Rurouni Kenshin Manga "Jinchu Arc" Volumes 19-28 Talkback (SPOILERS)

[A.Magik]

Back from Kyoto, Kenshin and his friends expect some quieter times. But attacks on the Maekawa Dojo and the house of the Police Chief rend asunder such expectations...

Now we have reached volume 19 of the Viz translated release of Rurouni Kenshin. Thus the legendary Jinchu Arc is on. As many RK fans know, the Jinchu Arc was never adapted for the anime adaptation. Instead, the anime ended with a series of arcs never written by the original author. Parts of the Jinchu Arc were adapted for a series of OVAs (released in America as Samurai X), but many fans still felt disappointed that the Arc didn’t receive better treatment. Although the Kyoto Arc is widely considered to be the signature storyline of Rurouni Kenshin, the Jinchu Arc has its following of fans as a noteworthy storyline, superior over the filler arcs of the anime, with its concluding resolution to the series (whereas the anime left things open).
Now is the time for American readers to get their view of this Arc, which is why this poster feels a talkback is worth making. For each of the next ten months, a talkback for each volume will be posted, with comments on the contents. Hopefully, this talkback will get some responses.
Unfortunately, due to other interests, I was unable to send any talkbacks in the last four months. Oh well, better late than never. At least this could mean more responses to the talkback, since I think I posted my comments on 18 a bit too early for readers to get their copy.

Comments:
-Come to think of it, according to my previous assertion of Otowa Hyoto resembling Mr. Sinister, there is also a resemblance to the Black Widow from Marvel Comics. Those bracelets resemble Widow’s 'bite' wristbands, and those tassles sticking out of the costume could symbolize spider tentacles.
-Sanosuke breaks his hand for the third time (I’m including the attack on Shishio).
-So did Shishio know about Iwanboo's real identity?
-So Gein is a One Piece fan?
-And thus, after a decade, Kenshin and Enishi meet, and with that, the 1st appearance of Tomoe. The inhabitant of the Kyoto grave has been finally identified! (or its implied in this volume).
-Enishi has one big sister complex! Bigger than Toya Kinomoto (then again, Toya wouldn’t try to make Li Shoran’s life a living hell…)
-Yahiko's fanbase must understand his frustrations too well.
-Kenshin’s nightmare is a sinister foreshadow of things to come.
-Poor Tsubame, being Yahiko’s sparring partner. One wonders if Yahiko might become a wifebeater.
-I think Yahiko should’ve been the one to recognize Iwanboo instead of Sano, who never met him.
-Gein and Enishi get to work. Watsuki can’t be blamed for not planning…
-Page 105. One can compare this gallery with the cover of Amazing Spider-Man#121…
-Kenshin finally reveals his past.
-One cut at the cheek, and the assassination that will put into motion the events that will change Kenshin’s life forever.
-RK evidently points out that a strong will can be equal to skill (or at least, nothing to sneeze at).
-Although we may never know Kenshin’s first killing, this is the reader’s first experience of Kenshin as a killer. I wonder what the fan reaction was? Shock to see such a merciful fighter cut loose, or pleasure to see Kenshin finally cut loose?
-Unlike the ultra-serious OVA, the original Tomoe storyline does carry a few moments of humor.
-Why does Kenshin think the Miten-surugi style has not been used for killing? Doesn’t he remember Hiko slaughtering those bandits?
-What other anime/mangas incorporated historically real persons into their stories? I can only think of Reign.
-I take it the Battosai has to keep a secret identity.

Next time: Love comes to the Battosai, but don’t expect a happy ending. The Jinchu Arc continues…

A.Magik

[Duke]

You're a little late with this, since Vol. 22 was just released.

[A.Magik]

You're a little late with this, since Vol. 22 was just released.

This is the second time someone didn't carefully read everything from this talkback. As I wrote above, yes, I know this is very late. Some other interests had kept me from posting this four months ago. I am very sorry.

Hopefully, I will be on time when vol.23 comes out (then again, I'll probably end up with 6 talkbacks with practically no responses...).

A.Magik

[Funkmasta Zeph]

But why talk about Vol.19 when 23 is nearly out?

[Baseball]

You could always expand this talkback to discuss Volumes 19-22, since the singular topics probably won't get very many responses.

[Duke]

I think that instead, I'll just make this an all-encompassing Talkback about the Jinchu arc.

[A.Magik]

Now we have reached volume 20 of the Viz translated release of Rurouni Kenshin. Thus the legendary Jinchu Arc is on. As many RK fans know, the Jinchu Arc was never adapted for the anime adaptation. Instead, the anime ended with a series of arcs never written by the original author. Parts of the Jinchu Arc were adapted for a series of OVAs (released in America as Samurai X), but many fans still felt disappointed that the Arc didn’t receive better treatment. Although the Kyoto Arc is widely considered to be the signature storyline of Rurouni Kenshin, the Jinchu Arc has its following of fans as a noteworthy storyline, superior over the filler arcs of the anime, with its concluding resolution to the series (whereas the anime left things open).
Now is the time for American readers to get their view of this Arc, which is why this poster feels a talkback is worth making. For each of the next ten months, a talkback for each volume will be posted, with comments on the contents. Hopefully, this talkback will get some responses.
Due to my slacking off, I will have to catch up with the releases of the manga.

