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るろうに剣心 [Rurōni Kenshin] #1
Samurai X, Volume 01
With his killer blade, legend-warrior Hitokiri Battôsai once helped close the turbulent Bakumatsu era and slashed open the progressive age known as Meiji. It's now 1878, ten years after the bloody Meiji Revolution that marked the end of the rule of the Shogun and the Samurai in Japan. In Tokyo, where swords have been banned, Kaoru bumps into the wandering Kenshin while looking for the Battosai, who is ruining the name of her fencing school by killing people in the streets using her signature style. Thus begins an extraordinary relationship between Kaoru, a master swordswoman with a heart of gold; Kenshin, a past master who has vowed never to fight again; and the seemingly invincible would-be Battôsai.
197 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 1994
268 people are currently reading
17881 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 448 reviews
August 19, 2007
Kenhin Himura is not your typical Shonen (boy's) manga hero. He's not a spunky teenager (he's actually pushing 30) he's not on a quest to be greatest ninja/pirate/karate champ of them all, and he doesn't get pumped up and excited for a fight. In fact, Kenshin seems to be what your traditional rock-headed fight-loving shonen protagonist might become after the end of a series; he's had his share of battles and just wants to sit back and enjoy life. The bulk of the series occurs in 1878, ten years after the Meiji revolution brought the reign of the Shoguns to an end and modernized Japan. Kenshin was instrumental in the victory of the revolutionaries, but he had to kill a lot of people to do it. Now, ten years later, he's traded in his old sword for a Sakabatou (a reverse-blade sword, which prevents him from killing his opponents) and vowed never to kill again. But his old reputation still causes Kenshin a great deal of trouble, as he is forced to defend his newfound friends from villains great and small.
What makes Rurouni Kenshin an uncommonly great shonen manga is Nobohiro Watsuki's refusal to adhere to most of the conventions of the genre. Here we have a hero whose only ambition is to be left alone. Fighting, while it occurs frequently, is portrayed as undesirable and something to be avoided, rather than exciting and heroic. Kenshin himself is an excellent character, a humble and quiet man who appears to be at peace with the world on the surface, but deep down harbors trmendous inner anger and pain. But he takes this in stride, refusing to complain or allow it to trouble his loved ones.
Rurouni Kenshin is also unique in that it is an action story which is symboitically tied to the development of its protagonist. The story can be broken into three major arcs, each of which represents a different change in Kenshin's character, and explore his relationship with his past in different and increasingly more intense ways. Ultimatly, Kenshin's journey is a personal one, and despite all the duels with sword-wielding madmen, terrorists, and criminals, the one fight which stretches from the begining to the end of this 27-volume series is Kenshin's battle with himself.
And that ultimatly is what makes Rurouni Kenshin stand alone as one of the greatest shonen series of all time. While other series are content with heroes who seek fame, fortune or magical artifacts, Kenshin's quest is to simply find himself.
What makes Rurouni Kenshin an uncommonly great shonen manga is Nobohiro Watsuki's refusal to adhere to most of the conventions of the genre. Here we have a hero whose only ambition is to be left alone. Fighting, while it occurs frequently, is portrayed as undesirable and something to be avoided, rather than exciting and heroic. Kenshin himself is an excellent character, a humble and quiet man who appears to be at peace with the world on the surface, but deep down harbors trmendous inner anger and pain. But he takes this in stride, refusing to complain or allow it to trouble his loved ones.
Rurouni Kenshin is also unique in that it is an action story which is symboitically tied to the development of its protagonist. The story can be broken into three major arcs, each of which represents a different change in Kenshin's character, and explore his relationship with his past in different and increasingly more intense ways. Ultimatly, Kenshin's journey is a personal one, and despite all the duels with sword-wielding madmen, terrorists, and criminals, the one fight which stretches from the begining to the end of this 27-volume series is Kenshin's battle with himself.
And that ultimatly is what makes Rurouni Kenshin stand alone as one of the greatest shonen series of all time. While other series are content with heroes who seek fame, fortune or magical artifacts, Kenshin's quest is to simply find himself.
February 9, 2026
It is the Meiji period in Japan, and the age of the samurai is over. However, there are those who keep true to the samurai ways. Kenshin is one of them, a wandering swordsman in an age when swords are outlawed. In his travels, he helps those in need. This usually involves fighting ex-samurai who have turned to corrupt government service or criminal activity. There is a lot of swordplay in this series, so fans of action manga will enjoy this.
January 3, 2017
Qué lindo fue volver a disfrutar esta historia <3
Rurouni Kenshin (o Samurai X, como lo tradujeron en América Latina) es uno de mis anime favoritos y desde hace tiempo tenía pendiente leer el manga.
Me encanta el sentido del humor de los personajes y también la cantidad de datos interesantes respecto a la era Meiji
El manga tiene algunas diferencias con la serie (la más notoria es la violencia y otros temas fuertes que fueron censurados), pero en general este volumen es prácticamente un calco de los primeros episodios. Destaco que Yahiko es mucho más interesante que en el anime y la historia de Sanosuke es mucho más fuerte y triste.
