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Description
From Viz:
140 years ago in Kyoto, with the coming of the American "Black Ships," there arose a warrior who, felling men with his bloodstained blade, gained the name Hitokiri, man slayer! His killer blade helped close the turbulent Bakumatsu era and slashed open the progressive age known as Meiji . Then he vanished, and with the flow of years, became legend.
Ten years later, a young woman's life is saved when she happens upon a strange wandering swordsman named Kenshin. The young woman accepts the wanderer into her dojo, despite his secretive past, and the two become fast friends. As their rel... More...
140 years ago in Kyoto, with the coming of the American "Black Ships," there arose a warrior who, felling men with his bloodstained blade, gained the name Hitokiri, man slayer! His killer blade helped close the turbulent Bakumatsu era and slashed open the progressive age known as Meiji . Then he vanished, and with the flow of years, became legend.
Ten years later, a young woman's life is saved when she happens upon a strange wandering swordsman named Kenshin. The young woman accepts the wanderer into her dojo, despite his secretive past, and the two become fast friends. As their rel... More...
From Viz:
140 years ago in Kyoto, with the coming of the American "Black Ships," there arose a warrior who, felling men with his bloodstained blade, gained the name Hitokiri, man slayer! His killer blade helped close the turbulent Bakumatsu era and slashed open the progressive age known as Meiji . Then he vanished, and with the flow of years, became legend.
Ten years later, a young woman's life is saved when she happens upon a strange wandering swordsman named Kenshin. The young woman accepts the wanderer into her dojo, despite his secretive past, and the two become fast friends. As their relationship grows, they meet and make more friends (as well as enemies), and they grow accustomed to their life together.
However, one man can only run from his past for so long, and it isn't long before Kenshin is forced to face the life he thought he'd left behind. Now, together with his friends, he must fight the ghosts of his past if he wants the people he loves to have any kind of future.
Contains a side story called Yahiko no Sakabato.
Read for FREE on Manga Plus Less...
140 years ago in Kyoto, with the coming of the American "Black Ships," there arose a warrior who, felling men with his bloodstained blade, gained the name Hitokiri, man slayer! His killer blade helped close the turbulent Bakumatsu era and slashed open the progressive age known as Meiji . Then he vanished, and with the flow of years, became legend.
Ten years later, a young woman's life is saved when she happens upon a strange wandering swordsman named Kenshin. The young woman accepts the wanderer into her dojo, despite his secretive past, and the two become fast friends. As their relationship grows, they meet and make more friends (as well as enemies), and they grow accustomed to their life together.
However, one man can only run from his past for so long, and it isn't long before Kenshin is forced to face the life he thought he'd left behind. Now, together with his friends, he must fight the ghosts of his past if he wants the people he loves to have any kind of future.
