Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 2 (VIZBIG Edition) (Rurouni Kenshin Vizbig Edition)
by Nobuhiro Watsuki
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Book Summary Information
Author: Nobuhiro WatsukiEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2008-05-27
ISBN: 1421520745
Number of pages: 584
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Book Reviews of Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 2 (VIZBIG Edition) (Rurouni Kenshin Vizbig Edition)
Book Review: You will end up dead
Summary: 4 Stars
Things get a lot darker in the second volume of "Rurouni Kenshin" -- a character is introduced who might drag the former Battosai back to his old killing ways. While the series is still getting its footing (the main cast is still forming), Nobuhiro Watsuki does an expert job mingling bloody razor-edged action with unabashed comic relief -- and more than a little romance as well.
Kenshin continues his fight with Zanza (aka Sanosuke), and quickly discovers that while the zabato is a limited weapon, Sanosuke's frightening strength and even more frightening willpower make him a formidable foe. The younger man's terrible past as part of the Sekiho army is revealed, along with the rage that leads him to be a "fight merchant" -- and his hatred of "patriots" like Kenshin drives him to the brink. Oh yeah, and the Hiruma brothers try to cheat... big surprise.
Then the government asks Kenshin to help bring down a murderer of horrifying skill and sadistic personality, who is carving his way through the government. But when Kenshin and Sanosuke work as bodyguards for a whiny little official, they face a hitokiri almost as lethal as Kenshin -- and even worse, capable of hypnotizing people with his voice. He's also obsessed with getting a deathmatch with the legendary Battosai.. and will kill Kaoru to get it.
Finally, Sanosuke drags Kenshin out to a friendly gambling den, in an effort to get the older man to cheer up. Of course, it doesn't last -- the game is interrupted when a strange girl rushes in with a couple of thugs after her. And of course, she's not what she seems... how boring would that be?
"Rurouni Kenshin Volume 2" is when we get a really good look at Zanza/Sanosuke, previously established just as a really aggressive guy with a freakishly large weapon. In just a few pages of flashbacks, Nobihiro Watsuki reveals all the hidden pain, sorrow and rage that fuels his fighting, and the terrible injustice that makes him so gung-ho to fight Kenshin and other "patriots." And he turns out to be a good addition to the cast, once he calms down enough!
And Watsuki packs all the stories in here (except the last chapter) with plenty of deadly tension, especially since Kenshin starts becoming more Battosai-ish as he fights Jin-e. Lots of bone-breaking, ultrafast sword fights with amazing techniques (Kenshin intercepting a bullet with his sword) and a truly ghastly death scene ("Keep playing rurouni. I'll watch you... from hell!"). It really shows that there's a hard core in this lovable series, and illustrates just how dangerous Kenshin is.
But Watsuki never lets things get too grim, by including plenty of gentle slapstick (poor Kenshin's face gets stuck in "battle glare," and Kaoru and Yahiko forcibly snap it to normal) and funny dialogue (Kenshin's ability to predict dice).
There's more hints of romance for the goofy ex-hitokiri and the feisty Kaoru, especially since he shows himself willing to even kill if it saves her life -- and Kaoru willing to do anything to save him from that. Kenshin also gets some prime male bonding time with Sanosuke, a nice touch since he finally has another adult male around to talk to (since Yahiko is a bit young for that). As for Megumi... well, it remains to be seen what she's going to be like. But a connection to the opium trade is not a good sign!
"Rurouni Kenshin Volume 2" takes the series into darker territory, and explores some of the darker facets of Meiji Japan -- drugs, violence, lies and corruption. Definitely check it out.
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