Ya tengo el resto de los tomos descargados así que espero leerlos pronto ^_^
Rurouni Kenshin (o Samurai X, como lo tradujeron en América Latina) es uno de mis anime favoritos y desde hace tiempo tenía pendiente leer el manga.
Me encanta el sentido del humor de los personajes y también la cantidad de datos interesantes respecto a la era Meiji
El manga tiene algunas diferencias con la serie (la más notoria es la violencia y otros temas fuertes que fueron censurados), pero en general este volumen es prácticamente un calco de los primeros episodios. Destaco que Yahiko es mucho más interesante que en el anime y la historia de Sanosuke es mucho más fuerte y triste.
Ya tengo el resto de los tomos descargados así que espero leerlos pronto ^_^
September 30, 2013
I can see this is a series that a lot of people will really, really like. I am not one of those people. Too much action, too little plot, maybe? It sort of reminds me of Ranma ½ with a lot less slapstick. The art style is similar, which is probably why I'm comparing the two in the first place. There's nothing in the book that I can really criticize, it just isn't for me.
July 26, 2023
به لطف انیمه جدیدش، دوباره شروع کردم خوندنش رو.
این سری مانگای رنگی رو خوندم.
تو رنگی خشونتش کمتر شده انگار.
این سری مانگای رنگی رو خوندم.
تو رنگی خشونتش کمتر شده انگار.
September 18, 2017
Samurai X is one of my favorite animes ever. It tells the story of a former assassin seeking atonement for his role in the end of the Shogunate and the restoration of Imperial power in Japan during the the 19th Century. Although his kills were all done in the context of revolution and survival, all the deaths done by his hands as caused a huge stain on his soul.
Samurai X is actually an English dub of an anime based on the manga Rurouni Kenshin by Nobuhiro Watsuki. Mangaka Watsuki wanted a different flavor of story in the market at that time. Hence, Rurouni Kenshin is a period drama, with a romantic hook, that is still recognizable a shonen manga, or stories aimed at a younger male audience.
I've rediscovered translated scans of the original manga recently. This isn't a re-reading, since my first exposure to the story is through the aforementioned translated anime, and the subsequent trilogy of live action films.
The first chapters collected in this volume brought the core cast of character together for the first time. The wandering swordsman, Kenshin, would meet Kaoru, a kendo instructor of her own dojo. Their first adventure together brought them together a couple of hoodlums who seek to capitalize on the name Battousai, which Kenshin's former alias, and a reminder of his dark and bloody past.
Sanosuke the street fighter and Yahiko the orphaned son of a samurai are also introduced in this volume, rounding out our core cast.
Samurai X is actually an English dub of an anime based on the manga Rurouni Kenshin by Nobuhiro Watsuki. Mangaka Watsuki wanted a different flavor of story in the market at that time. Hence, Rurouni Kenshin is a period drama, with a romantic hook, that is still recognizable a shonen manga, or stories aimed at a younger male audience.
I've rediscovered translated scans of the original manga recently. This isn't a re-reading, since my first exposure to the story is through the aforementioned translated anime, and the subsequent trilogy of live action films.
The first chapters collected in this volume brought the core cast of character together for the first time. The wandering swordsman, Kenshin, would meet Kaoru, a kendo instructor of her own dojo. Their first adventure together brought them together a couple of hoodlums who seek to capitalize on the name Battousai, which Kenshin's former alias, and a reminder of his dark and bloody past.
Sanosuke the street fighter and Yahiko the orphaned son of a samurai are also introduced in this volume, rounding out our core cast.
June 13, 2023
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this story except that I wouldn’t know anything about the history and historical context behind it all and on that account I was right, lol. I pretty much picked this up because a novel series I really like (The Shadow’s Creed Saga by Noelle Nichols) was inspired by this manga/anime and since I don’t have access to the anime I thought I’d try the manga. And based on this first volume I think I could really love this story and these characters!
Gotta say though Kenshin is totally different from what I thought he’d be, lol. I actually thought he’d be more serious but he’s actually a total goof most of the time? And then he suddenly flips to being a serious butt kicker, and I really like him and want to learn more! He actually reminds me of Zeno from Yona of the Dawn—they both have very similar “comes off goofy but are actually really wise and serious” type personalities, so if you like Zeno you’ll probably like Kenshin too. Kaoru and Yahiko are both wonderful and different and these three together are so hilarious and oddly companionable like a really small wreaking crew with a lot of heart—I really enjoy them and can’t wait to continue reading about them as these characters are really carrying the story for me.
The violence is more bloody than most manga I’ve read so far (it’s rated Teen+ for that reason), so more sensitive/squeamish readers may want to pass this one. And again the Japanese history behind everything I don’t really understand but hopefully I’ll know more by the time I’m doing reading this series.
