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るろうに剣心 [Rurōni Kenshin] #28
Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 28
As the feared assassin of the Bakumatsu, Himura Kenshin killed in the name of the new era. As the rurouni of Meiji, he wielded a sakabatô to protect those who couldn't protect themselves, all along holding true to his vow to never take another life. Now Kenshin's fight with Enishi has entered its final stage, as has his quest for atonement. Will another life be required to complete the circle? The road of redemption has been a long one for the world-weary swordsman, but now that Kenshin has found the will to live, can he muster the strength to survive?
Find out in the final, unforgettable volume of Nobuhiro Watsuki's international manga sensation, Rurouni Kenshin.
Find out in the final, unforgettable volume of Nobuhiro Watsuki's international manga sensation, Rurouni Kenshin.
200 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 1999
19 people are currently reading
442 people want to read
About the author
Nobuhiro Watsuki
246 books424 followersWatsuki 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
November 8, 2011
Dear Reflections OVA Creators:
"This is how RK should have ended!! Unlike your poor excuse of an OVA, This is the true and awesome ending of Rurouni Kenshin"
"This is how RK should have ended!! Unlike your poor excuse of an OVA, This is the true and awesome ending of Rurouni Kenshin"
September 3, 2007
Ah.. what can I say about Himura Kenshin? He's sweet and mild-mannered, even though The Battousai (the Slayer) lurks within. He cooks, cleans, does the household works VERY well. A great swordsman, he can make a lady feel safe and secure. Lucky, lucky Kaori! Kyaaa! I wanted a hubby like Kenshiiin!
I love everything about Kenshin.. oh well, except maybe his choice of clothes. White hakama pants and magenta top... certainly NOT one of my favorite combinations.
I love everything about Kenshin.. oh well, except maybe his choice of clothes. White hakama pants and magenta top... certainly NOT one of my favorite combinations.
June 7, 2019
অসামমমমমমমমমম!
ছোটবেলায় এনিমে দেখে কেনশিনের প্রেমে পরে গেছিলাম।
মাঙ্গা পড়ে সেই প্রেম আরো বেড়ে গেল। হিহিহি
ছোটবেলায় এনিমে দেখে কেনশিনের প্রেমে পরে গেছিলাম।
মাঙ্গা পড়ে সেই প্রেম আরো বেড়ে গেল। হিহিহি
October 5, 2017
Overall a great manga, but the last arc isn't as good as the others. I would say the quality went down after volume 22 or so tbh. Still worth it though, just...a bit of an anticlimatic conclusion for me.
April 15, 2018
I knew
Aoshi! My husband my love. I'm gonna miss you so much. Misato who? Amy and Aoshi is my thing.
#Amoshi forever.
Aoshi! My husband my love. I'm gonna miss you so much. Misato who? Amy and Aoshi is my thing.
#Amoshi forever.
January 20, 2025
The end at last!
Worthy of kenshin and his legacy.
Worthy of kenshin and his legacy.
February 20, 2021
Rather then write a review of just this final volume, I am going to put my review for the entire Rurouni Kenshin series here.
Rurouni Kenshin is a really interesting manga series. It breaks a lot of norms for Shonen Jump. First, its main character is a full adult, rather then a teen.
Second, rather then having his goal being constantly getting stronger, Kenshin is already incredibly strong. The conflict in the series is largely focused on the internal turmoil of whether Kenshin can keep his vow not to kill, while still protecting those around him. It's never questioned if Kenshin is strong, or even one of the strongest swordsmen, rather its constantly tested if he can be strong enough while avoiding killing. This makes for a really compelling narrative.
Finally, unlike most Shonen series where the main character enjoys a fight, Kenshin really doesn't, and frequently is trying to avoid fights.
The series does a really good job placing itself within a historical time frame in Japan, with inbetween chapter information on some of the actual historical facts of the time period. This gives it a historical fiction feel, while still having the fun and fast paced nature of a Shonen series, and it works extremely well.
The characters as a whole are enjoyable. I really liked Sanuske and Saito, but found Kaoru and Yahiko a bit disappointing and annoying. Megumi I think was under utilized, but was the most interesting female character in the series.
The biggest weakness of the series is the final arc is not great. It isn't bad, but most of the series is vamping up, leading into the Shishio arc. Shishio is built up into an incredible villain, and his supporting cast of swordmen all also have some great moments and hype. After this arc however, the series keeps going, but dives into the final arc which is just comparatively uninspiring. Sure there are some good moments, but compared to Shishio and his crew it just feels like a prologue at best.
Overall, I really enjoyed Rurouni Kenshin and recommend fans of manga try it. Just maybe stop after the Shishio arc LOL
Rurouni Kenshin is a really interesting manga series. It breaks a lot of norms for Shonen Jump. First, its main character is a full adult, rather then a teen.
Second, rather then having his goal being constantly getting stronger, Kenshin is already incredibly strong. The conflict in the series is largely focused on the internal turmoil of whether Kenshin can keep his vow not to kill, while still protecting those around him. It's never questioned if Kenshin is strong, or even one of the strongest swordsmen, rather its constantly tested if he can be strong enough while avoiding killing. This makes for a really compelling narrative.
