Subscribe to the ANN Newsletter • Wake up every Sunday to a curated list of ANN's most interesting posts of the week.
read more
Anime Expo 2023
Rurouni Kenshin U.S. Premiere Was Lackluster
by Kalai Chik & Bamboo Dong,
ANN's coverage of Anime Expo 2023 sponsored by Yen Press!
Aniplex brought special guests—voice actors Sōma Saitō and Rie Takahashi, as well as producer Masami Niwa—to kick off the 2023 adaptation of Rurouni Kenshin at Anime Expo. Coming twenty-seven years later, the second TV anime series comes at a controversial time in light of Nobuhiro Watsuki's criminal record. ANN contributors, Kalai Chik and Bamboo Dong share their thoughts on the first episode premiere and reflect on the franchise's influence on anime fans since 1996.
But first, the special guests shared their impressions of the series as well. Saito and Takahashi spent time speaking about their time in LA. Producer Niwa provided some historical background information to contextualize the scenes in the episode for audience members who are unfamiliar with the Meiji Restoration. Although they couldn't be at Anime Expo in person, the new voices of Yahiko Myojin (Makoto Koichi) and Sagara Sanosuke (Taku Yashiro) shared their thoughts on being a part of this project. Wrapping up the guest talk, each panelist shared what they thought fans should look forward to in this new series:
“I think each time a new character is introduced is going to be a really big moment,” said Niwa. “It'll be a good journey together with Rurouni Kenshin, so I hope you guys stick around for it.”
“I hear episode seven is just going to be sugoi,” shared Takahashi. “I haven't seen it myself yet, but I can't wait to see it.”
“As the two mentioned, of course, there are a lot of endearing characters in this show. They're going to appear one after another,” closed off Soma. “It's going to just keep going and going. You're not even going to want to blink while watching this show.”
Discussion of the First Episode Premiere
Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.
Kalai
So that was an episode.
Bamboo
Yeah! It was... an episode. Not too different from the original anime series. I was a little surprised by that. I'm not quite sure what I was expecting from a highly anticipated remake—maybe flashy animation, a killer soundtrack, a new tone, or even just a fresh outlook on the manga...? But it was extremely similar in style and tone to the original. What were your expectations going into it?
Yeah, completely agree about how similar it was to the first episode of the original anime series. I was expecting at least an update that wasn't just surface-level. It's a relic of its time, down to the pacing. The only difference is the new seiyū and updated visuals, but even the animation wasn't very impressive. It was a letdown considering how big the franchise is, and the episode felt as plain as the white background in the initial key visual with Kenshin and Kaoru.
The animation stood out to me, but maybe not for the right reasons. Maybe it was just because I had high expectations, or rather, I didn't quite know what to expect. But I thought they would focus more on the fight choreography or something, but it relied on some stand-by tricks. Like just showing a series of bright slashes when Kenshin was fighting a mob.
Another thing that stood out to me was the fact that they'd kept a lot of the same humor beats. It makes sense because some of the humor (like the "oro?" and the goofiness of Kenshin himself) is very much ingrained in the characters and part of what makes the Kenshin character so lovable, but I noticed that the audience didn't laugh very much at all. Maybe it was just too early in the morning.
Exactly, the lackluster animation was made even more noticeable by the bright glow over Kenshin's sword. It's supposed to be a big reveal, but instead, it felt awkward because of that transitional but still movement. The characters themselves just stood in place while their mouths moved. Granted, there weren't too many opportunities for action sequences outside of the very last five minutes. But I wasn't impressed by any scenes of dialogue. It felt very generic and lacked the high-budget impression I expected it to be.
I agree that the humor was lost on the crowd. I was close to the front of the panel, but no one in my whole section laughed. Even in Japanese, the comedic timing didn't feel right or felt dated. It's possible the crowd was there mainly for the voice talent, and many of them were fresh to the franchise. I think we both grew up on the English dub, but there's a new generation of anime fans who have never seen anything from Rurouni Kenshin before.
I was surprised to see how many people raised their hands when they asked who in the audience was new to Rurouni Kenshin. I do think the general badassness of Kenshin himself was well-received, though. After he dealt the finishing blow, the whole room started cheering, which was fun to witness.