With attacks at the Maekawa Dojo and the home of the Police Chief, Kenshin is horrified to discover the mastermind behind it all is his brother-in-law, Enishi! Wishing vengeance on Kenshin for his dead sister, Enishi plans an attack on the Kamiya Dojo! To protect his friends, Kenshin must tell them the truth about his past. It concerns an assassination, and a cold beauty…

-I like Kenshin’s problematic situation regarding Tomoe, as well as everyone’s reactions about the Battosai's presumed love life. Nice to have some humor to deflate the angst (unlike the OVA).
-Evidently Tomoe is a descendant of Inu-Yasha's Kikyo in the ‘unsmiling cold beauty’ department (not a bad fanfic idea…).
-We get so little information on Saitou’s friend Okita. We know he dies of tuberculosis and that he seems the only person comfortable being in the wolf’s presence.
-Where did Kenshin get his education? I don’t think a peasant boy got any literacy teaching before he ended up an indentured servant. I also don’t know if Sejiro Hiko did much education besides the swordplay. Kenshin must have learned how to read when he started being an assassin.
-I sense some romantic implications between Megumi and Sanosuke?
-Sad present-day moment concerning Enishi having a moment of weakness.
-Going back to the idea about Kenshin’s education, he also knows quite a lot about medicines. Something he must have picked up from Hiko.
-Kenshin mocking the Shinsegumi. Saitou isn’t going to like that at all...
-Oh, isn’t li’l Enishi so cute, smacking another kid, and biting Kenshin’s hand Kare Kano style?
-You have to wonder if Enishi would have a similar hatred for Kiyosato if he never died. Major Sister complex.
-If Tomoe had trouble smiling, are Enishi’s visions just his imagination?
-Thus the Greek tragedy is set into motion. Although he has found happiness in Tomoe, Kenshin’s past actions will lead to death.
-So Tomoe is a femme Fatale! Okay, a suddenly repentant femme fatale, but still…
-Nice plan by the Yaminabo to take out Battosai, scrambling his sixth sense, while bombs and the like numb his regular five. Still, would the group in that era actually know about ‘magnetic fields’ to actually mention it?
-Do I see Venom in the forest?

Next time: In the past, Kenshin faces the most crushing tragedy of his life. In the present, he desires not to let history repeat itself. Decisions, plans, training, and revelations are made in haste as Enishi and his six comrades make their attack on the Kamiya Dojo.

A.Magik

[Duke]

-I sense some romantic implications between Megumi and Sanosuke?
While the anime hits you over the head with it, there's been some subtle reactions that would give that feeling (or maybe Watanuki was influenced by the anime a bit).


-Do I see Venom in the forest?
It's Watanuki. 90% of the bad guys are inspired by either Marvel comics or the anime Samurai Spirits.

[Funkmasta Zeph]

Who is Watanuki?
Thats Yatsumi Mumyoi.

[Duke]

Who is Watanuki?
Nobuhiro Watanuki, aka the creator of Rurouni Kenshin.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Nobuhiro Watanuki, aka the creator of Rurouni Kenshin.

Don't you mean Watsuki?

[FireStarterLE]

since i'm only familiar with the anime, is the "main" person from this arc this guy:

http://photobucket.com/albums/a283/FireStarterSE/?action=view&current=FromKenshinIntro.jpg

because i'm pretty sure he never shows up

[A.Magik]

since i'm only familiar with the anime, is the "main" person from this arc this guy:

http://photobucket.com/albums/a283/FireStarterSE/?action=view&current=FromKenshinIntro.jpg

because i'm pretty sure he never shows up

No. That man in the picture does appear in the anime, as Raijuta, the swordsman Yutaro idolizes.

The "main" person of this arc, Enishi, does appear in the Samurai X OVAs. He is very slender, has spiky white hair, horn-rimmed shades, and smiles a lot.

A.Magik

[FireStarterLE]

the way the picture is setup it does not look 100% like Raijuta, but looking a bit closer at it and knowing that now it kinda looks like him.

oh and i did find an image of Enishi, immortalized as a toy
http://us.st11.yimg.com/store1.yimg.com/I/dragonballzcentral_1880_272977767

[Duke]

That picture of Raijuta is actually used from the manga, when Yutaro does one of his "Raijuta-sensei rocks!" speeches.

[Funkmasta Zeph]

the way the picture is setup it does not look 100% like Raijuta, but looking a bit closer at it and knowing that now it kinda looks like him.

oh and i did find an image of Enishi, immortalized as a toy
http://us.st11.yimg.com/store1.yimg.com/I/dragonballzcentral_1880_272977767

Speaking of the Ovas and Trust and Betrayal...

Does Yatsumi Mumyoi appear in Betrayal?

[A.Magik]

Speaking of the Ovas and Trust and Betrayal...

Does Yatsumi Mumyoi appear in Betrayal?

No. The OVAs strived for a more serious, realistic nature. Anything of a fantastic, unreal nature was excised. That included Yatsumi.

A.Magik

[Hades]

Thanks, now I know what volumes of Kenshin I should pick up.

I wish they would animated this arc. It isn't unnatural for an anime to come back years later, and with the popularity of samurai anime lately (they have enouogh of them), you'd think they finish Kenshin off. Or do an OVA, 1 episode per manga volume like Hellsing is doing.

[A.Magik]

Now we have reached volume 21 of the Viz translated release of Rurouni Kenshin. Thus the legendary Jinchu Arc is on. As many RK fans know, the Jinchu Arc was never adapted for the anime adaptation. Instead, the anime ended with a series of arcs never written by the original author. Parts of the Jinchu Arc were adapted for a series of OVAs (released in America as Samurai X), but many fans still felt disappointed that the Arc didn’t receive better treatment. Although the Kyoto Arc is widely considered to be the signature storyline of Rurouni Kenshin, the Jinchu Arc has its following of fans as a noteworthy storyline, superior over the filler arcs of the anime, with its concluding resolution to the series (whereas the anime left things open).
Now is the time for American readers to get their view of this Arc, which is why this poster feels a talkback is worth making. For each of the next ten months, a talkback for each volume will be posted, with comments on the contents. Hopefully, this talkback will get some responses.
Due to my slacking off, I will have to catch up with the releases of the manga.

