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るろうに剣心 [Rurōni Kenshin] #3
Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 03
"Spider's Web"...like ordinary opium, but better processed. Half the cost to produce, but twice the profits! To the people of Aizu, Takani Megumi was a daughter in a famous family of doctors, in which everyone--women and children alike--studied medicine. But to grasping industrialist Takeda Kanryû, she is the hen who lays the golden egg--the only one who knows the Spider's Web formula! To stay with Kanryû is to send even more to their deaths. But to stay with Kenshin and the others is to invite theirs...
200 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 1995
43 people are currently reading
1049 people want to read
About the author
Nobuhiro Watsuki
247 books423 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 98 reviews
February 19, 2026
Kenshin and friends storm an industrialist's mansion after he kidnaps a friend, so there is a lot of action in this.
June 18, 2024
Best manga art ever?
February 4, 2017
3.5 estrellas
Aoshi Shinomori está re mal dibujado (o al menos eso me pareció xD), se veía mejor en el anime. Este volumen fue más bien de relleno, en el próximo se viene lo bueno :)
Aoshi Shinomori está re mal dibujado (o al menos eso me pareció xD), se veía mejor en el anime. Este volumen fue más bien de relleno, en el próximo se viene lo bueno :)
May 21, 2021
Tão bom!
July 6, 2023
Boy do these characters find themselves in tricky, life threatening situations! Definitely shows that saving someone from a drug ring isn’t easy and that in some of these situations things aren’t always as black and white as we might want them to be.
Megumi is an interesting character though I can’t say I like her, lol. She certainly is going through some hard stuff though and I’m glad Kenshin and the others are so willing to stick their necks out for her despite their personal thoughts or convictions about her and the situation she’s in.
Didn’t really care for the bonus “pilot” short story at the end though it was unique seeing some of these characters as siblings. And it’s always funny when people are questioning Kenshin’s age at the end of these. 😂 Though there was an odd line sort of hinting at the sisters liking each other romantically which was really weird and off putting, so if you don’t like that like me just skip the extra short story as this isn’t in the main story one bit.
‼️Content‼️
TRIGGER WARNING: a woman is given a sword and given the option to commit suicide (she doesn’t as of the end of this volume)
Language: hell (as a place); what the; a kid flashes a middle finger; wench
Violence: fighting with weapons and hand to hand (PG-13 to R); a girl punches/hits a guy; injuries and blood (PG-13 to R); a man breathes fire out of his mouth and tries to burn up characters; a man beats up a woman; a woman is given a sword and given the option to commit suicide (she doesn’t as of the end of this volume)
Drug/Alcohol: a man smokes; talk about making and selling opium; a character is poisoned
Other: a girl is said to be a prize for gambling (this is a lie)
Megumi is an interesting character though I can’t say I like her, lol. She certainly is going through some hard stuff though and I’m glad Kenshin and the others are so willing to stick their necks out for her despite their personal thoughts or convictions about her and the situation she’s in.
Didn’t really care for the bonus “pilot” short story at the end though it was unique seeing some of these characters as siblings. And it’s always funny when people are questioning Kenshin’s age at the end of these. 😂 Though there was an odd line sort of hinting at the sisters liking each other romantically which was really weird and off putting, so if you don’t like that like me just skip the extra short story as this isn’t in the main story one bit.
‼️Content‼️
TRIGGER WARNING: a woman is given a sword and given the option to commit suicide (she doesn’t as of the end of this volume)
Language: hell (as a place); what the; a kid flashes a middle finger; wench
Violence: fighting with weapons and hand to hand (PG-13 to R); a girl punches/hits a guy; injuries and blood (PG-13 to R); a man breathes fire out of his mouth and tries to burn up characters; a man beats up a woman; a woman is given a sword and given the option to commit suicide (she doesn’t as of the end of this volume)
Drug/Alcohol: a man smokes; talk about making and selling opium; a character is poisoned
Other: a girl is said to be a prize for gambling (this is a lie)
September 18, 2017
Volumes 3 and 4 contain the first major arc of this series, contained in these two books. Megumi was introduced in the previous volume and it's revealed to be the chemist behind a new and highly addictive variant of opium out in the the streets. Still, she's less Walter White and more of a coerced hostage. Her addition to the cast initially brought her into conflict with the senior members. First, her flirty actions towards Kenshin infuriated Kaoru to no end; and with Sano, who blames her for the overdose induced death of his friend.
To continue the Breaking Bad comparison, the Gus Fring in this story is definitely Kanryuu, an ambitious coward who is eager to funnel his drug profits into weapons dealing. This is basically narco-politics in the Meiji era and it it still relevant today, especially in my own local context where drug-lords use drug gains to fund insurrectionists and create instability in my country. Kanryuu even has his own private army and the Oniwabanshu on retainer.