The only issue I had with the volume is I’m not a fan of the art style. It’s a bit too…I’m not sure how to describe it (a Goodreads friend described it as “chibi” which I guess is close enough), but since it’s such an older series I’m going to let it slide even though it’s still not my favorite.
All in all I’m more excited to continue this series then I thought I would be! The ending kinda has me biting my nails to see how this conflict is going to end!
‼️Content‼️
Language: whore; who the hell; damn; what the; perv; wench; pervert; damnit; hell (as a place)
Violence: fighting with weapons and hand to hand (ranges from PG-13 to R); injuries and blood (ranges from PG-13 to R); a couple of fingers and an ear are cut off (the action isn’t shown, nor are the pieces graphic); lots of people are knocked out and appear dead but aren’t; a man is smashed into the floor; a girl hits/punches a guy; a character is hit on the head many times; grown men beat up a small boy; a man’s flattened by a door; a man’s head is smashed into the ceiling (he’s not dead); a cannonball smashes through walls; a bottle hits a character’s head; a man pushes a woman; a head is cut off (R)
Sexual: mention of brothels and how a character’s mother had to “sell her body” in one until she died
Drug/Alcohol: a man smokes; guys are drunk and engage in a drunken fight; drunk men
Other: a guy’s so scared he pees his pants; a kid’s in a gang; a girl is kidnapped and tied up; a police officer is paid off
Gotta say though Kenshin is totally different from what I thought he’d be, lol. I actually thought he’d be more serious but he’s actually a total goof most of the time? And then he suddenly flips to being a serious butt kicker, and I really like him and want to learn more! He actually reminds me of Zeno from Yona of the Dawn—they both have very similar “comes off goofy but are actually really wise and serious” type personalities, so if you like Zeno you’ll probably like Kenshin too. Kaoru and Yahiko are both wonderful and different and these three together are so hilarious and oddly companionable like a really small wreaking crew with a lot of heart—I really enjoy them and can’t wait to continue reading about them as these characters are really carrying the story for me.
The violence is more bloody than most manga I’ve read so far (it’s rated Teen+ for that reason), so more sensitive/squeamish readers may want to pass this one. And again the Japanese history behind everything I don’t really understand but hopefully I’ll know more by the time I’m doing reading this series.
The only issue I had with the volume is I’m not a fan of the art style. It’s a bit too…I’m not sure how to describe it (a Goodreads friend described it as “chibi” which I guess is close enough), but since it’s such an older series I’m going to let it slide even though it’s still not my favorite.
All in all I’m more excited to continue this series then I thought I would be! The ending kinda has me biting my nails to see how this conflict is going to end!
‼️Content‼️
Language: whore; who the hell; damn; what the; perv; wench; pervert; damnit; hell (as a place)
Violence: fighting with weapons and hand to hand (ranges from PG-13 to R); injuries and blood (ranges from PG-13 to R); a couple of fingers and an ear are cut off (the action isn’t shown, nor are the pieces graphic); lots of people are knocked out and appear dead but aren’t; a man is smashed into the floor; a girl hits/punches a guy; a character is hit on the head many times; grown men beat up a small boy; a man’s flattened by a door; a man’s head is smashed into the ceiling (he’s not dead); a cannonball smashes through walls; a bottle hits a character’s head; a man pushes a woman; a head is cut off (R)
Sexual: mention of brothels and how a character’s mother had to “sell her body” in one until she died
Drug/Alcohol: a man smokes; guys are drunk and engage in a drunken fight; drunk men
Other: a guy’s so scared he pees his pants; a kid’s in a gang; a girl is kidnapped and tied up; a police officer is paid off
November 4, 2020
3.5 Stars
May 29, 2015
Kenshin siempre ha formado parte de una etapa diría que importante de mi vida. Amaba ver el anime pero nunca se me había ocurrido leer el manga…y ahora que lo he leído ha sido lo mejor del mundo, he recordado muy buenos tiempos y he disfrutado enormemente de esta lectura.
Este primer tomo es bastante similar al anime, me alegro de no tenerlo tan fresco en la memoria puesto que puedo regocijarme leyéndolo.
Es una introducción de los que serán los personajes principales de esta historia y la trama que se desarrolla para que se vayan conociendo tiene un muy buen ritmo, es interesante, llena de acción y emoción.
Está más que claro que Kenshin y Kaoru es de esas parejas que apenas las conoces sabes y quieres que estén juntos por siempre, su primer encuentro es memorable.
Sin duda Kenshin en su faceta de vagabundo muestra su personalidad amable, atenta, servicial y en apariencia despistada, lleno de carisma, la manera en como esta dibujado refuerza mucho todas estas cualidades. El diseño que tiene es precioso, atractivo, tanto que te hace tomarle mucho cariño y desear que todas las cosas buenas le pasen; eso sí, cuando la situación es más seria su diseño cambia. Sí, es un personaje que adoro mucho y me resulta complicado ser objetiva con él.