Contains a side story called Yahiko no Sakabato.
Read for FREE on Manga Plus Less...
Type
Manga
Related Series
Rurouni Kenshin - Tokuhitsuban (Alternate Story)
Rurouni Kenshin Ibun: Ashitarou Zenka Ari (Sequel)
Rurouni Kenshin (Novel) (Side Story)
Rurouni Kenshin Uramaku - Honoo o Suberu (Prequel)
Rurouni Kenshin Ibun: Ashitarou Zenka Ari (Sequel)
Rurouni Kenshin (Novel) (Side Story)
Rurouni Kenshin Uramaku - Honoo o Suberu (Prequel)
Associated Names
Kenshin (WATSUKI Nobuhiro)
Kenshin - Samurai vagabondo
Kenshin Le Vagabond (French)
Kenshin, el guerrero samurái
Lãng khách Kenshin
Rurouni Kenshin: Una historia romántica de un espadachín de la era Meiji
Rurōni Kenshin
Rurōni Kenshin -Meiji Kenkaku Rōman Tan-
Samurai X
Wandering Swordsman Kenshin
Бродяга Кэнсин
Րուրոունի Կենշին
الرحال كينشين
ซามูไรเพนจร
るろうに剣心
るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚-
Kenshin - Samurai vagabondo
Kenshin Le Vagabond (French)
Kenshin, el guerrero samurái
Lãng khách Kenshin
Rurouni Kenshin: Una historia romántica de un espadachín de la era Meiji
Rurōni Kenshin
Rurōni Kenshin -Meiji Kenkaku Rōman Tan-
Samurai X
Wandering Swordsman Kenshin
Бродяга Кэнсин
Րուրոունի Կենշին
الرحال كينشين
ซามูไรเพนจร
るろうに剣心
るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚-
Groups Scanlating
Latest Release(s)
c.250 by MANGA Plus 2 months ago
c.249 by MANGA Plus 2 months ago
c.248 by MANGA Plus 2 months ago
Search for all releases of this series
c.249 by MANGA Plus 2 months ago
c.248 by MANGA Plus 2 months ago
Search for all releases of this series
Status
in Country of Origin
28 Tankoubon Volumes (Complete)
22 Kanzenban Volumes (Complete)
14 Bunkoban Volumes (Complete)
22 Kanzenban Volumes (Complete)
14 Bunkoban Volumes (Complete)
Completely Scanlated?
Yes
Anime Start/End Chapter
Starts at Vol 1, Chap 1 (1996/2023) / Vol 19, Chap 165 (Trust & Betrayal) / Vol 8, Chap 62 (New Kyoto Arc)
Ends at Vol 18, Chap 151 (1998 EP 62) / Vol 21, Chap 179 (Trust & Betrayal) Skips Chap 171 / Vol 17, Chap 147 (New Kyoto Arc) Heavily abridged
Ends at Vol 18, Chap 151 (1998 EP 62) / Vol 21, Chap 179 (Trust & Betrayal) Skips Chap 171 / Vol 17, Chap 147 (New Kyoto Arc) Heavily abridged
User Reviews
Rurouni Kenshin by Rashid
Forum
14 topics, 118 posts
Click here to view the forum
Click here to view the forum
User Rating
Average: 8.7 / 10.0 (1994 votes)
Bayesian Average: 8.66 / 10.0
Bayesian Average: 8.66 / 10.0
10
36%
9+
26%
8+
20%
7+
10%
6+
4%
5+
1%
4+
1%
3+
0%
2+
0%
1+
2%
Last Updated
October 31st 2023, 5:54pm
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Genre
Action Comedy Drama Historical Martial Arts Mature Romance Shounen Supernatural
Search for series of same genre(s)
Search for series of same genre(s)
Categories
Category Recommendations
Usagi Yojimbo
Rurouni Kenshin - Tokuhitsuban
Liu Yao: The Revitalization of Fuyao Sect (Novel)
Spriggan
Kamui-Den Dai-2-bu
Rurouni Kenshin - Tokuhitsuban
Liu Yao: The Revitalization of Fuyao Sect (Novel)
Spriggan
Kamui-Den Dai-2-bu
Recommendations
Author(s)
Artist(s)
Year
1994
Original Publisher
Serialized In (magazine)
Shuukan Shounen Jump (Shueisha)
Licensed (in English)
Yes
English Publisher
Activity Stats (vs. other series)
Weekly Pos #562
(+38)
Monthly Pos #1036
(+186)
3 Month Pos #1500
(-49)
6 Month Pos #1537
(-107)
Year Pos #1733
(-231)

