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clarks_dad's review against another edition
3.0
This review will contain some spoilers.
Most of this volume involves the Recollections (Tsuioku-hen) storyline and this is a touchy one for me. I honestly think the original video animation adaptation is superior to the manga version for a few reasons.
Let's start with what works better. There's a clear intention in the manga version to establish context for the Jinchu arc in the present. So while we learn about Kenshin's past and that's important for character development purposes, it's clear that many of the figures from Kenshin's past are the ones set out to torment him and exact revenge in the present. So figures from the animated version who were nameless assassins are given enough back stories (and names) so that their present day circumstances make more sense. I also really like the fact that in the manga version, Kenshin is narrating the story to the Kamiya Dojo crew who sit in rapt attention. We get interludes where they reflect on learning the darker parts of Kenshin's past and what it means for their current friendship - something that's missing from the OVA that just treats the past as a self-contained story.
That being said, there are a bunch of things that I just don't like about the manga telling. First, as I mentioned in review of the previous volume, the pacing is really choppy and I just don't care for it. It's hard to believe that Kenshin and Tomoe develop a real romantic relationship the way it's presented in the manga. You just kind of have to take Watsuki's word for it. You also get substantially less introspection from Tomoe (whose fiance was murdered by Kenshin) until the moment that she verbally admits that she's fallen in love with Kenshin, which is hugely problematic. (And then on like the very next page SHE LEAVES!) On top of that, Kenshin is way more emotive and trusting, which I find really hard to believe as well. There are tons of small story changes along the way. Some of them work, but most just don't and I find that the pacing and framing of the story and characters just work much better, even though there's a ton of abstraction, in the animated version. It's simply more believable. The manga version also has comic relief, which is typical of the series overall, but just doesn't seem to fit with the tonal shift of the flashback sequence. Kenshin is murdering people, severing limbs, drenched in blood...the Oro?! bit doesn't work as well given the setting and this particular phase of Kenshin's life and I think the animation directors and writers realized it and left the comedic bits out. It enhances the tragedy. Overall, the animated version makes it feel like Kenshin was a harder nut to crack than he is in the manga. In the manga we have him playing with village kids while on the run and hiding from the Tokugawa's assassins. He laughs, is enthusiastic from the get-go about playing married to Tomoe for cover and it just seems wildly out of sync with the type of reservation and withdrawal necessary for a fifteen year old with hundreds of peoples' blood on his hands. Tomoe's motivation at the climax of the telling is also substantially different. In the animated version, she seems resigned to the fact that though she loves Kenshin she committed to a path of justice and revenge and even though it may cost her life, she can't alter that path. In the manga, she attends her final meeting with the Tokugawa assassin's tasked with killing Kenshin with the intention of saving him somehow. The cross-shaped scar also has a slightly different origin as Tomoe's falling blade accidentally scores Kenshin's cheek rather than it being an intentional crossing by her as she lays dying in the animated version.
Overall, the animated presentation of this storyline has more nuance, better pacing, and more realism than this version and I like it much better.
Once this telling is over, we return to the present and the threat of Enishi and his six revenge seeking comrades. The best part of this arc so far for me has been the visible growth in the supporting characters. Yahiko is maturing and becoming stronger. Kaoru is more comfortable and confident in her feelings for Kenshin and a much wiser instructor to Yahiko. Sanosuke is turning out to be more than just bravado, using his head more often and thinking strategically while also supporting and giving himself over to his new Kamiya family. Megumi has come to terms with her feelings for Kenshin and her rivalry with Kaoru and is flourishing as a doctor. It's all very fulfilling and satisfying to see their stories moved along as well. Looking forward to continuing the Jinchu storyline in the next volume and leaving the Reminiscence arc behind. Too much tinkering of something I grew to love in the form that I originally experienced it.
Most of this volume involves the Recollections (Tsuioku-hen) storyline and this is a touchy one for me. I honestly think the original video animation adaptation is superior to the manga version for a few reasons.
