...Only two volumes? Wow that ended really quickly! You can't even get any decent fight scenes in two volumes (which is why I'm such a huge fan of Rurouni Kenshin!) But it's a classic, and I own all the other volumes, so why not? That's pretty much the only reason why I'm going to get them. Otherwise I don't understand why (for the movie, sure, but really?) Haven't read it yet, but I'm sure it'll be good, or at least reminiscent of good times.

The original is a classic and needs no words. This "movie tie-in" on the other hand is pointless but looks quite good. I don´t see the need for this partial remake and the 2 part Koyoto Arc remake OVA released at the same time is even more incoherent. The live-action movie was shockingly good on the other hand!
The in-continuity prequel Rurouni Kenshin - Master of Flame that was made to promote movie 2&3 is worth a read on the other hand and shows what could have been if Watsuki approached his manga´s anniversary smarter. Don´t mess with what works and add to the canvas instead.

... Last updated on July 15th, 2023, 6:43pm

I liked the original series, so to see the whole thing differently rewritten, even though the author still creates great characters and great situations, is kinda blasphemous.
Granted it could lead to an interesting 'reboot', and granted some things are good (like Kaoru being more active), but still I would rather the author had created an awesome new original series, instead of rewriting one that is already a classic.

This is just for entertainment and for fans of Rurouni Kenshin. Reviews and analyzes are unnecessary. I'm a fan of this series and any extra work by Nobuhiro Watsuki with respect to the Rurouni Kenshin is already perfect for me. This manga is not for you "to analyze", but for fun, repeating what I said, it's a work dedicated to the fans.

Now if you don't know Rurouni Kenshin, find the original serie and then read this.

This reboot takes all of the historical drama, character development, and believability of the original series (all relatively speaking, it was a shounen battle series after all) and condenses it into a contrived plot that's obviously written as a movie tie-in.

A few of the problems include:
* a businessman wielding a portable gatling gun. What is this, Predator in the 19th century?
* nearly every antagonist from the manga series, who appear gradually over several years, are collectively introduced as as "underworld mercenaries" hired by Takeda
* Kenshin's characterization and development has been abridged for the sake of his imminent movie debut. Previously he would have gone to great lengths to avoid excessive violence and slipping into his assassin persona. And if he did, it would be thanks to egregious loss of life. In this case, he gets mad, slaps the bad guys' shit and announces everything about himself, and everything is A-OK in the end.

The only upside to this is that it features some updated character designs that are more in line with Watsuki's art style, as it's come a long way since 1994. But otherwise, I was happy to see Ruroken retired for good, as Watsuki's magnum opus. I'll be happy to watch the Kyoto arc re-animated again on video, but this tie-in just cheapens the whole experience.

... Last updated on May 15th, 2012, 11:40pm

I like that Kaoru seems to take a more active role in this story, actually wielding her bokken and fighting (however ineffective she might be). I hope she will fight at Kenshin's side instead of waiting quietly at the dojo.

I also like that Kenshin wears the scarf now, like in the OVA. That's a cool touch.

Hope for more good stuff to come.

so the origional is one of my favorite manga of all time, with kenshin and kaoru being my most favorite couple.

i was so surprised when i ran into this on the internet space, the story is different and the character designs are fresh. i am asuming this follows the plot of the live action movie or something, i'm not sure. but no matter what it is exciting to see my "old friends again"

i don't know what the plan is here, but i'm definitly keeping my eye on this!