Do you watch any typical shonen like Dragon Ball, My Hero Academia?
I've watched all of "Dragon Ball Z" and "Dragon Ball Super", haha. I even wrote a very long Dragon Ball fanfic focusing on Vegeta, which you can find here:
I haven't watched many other Shonen anime's, other than JJK and, I guess, AoT, though I hardly consider AoT Shonen, even though it's classified as such. I was reading "Chainsaw Man" for a while, but stopped because it also started to go off the rails, I felt like. I also watched "Rurouni Kenshin" (and yes, I'm aware of the unfortunate controversy surrounding it), but I still maintain, separate from all that, that "Ruourni Kenshin: Trust and Betrayal" is maybe the best anime film I've ever seen. It's such a beautiful work of art. I wouldn't classify that as Shonen either. The show is, but the film isn't.
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How Tomoe continued to surpass Kaoru in popularity until 2022, causing disappointment to the author
Throughout the history of Rurouni Kenshin, Tomoe has remained one of the most polarizing characters – either adored or vehemently disliked – but predominantly adored.
Now, let's delve into some context. Rurouni Kenshin features some female characters with less-than-stellar development. This isn't a critique exclusive to Rurouni Kenshin; it has been a prevailing trend in Shounen mangas overall. The female characters in Shounen manga often lack the realism associated with their male counterparts. To clarify this notion of "shortcoming," it's essential to note that the female characters in Rurouni Kenshin exhibit more complexity than those in many other Shounen mangas, particularly those from the 1990s. Watsuki acknowledges being influenced by Shoujo mangas, and this influence subtly reflects in his writing style.
If one examines all the female characters in Rurouni Kenshin, a noticeable contrast emerges when comparing them to Tomoe. Take, for instance, Kaoru and Misao. Their personalities are characterized by cheerfulness, brightness, a certain lack of intellectual prowess beyond martial arts, and profound love. Despite being portrayed as strong, independent women of the Meiji era, their strength might be influenced by their familial wealth.
Initially, the author doesn't consider Kaoru as a romantic partner. However, as the plot unfolds, a romantic dimension is gradually introduced, starting with Kaoru and eventually becoming mutual. As the narrative progresses, the author subtly transforms it into "the" romance in Rurouni Kenshin.
Throughout the story, Kaoru remains anxiously concerned about Kenshin, fearing his departure until the conclusion of the Kyoto arc when he finally decides to call the Kamiya Dojo his home. By this point, readers are acquainted with Kaoru as a main character and Kenshin's primary love interest. There is widespread support for their relationship, with Kaoru emerging as the key to Kenshin's happy ending – a home and a peaceful life. However, at this juncture, neither the readers nor, to some extent, the author is privy to Kenshin's past – the events that shaped his philosophy, altered his speech, actions, and demeanor.
And then his past is gradually unveiled. Tomoe is initially presented to us as an illusion perceived by Kenshin, prompting him to call out to her. It becomes apparent that she holds significant importance, perhaps too much for Kenshin to risk losing himself, especially when he encounters her brother after a decade. Subsequently, we delve into the Jinchuu arc, a revelation that likely surprises every reader who had previously cheered on Kenshin and Kaoru.
Kenshin's memories, particularly his narrative with Tomoe spanning just 14 chapters, are revealed in fragments. Despite the brevity, it unfolds as a love story of epic proportions in classical literature. We witness Kenshin's life, his experience of love, his transformation, and the profound happiness he experiences, only to ultimately lose everything.
Watsuki, however, has openly expressed his dissatisfaction, acknowledging that he feels he has tarnished Tomoe's character. Originally envisioned as an "extremely beautiful woman" with a cold demeanor, Watsuki's initial concept was a "cool beauty" akin to Ayanami Rei but with black eyes. As the Remembrance Arc concludes, Tomoe evolves into a character that remains enigmatic, not fully understood by the author, the protagonist, or the readers, with only fragments to piece together.
Now, these 14 chapters form the cherished cornerstone of the entire franchise - Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal, one of the most acclaimed masterpieces in the anime world. Kazuhiro Furuhashi and Masashi Sogo skillfully translate these chapters into a heartbreakingly beautiful narrative on screen.
In the above image, the ranking on the left shows the past ranking and the ranking on the right shows the later ranking.
Source: Official Rurouni Kenshin website
Remarkably, Tomoe garnered immense love from Japanese fans, securing the top spot in the official popularity ranking—surpassing even Kenshin and Saito, a feat nearly unheard of. Much of this acclaim can be attributed to Ayanami Rei's character design and Tomoe's embodiment of the Yamato Nadeshiko demeanor. This adoration endured for a substantial period, possibly until 2022. Despite Watsuki's original intentions, Tomoe consistently stood out as one of the most beloved characters, notably surpassing the main female lead.
Source: Netflix (Search for "Rurouni Kenshin")
The enchantment of the Remembrance arc persisted, extending to the live-action adaptations. Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning, despite having the lowest box office collection, emerged as the most beloved live-action film in the Rurouni Kenshin franchise on Netflix, securing a position in the top 10 films in 69 countries and maintaining its presence in the Global top 10 for a remarkable 8 weeks. In contrast, Rurouni Kenshin: The Final, achieved a lower performance, spending 3 weeks in the top 10 films and attaining top 10 status in 17 countries.
Source: Rankingu
In the live-action character popularity rankings, Arimura Kasumi's portrayal of Tomoe holds the impressive 4th position, reaffirming her status as the most beloved female character, once again outshining the female lead character.
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Tagged by @queenofattolia, thank you!
8 shows to get to know me
1) Encantadia 2005
2) Yami no Matsuei
3) Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu
4) Friends
5) Looking for Alaska
6) The Queen’s Gambit
7) Skins S1-2, S5
8) Rurouni Kenshin: Trust and Betrayal
Tagging @dreamingthroughthenoise, @macchiatosdumptruck, @idontknowkaratebutiknowcrazy @msstarlight, @lostinmirkwood and anyone else who wants to do it.
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Live vs Anime - Rurouni Kenshin The Final vs Rurouni Kenshin Trust and Betrayal by ACIIIart
Kudos to the film producers for adapting such scenes shot by shot, it's a masterpiece and kudos to AClllart for compiling and comparing these shots. I can only imagine the amount of time and effort in doing these screenshots.
Can't wait for Rurouni Kenshin The Beginning, it's going to be a tear jerker. Although I've already watch the anime, watching it live on screen is something different. It's like watching Mugen Train even after reading the manga.
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