En cuanto a Kaoru al inicio de la historia se muestra muy decidida en probar que los rumores de que un asesino que está cometiendo abusos en el pueblo pertenece a su doujo, son falsos. Es un personaje que tiene un enorme sentido de la justicia y del bien, de hacer lo correcto siguiendo la filosofía de su doujo, usar las espadas para proteger la vida. Ella es muy alegre y desenfadada, no juzga a las personas, está siempre dispuesta ayudar a los que están a su alrededor y a pesar de que discuta con los demás se nota que se preocupa por ellos, me gusta que sea un personaje fuerte y no una damisela en peligro, está claro que en algunos momentos necesita de la ayuda de Kenshin pero es más una consecuencia de las situaciones y no simplemente porque no haga nada o se quede sentada esperando a que la rescaten.
Me gusta pensar que la razón de que Kenshin se quedara en su doujo fue que vio en ella esa intensidad y ese fuerte espíritu por proteger la vida de los demás, la justicia y de que no lo juzgaría, así como su carácter alegre y dulce, aunque esto último muy rara vez lo demuestra. En pocas palabras, que se enamoró de ella.
Me encanta mucho la relación que tienen puesto que la historia no se enfoca en su relación en plan romántico si no que esporádicamente y a veces entre líneas te das cuenta de que hay algo entre ellos, muy sutil.
También conoceremos a Yahiko, quien al principio es un chico bastante grosero y testarudo y tal vez lo siga siendo por un tiempo, pero el conocer a Kenshin y Kaoru empieza a generar un cambio en él, se comporta como el niño que es pero al mismo tiempo es muy maduro, tanto por las situaciones que ha vivido como el hecho de querer mejorar y ser más fuerte.
Por ultimo tenemos a Sanosuke, con su aparición tendremos la oportunidad de conocer un poco más del pasado de Kenshin y también de su propio pasado; que no ha sido nada fácil, a pesar de que por mucho tiempo ha sido un luchador callejero tiene unos valores de justicia muy fuertes, claro que a veces es un poco contradictorio por la manera de vivir que tiene pero esto no significa que no se preocupe por ayudar a los que lo necesiten. Su historia es triste pero como les ha pasado a los demás, el conocer a kenshin le empieza a producir un cambio significativo en su manera de ser.
Sin duda estos cuatro personajes son geniales, interesantes, con una gran dinámica y personalidad. Para ser un tomo introductorio hay mucha acción, emoción, situaciones difíciles e inesperadas que te dejan con un buen sabor de boca, que te hace querer saber que otras aventuras se avecinan ahora que se han conocido. La época en que se desarrolla la historia, es una época de cambios y como tal, hay personas a favor y en contra, por lo que Kenshin siendo un símbolo del cambio tendrá que enfrentarse a muchas situaciones complicadas, pero teniendo la compañía que tiene el camino no será al menos tan difícil.
Como bonus extra, hay un capítulo que por lo visto es la historia corta que sirvió de origen para el desarrollo de esta serie, y aunque está bastante bien, admito que la historia ya pulida y arreglada para ser una serie larga queda mucho mejor.
Una historia sumamente recomendable, con peleas de espadas, personajes geniales y una trama interesante que no te dejara indiferente.
December 21, 2021
Es el segundo manga que leo así que no tengo muchas referencias sobre este formato. En este primer tomo se cuenta bastante entretenidamente las cosas que le pasan a un Rurouni (espadachin herrante) 11 años despues (1878) de una guerra que produjo un cambio de era. En esta nueva era Meiji no se pueden llevar armas y Kenshin(el prota) lleva una con filo invertido para no matar mientras sigue luchando por lo mismo que durante la guerra: la igualdad entre los 4 estamentos de la sociedad japonesa y la defensa de los débiles frente a los abusos de quienes se niegan a aceptar la nueva era.
May 22, 2015
I didn't always understand the battles but I didn't mind the frames with people. The start was good but it gets a little boring. A cute story overall but needs to get more interesting fast.
BOTTOM LINE: An older manga I could actually understand.
BOTTOM LINE: An older manga I could actually understand.
March 20, 2018
Amazing, I really loved the manga setting. In the Meiji era, Kenshi is a wanderer without a destination in a country that is starting to change and he is trying to figure out how to fit in. This a a very dear story to many manga lovers and I can see why. On to the next volume!
March 29, 2021
Gosto taaaanto do Kenshin! Adorei ver o anime quando era mais nova e agora ler os mangás é maravilhoso! Das melhores histórias e personagens de sempre!
April 6, 2024
Awesome book! You dont have to be a fan of Samurai, to enjoy it. I liked this book. I read it a few months ago. Very nice :)
November 25, 2018
I love this manga! None of the main characters are annoying for me. The story line from the beginning to the end is great. The relationship between Kaoro and Kenshin move along in nice pacing. I also like how the other characters keep making fun of Kenshin and how the antagonist always underestimate his power and his will to protect those he love.