Finally, unlike most Shonen series where the main character enjoys a fight, Kenshin really doesn't, and frequently is trying to avoid fights.
The series does a really good job placing itself within a historical time frame in Japan, with inbetween chapter information on some of the actual historical facts of the time period. This gives it a historical fiction feel, while still having the fun and fast paced nature of a Shonen series, and it works extremely well.
The characters as a whole are enjoyable. I really liked Sanuske and Saito, but found Kaoru and Yahiko a bit disappointing and annoying. Megumi I think was under utilized, but was the most interesting female character in the series.
The biggest weakness of the series is the final arc is not great. It isn't bad, but most of the series is vamping up, leading into the Shishio arc. Shishio is built up into an incredible villain, and his supporting cast of swordmen all also have some great moments and hype. After this arc however, the series keeps going, but dives into the final arc which is just comparatively uninspiring. Sure there are some good moments, but compared to Shishio and his crew it just feels like a prologue at best.
Overall, I really enjoyed Rurouni Kenshin and recommend fans of manga try it. Just maybe stop after the Shishio arc LOL
August 8, 2015
No me voy a cansar nunca de decir que este manga es de puta madre. Política, drama, humor, romance. Tiene todo. A los amantes de este tipo de lectura, les obligo a empezar esta historia. LOS OBLIGO. O BLI GO. (?)
El final *llora* es todo. Nada parecido al del animé que en su primer arco, fue exactamente igual al manga y después de eso, se desvió totalmente de la verdadera historia y desvirtuó lo que venía siendo una excelente adaptación -como odio que pase eso-. ¿Es posible soñar con un remake bien hecho por los 20 años del animé? ¿Con la historia original? *Le reza a todo* Watsuki pls. Acá tendrías una fan.Dejenme soñar.
En fin, fue hermoso. Lo amé. No va a ser la última vez que lea esta historia.♥
El final *llora* es todo. Nada parecido al del animé que en su primer arco, fue exactamente igual al manga y después de eso, se desvió totalmente de la verdadera historia y desvirtuó lo que venía siendo una excelente adaptación -como odio que pase eso-. ¿Es posible soñar con un remake bien hecho por los 20 años del animé? ¿Con la historia original? *Le reza a todo* Watsuki pls. Acá tendrías una fan.
En fin, fue hermoso. Lo amé. No va a ser la última vez que lea esta historia.♥
August 16, 2021
Perfect ending!! That was a well-deserved, hard earned beautiful ending for Himura Kenshin and Kamiya Kaoru. Kenshin really deserved that happy ending. 5/5 stars. Amazing story, beautiful romance, a wonderful conclusion to a great story. Highly recommend everyone who loves the anime to read the rest of the story in manga form. The live-action movie The Final does not adapt the rest of the story well, so please read the manga to experience the real story.
The emotions this story gave me, I am so happy I decided to read the manga. This story really had the ideal ending. It's all I wanted for Himura Kenshin. Happy and fulfilled.
The emotions this story gave me, I am so happy I decided to read the manga. This story really had the ideal ending. It's all I wanted for Himura Kenshin. Happy and fulfilled.
March 17, 2016
The best manga series I have ever read.
October 9, 2017
I really loved this series! I feel like it could have been even longer though.
April 14, 2021
Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 28 continues where the previous tankōbon left off and contains the last eight chapters (248–255) of the on-going manga series with a bonus chapter and a preview of another series – Buso Renkin.
Using his sakabatō, Himura Kenshin creates a sonic wave that injures Yukishiro Enishi's intensified senses. Both of them then proceed to use their strongest moves, and Kenshin wins as he is now able to use all his force. Woo Heishin tries to shoot all of them, but Enishi knocks him out, as he remembers Yukishiro Tomoe's death. The police arrest Enishi, but he escapes when Kamiya Kaoru gives him Tomoe's diary.
Back in Tokyo, seeing that Kenshin will never be a hitokiri again, Saitō Hajime decides not to have his final fight against him. Takani Megumi goes to Aizu to open her own clinic, while Sagara Sanosuke starts traveling around the world as he is now on the run from the police for having attacked Tani Jūsanrō, a former Ishin Shishi.
Five years later, Kenshin has married Kaoru, and they have a son named Himura Kenji. When Yahiko visits them, Kenshin challenges Myōjin Yahiko to a fight to see how much he has improved. Although Yahiko loses, Kenshin gives him his sakabatō, being satisfied with his development.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The tankōbon concludes the series after 255 chapters and has Himura Kenshin defeating Yukishiro Enishi, who lost the fight, but managed to escape police captivity. The epilogue has Himura Kenshin living a peaceful life married to Kamiya Kaoru with a son, Himura Kenji – five years later.
Overall, Rurouni Kenshin is written and illustrated rather well. In the early Meiji era, after participating in the Bakumatsu war as the assassin "Hitokiri Battōsai", Himura Kenshin wanders the countryside of Japan with a reverse blade katana, offering protection and aid to those in need as atonement for the murders he once committed. It is an epic story of redemption and the power of forgiveness to live a life renewed.
