The November Post

Not going to write much. As usual.

Today, it's the Anime Cynic.

Rurouni Kenshin. Which manga/anime/Japan loving person hasn't heard of this?

The adventures of this wandering samurai would definitely be one of those at the top of my revolutionary manga/anime list.

I am re-watching the Rurouni Kenshin episodes, currently at episode 32.

The magic of Rurouni Kenshin is aplenty.

First, the action. Fighting styles of this manga doesn't involve shooting thunderbolts out of sword tips or summoning giants from nowhere. However, it doesn't fail to awe and make small kids imitate the actions of the samurai in the manga using anything they can get their hands on- bamboo sticks, their mothers' canes, toy lightsabers and many more. I must admit I was one of these innocent children, trying especially hard to imitate Saitō Hajime's Gotatsu. Every trademark move has its defining trademark stance which sets it apart from the rest, giving the viewers a sense of familiarity when seeing a certain swordsman attack.

Second, the morals. Let's face it. If Aesop Fables was converted to a manga word for word. It would suck really badly. It's difficult for manga and anime to impart life lessons without sounding corny. Rurouni Kenshin does just fine. I always believe that if you let children read/watch/learn smart things, they will be smart. Rurouni Kenshin doesn't have characters going "Today, I've learnt violence can't solve problems," at the end of episodes. The lessons are reflected upon the actions of characters and decisions they make. In other words, they don't make their viewers look like idiots.

Third, the love. No sappy love stories. Only subtle hints here and there. Which is good. Come on, people who watch Rurouni Kenshin are looking for slice and dice, not hugs and kisses. So Kaoru can continue being the maiden in distress but never gets to be the bride. Isn't that just lovely?

Fourth, the laughs. Many a times, various manga start off well with comedy before losing it as it goes on to the more serious stuff. One example would be Hitman Reborn. What the people behind these sort of manga/anime don't realise is how important it is not to put too much pressure on its audience. Rurouni Kenshin has over 90 episodes. Each lasting over 20 minutes. Do you think one can endure over 30 hours of anime if there aren't any comedic moments? Rurouni Kenshin has vibrant characters who can pull off comedy scenes well. Very nice.

Last, the plot. I personally like how many of the episodes don't link. Each has a story of its own. Only a hint and reference here and there to make a full linkage between all the episodes to make one running storyline. Extra care is taken to ensure not one character is under developed, with entire episodes devoted to a single character.

So, there really isn't any doubt as to why I regard this as my favourite anime of all time.

Cheers.