This arc also introduces Aoshi, who goes on to be one of Kenshin's most popular rivals. I've written of how Watsuki wore his X-Man fandom on his sleeve while working on this series. The character design for Aoshi gives him Gambit's trench coat.
To continue the Breaking Bad comparison, the Gus Fring in this story is definitely Kanryuu, an ambitious coward who is eager to funnel his drug profits into weapons dealing. This is basically narco-politics in the Meiji era and it it still relevant today, especially in my own local context where drug-lords use drug gains to fund insurrectionists and create instability in my country. Kanryuu even has his own private army and the Oniwabanshu on retainer.
This arc also introduces Aoshi, who goes on to be one of Kenshin's most popular rivals. I've written of how Watsuki wore his X-Man fandom on his sleeve while working on this series. The character design for Aoshi gives him Gambit's trench coat.
January 2, 2026
I really like how the story is progressing and what we are getting to learn about the characters. No men being walked on leashes in this volume though 😪 This is the last physical volume of this series I randomly found in my room, but for everyone that didn’t ask, I’m thinking of getting the rest on my kindle and reading it at the gym 🤩😼 #newyearnewme #2026ismyyear #gymrat
July 11, 2018
A series that continues to intrigue, even when it could have easily fallen into one huge fight after another. The love here is really in the details, how the time and personality of the characters mix to make this more than just another “for boys” comic.
September 1, 2022
"Hay otras formas de pagar. Cuando uno muere no revive a aquellos que mató. Haciendo cosas por el bien de todos, como usar una espada para protegerlos. Ese es el verdadero significado de pagar. Así es como en la era Meji, vive el legendario Battousai"
June 13, 2023
So much knowledge and history 🤩🗺️🇯🇵
February 21, 2024
Loving the samurai historical fiction rn
June 12, 2016
I said things could only get better, and it suits for this one as well. There are villains here that I remember truly loving when they first showed up in the anime. I have a soft spot for the Oniwabanshu, and it doesn't hurt that their leader is fiercely loyal and absolutely stunningly gorgeous. Nobuhiro Watsuki, you really know how to draw. MAJOR kudos on Aoshi. But the thing is that our author-artist all in one is still able to create ways to unfold more of who the characters around him are. They're constantly getting chances where they reveal new aspects of themselves, and we see parts of that in Sanosuke and Yahiko each in this one. Plus, we're introduced to a new character, Megumi, who is really a tragic character but who has her areas of personal weakness like all of our characters. Not a single one of them is perfect, and that's what makes this story so good to read. Every single one of them has a place they come from, something that they're dealing with, and Megumi's story is another person who has lived through the past ten years carrying her own burden.
The new enemies here as well, as I've already mentioned, have their own sense of wholeness. Even though they seemed initially to be some random new punk-ass thugs, it only takes a look at the higher members of the Oniwabanshu to know that there's a lot more going on than just a scuffle of drunken brawlers here. For the first time, men of a different path than the samurai have stepped into this book, and we have ninja now to face.
In addition to all the action going on, our author and creator of Rurouni Kenshin included his pilot of the series in this volume! We actually get to see the 45 page-long concept that he first submitted for approval and critique when he was coming up with the idea for this manga, and although things are slightly different, you can see where Rurouni Kenshin has stuck to its roots, even in the familiar characters that we get to see within it.
Overall, it's a great volume to experience, and it's widening the world around us readers as well. We're no longer just stuck in the dojo. Steadily, this story is spreading its wings, and I know it's going to take us to new heights. Hope to see you for the next one guys! Keep reading. <3
August 31, 2023
این یکی کاراکتر و داستانش هم جالبن.
April 14, 2014
Ok, so the first few volumes are nothing new or spectacular but even so, I still find this manga quite enjoyable. The story about a samurai who doesn't want to kill anymore and change himself due to his ruthlessness in his past is nothing new. We've seen this story before.
So far, the characters are really likeable and fun. Kenshin is the nice, honorable, and badass hero that you would expect from an action manga. But he also has a few traits that make him stand out. He's tough but he's also clumsy, he's too trustworthy but he's also loyal to his friends.
The other characters are a lot of fun too. They each have their own backstory and have their own personalities. Granted, they aren't that complex but they're good enough.
There's a bit of cheesy comedy but it's entertaining and some of it is pretty hilarious. Well, if you like manga/anime comedy.
I've only read a few volumes but I'll give a review once I finish the whole series.
