Ruróni Kenšin: Meidži kenkaku romantan - Season 1

On one hand, this rendition of Kenshin feels more mature, with the main character voiced by a male actor rather than a female actress. It's decisive, trimming away unnecessary elements and focusing on the best parts, smoothly leading us into the beginning of the Kyoto arc. On the other hand, it could be seen as a dense extract lacking lightness and soul. Humor is treated as more or less unnecessary here, and when it does appear, it often feels out of place. Thankfully, Kenshin isn't primarily a comedy, so it doesn't detract too much from the experience. The excellent graphical design helps alleviate this, with Kenshin's new look being visually appealing, and the music fulfilling its role effectively. Unfortunately, Kenshin faces tough competition in today's anime landscape. While the fights in this series hold up decently, they come off as just slightly above average in the grand scheme of anime. Compared to the intense action-packed spectacles like Jujutsu Kaisen, it can feel a tad lackluster. However, where the series truly shines is in its portrayal of characters. Despite the brisk pace, their personalities, charisma, and motivations are well-captured. Even with less screen time, I find myself connecting with them much as I did before. While I may not feel the same intense emotions during pivotal moments, it's likely due to my familiarity with the story rather than the fault of the adaptation. Considering my fondness for samurais and interest in Japanese history, the series gains even more favor in my eyes. Overall, I found this adaptation enjoyable. While not flawless (much like the 1996 version), it was undeniably successful. I eagerly await the upcoming Kyoto arc. 7.5/10 (17.12.2023)