Ah manga. The gift that keeps on giving. The inspiration that has now started inspiring. The original sin and also the original sinner.
Too much?
Perhaps, but the mark of the mangaka is unmistakable and undeniable in our lives. Japan's mainstream comic book industry which started as the smallest of the small. Was an attempt to give the identity starved Japanese people heroes of their own, like the Americans had theirs. It was a humble attempt and was long ridiculed by the more powerful film companies of Japan. Who at the time ruled the entertainment industry. Serious directors/writers/artists kept their heads down and stayed away from manga/anime lest they incur the producer's wrath.
Today it's impact cant be felt worldwide. Even in India we see kids gush over Naruto and collect a myriad of toys and collectibles while making 'pika pika...pikachu' noises. It has in due course overtaken and overthrown the giant shadow of the American Comic book industry and today casts it's own lofty gloom upon the world. Being no stranger to manga (and by it's extension anime) I believe the stars to have sufficiently aligned and the time to be sort of right for new readers of comic books, namely you to follow me into the great mysteries of the Orient.
Manga is not for everybody, but for anybody who loves comic books it is a must have. You havent seen art until you have seen manga art. Storylines tend to suffer slightly due to the episodic nature of the comic books but the art is always top notch and as a genral rule of thumb only gets better the longer a series lasts. My first introduction to manga came through Chanbara. By this time I was already an avid fan of period Samurai movies namely Chanbara cinema. And was hungering for more awesome stories from mideval Japan that dealt with flashing swords and crossed honor. It was at this time I discovered a veritable treasure trove in manga. Comics that dealt with badass ronins, tormented former killers, or heroes in hiding. The Way of the Sword as I call it now, is a set of the most influential and exciting Chanbara manga/anime I have seen. I recommend these fine pieces of artwork to anyone who likes the feel of a well spun story and loves art.
Now follow close as I take you down the Way of the Sword.
Rurouni Kenshin
How does one describe this series without spoiling it. The title of the series itself is a spoiler. Essentially it means Ronin Kenshin, which straight off tells us that this is probably about a ronin named Kenshin. And in deed it is. Kenshin Himura seems the most unassuming of heroes at first glance. Short in stature, young of appearance, and generally goofy in attitude Himura is a happy go lucky ronin who wanders from town to town lookng for food and shelter, he finds both in Tokoyo when he comes across a damsel in...well not so much distress as a fight against superior odds. It is then that we see Himura's ture self unleashed. His skill with the sword is obvious when he manages to rescue the lady without even drawing his blade.
As the story progresses more puzzling facts about Himura are revealed, that he was once a feared assassin and manslayer, the Hitokiri Battosai. A feared and legendary name during the Meiji restoration. Also, it is revelaled that although he was indeed the legendary Battosai he is most assuredly not so anymore, for the very blade at his side is a reverse edged sword. A blade unable to cut, and thus unable to kill. It is with this sword that Kenshin protects those close to him and upholds his values whenever challenged. And protects them with great profeciency. His ferocity with the blade is near unmatched, as is his speed. His is the godlike divine speed of a Master swordsman, and with it he is near invincible.
Although a seemingly linear story, Rurouni Kenshin is a tale with many a meandeirng twist and turn. The key aspect to realize is that even from the first episode on it is clear that there is quite a backstory available to all the characters. A fact the author takes advantage of many a times. Old friends turnd into enemies, while old adverseries make uneasy alliances. The balance of power between the Good and the Evil is not as clearly defined as you would expect. Even the protagonists and the antagonists are not all black and white. Your are provided with their motivations, their goals and their desires and are left to judge for yourself if they are good or evil.
The story takes you along an epic journey. Kenshin's limits and oaths are severely tested as the manslayer within him is drawn ever closer to the surface by his enemies. A sweeping story of redemption, revenge and romance that takes you across Japan and beyond. The boy inside you will love the sword fighting, the girl inside you will love the story angles. And the art will keep you hooked long after you have completed the series.
Next step?
Once you are done with the manga do not let go of the series so easily. Watch the related anime series (Samurai X) and most important of all...watch Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal (Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuiokuhen). This is an Original Video Animation done by the director to tie up a few loose ends and give us the humble origins of Kenshin Himura. This is a must watch even if you have not read more than a single chapter of the series. The animation will take your breath away, if you have never seen Japanese animation it will be an eye opening experience for you.