In order to warn his friends about the upcoming battle to the Dojo, Kenshin tells the others about his past as the Battosai. It is a tale of violence for a young man who finds nothing but blood. Then a mysterious woman enters his life, bringing Kenshin a taste of happiness. Unfortunately, Kenshin does not know that Tomoe is actually a spy out for revenge.

-I take it that Kenshin severed a good part of Tomoe’s shoulder in his killer attack.
-The OVA would change the way Tomoe marks Kenshin’s face, making the scarring a last act of strength instead of the accident the manga portrays.
-I wonder if Kenshin felt any betrayal learning about Tomoe’s deception.
-And Kenshin learns about Kiyosato. Not only did he kill the woman he loved, he killed her earlier happiness too (and led her to his fate).
-I’Izuka’s comeuppance is priceless, and who better than the series' premier villain? I like how Watsuki superimposes Revolution-era Shishio’s face with the mummy-version he would become.
-I take it that the 1st Kenshin-Saitou duel is this series’ ‘Giant Rat of Sumatra’? A famous happening that will never be portrayed.
-Is it me, or in the panel of the Kenshin-Shishio battle, Kenshin looks slightly more buff than he did in the actual battle?
-Why didn’t Kenshin include his meeting Sejiro Hiko in his story to his friends?
-One has to feel sorry for Kaoru in learning about Tomoe. As characters like Kagome, Mary Jane Watson, and Madelyne Pryor have experienced, the dead first true love of their significant other is a hard opponent to beat.
-On the other hand, one has to feel really sorry for poor Tsubame. Her learning Kenshin’s story is probably something akin to a child watching a NC-17 horror flick.
-More development on Yahiko coming to his own.
-You have to wonder if Shishio knew anything about these warriors Enishi gathered, since they appear a lot more powerful than some of his Juppangata. Then again, he knew nothing about Cho...
-Aoshi and Misao head for Tokyo! Thus begins probably my favorite ‘Here come the Cavalry’ moment in anime.
-The anime had Aoshi fulfilling Kenshin’s tea invitation for a totally different reason (he had to pick up Misao from one of her many filler appearances.)
-Gein is up to no good with what he is gathering…
-For someone with only one student, Kaoru is a popular teacher.
-So, Kaoru exposes her heart for dear Kenshin (kinda)...and Kenshin acts like he never knew. Evidently her travel to stalk…I mean, follow Kenshin to Kyoto didn’t hit the right signals for ol’ scarface. Then again, one can reconsider that Kenshin probably thought Kaoru would have been turned off by his story about Tomoe, only to discover that really isn’t the case.
-About time Saitou makes an appearance. Too bad we’ll get nothing from Cho the Swordsman…
-Spectacular way for the Six Comrades to enter the battle. Shishio came on a battleship, so Enishi comes on balloons.
-It’s interesting to note that it’s Kenshin who brings first damage to the Kamiya Dojo.
-Sano uses his Zanbato again...only to break it for good.
-Kenshin will make a serious error about Kujirinami’s condition.
-Anyone think ‘1/3 Purehearted Emotions’ would make a good closing for the animated adaptation to this Arc? Besides being a good song, it portrays characters from this storyline, like Aoshi, Misao, Tsubame, and Tomoe (her only appearance in the entire TV series).

Next time: Kenshin fights Gein! Sanosuke combats Banjun! Yahiko begins his maturity confronting Otawa.

A.Magik

[Funkmasta Zeph]

Uh....22 is out...
has been for some time.:sweat:

[A.Magik]

Although volume 23 is now out today, this commentary will be on vol. 22. I know this is late, but then I’m not sure everybody has the new volume yet. After this, I will be up to date with the commentaries, with vol. 23 out next week or so.

LAST TIME: Kenshin finishes his tale about the accidental killing of his ‘wife’ Tomoe, an event that scarred his life just as it scarred his face. It also left injury upon Enishi, fueling his need for Jinchu. The explanations done, now time is needed for the gang to face the coming of the Six Comrades. Training is made, feelings are revealed, while allies make secret participation. Now the night arrives, with the Six arriving on hot-air balloons. By Kujirinami’s attack and subsequent defeat, the battle of Kamiya Dojo has begun...

-Wonder how this battle is affecting the neighbors? Y'd think the police would come for this major disturbance of the peace.
-Finally, Iwanboo engages into battle, and this time remains to the end (albeit a different version) for a major owning!
-During the battle, Gein drops a hint.
-Sano is used to trash the Dojo again…
-Sano breaks his hand for the fourth time. That hand's going to be crippled for life.
-Nobody seems to be worried about Megumi being around the battle. At least Kaoru and Yahiko have fighting abilities!
-Exit Banjun.
-Otawa’s weapon from Enishi is a bit puzzling. If his sword is attracted to the iron powder on Yahiko, wouldn’t the powder just fly off of Yahiko rather than the sword connecting to it?
-Now Otawa is Dr. Octopus!
-Exit Otawa. Thus begins Yahiko’s ascent from sidelines sidekick to powerful ally. Granted, he only won because of his opponent’s mistake, but it's a good fight. However, his shining moment of potential is yet to come.
-How would the Kenshin team fare if these Marvel-based opponents transformed into their inspirations? Thinking about it, Raijuta can help fight Kujirinami. Mumiyou might choose sides, considering the different views of the two halves of that character’s inspiration. Otawa might be bored by this human game, perferring more evolved types.
-And now Saitou joins the battle.

NEXT TIME: Kenshin and Enishi have their fated duel. However, Kenshin will find the factor that made his successes turn against him.

[Scirel]

Read 23 a while ago.

Surprised that nobody died, especially Satio's opponent.

But Enishi is one screwed up mofo... Shishio at least had some kind of method to his madness. This guy is just pure madness..