Most of all I want to mention that I like the manga way better than the anime. The manga has a light feeling about it, but they made the anime feels so dark and the story line change a bit too much for me accept. So before watching the anime, I highly recommend anyone to read this manga first.
Besides Kenshin's voice in the anime in Japanese version annoys me, while Battosai voice in English dubbed irked me too.
Most of all I want to mention that I like the manga way better than the anime. The manga has a light feeling about it, but they made the anime feels so dark and the story line change a bit too much for me accept. So before watching the anime, I highly recommend anyone to read this manga first.
Besides Kenshin's voice in the anime in Japanese version annoys me, while Battosai voice in English dubbed irked me too.
March 2, 2019
Já há muito tempo que queria começar este manga, Samurai X foi um dos meus amores platónicos da infância, e queria muito voltar a este universo que é um pouco dicotómico. Sério porque há espadas, facadas, lutas, violência e morte; e cómico porque os personagens, em momentos descontraídos, são muito engraçados e bem dispostos. E claro que não me lembrava disso, a visão adulta é sempre diferente e apercebemo-nos de outras coisas. No meio disto tudo, temos o Kenshin que, mesmo tendo sido um assassino em série, se recusa a continuar a matar e tenta resolver tudo a bem. Também já tinha saudades das expressões faciais próprias da manga, gostaria conseguir fazer as mesmas expressões na vida real (quanto às piadas, acho que já as faço xD).
March 11, 2009
Wow! I really liked this book! It's way better than the anime, it let me get a deeper look into just how sweet of a person Kenshin is! I would definitely reccommend this series to any anime/manga lover.
January 8, 2019
Πριν χρόνια, κάποια γνωστή μου έλεγε πόσο αγαπούσε το Ρουρόουνι Κένσιν. Δεν έδωσα τότε σημασία, γιατί το όνομα δε μου έλεγε τίποτε.
Έχω κανένα μήνα που βλέπω το ένα επεισόδιο του άνιμε μετά το άλλο. Και στο μεταξύ, άρχισα και το μάνγκα, έτσι, για να δω πόσο διαφορετικό είναι.
Όχι πολύ. Και τα δύο είναι απλά αξιολάτρευτα.
Κι ας είναι για αγόρια, πώς μπορεί να μην σου αρέσει; Χαριτωμένο, κι όμως με ηθική και θέτοντας πρότυπα. Ο τρόπος με τον οποίο επιλέγει από τη μία να δείχνει τον απάλευτα καλό υπερπολεμιστή/δολοφόνο να τρώει ξύλο από το κοριτσάκι και να κάνει τις δουλειές του σπιτιού κι από την άλλη να σκιαγραφεί την ψυχοσύνθεση του κάθε "κακού", είναι απλά αξιολάτρευτος. (Δεύτερη φορά που χρησιμοποιώ τον ίδιο χαρακτηρισμό εντός λίγων γραμμών, αλλά το αξίζει.
Αυτό που με δυσκολεύει είναι οι σκηνές μάχης. Ενώ βρίσκω εμπνευσμένο τον τρόπο απεικόνισής τους, με τις πιτσιλιές και τις γραμμές, θεωρώ ότι χάνει πολύ, γιατί δεν καταλαβαίνω τι γίνεται κι επιπλέον η επαναληψιμότητα της τεχνικής κάνει το εμπνευσμένο του θέματος να ξεθωριάζει.
Επίσης, και ΜΙΑ φορά που το κορίτσι ταΐζει όλον τον αγοροσυρφετό δίνοντας μαθήματα οπλομαχίας (ας το πούμε έτσι, δεν ξέρω πώς να το πω αλλιώς) εκτός ντότζο. Kaoru ftw!
Έχω κανένα μήνα που βλέπω το ένα επεισόδιο του άνιμε μετά το άλλο. Και στο μεταξύ, άρχισα και το μάνγκα, έτσι, για να δω πόσο διαφορετικό είναι.
Όχι πολύ. Και τα δύο είναι απλά αξιολάτρευτα.
Κι ας είναι για αγόρια, πώς μπορεί να μην σου αρέσει; Χαριτωμένο, κι όμως με ηθική και θέτοντας πρότυπα. Ο τρόπος με τον οποίο επιλέγει από τη μία να δείχνει τον απάλευτα καλό υπερπολεμιστή/δολοφόνο να τρώει ξύλο από το κοριτσάκι και να κάνει τις δουλειές του σπιτιού κι από την άλλη να σκιαγραφεί την ψυχοσύνθεση του κάθε "κακού", είναι απλά αξιολάτρευτος. (Δεύτερη φορά που χρησιμοποιώ τον ίδιο χαρακτηρισμό εντός λίγων γραμμών, αλλά το αξίζει.
Αυτό που με δυσκολεύει είναι οι σκηνές μάχης. Ενώ βρίσκω εμπνευσμένο τον τρόπο απεικόνισής τους, με τις πιτσιλιές και τις γραμμές, θεωρώ ότι χάνει πολύ, γιατί δεν καταλαβαίνω τι γίνεται κι επιπλέον η επαναληψιμότητα της τεχνικής κάνει το εμπνευσμένο του θέματος να ξεθωριάζει.
