Is This Still Rurouni Kenshin?

Summary

This video discusses the new anime adaptation of *Rurouni Kenshin* and its differences from the original series and manga. While acknowledging that remakes like this are common, the video questions the need for one given Kenshin's enduring popularity. The script compares the old anime with the manga, noting some key plot and character changes, but praises the new version for its faithfulness to the source material. Despite the positive reception, concerns are raised about the series' continuation due to a lack of an English dub, potentially affecting its global success.

Takeaways

• 📺 A new anime adaptation of *Rurouni Kenshin* was released, despite the manga being nearly 30 years old.
• 🎥 Unlike series like *Dorohedoro*, which gained better opportunities from remakes, *Rurouni Kenshin* has always been a popular franchise with games, movies, and an original 95-episode anime.
• 🔄 Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood and the recent *Trigun* remake also had similar 'faithful adaptation' remakes, but Kenshin's case is different since it already had a remake and continuation arcs.
• 🤔 The new Kenshin anime raises questions about why it was made, as the *Hokkaido Arc* (from 2017) wasn't adapted; instead, it's a faithful retelling of the original story.
• 📚 Comparing the manga and original anime reveals artistic liberties taken in the anime, including minor plot changes and character exclusions.
• 🎶 Despite nostalgic elements like the original opening song (*Freckles*), the new anime's opening theme is seen as a weak point, being overly modern for some viewers' tastes.
• 🔊 The updated anime features strong animation and voice acting, closely following the manga, making it a superior adaptation to the original anime in terms of storytelling.
• 📉 A concern for the new anime's success is the lack of an English dub, which limits its audience. No dub could affect the show's chances of continuing beyond its current episodes.
• ⚠️ The *Rurouni Kenshin* controversy involving the series' creator (linked to legal troubles) may contribute to the slow global rollout, especially in the Western market.
• 🎞️ Overall, the new adaptation is faithful to the source material, better in terms of quality than the original anime, but faces hurdles due to social politics and market issues outside Japan.

Q & A

Why is the new Rurouni Kenshin anime adaptation considered unusual?

The new Rurouni Kenshin adaptation is unusual because it's a remake of a series that's almost 30 years old, and the original manga and anime remain highly popular. Additionally, the new adaptation doesn't cover the newer Hokkaido Arc but instead retells the original story, despite the existence of the Rurouni Kenshin: Restoration manga remake in the early 2010s.

How does the new Kenshin anime compare to the original in terms of story adaptation?

The new Kenshin anime is a faithful retelling of the original manga, with most episodes directly named after manga chapters. Unlike the original anime, which took liberties by adding or changing characters, the new adaptation follows the source material closely without altering the plot or adding unnecessary elements.

What role does Studio Gallop play in the history of the Rurouni Kenshin anime?

Studio Gallop produced the original Rurouni Kenshin anime, which aired in the 1990s. The studio is better known for its work on Initial D and various Yu-Gi-Oh series. Kenshin was one of their first major hits, especially in the Western market.

How does the new anime's portrayal of Kenshin differ visually from the original?

The new anime's Kenshin appears more masculine, with a thicker neck that contrasts with his original design, which had a more feminine appearance. This change aligns with the Kenshin design seen in Rurouni Kenshin: Restoration and seems to reflect the current vision of the character's creator.

What impact does the lack of an English dub have on the new Kenshin anime's success?

The lack of an English dub may significantly impact the success of the new Kenshin anime, as many anime viewers in the English-speaking world prefer dubbed content. Without an English release, it may struggle to gain traction outside Japan, potentially affecting the likelihood of future seasons.

What is the controversy surrounding Rurouni Kenshin's creator, and how might it affect the new adaptation?

The controversy involves Nobuhiro Watsuki, the creator of Rurouni Kenshin, who faced legal trouble in Japan over child exploitation charges. This controversy has affected the series' reputation in the West, where audiences and streaming platforms are more sensitive to such issues, potentially influencing the decision not to release an English dub.

How does the new Kenshin anime handle the series' themes and tone?

The new Kenshin anime remains true to the original manga's themes, including its political complexities, adult themes, and violence. It does not shy away from portraying the more serious aspects of the story, making it a faithful adaptation in tone and style.

What were some key differences between the original anime's adaptation and the manga?

The original anime made several changes, such as removing characters like Kihei, adding unnecessary characters like Dr. Gensai's granddaughters, and altering the plot to make it simpler. It also diverged significantly after the Shishio arc, introducing non-canon content and an unsatisfactory ending that left the manga's final arc unadapted.

What is the significance of the Rurouni Kenshin: Restoration manga?

Rurouni Kenshin: Restoration was a manga remake released in 2012 by Nobuhiro Watsuki, intended to reintroduce the series to a new generation of readers. It featured some updates to the story and character designs, influencing the look of Kenshin in the new anime adaptation.

Why might the new Kenshin anime be particularly exciting for long-time fans?

The new Kenshin anime is exciting for long-time fans because it has the potential to deliver a complete and faithful adaptation of the original manga, including parts that the first anime left out. It could provide a chance for fans to see the entire story animated, including arcs like the Jinchu arc, which were never adapted in the original series.