All in all, Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 28 is a wonderful conclusion to an equally wonderful series.
Using his sakabatō, Himura Kenshin creates a sonic wave that injures Yukishiro Enishi's intensified senses. Both of them then proceed to use their strongest moves, and Kenshin wins as he is now able to use all his force. Woo Heishin tries to shoot all of them, but Enishi knocks him out, as he remembers Yukishiro Tomoe's death. The police arrest Enishi, but he escapes when Kamiya Kaoru gives him Tomoe's diary.
Back in Tokyo, seeing that Kenshin will never be a hitokiri again, Saitō Hajime decides not to have his final fight against him. Takani Megumi goes to Aizu to open her own clinic, while Sagara Sanosuke starts traveling around the world as he is now on the run from the police for having attacked Tani Jūsanrō, a former Ishin Shishi.
Five years later, Kenshin has married Kaoru, and they have a son named Himura Kenji. When Yahiko visits them, Kenshin challenges Myōjin Yahiko to a fight to see how much he has improved. Although Yahiko loses, Kenshin gives him his sakabatō, being satisfied with his development.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The tankōbon concludes the series after 255 chapters and has Himura Kenshin defeating Yukishiro Enishi, who lost the fight, but managed to escape police captivity. The epilogue has Himura Kenshin living a peaceful life married to Kamiya Kaoru with a son, Himura Kenji – five years later.
Overall, Rurouni Kenshin is written and illustrated rather well. In the early Meiji era, after participating in the Bakumatsu war as the assassin "Hitokiri Battōsai", Himura Kenshin wanders the countryside of Japan with a reverse blade katana, offering protection and aid to those in need as atonement for the murders he once committed. It is an epic story of redemption and the power of forgiveness to live a life renewed.
All in all, Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 28 is a wonderful conclusion to an equally wonderful series.
March 22, 2018
😭😭😭 So sad to end this series but oh my god, that was by far one of my favorite series. So glad I decided on a whim to collect this whole series and after like 6 months, decide to finally read it. Heavily recommended for all manga lovers
August 5, 2019
Acabo de terminar de leer "Kenshin". Puedo decir que me ha gustado y lo he disfrutado.
July 8, 2022
Final de Kenshi y último tomo del autor en publicarse en el país hasta el momento.
Además de los últimos capítulos de Kenshin se incluye también el one-shot "Meteor Strike", y un resumen a cargo del traductor del capítulo extra no incluido.
Además de los últimos capítulos de Kenshin se incluye también el one-shot "Meteor Strike", y un resumen a cargo del traductor del capítulo extra no incluido.
July 9, 2023
May the path we take be worthy of passing on and may it be only our path. The paths you’re supposed to cross will show up on their own. ♾️🗡️🗺️🥲
October 25, 2015
Having now read the entire Rurouni Kenshin series, I feel like I should offer some final, recapping thoughts.
I should first note that my interest in this series originated with the anime. Then, fan works. Then, finally, the manga. And while it was an entertaining ride, I ultimately finished it feeling rather lethargic and let down.
To me, the tight story telling and interesting characterization (and subsequent inner struggles) seemed to fall to the wayside the further into the series I got. By the final volume the message felt like a mess of grey and murkiness. Which is a foolish complaint to make, when Kenshin's resolve hardens, at last, into his final philosophy, but the overall tone never resolves in the same way.
I almost feel worse for having read it, as the playfulness and interest I had for the world has faded with the reality of the canon interjected into it.
Would I recommend this story? Perhaps not: while I think there is so much potential, I'm not sure the actual series lives up to it??
I should first note that my interest in this series originated with the anime. Then, fan works. Then, finally, the manga. And while it was an entertaining ride, I ultimately finished it feeling rather lethargic and let down.
To me, the tight story telling and interesting characterization (and subsequent inner struggles) seemed to fall to the wayside the further into the series I got. By the final volume the message felt like a mess of grey and murkiness. Which is a foolish complaint to make, when Kenshin's resolve hardens, at last, into his final philosophy, but the overall tone never resolves in the same way.
I almost feel worse for having read it, as the playfulness and interest I had for the world has faded with the reality of the canon interjected into it.
Would I recommend this story? Perhaps not: while I think there is so much potential, I'm not sure the actual series lives up to it??
August 22, 2019
While this volume technically contains the last chapter of the Enishi/Kenshin showdown, the majority of it is focused on the denouement, wrapping up the various subplots that still need to be resolved and pointing a way forward for each minor character. It's well-handled, and a last chance to see Kenshin with each in way that stresses their similarities and differences really effectively, letting us see how they've all grown through the story.
March 9, 2010
No es el mejor tomo de la serie pero sí un dignísimo final para uno de los mejores exponentes del shonen de pelea. La historia corta extra "Meteor Strike" es un poco pavota pero entretenida igual y muy bien dibujada.
