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]

Rurouni Kenshin Manga "Jinchu Arc" Volume 20

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]

Rurouni Kenshin Manga "Jinchu Arc" Volume 21

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.