de Kenshin e um Sanozuke fulo por ter sido deixado para trás. É também neste volume, depois de algum drama à mistura que os três principais membros do Kenshingumi decidem ir atrás deste para Kyoto.
Para além disto volta a aparecer Aoshi, pronto para enfrentar Kenshin novamente e parte no seu encalço. De referir também que é aqui que surge pela primeira vez Misao, uma outra personagem de que gosto muito e que resolve seguir Kenshin até Kyoto.

Quanto ao volume 9, "Arrival in Kyoto", é onde vemos Shishio pela primeira vez, bem como as atrocidades que já vai cometendo pelo Japão, em particular numa pequena aldeia oprimida e mergulhada no terror.
É aqui que Kenshin vê este seu inimigo pela primeira vez e que trava uma batalha com um dos seus lacaios. Tudo engendrado para que este pudesse descobrir e estudar as suas técnicas de batalha.
Após isto dá-se ainda um pequeno confronto entre Kenshin e Sōjirō Seta (um grande espadachim sem emoções) em que ambos se vêm com as espadas irrevogavelmente destruídas.
Começa então a demanda por uma nova Sakabatō.
Entretanto vemos Sano a evoluir como lutador e todos vão chegando por sua vez a Kyoto.

Desta vez não tivemos direito a um "End of volume special" *snif* uma pessoa fica mal habituada...
Mal posso esperar pelo reencontro destes personagens que tanto gosto e pelo aparecimento do Mestre Hiko ^_^x

[Richard Tran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Viz Big editions are a great way to catch up on long series. This collection contains volumes 7-9 which introduces some more big players and kick starts the whole Kyoto/Shishio storyline. It's great to explore more of Kenshin's past. Also all of the main characters split up on their journey to Kyoto. In this book Sanosuke also upgrades his fighting power along the way which will make for some interesting battles down the line.

[Keiran Thegreat · Rating 5 out of 5]

As this series progresses the plots get more interesting and the characterisation becomes stronger. This book contains 3 volumes of the Rurouni Kenshin saga and mainly concentrates on the heroism of a man with a dark past and how several people can make the same journey but discover different things along the way.
An excellent manga, with a well told story and great artwork.

[Jesus Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rouroni Kenshin 3

Ok here the Shishio story arc begins, it’s basically the journey from Tokio to Kyoto and the different reactions. I don’t like the Kaoru reaction, seems too much a damsel in distress when she has proved she is not before. Great book again. Oh and we get my second favorite character to make her first appereance here, Misao.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a stronger volume for me than the previous. The plot has a lot more direction here as the main players are heading towards Kyoto for a showdown with Shishio, and I did like the introduction of Misio.

[Hailee · Rating 5 out of 5]

*reread May 2014*

[Allison Turbitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good start to the Kyoto arc. Looking forward to when Kenshin fights Shishio. Pacing feels a little bit better in here than it did in the anime.

[Chelle (crazytrinket) · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, my favorite volume in this manga series.

Exciting and fun! I can't wait to read more especially now that Kenshin is in Kyoto and battle with Shishio is getting near.