I`m interested in Seeing Gein's "beauty" creation, though it most likely will look like Tomoe.


However, is it just me or does Watsuki really hate himself, or at least did at the time he was writing it? In the free talk segments he bashes himself constantly...

[Duke]

Well, Watsuki never had that much self-esteem in any of his Free Talks, though maybe something happened when he was in the middle of this arc that made him more depressed (kinda like his "Zeta" period).

[Scirel]

The thing I'm wondering is how Kenshin will invent a move to beat Watojutsu.

He dosen't seem like the kind of guy to do that, as he mainly relies on what Sejiro taught him and to use his lessons creatively, not come up with new stuff..


It's kinda wierd that two series that I've been following for a while now will end this year at around the same time, Kenshin and Fushigi Yugi.

I`ve heard good things about Bleach, I`ll probably start on that when they end.

Of course, Tokyopop has to be turtley and change Fruits basket and SDK from monthly releases to quarterly releases.... damn.

the freaking FRENCH editions of SDK and FB are ahead of us now. FRENCH.
When I went to Quebe this summer I saw FB 13 on the shelf when our 12 hadn`t come out yet.

[Scirel]

Damn, Viz really wants to finish the series. No more than 2 weeks later and volume 24 is already out. ONly 4 more to go.


Glad to see Aoshi fight again though. Looks like a "david and goliath" thing will be set up next volume.

[A.Magik]

Okay, okay! Once again I was lazy about the posting. So I decided to combine the two talkback of volumes 23 and 24.

Last time: The battle of Kamiya Dojo has success for the Kenshin team. Gein’s giant Iwanboo fell to Kenshin’s skill. Banji fell to the fists of Sanosuke. Most miraculous, Yahiko proved a major asset in taking down Otawa.

-Saitou vs. Venom I guess.
-So was there a child with the couple that adopted Enishi?
-Again Cho the swordsman has nothing to do...
-Kaoru…heed the example of Gwen Stacy. Run away!!!
-A major factor on why Kenshin wins his victories despite major injuries is his will. That is what helped him in fighting Shishio (although that battle was won by mummy-man bursting into flames). However, in this volume, his opponents are just as willful as he is. Enishi is a parallel to Kenshin, fighting for one he loved. Kujirinami wants revenge for Kenshin’s mercy. Kenshin’s own advantage has bit him in the back.

Now to volume 24…

Best volume ever!!! What can I say? This is the highlight of the Arc! I wanted this volume so badly that I printed out the manga scans! Any disagreements?
-I wish the editors had decided to put the first chapter in volume 23. It would have been the perfect cliffhanger!
-Kenshin’s loss is undeniably a powerful moment in the entire series. His shocked face, the fallen sword, his face crushed in absolute grief over the corpse of Kaoru. Beautiful. Despite the revelation on Kaoru afterwards, the part of Kenshin's reaction is real and cannot be trivialized. I do wish the translators kept the words ‘the woman I love’ instead of the subtle ‘important.’
-And Kenshin despairs over the loss. Why didn't the Revelations OVA adapt these scenes?!
-Great buildup to the entry of Aoshi and Misao. Yahiko despairs. Kaoru dead, Kenshin no longer interested in life, and Sanosuke giving up. All hope appears lost…and then Aoshi and Misao arrive. Beautiful.
-I don’t understand why Sano leaves. One would think Kaoru was important enough for him to go after Enishi himself.
-This brings a question. Did Enishi know he was unable to kill Kaoru during the Dojo battle?
-So was there any disappointment in Kaoru's 'return to life?'
-I wonder if Watsuki is well aware of American comic books' problem with killing off the hero’s second girlfriend after killing off the predecessor? It’s really not a popular thing: Spider-Man fans exploded when Mary Jane was blown up on a plane. The writers were forced to bring her back.
-Love Enishi’s shock over his sister’s frown. About time this guy got some comeuppance.
-Another good point is Kaoru's plans to escape. Unlike her OVA counterpart, who did nothing but mope about Kenshin rescuing her, manga Kaoru is determined to get out of her prison all by herself. True, she fails miserably, but that's better than 'oh poor me!' pity.
-Final highlight of the volume: Aoshi vs. Gein. I put this as Aoshi’s best moment in the series. Gein gets OWNED!

Next time: A boy becomes a man.

[GWOtaku]

Volume 24 is Aoshi's volume. Seeing through Gein's deception, giving some sensible advice to the group, and finally taking down Gein himself, who we've seen was pretty damn powerful in his own right.

Though Aoshi is MVP here Yahiko is definitely second in importance, not only allowing Aoshi to test his theory but refusing to give in to despair and instead going on to live the way Kenshin wanted him to.

Next volume should be great since Yahiko will apparently have to step up once again, and plus we have Saitoh and Aoshi hanging out together. I really look forward to Sano's miniarc being published though.

[purplehairedwonder]

I read volumes 18-24 all in the last three days or so and I'm craving more. Volume 24 was especially awesome.


-Kenshin’s loss is undeniably a powerful moment in the entire series. His shocked face, the fallen sword, his face crushed in absolute grief over the corpse of Kaoru. Beautiful. Despite the revelation on Kaoru afterwards, the part of Kenshin's reaction is real and cannot be trivialized.
The bottom shot of Kenshin on page 21is probably one of the most powerful shots I've seen. Kenshin's anguish over the loss of Kaoru is heart-wrenching and you really see where he breaks. Enishi sure planned well. And seeing Kenshin so empty and broken later on really strikes hard. This is Kenshin of all people.

Aoshi really owned this volume though. His commanding presence was really needed and his interactions with the other characters were really nice as well. His fight with Gein was awesome as well. I loved how he told Saito that there were people waiting for him to return and the next picture was of Misao.