December 9, 2010
This series is absolutely awesome. It extends well beyond the anime and some of the OVAs. There were a lot of really important, dramatic segments, a more detailed treatment of Kenshin's past and it wrapped up really well.
May 25, 2022
Cuando leía los tomos de Ruroini Kenshin cuando era un adolescente siempre me lo pasaba increíblemente bien, aunque reconozco que había muchos detalles relacionados con el marco político de la historia que no comprendía bien. He leído los 28 volúmenes de este manga muchas veces, pero ahora, a mis 33 años, quería hacer una lectura un poco más adulta de este manga de Nobuhiro Watsuki, considerado por muchos como uno de los títulos de samurais más importantes del mundo del manga. Esta última lectura ha sido una verdadera delicia, creo si te gusta el manga Shonen, Kenshin reúne todos los elementos del género, pero el autor lo enmarca en un contexto político/social que hace que la obra adquiera mucha profundidad. Por otro lado, este manga habla de temas universales de la literatura y del manga como la amistad, el amor, la redención, la búsqueda de Justicia o la muerte.
La edición de Kenshin que yo poseo es la que publicó la desaparecida editorial Glenat a principios de los 2000 en 28 tomos de colores. Con el paso de los años, se han hecho ediciones a la altura del manga, de hecho, Glenat editó el Kanzenban de Kenshin y más tarde lo recuperó la editorial Panini. Me alegra ver que, para la obra tan buena que es, las editoriales hayan querido cuidar la edición española actual, puesto que la edición que yo tengo en 28 tomos es realmente mala: traducida del francés, plagada de faltas de ortografía, a veces se puede ver debajo del texto el original en francés, onomatopeyas que ocupan toda la página y tapan el dibujo, en fin, un verdadero desastre. Me arrepiento de haber pagado en su día 7.50€ por tomo pero claro, era la edición que había.
Pero hablando de Rurouni Kenshin, se publicó originalmente de abril de 1994 a septiembre de 1999 en la revista Shonen Jump y consta de 255 capítulos. La historia o contenido de este manga se podría dividir la obra de esta forma:
Tomos 1 al 6: volúmenes introductorios del contexto político/social y presentación de los amigos y rivales de Kenshin que conforman casi todo el manga.
Tomos 7 al 17: Arco de Kioto y lucha contra Makoto Shishio.
Tomos 18 al 28: Arco de la "Venganza humana" (así se llama en mi edición) contra Enishi Yukishiro.
Como es necesario presentar a los personajes de manera cuidada y pausada, el autor se toma su tiempo para completar esta tarea. Resultan de gran utilidad las fichas de los personajes al final de cada capítulo en las que explica de dónde de ha sacado la inspiración para crearlos; en muchos casos de cómics americanos como X-men o Spawn, algo palpable sobre todo en los villanos de la serie.
Respecto al contenido de Ruroini Kenshin, para mí, el arco más interesante es el de Makoto Shishio, puesto que está muy relacionado con la historia de Japón, la era Meiji y sus consecuencias en la sociedad japonesa. Además, el autor consiguió crear a un verdadero villano, de esos que se quedan en las cabezas de los lectores para siempre. En el terreno del manga, siempre me ha gustado cómo los ideales del protagonista chocan de golpe y sin remedio con los ideales del villano, cosa que ocurre de manera clara en el arco de Kioto.
Por otro lado, el arco de Enishi Yukishiro está más relacionado con Kenshin, su historia personal y la búsqueda de su futuro en contraposición con su pasado, por eso, aunque este arco es realmente bueno, creo que baja un poco respecto a su predecesor. Hay, de hecho, una historia centrada en uno de los personajes secundarios que es Sagara Sanosuke, ubicada en el volumen 26, que realmente aporta poco a la acción de este arco de Enishi Yukishiro.
En cuanto al dibujo de Nobuhiro Watsuki, es realmente interesante ver cómo van cambiando a nivel gráfico los personajes. Siempre he pensado que Kenshin era un manga con un dibujo muy Shojo en los primeros volúmenes que va evolucionando hacia un claro estilo shonen, que encaja mejor en el género, a medida que avanza y profundiza la historia.
Después de varias películas de acción real, anime, videojuegos y mucho merchandising, en septiembre de 2017, Nobuhiro Watsuki comenzó a publicar una nueva saga de Kenshin llamada Hokkaido. Es curioso, porque en el último volumen, en uno de sus Free Talks, el autor dice que le gustaría continuar la historia y situarla en Hokkaido, cosa ha hecho nada menos que 18 años después de que terminara el manga original. Y hablando de los Free Talks que se incluyen en los tomos, son realmente interesantes para comprender algunos aspectos del manga, lástima que el autor use mucho espacio en hablar de figuras y videojuegos que, en ocasiones, no llevan a ningún sitio.
El resumen, un manga indispensable para los amantes del Shonen que ya tomando tintes algo "clásicos". Esta lectura más adulta de la obra me ha hecho valorar muchas de sus cualidades, por lo que, dentro de unos años, volveré a reeler con gusto las aventuras de Kenshin Himura.