Επίσης, και ΜΙΑ φορά που το κορίτσι ταΐζει όλον τον αγοροσυρφετό δίνοντας μαθήματα οπλομαχίας (ας το πούμε έτσι, δεν ξέρω πώς να το πω αλλιώς) εκτός ντότζο. Kaoru ftw!
May 29, 2019
it's so niceeee to meet you again, kenshin! my first love ♥️
December 7, 2012
I've been a fan of the Rurouni Kenshin anime since I first saw it countless years ago on Toonami, on Cartoon Network. Back then, still a kid, barely a teenager, I fell in love with the man known as Himura Kenshin. He was a man that would forever change my life and continue to influence the type of people I admired in this world. Being able to come back now, and humbly read this comedic, playful, serious, gentle, badass, kickass, threatening, beautiful, engaging story is like coming up close and personal with a superstar that you always loved and admired from a distance, and are now able to meet face to face for the first time and speak with.
Reading just the first manga doesn't take anything away from the characters. If anything, it has only served to make each of them more personal, and open up more of who they are to me.
If you have never read this manga, I advise you to give it a chance, no matter whether you're into time period pieces, into samurai and the Japanese setting so common in manga and anime, or whether you've ever experienced a manga at all. This is one that has comedy, tragedy, romance, badassery, and more. You have an entire map of emotions and experiences you'll get to enjoy--
--and it all starts with a wandering, former samurai and assassin named Kenshin.
He's based off of a real man who fought to bring revolution, and in this story, he ceased fighting for an unknown reason, before reappearing nearly a decade later, after his name had become legend, only to step into the lives of average people trying to find their way in this era stuck between the way of the samurai and the new government that is continuously being abused by men with power and cunning, able to use the confusion to their advantage. He is kind and seemingly ridiculous at first sight, but when trouble truly arises and he cannot but unsheath his blade to fight-- he becomes an incredible force. A man who can knock down many opponents with the Hiten Mitsurugi Style, without killing a single one. He is a living contradiction, and though he wanders without intending to root himself to a single spot, he fights for those who need his aid. And in the process, they learn from him-- a girl of 17, a young boy of 10, and soon more to come. He faces each challenge with calmness and control, and does what he must to put others in their place when they threaten innocents with their abused power.
It's a story of redemption and respect, with mirth and joy mixed in to make it an enjoyable blend for anyone. It's a story anyone should give a try. The very first volume will show you what type of characters these people are, will reveal to you who they are, even if you do not know all of their story yet. It's a series that is incredibly honest with you, and makes no attempts at hoodwinking, but rather calls out the jerks and bad guys for what they do. It's one of the most open and forward series you'll ever come across, and it's well worth the read.
100% give this one your attention. You won't regret it.
June 14, 2017
Ε��τάξει εδώ έχουμε ένα από τα αγαπημένα μου manga. Όσ@ θυμούνται το anime που έπαιζε στο Μακεδονία tv ας το ξεχάσουν. Το Manga είναι κλάσεις ανώτερο και πραγματικά η μεταφορά του στην οθόνη το μειώνει πάρα πολύ.
Θα αρχίσω με το σχέδιο του Watsuki που είναι τόσο προσεγμένο και με καθαρές γραμμές ακόμα και στη μάχη, και πραγματικά, οι σκηνές μάχης είναι τόσο καθαρές και ζωντανές που νομίζεις ότι πραγματικά καταφέρνεις να δεις την κίνηση στα καρέ. Για την ακρίβεια είναι πιο δυναμικές και πιο ζωντανές και από το anime κι ας πρόκειται για κινούμενη εικόνα εκεί. Επίσης οι λεπτομέρειες στα ρούχα και το περιβάλλον, καθώς και οι εκφράσεις στα πρόσωπα είναι πάρα πολύ καλές.
Όσο για την ιστορία, όσ@ είναι λάτρεις της εποχής Μέιτζι και των τελευταίων σαμουράι θα την λατρέψουν. Το σενάριο είναι γεμάτο ακριβείς ιστορικές αναφορές, και ακόμα και ο Χιτοκίρι Μπατοσάι είναι υπαρκτό πρόσωπο. Ο mangaka έριξε πάρα πολύ μελέτη και διάβασμα για να καταφέρει αν μεταφέρει ιστορικά στοιχεία στην δική του ιστορία, και πραγματικά μπράβο του.
Δυστυχώς η κρίση και οι μπρατσομένοι με τα βρακιά πάνω από το παντελόνι υπερήρωες φάγανε τον περιπλανώμενο σαμουράι (Ρόνιν), και μαζί με αυτόν την αξιόλογη προσπάθεια που ξεκίνησε η anubis φέρνοντας στο εδώ κοινό πραγματικά αξιόλογους manga τίτλους.
