40 - Rurouni Kenshin (Kyoto) by Nobuhiro Watsuki

We continue our Bleach / Rurouni Kenshin read-throughs with the famed Kyoto arc, one of Enzo’s all-time favourite of the medium which he has plenty to gush over. But will Samu feel the same way? Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction - the companion piece to the Soul Society episode 5:04 Spoiler discussion warning 5:22 Himura Kenshin as a main character, comparisons to Ichigo Kurosaki? 9:48 Why is Kyoto arc considered one of the best of the series and battle shonen? 14:54 Juppongatana - standouts and our favourites 20:18 Honjo Kamatari depiction of the time, respectful or exploitative? 22:57 Samu’s many problems with Cho “The Sword Hunter” 26:22 Seijuro Hiko, Kenshin’s past, and their training 36:02 Shishio success as a villain and the influence on Horikoshi’s Stain 44:58 Our favourite fights 52:51 Kenshin vs Shishio and the implications afterlife, and the epilogue 58:51 Samu’s Recommendation: Gintama by Hideaki Sorachi 1:02:28 Enzo’s Recommendation: Dororo by Osamu Tezuka 1:06:09 Overview and final scores