La edición de Kenshin que yo poseo es la que publicó la desaparecida editorial Glenat a principios de los 2000 en 28 tomos de colores. Con el paso de los años, se han hecho ediciones a la altura del manga, de hecho, Glenat editó el Kanzenban de Kenshin y más tarde lo recuperó la editorial Panini. Me alegra ver que, para la obra tan buena que es, las editoriales hayan querido cuidar la edición española actual, puesto que la edición que yo tengo en 28 tomos es realmente mala: traducida del francés, plagada de faltas de ortografía, a veces se puede ver debajo del texto el original en francés, onomatopeyas que ocupan toda la página y tapan el dibujo, en fin, un verdadero desastre. Me arrepiento de haber pagado en su día 7.50€ por tomo pero claro, era la edición que había.
Pero hablando de Rurouni Kenshin, se publicó originalmente de abril de 1994 a septiembre de 1999 en la revista Shonen Jump y consta de 255 capítulos. La historia o contenido de este manga se podría dividir la obra de esta forma:
Tomos 1 al 6: volúmenes introductorios del contexto político/social y presentación de los amigos y rivales de Kenshin que conforman casi todo el manga.
Tomos 7 al 17: Arco de Kioto y lucha contra Makoto Shishio.
Tomos 18 al 28: Arco de la "Venganza humana" (así se llama en mi edición) contra Enishi Yukishiro.
Como es necesario presentar a los personajes de manera cuidada y pausada, el autor se toma su tiempo para completar esta tarea. Resultan de gran utilidad las fichas de los personajes al final de cada capítulo en las que explica de dónde de ha sacado la inspiración para crearlos; en muchos casos de cómics americanos como X-men o Spawn, algo palpable sobre todo en los villanos de la serie.
Respecto al contenido de Ruroini Kenshin, para mí, el arco más interesante es el de Makoto Shishio, puesto que está muy relacionado con la historia de Japón, la era Meiji y sus consecuencias en la sociedad japonesa. Además, el autor consiguió crear a un verdadero villano, de esos que se quedan en las cabezas de los lectores para siempre. En el terreno del manga, siempre me ha gustado cómo los ideales del protagonista chocan de golpe y sin remedio con los ideales del villano, cosa que ocurre de manera clara en el arco de Kioto.
Por otro lado, el arco de Enishi Yukishiro está más relacionado con Kenshin, su historia personal y la búsqueda de su futuro en contraposición con su pasado, por eso, aunque este arco es realmente bueno, creo que baja un poco respecto a su predecesor. Hay, de hecho, una historia centrada en uno de los personajes secundarios que es Sagara Sanosuke, ubicada en el volumen 26, que realmente aporta poco a la acción de este arco de Enishi Yukishiro.
En cuanto al dibujo de Nobuhiro Watsuki, es realmente interesante ver cómo van cambiando a nivel gráfico los personajes. Siempre he pensado que Kenshin era un manga con un dibujo muy Shojo en los primeros volúmenes que va evolucionando hacia un claro estilo shonen, que encaja mejor en el género, a medida que avanza y profundiza la historia.
Después de varias películas de acción real, anime, videojuegos y mucho merchandising, en septiembre de 2017, Nobuhiro Watsuki comenzó a publicar una nueva saga de Kenshin llamada Hokkaido. Es curioso, porque en el último volumen, en uno de sus Free Talks, el autor dice que le gustaría continuar la historia y situarla en Hokkaido, cosa ha hecho nada menos que 18 años después de que terminara el manga original. Y hablando de los Free Talks que se incluyen en los tomos, son realmente interesantes para comprender algunos aspectos del manga, lástima que el autor use mucho espacio en hablar de figuras y videojuegos que, en ocasiones, no llevan a ningún sitio.
El resumen, un manga indispensable para los amantes del Shonen que ya tomando tintes algo "clásicos". Esta lectura más adulta de la obra me ha hecho valorar muchas de sus cualidades, por lo que, dentro de unos años, volveré a reeler con gusto las aventuras de Kenshin Himura.
March 27, 2022
Kenshin is an all-around great series with a great ending. Honestly, it's one of the few serialized shounen manga that, in my opinion, stays solid throughout its run. It's also clear that many mangakas, such as the author of Demon Slayer, have also read, enjoyed, and were directly inspired by the series. This is a classic I would recommend to anyone who is a fan of shounen manga.
Now, as a disclaimer, this is one of the few series I would recommend pirating or renting from the library instead of purchasing. Personally, I was able to find it at a nearby library. The author Watsuki has been convicted for very bad things I can't mention in a Goodreads review. He's out of prison now, and I've been told the royalties from this manga still go to him. If you don't want to fund his purchases of very bad things, please consider not buying the manga.
Additionally, I do think this is a work that can be separated from the author's practices when reading it. I never felt like there was any subtext in the manga, and the story itself is a straightforward samurai story. However, I can completely understand if other readers don't feel this way and choose to not read it. Just keep in mind that you have to do what you have to do when reading, and don't force yourself to read something that makes you uncomfortable. Reading is supposed to be fun, and if you can't separate the art from the artist, then don't force yourself to enjoy it. There's plenty of other great stuff out there anyway!
