Episodes: 4 OVAs

Year: 1999

Status: Complete, Licensed by ADV Films

Alternative Titles: Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuikohen, Rurouni Kenshin OVAs

Rurouni Kenshin Tsuikohen Official Site (Japanese)

Rating: Awesome

Review: This series is set in the early Meiji era of Japan and traces the portion of Himura Kenshin’s life when he became the terrifying legendary assassin with the title “Hitokiri Battousai”. It begins with Kenshin’s tragic childhood and his initial training under Hiko Seijuro in the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu sword style. Kenshin’s role in the Meiji revolution led him to meet his first wife, Yukishiro Tomoe and leads up to the end of the Bakumatsu where Kenshin finally makes the big change in his life by vowing not to kill anymore.

This series is incredibly well-done and is an accurate depiction of the Bakumatsu era. It gives us a deep insight into Kenshin’s life before giving up life as an assassin and the scars he got - both physically and emotionally during this time. If you’ve seen the TV series, you will like this better. If you haven’t watched the TV series, you’ll like this anyway! Kenshin is a must-watch for any lover of anime!

Recommendations:

Peacemaker Kurogane: An interesting perspective on the Bakumatsu era - the story from the Shinsengumi’s side. One sees familiar character such as Okita Souji and Saito Hajime. However, its storyline does lack some lustre when compared to Rurouni Kenshin Prequel.

Hijikata Toshizo: Shiro no Kiseki: Yet another Bakumatsu era based anime following the life of the famous Shinsegumi leader Hijikata Toshizo. While the storyline is a great, the anime style is rather unattractive.