Yahiko is really coming into his own as well. He's maturing and was really backing up Aoshi in that leadership position. If nothing else, we know that kid won't give up and it really does give hope.

I thought the scene where Enishi sees Tomoe frowning was interesting. His connection to her really drives everything, so if she is frowing over him, I wonder what that might mean for the future.

Something else I'm wondering about is the old Geezer in Fallen Village. I wonder if he is Tomoe and Enishi's father? Or at least has some connection to them? He says he lost his son and daughter in the chaos of the Revolution... And for the time he was around, he seems like he may have a part to play.

Anywho, anxiously awaiting volume 25. It looks like Yahiko is going to get some more time to shine, and this time Kenshin won't be there to glare at his opponent over his shoulder...

[Scirel]

Keep your eyes peeled for 25 to pop up any day now.


The weasels at my borders had Fushigi yugi 18(last volume), Bleach 12, and fruits basket 13, all supposedly released on the 11th of april, but not kenshin.

When I asked, they said they had it in the back but couldn`t get it for me and they don`t restock until monday, which like every monday-thursday I am out of town for college. grr...

[Arxane]

Keep your eyes peeled for 25 to pop up any day now.


The weasels at my borders had Fushigi yugi 18(last volume), Bleach 12, and fruits basket 13, all supposedly released on the 11th of april, but not kenshin.

When I asked, they said they had it in the back but couldn`t get it for me and they don`t restock until monday, which like every monday-thursday I am out of town for college. grr...

According to the Border website (http://www.bordersstores.com/index.jsp?tt=gn), Kenshin 25 is already in print. Unfortunately, it's not available in either of the two Borders stores that's close to me (along with several other manga that are apparently "in print" but not stocked: Project Arms 12, One Piece 10, Bleach 12, Monster 2...bah!)

[Scirel]

According to the Border website (http://www.bordersstores.com/index.jsp?tt=gn), Kenshin 25 is already in print. Unfortunately, it's not available in either of the two Borders stores that's close to me (along with several other manga that are apparently "in print" but not stocked: Project Arms 12, One Piece 10, Bleach 12, Monster 2...bah!)

LOL! This is how it went for me.

Me: Um, excuse me?

CS girl: Yes?

ME: Yeah, this book I saw on the search machine said it was in store, but I searched the whole section and it isn`t there.

CS girl: Oh, can you tell me the name?

Me: Kenshin 25.

(She takes about 5 minutes to find it)

CS girl: Oh, I see, it's not supposed to be released until the 4th.

(I show her FY 18)

Me: This and Bleach 12 also aren`t supposed to be there until the 4th, but they`re there.

CS girl: :confused: Yeah, um hold on.

(She checks and confirms that I was right, and calls someone over)

CS Girl: yeah, you see, we have it in the back, but we can`t get it out, and the guy who does that dosen`t come back until monday. sorry.

Me: Yeah, thanks anyway.(walks away)

Me(inside): :mad: :mad: :mad:


And so began the redefnition of "Location: In store".

[Funkmasta Zeph]

I saw it in the store yesterday.
Sadly my heart was set on V for Vendetta at that time.

Speaking of which, YuYuHakusho Vol.9 was supposed to come out.....like two monthes ago?

[purplehairedwonder]

*makes mental note to check Borders tomorrow*


Speaking of which, YuYuHakusho Vol.9 was supposed to come out.....like two monthes ago?
April 4th, like many of the other titles mentioned above.

[Undrave]

Aah the Jinchuu arc... just awesome ^^

I borrowed it from a friend (altough I have 27 and 28) but I should buy 21 for that 'impact' scene.

And I agree with the theory on the old geezer.

[Goemon]

Shouldn't you count volume 18 as the begining of the Jinchu Arc.

[Funkmasta Zeph]

Maybe this is for pure Jinchu, but otherwise you have a point.

[DBZALLSTAR]

I finally got around to read the copy of Volume Twenty-Five that I picked up from Borders on Tuesday. (Usually if you reserve it for in-store-pickup when the website says the store has it, the Borders employees have no choice but to put it on hold.) As many have theorized, it's pretty much confirmed that the Old Geezer is Tomoe's father. He mentions Kenshin as his daughter's husband after Kenshin regains his senses and goes to help Yahiko. The manga keeps getting better as it comes upon its final volume. One volume a month just doesn't do it for me, but we've no choice but to wait.:( Oh well. Twenty-six should be out in about three weeks.

[1 of 3]

Since volume 26 will be showing up any day now round here I thought I'd revive this discussion with some last minute talk about 25.

Pretty good volume, even if it's a stretch to believe police would listen to a ten (eleven?) year old. Big whale-mouth's send-off is great.

Kenshin's soul-searching scene was a nice little flashback montage, plus a cool new group drawing of both the Ten Swords and the Six Comrades.

The Geezer really shined in this volume too during his discussion with Kuma, even if the truth of his identity is rather impropable.

Towards the end Megumi starts to say something worrying about Kenshin's condition to Aoshi, but cuts herself off. Very troubling.

Next volume is Sanosuke-centric. Sounds like it's gonna be fun.

Moving back to 24, briefly. On one hand I'm glad things turned out the way they did, but it would've been interesting to see where things would go if Watsuki chose to go the truly dark route.

Rouroni Kenshin has been a great ride but I'm glad things are wrapping up soon, much like Dragon Ball Z also is (although I get the feeling at that by the Buu arc, Toriyama really, REALLY wanted to end things).

Dragon Ball/Z (the first manga series I ever bought, back in 2001), Ranma 1/2 (the second), Rouroni Kenshin and Chrono Crusade are all ending their American runs this year. And Fushigi Yugi did too. Neat milestone (for me at least).