Monthly Pos #1036

3 Month Pos #1500

6 Month Pos #1537

Year Pos #1733

List Stats
On 1354 reading lists
On 1410 wish lists
On 5040 completed lists
On 241 unfinished lists
On 664 custom lists
On 1410 wish lists
On 5040 completed lists
On 241 unfinished lists
On 664 custom lists
Forum Posts Click to view the forum
about 1 year ago
over 4 years ago
over 6 years ago
over 7 years ago
over 10 years ago



User Comments
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My starting point
by seihanda
December 18th, 2020, 1:58pm
December 18th, 2020, 1:58pm
Rating: 8.0 / 10.0
Everybody gonna start somewhere right?
Rurouni Kenshi was my start
Rurouni Kenshi was my start

A Shounen Classic
by zombieproof
February 25th, 2016, 7:46pm
February 25th, 2016, 7:46pm
Rating: 7.0 / 10.0
Rurouni Kenshin is an awesome story that started the late 90s trend of lovable goofs that turn out to be highly skilled legends.
The battles throughout were interesting. In my experience many action mangas have battles that are too long and drawn out. The fights in this manga were concise, made sense, and were entertaining. It was a much more fun read than when a manga will have a full ten chapters on one fight. Believe me, I read Samurai Deeper Kyo before this. I was expecting the same but was thankfully relieved. Rurouni Kenshin also balanced simultaneous fights very well, which I've seen is harder to do in manga. Separate battles were never too long that they became frustrating, in that perspectives switched between battles without staying on one for too long or jumping back and forth so frequently that both fights became boring.
But, if you're looking for realistic fighting, this is probably not for you as the battles are very shounen-esque in their fantasy elements. There are a lot of secret techniques and improbable moves. Like any non-realistic fighting manga the battles could get slightly silly in going a bid over the top, but Rurouni Kenshin by no means has 'Dragon Ball Z syndrome' in that the enemies don't have to ridiculously outmatch the one before them and not all battles are won with strength alone.
Transitioning from different arcs was a bit choppy in my opinion, as there was no be all end all plot at the beginning. But, this manga was not episodic or spontaneous, as many things were subtly hinted at earlier times. The end was also nicely wrapped up with an epilogue, so don't be worried about being left feeling like something was missing.
The art is certainly stylistically older, but it’s still very good in that it’s for the most part rather proportional and precise. I was a bit wary at first because many series with this late 90s style can turn out to be a nightmare, but this was the golden example of how to use it. You can tell what's going on in the fight scenes, you know what everything is supposed to be, and all the characters are distinguishable. I think the art also got more comfortable as the story progressed.
This manga brought some unique light touches of philosophy into it as well, not delving too psychologically deep into it but was certainly more thorough than typical shounen manga clichés. The struggles of the characters were taken seriously and explored to some extent throughout the whole story. Themes were definitely not soap opera like in that all emotional driven themes had a purpose and weren't used for cheap drama.
One element of Rurouni Kenshin that I found really disappointing was the way the lead female, Kaoru, was written. She is given strength and sword techniques, but rarely used them, and as the manga went on she was pushed back from a lead character to a support role. Though she has a disciple who she trains very well, and is shown to be very knowledgeable about swords and techniques, she has maybe two actual fights. Her personality also seems to just drastically change with no reason through the story. Though the lead, Kenshin, changes as well, for Kaoru there was hardly any character development behind it and almost felt like the author had changed his mind about her character entirely. It was so frustrating because she was given an assumption that her fighting in the battles was not even considered, even though her disciple, who was much less trained than her, often did. Even times when it seemed like it would be a perfect opportunity for her to take up a sword and defend herself, she didn't, and someone else bailed her out.