So far, the characters are really likeable and fun. Kenshin is the nice, honorable, and badass hero that you would expect from an action manga. But he also has a few traits that make him stand out. He's tough but he's also clumsy, he's too trustworthy but he's also loyal to his friends.
The other characters are a lot of fun too. They each have their own backstory and have their own personalities. Granted, they aren't that complex but they're good enough.
There's a bit of cheesy comedy but it's entertaining and some of it is pretty hilarious. Well, if you like manga/anime comedy.
I've only read a few volumes but I'll give a review once I finish the whole series.
March 25, 2016
And the saga of the wandering samurai continues. We continue in the Megumi arc, she is a reluctant opium-maker that is in deep with some sort of mafia. And Kyran wants her back. After hearing her tale of woe, Kenshin emphasizes with Megumi and sees "the sadness in her eyes" so of course vows to keep her safe. It was a lot of action and even little Yahiko joins the fun. It was a fun volume of friendship, revelations, and swords.
November 10, 2016
Kenshin dkk menyerbu benteng Kanryu.Mereka berhadapan dengan Oniwabanshu.Humornya pas,menyelip diantara adegan laga.Cerita selipannya juga oke.Settingnya selalu setahun sebelum cerita utamanya.Lanjut lagi!!!
July 10, 2016
Que bem que sabe reler, desta vez em PT, esta história que é tão especial para mim :)
February 23, 2021
Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 3 continues where the previous tankōbon left off and contains the next seven chapters (16–22) of the on-going manga series with a bonus chapter.
After defeating Takeda Kanryū's men, Himura Kenshin and Sagara Sanosuke discover that Takeda Kanryū is protected by the last members of the Oniwabanshū group. Sanosuke is angry at Takani Megumi for producing opium because a friend of his died from an opium overdose, but Kenshin decides to protect her.
That night they are attacked by two members of the Oniwabanshū called Hyottoko and Beshimi. Sanosuke defeats Hyottoko, but Megumi is attacked by Beshimi. Myōjin Yahiko tries to protect her, but is hit by one of Beshmi's poison darts. It turns out Megumi is a doctor and she is able to save his life. She decides to leave the dojo rather than endanger anyone else, but Kenshin and Kaoru ask her to stay.
Feeling guilty about the deaths she caused by producing opium, Megumi goes to Kanryū's mansion in order to kill him. She is taken prisoner and Kenshin and Yahiko decide to rescue her. Sanosuke is still angry at her but agrees to go along and they attack the mansion.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The tankōbon expanded on the time period and added expanded on the background of the main characters – especially with Takani Megumi who is more than just an opium producer, but a healer. She is eventually kidnapped and it is up to Himura Kenshin and his group to rescue her.
All in all, Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 3 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems really intriguing and I can't wait to read more.
After defeating Takeda Kanryū's men, Himura Kenshin and Sagara Sanosuke discover that Takeda Kanryū is protected by the last members of the Oniwabanshū group. Sanosuke is angry at Takani Megumi for producing opium because a friend of his died from an opium overdose, but Kenshin decides to protect her.
That night they are attacked by two members of the Oniwabanshū called Hyottoko and Beshimi. Sanosuke defeats Hyottoko, but Megumi is attacked by Beshimi. Myōjin Yahiko tries to protect her, but is hit by one of Beshmi's poison darts. It turns out Megumi is a doctor and she is able to save his life. She decides to leave the dojo rather than endanger anyone else, but Kenshin and Kaoru ask her to stay.
Feeling guilty about the deaths she caused by producing opium, Megumi goes to Kanryū's mansion in order to kill him. She is taken prisoner and Kenshin and Yahiko decide to rescue her. Sanosuke is still angry at her but agrees to go along and they attack the mansion.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The tankōbon expanded on the time period and added expanded on the background of the main characters – especially with Takani Megumi who is more than just an opium producer, but a healer. She is eventually kidnapped and it is up to Himura Kenshin and his group to rescue her.
All in all, Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 3 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems really intriguing and I can't wait to read more.
July 9, 2024
C’est dans les vieux pots !!... 1994 !!
Melle Takani Megumi fait son apparition et elle semble s’enticher de Kenshin. Alors que tout connaisseur de Kenshin qui se respecte sait que Battosaï est à Kaoru.
Aoshi Shinomori fait son apparition. Enfin un adversaire digne de Kenshin ?
Nos héros vont tout mettre en œuvre pour sauver leur nouvelle amie Megumi.
Hyottoko est le premier adversaire de la bande à Kenshin. Il utilise un sac d’huile à l’intérieur de son estomac et un silex pour cracher du feu (C’est autrement plus crédible que ce qu’on verra en manga comme le « Chakra » chez Naruto).