[DBZALLSTAR]

Dragon Ball/Z (the first manga series I ever bought, back in 2001), Ranma 1/2 (the second), Rouroni Kenshin and Chrono Crusade are all ending their American runs this year. And Fushigi Yugi did too. Neat milestone (for me at least).

I'm going to miss Dragon Ball Z and Rurouni Kenshin. I don't collect the other manga you mentioned. Are they worth checking out? Currently, I'm collecting Death Note, Hikaru no Go, Rurouni Kenshin, Dragon Ball Z, Full Metal Alchemist, Case Closed, Trigun, Hellsing, and soon to be added, Claymore. With Dragon Ball Z ending, I'm starting up Claymore, and unless Viz gets its hands on the Rurouni Kenshin "sequel" focusing on Yahiko, I'm out a manga, which might be a good thing if you've seen my comic lists. Either way, it'll be sad to see DBZ and RuroKen go.

[A.Magik]

Since volume 26 will be showing up any day now round here I thought I'd revive this discussion with some last minute talk about 25.

Pretty good volume, even if it's a stretch to believe police would listen to a ten (eleven?) year old. Big whale-mouth's send-off is great.

But it's Yahiko's big series moment! The point where he's no longer just the sidekick. Such great moments: rescuing the kid, holding back that descending arm attack with his crossed arms, the last shot of him before Kenshin attacks, bloodied, sooted, but not beaten.



The Geezer really shined in this volume too during his discussion with Kuma, even if the truth of his identity is rather impropable.

What about Kuma's mention about having a daughter like Tsubame? Is Chris Claremont writing this story now?

So did Kenshin tear the chain by unsheathing the blade, or did he smash it telekinetically?

Thanks for handling vol. 25 for me.



Moving back to 24, briefly. On one hand I'm glad things turned out the way they did, but it would've been interesting to see where things would go if Watsuki chose to go the truly dark route.

It's never a good thing to kill off girlfriend no. 2 after killing off girlfriend no. 1. Marvel has had a couple of examples. The Spider-Man comics suffered some damage when the editors tried to kill off Mary Jane (girl no. 2) like Gwen Stacy (girl no. 1). In X-Men, Scott Summer suffered some fan distaste after his wife Madelyne Pryor (girl no. 2) got killed, so that he could end up with Jean Grey (girl no. 1 who was killed and returned).



Dragon Ball/Z (the first manga series I ever bought, back in 2001)

Ditto.

A.Magik

[1 of 3]

I don't collect the other manga you mentioned. Are they worth checking out?

Hmm

I've only got the first two volumes of Chrono Crusade. The oversimplified line for the series is "Nuns with Guns," but of there's a lot more to it than that. I really like the art-style. I hear it ends with a BIG downer.

Fushigi Yugi is a Shojo (girls/romance) manga, but with lots of humor and fighting. I actually stopped with volume 12, but I want to get the rest (course there's a lot of other series that distract me :D ).

Ranma 1/2 is by the author of Inuyasha (and several other well-known series). It's a comedy series, but with lots of martial arts and some romance. It's very episodic instead of long arcs, which has both positive and negative points.

I'd recommend One Piece for any fan of Dragon Ball, but I think Viz's handling of translation/dialouge could've been much better. Plus it's looking like it'll be a big commitment. In japan they're up to 41 volumes and supposedly that's the halfway point.

Anyone got any recommedations for fans of Kenshin?

[Scirel]

Samurai Deeper Kyo IS dragonball Z meets kenshin. I highly recommend it for a fan of both series.



Fushigi Yugi is a Shojo (girls/romance) manga, but with lots of humor and fighting. I actually stopped with volume 12, but I want to get the rest (course there's a lot of other series that distract me :D ).


AHH! How could you stop at 12? The Big story ends on volume 13, with then 5 more volumes of a seemingly added-on sequel. Genbu Kaiden is better than 14-18 though. Her art improved so much, and it wasn`t bad back then.

[1 of 3]

Samurai Deeper Kyo IS dragonball Z meets kenshin. I highly recommend it for a fan of both series.

I considered that one. I've read the first volume and some of the second. Other than samurais present, very different from Kenshin. Plan to read more someday.


AHH! How could you stop at 12? The Big story ends on volume 13, with then 5 more volumes of a seemingly added-on sequel. Genbu Kaiden is better than 14-18 though. Her art improved so much, and it wasn`t bad back then.

I've actually read 13, just haven't added to my collection.

[1 of 3]

26 is out. Intial impressions.

Sanosuke is God.

Some old characters return. Nothing really worth noting, but they're there, and humor ensues.

Watsuki has a lot he has to cram into the last two volumes. Hope the ending doesn't end up too rushed.

[Scirel]

I considered that one. I've read the first volume and some of the second. Other than samurais present, very different from Kenshin. Plan to read more someday.

Just to say, this is a HUGE series that just ended at 38 volumes in japan.

The first few volumes are unlike the rest of it, and it gets into a good rythym at around when they get to the forest.

The kenshin part of it is mainly setting. Other than that it is really about fighting.

[Undrave]

Just to say, this is a HUGE series that just ended at 38 volumes in japan.

The first few volumes are unlike the rest of it, and it gets into a good rythym at around when they get to the forest.

The kenshin part of it is mainly setting. Other than that it is really about fighting.

Yeah recently I was thinking back to the first volumes of SDK (I'm up to volume 25) and DANG... beside Yuya almost EVERYTHING is different from the first few volumes. Personally I consider volume 6 the turning point. That's where we get our first glimpse of Akira's power in a VERY cool scene hehehe ;)

After that it just keeps getting better and better. It's quite different from Kenshin.