Despite my one character disappointment, the manga as a whole is good. It is interesting and has many character driven moments instead of being a cheap shounen that only progresses through kinda unnecessary fighting (Rurouni Kenshin by no means has less fighting though, it is a fighting manga don't get me wrong). All in all, it’s a good classic manga that inspired many others in the years following it, and I recommend checking it out.
The battles throughout were interesting. In my experience many action mangas have battles that are too long and drawn out. The fights in this manga were concise, made sense, and were entertaining. It was a much more fun read than when a manga will have a full ten chapters on one fight. Believe me, I read Samurai Deeper Kyo before this. I was expecting the same but was thankfully relieved. Rurouni Kenshin also balanced simultaneous fights very well, which I've seen is harder to do in manga. Separate battles were never too long that they became frustrating, in that perspectives switched between battles without staying on one for too long or jumping back and forth so frequently that both fights became boring.
But, if you're looking for realistic fighting, this is probably not for you as the battles are very shounen-esque in their fantasy elements. There are a lot of secret techniques and improbable moves. Like any non-realistic fighting manga the battles could get slightly silly in going a bid over the top, but Rurouni Kenshin by no means has 'Dragon Ball Z syndrome' in that the enemies don't have to ridiculously outmatch the one before them and not all battles are won with strength alone.
Transitioning from different arcs was a bit choppy in my opinion, as there was no be all end all plot at the beginning. But, this manga was not episodic or spontaneous, as many things were subtly hinted at earlier times. The end was also nicely wrapped up with an epilogue, so don't be worried about being left feeling like something was missing.
The art is certainly stylistically older, but it’s still very good in that it’s for the most part rather proportional and precise. I was a bit wary at first because many series with this late 90s style can turn out to be a nightmare, but this was the golden example of how to use it. You can tell what's going on in the fight scenes, you know what everything is supposed to be, and all the characters are distinguishable. I think the art also got more comfortable as the story progressed.
This manga brought some unique light touches of philosophy into it as well, not delving too psychologically deep into it but was certainly more thorough than typical shounen manga clichés. The struggles of the characters were taken seriously and explored to some extent throughout the whole story. Themes were definitely not soap opera like in that all emotional driven themes had a purpose and weren't used for cheap drama.
One element of Rurouni Kenshin that I found really disappointing was the way the lead female, Kaoru, was written. She is given strength and sword techniques, but rarely used them, and as the manga went on she was pushed back from a lead character to a support role. Though she has a disciple who she trains very well, and is shown to be very knowledgeable about swords and techniques, she has maybe two actual fights. Her personality also seems to just drastically change with no reason through the story. Though the lead, Kenshin, changes as well, for Kaoru there was hardly any character development behind it and almost felt like the author had changed his mind about her character entirely. It was so frustrating because she was given an assumption that her fighting in the battles was not even considered, even though her disciple, who was much less trained than her, often did. Even times when it seemed like it would be a perfect opportunity for her to take up a sword and defend herself, she didn't, and someone else bailed her out.
Despite my one character disappointment, the manga as a whole is good. It is interesting and has many character driven moments instead of being a cheap shounen that only progresses through kinda unnecessary fighting (Rurouni Kenshin by no means has less fighting though, it is a fighting manga don't get me wrong). All in all, it’s a good classic manga that inspired many others in the years following it, and I recommend checking it out.