Hyottoko est mis au tapis en une vingtaine de pages.
Takani semble vouloir prendre la tangente, mais Kaoru l’interpelle. Kenshin est loin d’avoir le dessous.
Kenshin est aussi une œuvre riche en background sur l’histoire du Japon. Certains zapperont ces passages « historiques » au profit des scènes d’action. D’autres s’y intéresseront… Il n’y a pas de bonne méthode.
Un petit peu sexiste (les femmes ne vont pas au combat) mais rappelez-vous… 1994. Alors c’est déjà pas mal !
Kanryû Takeda voit ses homme démonté par le groupuscule de Kenshin. Il essaye alors de le recruter en lui faisant miroiter le salaire de 50 hommes… 100… 200… Rien n’y fait, Battosai semble incorruptible.
Le retour des chapitres bonus.
Phoenix
++
Melle Takani Megumi fait son apparition et elle semble s’enticher de Kenshin. Alors que tout connaisseur de Kenshin qui se respecte sait que Battosaï est à Kaoru.
Aoshi Shinomori fait son apparition. Enfin un adversaire digne de Kenshin ?
Nos héros vont tout mettre en œuvre pour sauver leur nouvelle amie Megumi.
Hyottoko est le premier adversaire de la bande à Kenshin. Il utilise un sac d’huile à l’intérieur de son estomac et un silex pour cracher du feu (C’est autrement plus crédible que ce qu’on verra en manga comme le « Chakra » chez Naruto).
Hyottoko est mis au tapis en une vingtaine de pages.
Takani semble vouloir prendre la tangente, mais Kaoru l’interpelle. Kenshin est loin d’avoir le dessous.
Kenshin est aussi une œuvre riche en background sur l’histoire du Japon. Certains zapperont ces passages « historiques » au profit des scènes d’action. D’autres s’y intéresseront… Il n’y a pas de bonne méthode.
Un petit peu sexiste (les femmes ne vont pas au combat) mais rappelez-vous… 1994. Alors c’est déjà pas mal !
Kanryû Takeda voit ses homme démonté par le groupuscule de Kenshin. Il essaye alors de le recruter en lui faisant miroiter le salaire de 50 hommes… 100… 200… Rien n’y fait, Battosai semble incorruptible.
Le retour des chapitres bonus.
Phoenix
++
May 20, 2022
This volume explained the introduction of another character with a very interesting backstory. This volume explains who she is and sets up for the next volume when a fight will begin but interestingly introduces this. Megumi owns opium and took part in its deadly evolution, which makes Sanozuke hate her as his friend died from opium, but Kenshin still decides to protect her. During the night they are attacked by 2 people while defeating one of them the other tries to poison Megumi, but Yahiko defended her. To save Yahiko Megumi reveals herself as the last of a noble doctor family and manages to save Yahiko’s life. Now Megumi wants to leave, she does not want to form any problems for anyone else but Kenshin and Yahiko want her to stay, she leaves the dojo and returns to Kanryū trying to end his life but is taken as a prisoner instead. Despite Sanozuke still being angry at her Kenshin and Sanozuke with Yahiko who wants to repay her for saving his life leaves to rescue her. Setting up the next volume and developing the characteristics of each character.
April 7, 2023
Neste Volume, se da início ao Arco da Megumi, ou melhor, da Oniwabanshuu, a organização de "ninjas" financiada pelo vilão Kanryuu, o safado do ópio.
Ao que diz respeito aos personagens, o autor passa muito bem, o espírito de cada um, dando vida à suas personalidades. Em destaque -- Megumi, que logo de cara consegue a antipatia de muitos; contudo ao longo do mangá, sua história vai ganhando mais espaço, onde é possível simpatizar por ela.
Quanto à ilustração, da pra ver uma melhora muito grande nas cenas de ação, confirmando o que eu já vinha sentindo no Volume 2. Além disso, gostei muito do visual do Hannya, que apesar de simples, sua máscara fala por si só; ele realmente parece um ninja muito forte e letal.
No mais, espero ver um desenvolvimento maior do que "gostamos de lutar", da organização Oniwabanshuu, tal qual é quase certo de vir no próximo Volume.
Ao que diz respeito aos personagens, o autor passa muito bem, o espírito de cada um, dando vida à suas personalidades. Em destaque -- Megumi, que logo de cara consegue a antipatia de muitos; contudo ao longo do mangá, sua história vai ganhando mais espaço, onde é possível simpatizar por ela.
Quanto à ilustração, da pra ver uma melhora muito grande nas cenas de ação, confirmando o que eu já vinha sentindo no Volume 2. Além disso, gostei muito do visual do Hannya, que apesar de simples, sua máscara fala por si só; ele realmente parece um ninja muito forte e letal.