Now, as a disclaimer, this is one of the few series I would recommend pirating or renting from the library instead of purchasing. Personally, I was able to find it at a nearby library. The author Watsuki has been convicted for very bad things I can't mention in a Goodreads review. He's out of prison now, and I've been told the royalties from this manga still go to him. If you don't want to fund his purchases of very bad things, please consider not buying the manga.
Additionally, I do think this is a work that can be separated from the author's practices when reading it. I never felt like there was any subtext in the manga, and the story itself is a straightforward samurai story. However, I can completely understand if other readers don't feel this way and choose to not read it. Just keep in mind that you have to do what you have to do when reading, and don't force yourself to read something that makes you uncomfortable. Reading is supposed to be fun, and if you can't separate the art from the artist, then don't force yourself to enjoy it. There's plenty of other great stuff out there anyway!
March 3, 2025
Toward a New Era! So ends Rourouni Kenshin. I grew up enjoying this series as an anime, and now as an adult I have read the source material for the show. The ending is very satisfying to a great degree. I don’t want to go into any of the details because that is what makes this book entertaining. It is the end of Kenshin and yet it is not the end of the characters we all have learned to love and enjoy. The cover is so fitting that I feel it may be overlooked…so I recommend after finishing the story closing the book and looking on the cover for a moment to really soak up the full experience. After the end the Rurouni Kenshin story, there is a short story called Meteor Strike. This is sort of a “one shot” story and may or may not appeal to you as a Kenshin fan but was created by Nobuhiro Watsukki. Finally, there is a preview for a upcoming new series by Nobuhiro Watsuki called “Buso Renkin” which translates to mean “Alchemical Weapons”. I don’t know if fans of the series will look into it, but you get a taste as you conclude this journey with Rorouni Kenshin.
December 8, 2024
Cerita penutup yang sangat memuaskan. Fiuh.
Kurasa tak berlebihan jika mengatakan bahwa Rurouni Kenshin adalah salah satu produk warisan budaya Jepang. Kontennya benar-benar seperti Introduction to Meiji era. Jadi sedikit lebih tahu soal sejarah Jepang era itu.
Satu yang kukagumi dari serial ini. Meski termasuk komik shounen, tapi beneran nyaris nggak ada fanservice. Selain Yumi Komagata, semua tokoh perempuannya berpakaian dengan sangat sopan dan peran serta tingkahnya pun tidak menggoda. Salut. Sungguh nyaman bacanya.
Pesan bahwa kita harus terus bertahan hidup untuk menebus dosa dengan melakukan banyak perbuatan baik, sampai keinginan untuk hidup demi melindungi orang-orang terkasih benar-benar kuat. Tak heran kalau hingga 30 tahun pun franchise ini tetap hidup sejak pertama kali diterbitkan di tahun 1994.
Kurasa tak berlebihan jika mengatakan bahwa Rurouni Kenshin adalah salah satu produk warisan budaya Jepang. Kontennya benar-benar seperti Introduction to Meiji era. Jadi sedikit lebih tahu soal sejarah Jepang era itu.
Satu yang kukagumi dari serial ini. Meski termasuk komik shounen, tapi beneran nyaris nggak ada fanservice. Selain Yumi Komagata, semua tokoh perempuannya berpakaian dengan sangat sopan dan peran serta tingkahnya pun tidak menggoda. Salut. Sungguh nyaman bacanya.
Pesan bahwa kita harus terus bertahan hidup untuk menebus dosa dengan melakukan banyak perbuatan baik, sampai keinginan untuk hidup demi melindungi orang-orang terkasih benar-benar kuat. Tak heran kalau hingga 30 tahun pun franchise ini tetap hidup sejak pertama kali diterbitkan di tahun 1994.
December 25, 2017
This was a pretty good, satisfying, end to the series. I wasn't disappointed by the ending in any way. There's not much point in reviewing this volume; if you've read this far, you'll want to read this.
The volume is padded out with a short story, "Meteor Strike," that is kind of goofy and not really that interesting to me. And there's a preview of Watsuki's next series, Buso Renkin, at the end. I'm not sure if I'm at all interested in that, though I'm going to keep it in mind if I ever run out of other manga to read. (I've probably got 20 or 30 unread manga volumes in my apartment right now.)
The volume is padded out with a short story, "Meteor Strike," that is kind of goofy and not really that interesting to me. And there's a preview of Watsuki's next series, Buso Renkin, at the end. I'm not sure if I'm at all interested in that, though I'm going to keep it in mind if I ever run out of other manga to read. (I've probably got 20 or 30 unread manga volumes in my apartment right now.)
May 30, 2020
Alright, so given that Manga is more of an ongoing story split into arcs that are in no way split up between volumes. I'm going to be reviewing story arc by story arc. This will then be copy and pasted throughout all of the 28 Volumes of the Manga. Also, let's get this out of the way. This is 1. A Reread and 2. Spoiler Warning I won't be directly recapping, but I will use points to describe my thoughts and feelings.