The best romance/martial arts manga ever....
by grungefan23
March 26th, 2014, 7:01pm
March 26th, 2014, 7:01pm
Rating: 10.0 / 10.0
Needless to say, this manga is an absolute masterpiece. The work of art is pure beauty and inspiration. Much better than the anime and will always have a special place in one's heart who enjoyed this series from beginning to end. 'Nuff said.
... Last updated on November 14th, 2015, 10:35pm
... Last updated on November 14th, 2015, 10:35pm

Really Great... Really, really!
by lover-fighter
December 6th, 2013, 4:12pm
December 6th, 2013, 4:12pm
Rating: 10.0 / 10.0
I'm sorry my comment is long, but I really love this manga! I have not found a manga that really illustrates the complexity of the human being until RK. I have heard that the author was restricted in his development to comply with SJ and claims he was a little disappointed with the result but nonetheless he does a beautiful job!
The art extremely refreshing and unique. The lines are soft when needed to evoke a sensitive emotion, then are dark and angular during battle. The art itself reflects the situation and the conflicts of the heart.
The story artfully weaves romance, tragedy, action, and comedy into one, wonderful result.
I loved how the complexities of battle was eminent in the story. Making the decision to stay true to your ideals/values even if going against them and killing is what will keep the people important to you safe. That conflict was gracefully executed.
Personally, I think the romance could have been developed with more depth. It developed but it felt closer to friendship than lovers and then suddenly flipped to a "lover"-feel.
Also the comedy isn't "in your face" nor is it nonexistent/sparse. There is just enough that it keeps the story lovable since the story is pretty dark and would feel incomplete if it were excluded.
I liked that there wasn't the "damsel in distress" ploy either (thats really getting old for me). The women were strong and independent but sensitive and they weren't man-haters either. They were realistic (in shape and attitude), a good example for what real women are and should be.
A really enjoyable read. I fell in love with the characters. I actually got into the story where I couldn't just sit and read it quietly. I reacted like I was there experiencing the story with the characters. It felt like a story that could have been lived and though I do like the more radical/unrealistic stories that are common nowadays because I find them enjoyable, this was extremely refreshing.
I may be newer manga reader, but this manga will be one I reread and hail as a classic.
... Last updated on December 6th, 2013, 4:13pm
The art extremely refreshing and unique. The lines are soft when needed to evoke a sensitive emotion, then are dark and angular during battle. The art itself reflects the situation and the conflicts of the heart.
The story artfully weaves romance, tragedy, action, and comedy into one, wonderful result.
I loved how the complexities of battle was eminent in the story. Making the decision to stay true to your ideals/values even if going against them and killing is what will keep the people important to you safe. That conflict was gracefully executed.
Personally, I think the romance could have been developed with more depth. It developed but it felt closer to friendship than lovers and then suddenly flipped to a "lover"-feel.
Spoiler (mouse over to view)
The development with Tomoe as a lover for Kenshin felt more realistic than the development with Kaoru. With TomoexKenshin, it felt pretty skin deep but it seemed like Kenshin was more invested in the relationship than Tomoe (since he could sleep in front of her even though he was always battle-ready). Tomoe seemed distant until she left him, but then she was willing to die for Kenshin. It felt kind of abrupt. Then with KaoruxKenshin, Kenshin never really shows any big interest in her other than valuing her company. That strikes me as more friend-zoned than "my lover" whereas it was pretty obvious Kaoru was crushing on Kenshin from the beginning (but you know, who wouldn't? <3Kenshin<3). Then when she's killed in the last arc he goes into this huge depression like he was her "lover" the entire time. Again, pretty abrupt. Plus I don't think there was one kiss, not even a peck. Even from Tomoe, HIS WIFE.
Though, despite my complaints, I think it was still very well done. Also the comedy isn't "in your face" nor is it nonexistent/sparse. There is just enough that it keeps the story lovable since the story is pretty dark and would feel incomplete if it were excluded.
I liked that there wasn't the "damsel in distress" ploy either (thats really getting old for me). The women were strong and independent but sensitive and they weren't man-haters either. They were realistic (in shape and attitude), a good example for what real women are and should be.
A really enjoyable read. I fell in love with the characters. I actually got into the story where I couldn't just sit and read it quietly. I reacted like I was there experiencing the story with the characters. It felt like a story that could have been lived and though I do like the more radical/unrealistic stories that are common nowadays because I find them enjoyable, this was extremely refreshing.
I may be newer manga reader, but this manga will be one I reread and hail as a classic.
... Last updated on December 6th, 2013, 4:13pm

Brings Back Memories
by P_O_C_K_Y
May 14th, 2013, 6:13pm
May 14th, 2013, 6:13pm
Rating: 10.0 / 10.0
I remember watching the anime when I was younger and then discovering the manga which, of course, turned out to be even better. You grow to love the characters, the plot, the adventures, the love. This manga has it all, nicely woven together in a nice 28 volumes....
Haha, okay, it's a bit long and I read it sporadically, but liked it nonetheless! It might take you a while or you could be one of those people that reads a manga in one sitting (might not be possible for this one), but you'll finish because it's impossible to give up on.
You'll be satisfied in the end and you might not revisit it because you'll remember it's over 200 chapters long, but you'll always remember it. A brilliant, brilliant manga. Definitely an ace and a manga all should read at least once.
Haha, okay, it's a bit long and I read it sporadically, but liked it nonetheless! It might take you a while or you could be one of those people that reads a manga in one sitting (might not be possible for this one), but you'll finish because it's impossible to give up on.
You'll be satisfied in the end and you might not revisit it because you'll remember it's over 200 chapters long, but you'll always remember it. A brilliant, brilliant manga. Definitely an ace and a manga all should read at least once.