Θα αρχίσω με το σχέδιο του Watsuki που είναι τόσο προσεγμένο και με καθαρές γραμμές ακόμα και στη μάχη, και πραγματικά, οι σκηνές μάχης είναι τόσο καθαρές και ζωντανές που νομίζεις ότι πραγματικά καταφέρνεις να δεις την κίνηση στα καρέ. Για την ακρίβεια είναι πιο δυναμικές και πιο ζωντανές και από το anime κι ας πρόκειται για κινούμενη εικόνα εκεί. Επίσης οι λεπτομέρειες στα ρούχα και το περιβάλλον, καθώς και οι εκφράσεις στα πρόσωπα είναι πάρα πολύ καλές.
Όσο για την ιστορία, όσ@ είναι λάτρεις της εποχής Μέιτζι και των τελευταίων σαμουράι θα την λατρέψουν. Το σενάριο είναι γεμάτο ακριβείς ιστορικές αναφορές, και ακόμα και ο Χιτοκίρι Μπατοσάι είναι υπαρκτό πρόσωπο. Ο mangaka έριξε πάρα πολύ μελέτη και διάβασμα για να καταφέρει αν μεταφέρει ιστορικά στοιχεία στην δική του ιστορία, και πραγματικά μπράβο του.
Δυστυχώς η κρίση και οι μπρατσομένοι με τα βρακιά πάνω από το παντελόνι υπερήρωες φάγανε τον περιπλανώμενο σαμουράι (Ρόνιν), και μαζί με αυτόν την αξιόλογη προσπάθεια που ξεκίνησε η anubis φέρνοντας στο εδώ κοινό πραγματικά αξιόλογους manga τίτλους.
June 19, 2017
Ένα manga με πολύ καλή ισορροπία όσον αφορά την εξέλιξη χαρακτήρων,σκηνές δράσης και χιούμορ. Προσωπικά το σχέδιο στην αρχή δεν μου έκανε αίσθηση, αλλά όπως εξελισσόταν η ιστορία έτσι και αυτό καλυτέρευσε, ειδικά σε σκηνές μαχών που οι λεπτομέρειες πολλές φορές σώζουν ένα κατα τα άλλα χαμένο καρέ. Η υπόθεση είναι η κλασσική και πολυφορεμένη "αντι-ήρωας πρώην κακός μετανιώνει,κάνει το καλό και το ρίχνει στο γιαλό" αλλά ο ρομαντισμός του που είναι πολύ καλά δουλεμένος και έξυπνα τοποθετημένος τόσο στους διαλόγους όσο και σε εικαστικά σημεία μέσα στο σχέδιο έτσι ώστε να μην ασχολήσε και τόσο με την γνωστή και,βαρετή για κάποιους, σεναριακή συνταγή. Να σημειώσω ότι μ'αρέσει η δόμηση της σχέσης μεταξύ Kenshin και Kamiya και πως είναι αποτυπωμένο, έστω και με τον κάπως παιδικό και "αφελή" τρόπο των shonen manga (πάντα σε επιφανειακό επίπεδο) το γεγονός ότι υπάρχουν σημεία που τα σχέδια μεταξύ των δύο χαρακτήρων μιλούν από μόνα τους, χωρίς να χρειάζεσαι μπαλονάκια για να καταλάβεις την ένταση, την χαρά,την αγωνία.
April 2, 2024
June 17, 2017 Edit:
I just watched the absolutely beautiful first movie of the movie trilogy adaptation and that made me want to finally finish this series once and for all so I'm re-reading all the volumes I've read before and continuing with it for that purpose. At the moment I think the movie is better than the manga (*gasp*) and I highly recommend it for anyone who likes this manga and anime. It's visually stunning and the plot is a mismatch of a few of the manga arcs woven together pretty wonderfully! And the fighting is beyond amazing; raw and mesmerizing! (Whoops, is this becoming more a review of the movie? lol)
Original
I need to continue on with this manga series eventually. I liked this volume, but I just wasn't captured enough by the plot to go past volume five or so. Will do so eventually!
I just watched the absolutely beautiful first movie of the movie trilogy adaptation and that made me want to finally finish this series once and for all so I'm re-reading all the volumes I've read before and continuing with it for that purpose. At the moment I think the movie is better than the manga (*gasp*) and I highly recommend it for anyone who likes this manga and anime. It's visually stunning and the plot is a mismatch of a few of the manga arcs woven together pretty wonderfully! And the fighting is beyond amazing; raw and mesmerizing! (Whoops, is this becoming more a review of the movie? lol)
Original
I need to continue on with this manga series eventually. I liked this volume, but I just wasn't captured enough by the plot to go past volume five or so. Will do so eventually!