Tokyo Arc - Acts/Chapters 1-47 - Rating: 8/10
-A great start for a historical fiction. A bit on the nose, but I generally find with historical fictions you have to pretend that no one knows what time period you're talking about so it's nearly unavoidable.
-Great character work. Each Character introduced in Kenshin's gang are examples of how the war has hurt these people. This reflects on Kenshin as he was a key figure in the war that caused all these people that he growing to love, pain. Whether it's Yahiko who lost his parents to draft of war. Or Sanosuke who joined the rebellion and through political means lost his captain and the person he admired most. Or even Kaoru, who attempts to run a dojo in a time when Swords are forbidden by the government. All of these are monumental in Kenshin's redemption from the wrongs he has committed.
-My issue is moreso in how these conflicts come up. They seem very much villain of the week story. And most Shonens are when they initially start and I understand that. Some do it great. (Yu Yu hakusho) some do it terribly (Reborn) I think RuroKen does it OKAY. There are a lot of conveniences and Kenshin is the type of character who can nearly fix everything at any point because he's Kenshin and he outclasses the people they face.
-This arc is really split into 4 mini arcs. Beginning 6/10. Sanosuke Arc 9/10. Jin-E Arc 7/10. Oniwanbanshu arc 10/10
The Kyoto Arc - Acts/Chapters 48-151 - Rating: 9/10
-Phenomenal Arc. Kenshin must tackle with the concept of whether he can keep his oath against a man who is arguably his better. The man who replaced him as Hitokiri. Shishio Makota.
-The jupponganta, the villain group of this ark are all well designed and each one makes perfect sense why they would follow Shisho. Whether they love, respect or just want to kill him. Each one feels like a tough nit group. As for Shishio himself. He's one of those cool villains. I understand why he is and why he's so charismatic. But as far as being an actual villain. He doesn't do much. I think that's to his benefit. His whole concept is realistic in terms of, he has a time limit to how long he can fight. Which is why he created the jupponganta. But that doesn't make him still do so little in the story besides sit and wait for Kenshin to show up. My only real gripe.
-Kenshin conquers all of his fears and redeems himself completely towards the government by stopping the man that replaced him. Mastering Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu and finally allowing his friends to help him. It's a profound and beautiful arc that makes Kenshins character shine.
Jinchu Arc - Acts/Chapters 152-255 - Rating: 7/10
-Where in the last arc we saw Kenshin redeem himself in the eyes of the government. This is the arc where we see Kenshin redeem himself in the eyes of himself. When his Brother in law returns from China and threatens his friends and everyone he's grown to care for over the last 151 chapters Kenshin struggles with the reality of what murdering his late wife has become of Enishi.
-To me, there are three chunks, but they all work towards the same goal. The beginning.(7/10) The Flashback. (9/10) The End (5/10)
-The flashback is the strongest part of this. It was the missing piece in Kenshin's character and it really helps us figure out how and why he became who he became. He smiles constantly because his late wife wanted him to smile more. It's so sweet and tragic.
-However, the actual arc collects a bunch of random riff raffs to challenge Kenshin and his group of friends that also kinda have "beef" with him. But this and the end were pretty much the weak parts of this arc to me. The one dudes whole problem was that he got his hand cut off....and Kenshin DIDN'T kill him so...he decided to lose his whale-like mind and join a terrorist group. Two of the others had people they loved died. Who weren't good dudes btw, they were villains. But still...revenge. The other guy had some kind of clan responsibility but when he was defeated Kenshin just told him to go back to his family so it really wasn't an issue. And the final guy...well he didn't even have a beef. He just wanted to test out his mega unrealistic puppets. I'm talking Naruto unrealistic for a historical fiction.
-But all of those dudes at least had reasons. The villains in the final part were all just throw away villains that even Watsuki reveals himself were just throwaways. They aren't too compelling and giving the characters we have grown to love a final fight may have been appreciated by me the initial go. (because I was 14) I just found myself not caring whatsoever about these fights that lasted a whole volume by themselves upon rereading.
Overall, Rurouni Kenshin is a fantastic historical fiction centered around fantastic real life historical individuals. It's ability to write honest, true characters of the time period makes me remember them and I truly found so much more good in this series with the reread. The biggest issues this series has is staying consistent and opting to expose it's lack of authenticity for grenade launchers. Overall 8/10
Tokyo Arc - Acts/Chapters 1-47 - Rating: 8/10
-A great start for a historical fiction. A bit on the nose, but I generally find with historical fictions you have to pretend that no one knows what time period you're talking about so it's nearly unavoidable.
-Great character work. Each Character introduced in Kenshin's gang are examples of how the war has hurt these people. This reflects on Kenshin as he was a key figure in the war that caused all these people that he growing to love, pain. Whether it's Yahiko who lost his parents to draft of war. Or Sanosuke who joined the rebellion and through political means lost his captain and the person he admired most. Or even Kaoru, who attempts to run a dojo in a time when Swords are forbidden by the government. All of these are monumental in Kenshin's redemption from the wrongs he has committed.
