Genre Action
Age Rating For Older Teens
Price $17.99

SHINOMORI AOSHI was once the leader of Edo Castle's elite guard, the Oniwanbansh . When the sh gunate was overthrown, Aoshi and his men were deprived of both home and purpose. All that's left to them now are their fighting skills, which they've put to service as a mercenary guard for the industrialist Takeda Kanry . However much sympathy Kenshin might feel for the Oniwanbansh , he's sworn to stop Kanry 's corrupt plans. But in order to do so, he'll have to defeat Aoshi, a shinobi prodigy and master of a deadly twin-sword style.

Later, Isurugi Raij ta, a swordsman of incredible strength and ferocity, requests Kenshin's aid in reforming Japan's swordsmanship schools, to save them from their decline in the modern age. Although Kenshin is intrigued by Raij ta's ideals, he's disturbed by his increasingly brutal methods. Sanosuke runs into some trouble of his own when he's reunited with a member of the Sekih Army--the doomed civilian-run unit that they both served in during the revolution--who's determined to exact revenge from the Meiji government.

Rurouni Kenshin fans, especially those who haven't bought the manga, will want to check out Vol. 2 of the VizBig edition. As far as production goes, the quality is still topnotch and no complaints in that department although there's no fold-out poster and less colored pages (not that I consider those by any means essential).  The art features Watsuki's trademark style and there's a couple of action scenes in this volume as it covers three story arcs.

The first part of this volume continues and ends the Aoshi storyline that began in the previous volume. The next two parts are stand-alone arcs, both prominently featuring Yahiko although Kenshin is the main character in the latter of the two. Sanosuke also gets to share the limelight in a chapter or two devoted to his own character background. I'd say the Aoshi storyline is essential Kenshin reading while the rest provide variety and a breather from the long story arcs, especially considering what's going to be featured in the succeeding volumes.

Particularly noteworthy are the character design notes from Watsuki which is one part history lesson and one part insight into the motivations of the various supporting cast. Also, this volume contains Watsuki's first manga and existing fans of Kenshin will appreciate how a prominent character in Kenshin's cast evolved from this comic. At the end of the volume is a glossary of terms which isn't essential but those lost in Japanese history lore can easily turn to the end of the book without needing to look up Wikipedia.

Overall, aside from finishing the Aoshi story arc which is essential reading for any Kenshin fan, this is a decent, ho-hum volume. Reading through this feels like you've gone through a lot as it tackles three storylines (although two of which are significantly short) and quite satisfying. Otherwise, if you already own these volumes, maybe you should pass on this title.

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