Maybe the rest of the season will be different. I'm curious if things will diverge stylistically or in execution as the season progresses. Otherwise, I almost feel like you might as well just watch the original... I thought they were going to show a teaser for the rest of the season, but we had to make do with one episode!
That's true, his eye shape change grabbed people's attention. Up until that moment, Kenshin had been very calm and polite, and people were excited about the character change. There was a lot of talking, so there was a build-up leading to that one action moment.
They didn't show a trailer or a clip for the next episode, so it's a mystery as to how far along they are in the production process. The first episode wasn't a very promising preview to the rest of the season. It was disappointing that we didn't see what was to come, but the preview pictures they showed of Yahiko and Sanosuke. They looked similar to their original anime designs with a modern, generic update.
I'm excited for some of the iconic villains to come, though, like Saito or Aoshi, and of course Shishio. I'm deeply curious about what a remake of the Kyoto arc would look like since that original season completely blew me away as a young fan. Or if it would be more like this first episode, which was extremely similar to the original.
Although speaking of the original, I'm curious what your first exposure to Rurouni Kenshin was. Was it through the anime or the manga? And did it shape you as a fan?
I originally saw the English dub on Toonami! At the time, I didn't know Japanese at all, but later on, I realized the English voice actors took a lot of care to properly pronounce the Japanese words and names. Admittedly, I've never read the manga outside of the previews in Shōnen Jump. I was such a big fan that I considered flying out to Otakon all those years ago for a chance to meet Nobuhiro Watsuki. Unfortunately, he turned out to be a criminal who was caught with child pornography.
So....... yeah, let's just address the elephant in the room. It didn't escape my attention that the panel attendees took particular care not to mention Watsuki either by name or reference.
I'm sure they checked the social responses to their announcement tweet. I was waiting for them to talk about how they worked with Watsuki and his involvement with this anime. It's possible he wasn't consulted, but I don't remember his influence in the original anime either.
It definitely marred their announcement. A lot of fans rightfully feel very passionate about not wanting to support a project in which Watsuki might receive any monetary compensation or drive any additional interest toward the original manga. It's extremely difficult and complicated because I know that supporting things like the new anime also means supporting the writers, animators, producers, translators, and all that... but it also means money going to Watsuki. I don't know how involved he's been with the new anime because everyone has been very hush about it, but I imagine he gets residuals or royalties. And it also means monetarily supporting a project that communicates interest in this IP. And it pains me to have to make that decision as someone whose early fandom was greatly influenced by Rurouni Kenshin. It was even one of my first cosplays!
Completely agree. We may not have the financials, but you're likely right about Watsuki receiving royalties. I owned the Media Blasters DVDs, and I'm in the same boat in terms of how influential the series was to me too. Unfortunately, there are plenty of people who either separate the art from the artist or overlook their crimes/wrongdoings entirely. In the end, the art and the artist have the same bank account. There are plenty of Japanese fans who were disappointed in him. Though with an anime adaptation, you can bring on new fans by hiring popular voice actors and drawing attention that way. Many fans flew in from Japan just to see Saito Soma and Rie Takahashi.
In that regard, I'm almost a little relieved that the first episode was just fine. It takes the edge off the FOMO for folks who decide to skip.
It's nothing to write home about and easily skippable for those who are even slightly curious. Any final thoughts?
As much as I feel queasy about supporting this series, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't deeply curious about if future episodes will diverge stylistically or narratively from the first adaptation. But for now, I think I'll wait for reviews.
My rule of thumb is usually to make my decision three episodes in because the first episodes can be slow. But from what we saw, it's so lacking in direction that I can't imagine how the later episodes will deviate from the original anime. I'll check in on the reviews too, but I'll be skipping.
I can't recommend the series, nor think that any hypothetical viewer would enjoy it, but it is the kind of trash TV that's rewarding to dissect.― Have you ever wondered what Baki would be like if it had a conservative bent instead of queer undertones? Well, look no further because the answer is Kengan Ashura! While Kengan is trying to convey the same spectacle and white-knuckle action of the long-ru...