No mais, espero ver um desenvolvimento maior do que "gostamos de lutar", da organização Oniwabanshuu, tal qual é quase certo de vir no próximo Volume.
February 5, 2025
This volume of Rurouni Kenshin definitely added a list of characters to the roster and mighty quickly! I will say the expansive nature of this volume opened up the world and history of the series greatly in my eyes. The bonus material in the back of this volume is very expansive and you would not expect that much in a simple volume 3, but it is more like a Deluxe Edition to a series. The volume in my opinion hits hard and heavy and one thing I would like to note is this series builds bonds quickly. It does not seem forced, but it does seem that people don't have a long feeling out period before they become friends and if you will, it gets right to the meat of the story and not dwelling long on becoming friends...which I am enjoying.
July 19, 2024
Another strong protagonist - I love this!
(but then again, are there any weak protagonists?)
Anyway, there's a new conflict brewing here, and it's more like an introduction for now. So it's pretty mild. Nevertheless it was still a good read.
---
Love this. It's not the sword that is strong, but the wielder of the sword.
(but then again, are there any weak protagonists?)
Anyway, there's a new conflict brewing here, and it's more like an introduction for now. So it's pretty mild. Nevertheless it was still a good read.
---
Love this. It's not the sword that is strong, but the wielder of the sword.
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
November 30, 2024
Jalan sebelum Rurouni Kenshin jadi serial ternyata panjang, ya. Awalnya dibikin jadi cerita pendek dulu. Di versi oneshot, Kaoru, Megumi, dan Yahiko bersaudara loh. Hihihi. Dan Kenshin kenal sama almarhum ayah mereka. Kanryu dulu namanya Nishiwaka, ingin menikahi Megumi secara paksa agar bisa merebut dojo Kamiya Kasshin untuk dijadikan tempat judi. Menarik sekali cerita one shot bisa diubah jadi lebih serius dengan konflik yang mempermasalahkan soal perederan opium. Keren.
Tapi awal Oniwabanshu-nya Okashira bisa beralih jadi pengawalnya Kanryu itu gimana, ya?
Tapi awal Oniwabanshu-nya Okashira bisa beralih jadi pengawalnya Kanryu itu gimana, ya?
August 1, 2019
Ooo, it ended on a cliffhanger! I know these were originally serialized but I'm not a fan of cliffhangers, I don't even like them when I'm watching TV! I continue a series in spite of the cliffhanger not because of it...or at least that's what I tell myself. XD
I did enjoy the prequel or the "pilot" included at the end of this volume, it certainly could have taken Kenshin in a different direction but is was nice to see the original concept Watsuki started out with.
I did enjoy the prequel or the "pilot" included at the end of this volume, it certainly could have taken Kenshin in a different direction but is was nice to see the original concept Watsuki started out with.
May 2, 2021
Rereading for the first time since this was published in English in 2003.
Story's still good and the art's much improved from the first volume, but the shounen genre tropes are grating. Sure, let's take the 10 year old boy - who has only been training for a few weeks - into battle against mafia goons, but we'll leave his teacher behind. Lil lady can get the baths ready for us manly men.
Aoshi has a different hairstyle in literally every chapter he's appeared in so far.
Story's still good and the art's much improved from the first volume, but the shounen genre tropes are grating. Sure, let's take the 10 year old boy - who has only been training for a few weeks - into battle against mafia goons, but we'll leave his teacher behind. Lil lady can get the baths ready for us manly men.
Aoshi has a different hairstyle in literally every chapter he's appeared in so far.
May 17, 2018
Saya sedang dalam marathon menghabiskan siri manga Samurai ini. Dulu pernah disiarkan di tv3 (ke NTV7) sewaktu saya kecil.
Mujurlah bang Perewa membenarkan komik sebagai salah satu bacaan untuk Cabaran Bacaan 32 Buku. Banyak juga, ada dekat 28 naskhah yang menghimpunkan kesemua siri Rurouni Kenshin.
Mujurlah bang Perewa membenarkan komik sebagai salah satu bacaan untuk Cabaran Bacaan 32 Buku. Banyak juga, ada dekat 28 naskhah yang menghimpunkan kesemua siri Rurouni Kenshin.
March 22, 2023
Between the oniwabanshu and Kenshin's feats I'm wondering how much more fantastical the story will get. To some extent everything is still based in reality, both narratively and historically, so I'm still onboard. Megumi's story is also the longest one running thus far and continues into the next volume, so...
Onto volume 4!
Onto volume 4!
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