Rurouni Kenshin: A Series of Majestic Shonen Sagas

They say life is nothing but a way to experience sorrow and happiness gracefully. This statement perfectly fits one of the most popular shonen anime series Rurouni Kenshin. Originally published in the 90s and making its TV debut in 2012, Rurouni Kenshin is a series of captivating Samurai tales. It is centered around a skilled warrior’s life.

In anticipation of the 2023 return of Kenshin Tales, this article will provide you with a glimpse into the magnificence of these samurai stories. How Kenshin series never fails to deliver breathtaking action scenes. How it masterfully conveys the nuances of happiness and sorrow with an extraordinary and enchanting perspective!

The Imperialist Man Slayer

Kenshin Hamura, the protagonist of Kenshin Tales, is an imperialist samurai. He is also known as Battousai the Manslayer. The Kenshin series follows Hamura’s experiences as a warrior in dealing with his opponents. How him being an assassin starts bothering him. And how he grows weary of a life full of killing and seeks peace.

Eventually, he reaches a turning point and decides to walk away from that life to find peace. Interestingly, Hamura’s journey bears a striking resemblance to that of Thors from Vinland Saga. He also experienced a similar transformation from a life of violence to that of a peaceful existence.

A Man with Redemption

But before you add Hamura to Thorfinn, Guts, and Musashi’s category, we are glad to tell you, there is a captivating twist! This twist sets Hamura apart from the all-time pacifist protagonists. Hamura Kenshin carries a profound sense of redemption for his past actions. He understands the impact he had on the lives of others.

This makes his character arc truly compelling. He is driven by a sincere desire to make amends for his past life. Hamura strives for personal growth along this redemptive path. The story of this wandering samurai takes place during the transition from the end of the Edo period to the beginning of the Meiji period.

This historical setting provides a crucial context to understand Hamura’s character. He was born and raised in a society governed by violence. Where bloodshed was a common occurrence in the streets. These circumstances greatly influenced his upbringing and shaped him into a ruthless samurai.

However, the creator of Kenshin Tales intended for viewers to not only grasp the societal backdrop but also delve into the protagonist’s mental state. This is a rarity in anime, as it offers subtle hints at the inner struggle Hamura faces. It also hints at his determined efforts to abandon his dark past and condemn his previous actions.

The Ying & Yang in Kenshin Tales

It is common to assume that individuals who are considered “good” will inevitably perform good deeds, while those who are considered “bad” are inherently filled with evil. However, Rurouni Kenshin offers a fresh perspective for its audience.

It emphasizes how individuals can often be more complex than their surface-level identity suggests. The anime highlights that even individuals who are perceived as “good” can commit an act of evil, while individuals who are traditionally deemed “evil” can perform a good deed.

Beauty of Sorrow

Anime has a remarkable ability to evoke a wide range of emotions in its viewers, and Kenshin Tales has mastered this skill by immersing us in its captivating setting and storytelling. Right from the start, the anime will leave you intrigued, questioning the circumstances surrounding the main characters and why they find themselves in certain situations.

The setting itself is filled with sorrow, yet it plays a crucial role in celebrating the characters’ struggles and their ability to gracefully accept their downfalls. Kenshin Tales has successfully crafted an elixir that will make you feel a myriad of emotions, keeping you engaged and invested in the story throughout.

Our Final Verdict

We have a deep appreciation for the epic period action scenes and drama portrayed in Kenshin Tales. It is undoubtedly a strong 9 out of 10 if you’re seeking to discover the origins of the Samurai Shonen trend. For those who have an affinity for medical anime series, we highly recommend taking a look at our article on Vinland Saga!