Film also available to rent, purchase digitally on several major outlets in N. America― The official X/Twitter account for TOHO's Godzilla franchise announced on Saturday that Takashi Yamazaki's Godzilla Minus One film is streaming worldwide on Netflix. The film is available worldwide, but is currently not available in Japan. Godzilla Minus One/Minus Color, the black-and-white version of the film, w...
One Piece: Heroines novel also licensed― Viz Media revealed its new licenses and new print releases planned for spring 2025 on Friday. Kazuyoshi Seto's Minecraft: The Manga: Announcement: Add this book to your enchantment room! Join Nico on his chance to escape the blocky confines of his home and prove how strong he's become when zombies attack! Minecraft: The Manga, by Kazuyoshi Seto, releases Spri...
Series starring Miku Martineau, Ayo Solanke, more starts production in Toronto― The Hollywood Reporter entertainment news site reported on Thursday that showrunner Simon Barry (Warrior Nun creator) and Boat Rocker Media are producing a live-action series for Netflix titled BET that "is based in part" on writer Homura Kawamoto and artist Tōru Naomura's Kakegurui - Compulsive Gambler manga. The show h...
Jean-Karlo attempts to condense two big video game showcases into a coherent column, from the revamped Silent Hill 2 to the grazing pastures of Story of Seasons.― Welcome back, folks. This is related to a big story for this week, but this past weekend, I listened to Utada Hikaru's re-recording of "Simple And Clean". It's very emotional. Utada Hikaru is a good twenty-plus years older than when she or...
In the Eisner-nominated work, Maki Fujiwara chronicles her daily life with her husband, lionized mangaka Yoshiharu Tsuge. Though deceptively simple at first glance, a foundation of abuse is slowly revealed.― At first blush, Maki Fujiwara's My Picture Diary does what it says on the tin. It tells the story of her daily life as a housewife and mother, spending time with her daily activities, noting the...
Now streaming on Netflix, Tomotaka Shibayama's first feature animation mixes the magical with reality to share a simple but important message.―
Director Tomotaka Shibayama's latest film, My Oni Girl, is an action-adventure drama with elements of a buddy comedy and a relatable coming-of-age story. The film, produced by Studio Colorido, was released in theaters in Japan and on Netflix on May 24, foll...
Miyano, Nukumi play original characters for August 2 film― The official website for My Hero Academia the Movie: You're Next (My Hero Academia: You're Next), the fourth anime film in the My Hero Academia franchise, announced on Friday that the film has cast Mamoru Miyano and Meru Nukumi as original characters. Mamori Miyano as Giulio Gandini, a butler who serves the Scervino family Meru Nukumi as Ann...
Kaiju No. 8 takes the top spot this week while Tonari no Yōkai-san pushes to #3 in the cmulative! Check out our weekly user rankings!― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,
based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviews
and on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep in mind that these rankings are based on how people rated in...
Mospeada is a work very much of its time, riffing on ideas and tropes that were all the rage when it was made, and doesn't do anything exceptional with them.― It can be easy for even longtime fans to forget that alongside Macross, there were two other 80's sci-fi anime that got Frankenstein-ed into what we'd eventually call Robotech. While this isn't the first time one of those series has made it to...
Following the upcoming retro programming block Toonami Rewind, Chris and Lucas look back fondly on the afternoons spent watching Naruto and Sailor Moon.― Following the upcoming retro programming block Toonami Rewind, Chris and Lucas look back fondly on the afternoons spent watching Naruto and Sailor Moon. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the v...
Yeah, yeah, Kaiju No. 8 has all the great action scenes, but Yatagarasu is chewing up the scenery as the royal ladies absolutely lose their minds!?― Why Aren't You Watching This Anime Yet? Yeah, yeah, Kaiju No. 8 has all the great action scenes, but Yatagarasu is chewing up the scenery as the royal ladies absolutely lose their minds!? The ANN After Show streams live on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitte...
Here we have a from-the-ground-up remake, but does this beloved classic still hold up in a modern sense, or is that praise just nostalgia talking?― It's nice when Nintendo surprises us with a remaster or re-release of one of their more difficult-to-obtain games. The original Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for the Nintendo GameCube is a classic for many. However, since the game was never re-rele...