Vol 26 was a nice Sanosuke side-story, great developpement and all that ^^. Watsuki put everything he had in the Jinchuu arc... altough he's still unsatisfied by it because he couldn't use his 'Terminator character' idea XD

[A.Magik]

Since someone has already given comments about vol. 25 (thank you), I feel it well to head for 26 instead.

-We interrupt the story for a new plot, but that’s okay, considering the Higashidoni family: Sano has a bad—s father, a dependency-issue sister, and a cute little brother.
-Once again, why the heck did Sano run away? Didn’t Kaoru mean enough for him to go after Enishi by himself?
-So most of RK spans six months. Any other long-running manga or anime series have such a short span?
-Great! Another RK character with a sibling complex!
-Good moment where Sano gives his respects to his late mother.
-Great! The translator kept Sano’s accidental tongue-slip of protecting ‘dad’ to Uki. I know of one manga scan-translation that added a ‘your’ to the line, screwing the meaning completely!
-As 25 was a showcase for Yahiko, 26 is indeed a showcase for Sanosuke. Here he wastes (in a non-fatal way) a small army! Too bad this action comes back to screw him!
-Outa is so cute! Love to see him again…
-I swear, Sano is never going to use his hand again after all those injuries! This is, what, hand-break no. 5?! Let's see:
1. Against Anji
2. Against Shishio
3-4. Against Banji (name escapes me...)
5. Against the small army

-Beautiful scene of Kenshin’s inner thoughts, saying goodbye to Tomoe, and getting her blessing with the news of Kaoru’s survival.
-Now the full main cast of RK is together for the rescue.
-Now we have Misao doing her important part of the Arc; compared to the achievements of Aoshi, Saitou, Yahiko, and Sano in this storyline, what she does is rather lame if you ask me.

A.Magik

[Scirel]

That's where we get our first glimpse of Akira's power in a VERY cool scene hehehe

Yeah I remember that scene. It was one of the best two page spalashes I've ever seen. ^_^

Right now, I`m really loving Chinmei. He's my favorite of the villains so far. America is only up to volume 18, and tokopop is determined to released these as slowly as possible, unfortuantely.

[Undrave]

Yeah poor Misao is sorta left in the dust XD she was more useful in the Kyoto arc.

[RAINMAN]

So why was this good story not put in the anime series from the get go?:mad:

[Ryoutarou]

So why was this good story not put in the anime series from the get go?:mad:Anime had less than perfect ratings during the filler arcs.

[Scirel]

Well, the penultimate volume of Kenshin is out now along with Bleach 13. got them both today at waldens, which, for the first time in ages, had them before borders. O.o;;

haven`t read it yet though. :P

[1 of 3]

I found volume 27 today. Didn't actually buy but did end up reading it in the store (I'm still going to get it eventually).

Intial impressions:

The battle between the 4-star guys and Kenshin-gumi are all wrapped up quick. They feel somewhat forced and rushed but they really do give the supporting cast their final moments to shine.

Viz/Shonen Jump's recent moratorium on the word "damn" has annoyingly surfaced here. At least the used "crap" instead of the more childish "darn" (which ruined the Mihawk-Zoro battle for me in One Piece). I know it's a minor detail in the big picture, but it still bugs me.

Then again, Woo also calls our heroes...

:sad: ...um...monkies as he's running away. Doesn't totally ruin the scene, just sorta knocks it down a peg.

Fortunately, the second half entirely makes up for any flaws of the first half. Kenshin vs. Enishi round two is everything it's been built up too.

Just one more left :) + :(

[Scirel]

Just one more left :) + :(

It'll be the third Long series that I`ve ever finished. (Fushigi Yugi and Love Hina are the others).

Tenchi only has two volumes left, although that is a "3 volumes per year" manga so it may finish in december.

Death Note will finish next year at the rate viz is going, and those are the only two I have even close to completion now. ^_^

[Ryoutarou]

This'll be the first long series I've ever finished, Kenshin was the first manga that I ever bought really.

[A.Magik]

Now is the second-to-last volume of the series. With renewed life, Kenshin and his main allies arrive at the island to face Enishi and rescue Kaoru.

-Heinshen's the poor man's Hoji.
-Again we have the four animal Gods (Byakko, Suzaku, Seiryu, Genbu) being used in a japanese manga/anime (Yu Yu Hakusho, Fushigi Yugi, etc.). 1 of 3 speaks for me about the fight. Too bad Chou isn't with the group.
-Yahiko has some major recuperative abilities!
-Hit Roosterhead again, Megumi! The guy's gotta stop using that hand. At least he tries a way not to bust it again.
-Pity Kaoru doesn't fight at all. However, that doesn't mean she does nothing in her captivity. Unlike her OVA counterpart who just wept and cried for Kenshin to rescue her, Manga Kaoru had a 'I gotta get outta here myself' attitude.
-Yahiko, don't kid yourself in defeating Enishi.
-Wonder how Enishi gained Kaoru's dress Kimono?
-Aoshi's cynical comment about Kenshin's life goal comes as a disturbing precursor to the Reflections OVA.
-Kenshin vs. Enishi: Round Two! Can't put it into words.
-Enishi goes vein-popping. Super Saiya-jin!

Next time: Shall Kenshin defeat Enishi? Shall Enishi find peace?

[GWOtaku]

-Aoshi's cynical comment about Kenshin's life goal comes as a disturbing precursor to the Reflections OVA.
It does, although Reflections is a non-canon slap in the face to Rurouni Kenshin and everything its about. So I wouldn't read into it too much.

[1 of 3]

Got the final volume yesterday, it came witha poster plus it contained a one-shot extra story by Watsuki (non-Kenshin related) called Meteor Strike, plus a preview of Buso Renkin ( haven't read it yet).

Thoughts:

The Kenshin-Enishi story ends nicely. Kenshin's hidden move was um, well it was useful in this situation, but one wonders what other use it could possibly have.