Let's start with what works better. There's a clear intention in the manga version to establish context for the Jinchu arc in the present. So while we learn about Kenshin's past and that's important for character development purposes, it's clear that many of the figures from Kenshin's past are the ones set out to torment him and exact revenge in the present. So figures from the animated version who were nameless assassins are given enough back stories (and names) so that their present day circumstances make more sense. I also really like the fact that in the manga version, Kenshin is narrating the story to the Kamiya Dojo crew who sit in rapt attention. We get interludes where they reflect on learning the darker parts of Kenshin's past and what it means for their current friendship - something that's missing from the OVA that just treats the past as a self-contained story.
That being said, there are a bunch of things that I just don't like about the manga telling. First, as I mentioned in review of the previous volume, the pacing is really choppy and I just don't care for it. It's hard to believe that Kenshin and Tomoe develop a real romantic relationship the way it's presented in the manga. You just kind of have to take Watsuki's word for it. You also get substantially less introspection from Tomoe (whose fiance was murdered by Kenshin) until the moment that she verbally admits that she's fallen in love with Kenshin, which is hugely problematic. (And then on like the very next page SHE LEAVES!) On top of that, Kenshin is way more emotive and trusting, which I find really hard to believe as well. There are tons of small story changes along the way. Some of them work, but most just don't and I find that the pacing and framing of the story and characters just work much better, even though there's a ton of abstraction, in the animated version. It's simply more believable. The manga version also has comic relief, which is typical of the series overall, but just doesn't seem to fit with the tonal shift of the flashback sequence. Kenshin is murdering people, severing limbs, drenched in blood...the Oro?! bit doesn't work as well given the setting and this particular phase of Kenshin's life and I think the animation directors and writers realized it and left the comedic bits out. It enhances the tragedy. Overall, the animated version makes it feel like Kenshin was a harder nut to crack than he is in the manga. In the manga we have him playing with village kids while on the run and hiding from the Tokugawa's assassins. He laughs, is enthusiastic from the get-go about playing married to Tomoe for cover and it just seems wildly out of sync with the type of reservation and withdrawal necessary for a fifteen year old with hundreds of peoples' blood on his hands. Tomoe's motivation at the climax of the telling is also substantially different. In the animated version, she seems resigned to the fact that though she loves Kenshin she committed to a path of justice and revenge and even though it may cost her life, she can't alter that path. In the manga, she attends her final meeting with the Tokugawa assassin's tasked with killing Kenshin with the intention of saving him somehow. The cross-shaped scar also has a slightly different origin as Tomoe's falling blade accidentally scores Kenshin's cheek rather than it being an intentional crossing by her as she lays dying in the animated version.
Overall, the animated presentation of this storyline has more nuance, better pacing, and more realism than this version and I like it much better.
Once this telling is over, we return to the present and the threat of Enishi and his six revenge seeking comrades. The best part of this arc so far for me has been the visible growth in the supporting characters. Yahiko is maturing and becoming stronger. Kaoru is more comfortable and confident in her feelings for Kenshin and a much wiser instructor to Yahiko. Sanosuke is turning out to be more than just bravado, using his head more often and thinking strategically while also supporting and giving himself over to his new Kamiya family. Megumi has come to terms with her feelings for Kenshin and her rivalry with Kaoru and is flourishing as a doctor. It's all very fulfilling and satisfying to see their stories moved along as well. Looking forward to continuing the Jinchu storyline in the next volume and leaving the Reminiscence arc behind. Too much tinkering of something I grew to love in the form that I originally experienced it.
ehmannky's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A rad introduction to the final arc. I liked all of the characterizations and the plot. I think it's funny all of a sudden Yahiko is too young to fight in the big battles as if he did not get himself involved in the last two big battles.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death, and Blood
shaegeeksout's review against another edition
4.0
I still love reading about Kenshin's journey! It's coming to a close in the next omnibus. It will be interesting for sure.
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