-My issue is moreso in how these conflicts come up. They seem very much villain of the week story. And most Shonens are when they initially start and I understand that. Some do it great. (Yu Yu hakusho) some do it terribly (Reborn) I think RuroKen does it OKAY. There are a lot of conveniences and Kenshin is the type of character who can nearly fix everything at any point because he's Kenshin and he outclasses the people they face.
-This arc is really split into 4 mini arcs. Beginning 6/10. Sanosuke Arc 9/10. Jin-E Arc 7/10. Oniwanbanshu arc 10/10
The Kyoto Arc - Acts/Chapters 48-151 - Rating: 9/10
-Phenomenal Arc. Kenshin must tackle with the concept of whether he can keep his oath against a man who is arguably his better. The man who replaced him as Hitokiri. Shishio Makota.
-The jupponganta, the villain group of this ark are all well designed and each one makes perfect sense why they would follow Shisho. Whether they love, respect or just want to kill him. Each one feels like a tough nit group. As for Shishio himself. He's one of those cool villains. I understand why he is and why he's so charismatic. But as far as being an actual villain. He doesn't do much. I think that's to his benefit. His whole concept is realistic in terms of, he has a time limit to how long he can fight. Which is why he created the jupponganta. But that doesn't make him still do so little in the story besides sit and wait for Kenshin to show up. My only real gripe.
-Kenshin conquers all of his fears and redeems himself completely towards the government by stopping the man that replaced him. Mastering Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu and finally allowing his friends to help him. It's a profound and beautiful arc that makes Kenshins character shine.
Jinchu Arc - Acts/Chapters 152-255 - Rating: 7/10
-Where in the last arc we saw Kenshin redeem himself in the eyes of the government. This is the arc where we see Kenshin redeem himself in the eyes of himself. When his Brother in law returns from China and threatens his friends and everyone he's grown to care for over the last 151 chapters Kenshin struggles with the reality of what murdering his late wife has become of Enishi.
-To me, there are three chunks, but they all work towards the same goal. The beginning.(7/10) The Flashback. (9/10) The End (5/10)
-The flashback is the strongest part of this. It was the missing piece in Kenshin's character and it really helps us figure out how and why he became who he became. He smiles constantly because his late wife wanted him to smile more. It's so sweet and tragic.
-However, the actual arc collects a bunch of random riff raffs to challenge Kenshin and his group of friends that also kinda have "beef" with him. But this and the end were pretty much the weak parts of this arc to me. The one dudes whole problem was that he got his hand cut off....and Kenshin DIDN'T kill him so...he decided to lose his whale-like mind and join a terrorist group. Two of the others had people they loved died. Who weren't good dudes btw, they were villains. But still...revenge. The other guy had some kind of clan responsibility but when he was defeated Kenshin just told him to go back to his family so it really wasn't an issue. And the final guy...well he didn't even have a beef. He just wanted to test out his mega unrealistic puppets. I'm talking Naruto unrealistic for a historical fiction.
-But all of those dudes at least had reasons. The villains in the final part were all just throw away villains that even Watsuki reveals himself were just throwaways. They aren't too compelling and giving the characters we have grown to love a final fight may have been appreciated by me the initial go. (because I was 14) I just found myself not caring whatsoever about these fights that lasted a whole volume by themselves upon rereading.
Overall, Rurouni Kenshin is a fantastic historical fiction centered around fantastic real life historical individuals. It's ability to write honest, true characters of the time period makes me remember them and I truly found so much more good in this series with the reread. The biggest issues this series has is staying consistent and opting to expose it's lack of authenticity for grenade launchers. Overall 8/10
October 21, 2024
The arc had its up and downs, but this last volume was a great way to close out the series.
Kenshin and Kaoru are happy, having formed a family, Yahiko is the next generation, Sanosuke is traveling the world, Saito moved on past his beef against Kenshin, Megumi is doing what she does best, Aoshi seems to be in a better place, and even Enishi might be on the road to forgiveness.
Nice ending. While I didn’t love this last arc, I’m looking forward to seeing it done properly in the latest adaptation.
Kenshin and Kaoru are happy, having formed a family, Yahiko is the next generation, Sanosuke is traveling the world, Saito moved on past his beef against Kenshin, Megumi is doing what she does best, Aoshi seems to be in a better place, and even Enishi might be on the road to forgiveness.
Nice ending. While I didn’t love this last arc, I’m looking forward to seeing it done properly in the latest adaptation.
April 27, 2023
A nice ending as I do like what wins the final battle is not Kenshin but Enishi finally finding his humanity as he protects someone that reminds him of his sister. Which is a nice way of ending the series and still have Kenshin keep his oath. And I do like we get to see how everyone changes in the future and they are pretty touching and nice.
October 20, 2018
Akhir yg bahagia. Semua tersenyum menatap era baru. Watsuki sensei berusaha keras memenuhi harapan penggemar. Oh ya Samurai X ini ada lanjutannya. Mengisahkan petualangan Kenshin dkk di Hokkaido. Semoga bisa terbit disini.
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