Other than that everything ended beautiful, the duel (although the battle against Shishio is still my favorite), and the aftermaths for the characters (even though as others noted, Misao was short-changed). I particularly loved Saito and Sanosukes' exits.

I would've added a daugther along with Kenji (although not a mini-Kaoru), but that's just me.

I've been holding off to watch Reflections, guess I can get to that now.

Final thoughts on Rurouni Kenshin: I got the first volume as birthday present for my brother just as a random pick. It immediately became a must-buy series for us. That should speak for itself. Like Watsuki says in his closing notes, RuKen is going to be on our shelf for many years.

[Duke]

Watsuki should've done more of those "Free Talk Comics" of his. The three in this issue were great.

So...was Kenshin Kendan actually made? And in what format?

[Scirel]

Watsuki should've done more of those "Free Talk Comics" of his. The three in this issue were great.

So...was Kenshin Kendan actually made? And in what format?

Kendan? Wha?

There is a short Yahiko sidestory that takes place shortly after the end of the manga coming in the September SJ, but that's it for the kenshin-verse.

Also, HUZZAH for my 3rd manga completed. 4th if you count .hack, but one wonders if tokyopop will ever get ZERO. It's the last Pre-GU thing that has yet to be released here.

[Duke]

Kendan? Wha?
In the last volume, Watsuki goes on and on about "Kenshin Kendan," which is where we see Sanoske, Megumi, Saito, etc. 4 years later, as a farewell present to Kenshin fans before Watsuki moved onto his next work.

[Scirel]

In the last volume, Watsuki goes on and on about "Kenshin Kendan," which is where we see Sanoske, Megumi, Saito, etc. 4 years later, as a farewell present to Kenshin fans before Watsuki moved onto his next work.

Just when I think I`m out, they pull me back in!

I gotta know what this is!

But, isn`t the 4 years later thing the last chapter of the manga?

[Duke]

But, isn`t the 4 years later thing the last chapter of the manga?
Apparently, but since Watsuki only had enough time and space to show Yahiko, Kenshin, Karou, and Tsubame 4 years later, he said he'd created a "Kenshin Kenban" to show what everyone else was up to, since otherwise he felt the ending was incomplete.

[Ryoutarou]

If it's the same Kendan I'm thinking of, it's a pretty short chapter. It more or less just shows the cast four years later having a picnic and reading a letter from Sanoske.

[Undrave]

If it's the same Kendan I'm thinking of, it's a pretty short chapter. It more or less just shows the cast four years later having a picnic and reading a letter from Sanoske.

That one is in the second Kenshin guide-book, and is all in color. Sanosuke is slowly making his way across the world.

Personally I would have LOVED to see 'Sanosuke in America' as a serie XD maybe an anime spin-off? another good idea would have been 'Sanosuke VS Godzilla: the series' :p

Did Viz published the first guidebook?

[Ryoutarou]

Nope, I doubt we'll see the Kendan then, at least not for a while. And I was really expecting Yahiko no Sakabotou to be in the final volume.

[GWOtaku]

Is this book Rurouni Kenshin Profiles (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1421501600/ref=sr_11_1/102-5660662-3388955?ie=UTF8) a guidebook? I've considered picking it up.

I must say I was really hoping for Kenshin Kedan and/or the Yahiko sidestory to be in the final volume instead of sneak peeks at other manga, even if it was Watsuki's stuff. Glad to know the Yahiko story will be in SJ, I'll pick up that particular issue just for that.

[Duke]

Profiles is basically a summary of the characters and plot points from the beginning up to the mid-way point of the Kyoto Arc.

It does have a section which is basically an expanded version of the "Secret Files" and "Free Talk" though.

[Undrave]

That's the first one.

There was two Kenshin Guide books released... 'Kaden' and 'Hiden' I believe.

The French edition of Rurouni Kenshin vol. 28 contained 'Yahiko no Sakabatou' :D and they printed both guide books including the prologue story.

Also from what I read 'Yahiko no Sakabatou' wasn't in the japanese tankoubon either so your edition is basically a mirror of the japanese one.

[Duke]

We got the story of Yahiko getting the Sakabato. We just didn't get anything else beyond that.

[A.Magik]

And now we reach the last volume of RK! Sigh! End of an era...(well maybe not)
Anyway, last time we saw Kenshin and Enishi fight it out, spirit vs. spirit!

-As ever, Saitou's no fan of the 'indominatable will' asset in swordplay. Old fogey.
-Great moment where Enishi saves his captive's life. I wonder if Enishi now has a Kaoru-obsession?
-1st time we see Kenshin suffer a broken limb. Move over Sano!
-Nice Kenru moment at the cemetery. Kudos to Kaoru for not having any issues about her predecessor, unlike a certain schoolgirl reinacrnation of a Feudal era Priestess who's also an animal-demon magnet...(y'know, Tomoe kinda looks like Kikyo...)
-Geez, the entire series spanned only seven months?
-The dissolution of the 'rescue-Kaoru' group: Sanosuke runs away to escape police arrest. Aoshi and Misao leave to rebury their fallen comrades (though not before Aoshi has his tea with Kenshin). Saitou leaves Tokyo (though he comes back and dies a janitor in 1915, I kid you not!).
-Kenshin loses much of his abilities due to his slight build. Should have bulked up more Kenshin! I wonder if Yahiko will suffer the same problem?
-Kenji is ssssooooo cute!
-The roll call tablets on the wall of the Dojo mention Yutaro (remember him from the Raijuta saga?) as an active student and teacher.
-Nice closure to the series, with Kenshin and his family. As already mentioned, I'm disappointed that the US publication of vol.28 skips out the Yahiko side-story and the picnic epilogue.

Next time: the Yahiko side-story.

A.Magik