Rurouni Kenshin Review

I began Rurouni Kenshin a while ago, I was interested primarily in its' artstyle and character designs. This was before I found out about Watsuki's controversies, which I will keep outside the review. Obviously, I do not endorse his actions nor have I supported him in anyway whilst reading the story.

I didn't expect this story to captivate me the way it did, but I am pleasently surprised of course. I want to keep this review personal to myself, as I believe it is a story that is best experience for yourself, so I will try to keep it spoiler free.

A once savage and murderous samurai assassin from the Bakumatsu Period struck fear in the hearts of many who dared to cross him.

His name was Himura Kenshin, the Hitokiri Battousai. That name would follow him even in the years he left that world behind. Now in the Meiji Era, the man wanders. Atoning for his sins and seeking a path of peace. A path that would be hard to come by as his haunting legacy continues to creep up on him.

Finding new friends, Himura Kenshin begins to protect the peace and fight against the horrors that he was once a part of. He will face off new foes with his friends and allies, forming relationships that he never thought would have been possible back in the old era.

There are many reasons as to why the formula works so well for me. It's a tale of a character seeking redemption for their own actions.

He never feels sorry for himself, nor does he ask for forgiveness, he just wants to make things right in the present, knowing that his past will always be a part of him, something that he will never escape as new villains continue to push him to bring back his old self.

It's such an invigorating tale of self-importance that every time I look at a picture of Kenshin or watch a video with him in it I just remember the story, his ideals and his outlook. He was masterfully crafted. He is such a strong main character that truly resonates with me as a result.

I want to remind you that this is a spoiler-free review of Rurouni Kenshin, as I absolutely recommend anybody to read this first, rather than spoil themselves on the plot. A part of what makes Rurouni Kenshin so special is the fact that it is a journey of self-redemption, and so being with Himura Kenshin through that journey in full is something I 100% recommend. I understand the ethical side of not wanting to read the story, but nevertheless I still absolutely recommend it for the sole purpose of the Jinchuu arc alone.

Where there is a history of horrible bloody evil, there will always be a shadow that creeps up. That shadow... is something you will have to see for yourself. Something that challenges Himura Kenshin to the very core.

Rurouni Kenshin is my favourite story of all time, so I absolutely recommend it. There are other characters I haven't highlighted on in this review, but that's because I don't want to spoil anybody on what they will eventually all mean to Himura Kenshin. There's Kaoru Kamiya, Sanosuke Sagara and many more to boot, especially Yahiko Myōjin which becomes one of my absolute favourites.

So if you're reading this review and haven't read or watched Rurouni Kenshin yet, what are you waiting for?