December 13, 2015
Cerita cukup seru pas kemunculan Saito dan Shishio, tapi setelah itu cukup membosankan, terutama arc terakhir.. rasanya pengen ngelempar meja ke adik Tomoe ٩(╬ʘ益ʘ╬)۶
Lalu skill tokohnya diluar kemampuan manusia, padahal settingnya dunia nyata, sejarah lagi. Dibeberapa adegan, skill tokohnya ga bisa diproses di otakku ><
Lain ceritanya kalo aku baca komiknya pas kecil, mungkin aku masih bisa terpukau ^^;)>
Lalu endingnya, ga setuju Kenshin sama Kaoru, lebih suka sama Tomoe ><
Lalu skill tokohnya diluar kemampuan manusia, padahal settingnya dunia nyata, sejarah lagi. Dibeberapa adegan, skill tokohnya ga bisa diproses di otakku ><
Lain ceritanya kalo aku baca komiknya pas kecil, mungkin aku masih bisa terpukau ^^;)>
Lalu endingnya, ga setuju Kenshin sama Kaoru, lebih suka sama Tomoe ><
September 10, 2015
Enjoying the action and the historical aspect of it.
January 19, 2015
The artwork was great, as was the story...but the violence was over the top.
April 8, 2018
Me encantaba el animé, esa época rural japonesa, las katanas, como siempre, adoradora de los kimonos🎎. KaoruxKenshin shippeables en FF.net
October 13, 2021
Himura Kenshin is easily one of the best protagonists ever created. A man with a dark past set on a journey to find peace and discover himself. He's not after fame and glory and always try to avoid a confrontation. His maturity and calm demeanor is what distinguishes him from other protagonists. His weapon of choice is the Sakabatō (Reverse-Blade Sword), designed as a simple katana with its blade forged on the opposite side than normal, making it a sword ill-fit for killing. It was made as an offering to honor the new peace that the Meiji Era would bring and as a great excuse to kick some serious ass without murdering anyone. I love it!
But to me the real protagonist and the most interesting aspect of the story is its setting, the Meiji Era. Not many stories take part during the changing of times and the manga/anime/movies do an excellent job showing the struggles and difficulties of the era.
From Wiki:
The Meiji era was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people moved from being an isolated feudal society at risk of colonization by Western powers to the new paradigm of a modern, industrialized nation state and emergent great power, influenced by Western scientific, technological, philosophical, political, legal, and aesthetic ideas. As a result of such wholesale adoption of radically different ideas, the changes to Japan were profound, and affected its social structure, internal politics, economy, military, and foreign relations.
And all the above are witnessed through the eyes of our characters in the story. It's so interesting to me. It's a battle of the past trying to remain in control, delaying the inevitable, while the future fast approaches. Kenshin and every friend or foe he meets are trying to find their place in this new age.
But to me the real protagonist and the most interesting aspect of the story is its setting, the Meiji Era. Not many stories take part during the changing of times and the manga/anime/movies do an excellent job showing the struggles and difficulties of the era.
From Wiki:
The Meiji era was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people moved from being an isolated feudal society at risk of colonization by Western powers to the new paradigm of a modern, industrialized nation state and emergent great power, influenced by Western scientific, technological, philosophical, political, legal, and aesthetic ideas. As a result of such wholesale adoption of radically different ideas, the changes to Japan were profound, and affected its social structure, internal politics, economy, military, and foreign relations.
And all the above are witnessed through the eyes of our characters in the story. It's so interesting to me. It's a battle of the past trying to remain in control, delaying the inevitable, while the future fast approaches. Kenshin and every friend or foe he meets are trying to find their place in this new age.
July 5, 2018
Had no idea what to expect with this but I enjoyed it a lot. I had no idea there was a lot of comedy elements in it. I thought it was just a standard samurai affair, but the comedy was a welcome surprise, and one that I did not expect to enjoy once I came across it as Japan humour can be a bit too strange for my liking at times.
This manga has a good mix of action and humour. It has your super-strong, impossible-to-kill protagonist, but it's played differently than in most manga. He doesn't kill, and doesn't want to fight (although he keeps getting into them). It's a welcome change of pace. I enjoyed all the characters so far, and the relationship between Kenshin and Kaoru is quite cute.
Happy to continue reading.
5/5
This manga has a good mix of action and humour. It has your super-strong, impossible-to-kill protagonist, but it's played differently than in most manga. He doesn't kill, and doesn't want to fight (although he keeps getting into them). It's a welcome change of pace. I enjoyed all the characters so far, and the relationship between Kenshin and Kaoru is quite cute.
Happy to continue reading.
5/5
May 22, 2020
This had a lot of swordfights. It’s a little jerky (especially in one spot) but I think it’s pretty interesting. Tbh, this is what I was expecting Gin-Tama to be.
The art is so old. It’s pretty crazy. It feels like it’s from the early 80s, most likely because of the hairstyles and eyeliner of characters. It is a little busy on the eyes (too much contrast?).
Interesting but strange. I’m gonna have to think about this one for a while.
The art is so old. It’s pretty crazy. It feels like it’s from the early 80s, most likely because of the hairstyles and eyeliner of characters. It is a little busy on the eyes (too much contrast?).
Interesting but strange. I’m gonna have to think about this one for a while.
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