One Cannot Be So Beautiful
by Honeymilk8
May 13th, 2013, 9:21pm
May 13th, 2013, 9:21pm
Rating: 10.0 / 10.0
Ever since the first chapter, this book has inspired me. Even though I love Kenshin, you always have that book feeling of, "But they're such a wonderful couple!" I would hate to take Kenshin away from Kaoru.
No one can match Watsuki-sensei's art or creativity when it comes to this book. Yes, I have read many other very unique and favorable books that I would say the same about, but right now, this is the page for Rurouni Kenshin.
I read it all on my iTouch through scans, but unfortunately, the chapters contains the battle against Shishio was missed by me. Regretfully, I am happy to read through all of the chapters that come up to the climax of the main arc, because I read thisanga so quickly that I have forgotten most of the chapters.
Well, all I need to say is that this is a wonderful book, and I reccommend some of this same authors other books, which, I have to say, I have not read all, but all are satisfying reads, not to be compared with RuroKen.
... Last updated on May 13th, 2013, 9:22pm
No one can match Watsuki-sensei's art or creativity when it comes to this book. Yes, I have read many other very unique and favorable books that I would say the same about, but right now, this is the page for Rurouni Kenshin.
I read it all on my iTouch through scans, but unfortunately, the chapters contains the battle against Shishio was missed by me. Regretfully, I am happy to read through all of the chapters that come up to the climax of the main arc, because I read thisanga so quickly that I have forgotten most of the chapters.
Well, all I need to say is that this is a wonderful book, and I reccommend some of this same authors other books, which, I have to say, I have not read all, but all are satisfying reads, not to be compared with RuroKen.
... Last updated on May 13th, 2013, 9:22pm

Kenshin and kaoru forever
by kaorudojo
September 5th, 2012, 10:45am
September 5th, 2012, 10:45am
Rating: 10.0 / 10.0
Kenshin and Kaoru forever.
I love this couple, they are tender, touch my soul, are incredible.
They are one of my favorite couples of manga and anime.
The story is interesting, very good, you get caught.
I love this couple, they are tender, touch my soul, are incredible.
They are one of my favorite couples of manga and anime.
The story is interesting, very good, you get caught.

Awesome
by scarredswordheart
May 15th, 2012, 9:06am
May 15th, 2012, 9:06am
Rating: 10.0 / 10.0
RK seems to have the right blend of drama, romance, tragedy and comedy all within one story. Rare is the story that can be all of these things and still be believable.
Himura Kenshin is a man of depth and contradiction, seeming to be a placid, even clownish personage upon first glance, but if one looks into the depths of those violet eyes, one can find the hidden sorrow and ferocity that drive him beneath the humble facade.
Himura Kenshin is a man of depth and contradiction, seeming to be a placid, even clownish personage upon first glance, but if one looks into the depths of those violet eyes, one can find the hidden sorrow and ferocity that drive him beneath the humble facade.

The sentimental manga
by Cassiopea
May 4th, 2012, 9:05pm
May 4th, 2012, 9:05pm
Rating: 8.9 / 10.0
I read this series awhile ago, at least a good few years by now (And I actually haven't finished it) it was back when I first started out reading manga.
It's a quality series, definitely a worthy one. It is legimately engaging and makes for a nice read.
It isn't my all time favourite manga, but it was definitely a likable one. Feel free to have a go at it!
It's a quality series, definitely a worthy one. It is legimately engaging and makes for a nice read.
It isn't my all time favourite manga, but it was definitely a likable one. Feel free to have a go at it!

A Classic
by rvmr
April 10th, 2012, 11:37pm
April 10th, 2012, 11:37pm
Rating: 10.0 / 10.0
There are classics in the manga world, I find. The really popular ones of the past few decades I call The Classics. These include Naruto, Fruits Basket, Bleach, Inuyasha, etc. Titles that everyone knows whether they read manga or not. Rurouni Kenshin is one of them.
If you haven't read it, read it now. I've read Rurouni Kenshin about six times, I think. It has romance, it's funny, it's all action, history and adventure, and the familiar anime action-fantasy. It's amazing. Just read it.
If you haven't read it, read it now. I've read Rurouni Kenshin about six times, I think. It has romance, it's funny, it's all action, history and adventure, and the familiar anime action-fantasy. It's amazing. Just read it.
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