Rurouni Kenshin TV (Mibu no Wolf Saga)
synopsis by Jareth David (from J.U.R.A.I.'s Necronomicon 1999 Anime Guide)

Despite it being a fan favorite, this show has had the worst luck at Necro. Back in ‘96(?) we didn’t show it because I fell asleep in the video room (the only deluxe accommodations I could afford at the time), so it made it the next year. Last year we were going to show the movie and the tape got misplaced. This year we’re giving it the attention it deserves. I initially wrote this off as samurai version of Yu Yu Hakusho (my favorite fight show, not being a fan of mindless DBZ). Now that I’ve seen more of it (due to Red’s suggestion), I realize it may be one of the best TV series out there. The OP theme ‘Sobakasu’ (Freckles) while cute, is horribly out of place with a series like this. Luckily the Ed theme ‘Heart of Sword by TM Revolution is much more appropriate. While it can get downright silly, RK can also get into some violent in-yer-face swordfighting. Unfortunately for us, in the worst crime since Utena getting dropped, Sony decided to turn this into ‘Samurai X’ and kiddify it for US TV audiences. LAME! Nobody would pick it up because it’s such a downright vicious show that it’s just not meant to be seen by American kids (who are apparently so impressionable that TV shows make them commit crimes or something). That meant pulling of fansubs from distribution before we gould get past #51. ARGH!!! Hopefully some intelligent company will bring these intact to video…eventually. (NOTE: Since writing this, many years ago, the series is being released on DVD in America).

Hattokiri Battousai gave up his violent profession to become a pacifistic rurouni in the Meiji Era and changed his name to Himura Kenshin, but finds out just how difficult it is to leave behind your past. The saga begins with the introduction of Saitou (Mibu’s Wild Wolf), Kenshin’s old rival from their days as assassins (10 years past) who wants to settle an old score. Saitou is one of the best anime villains and one evil bastard, you can tell from the killer’s glint in his eyes (that blue sliver). He is a strict adherent to the Shinsengumi code: Aku, Soku, Zan. He’s also a skilled actor when it comes to playing innocent to deceive others & manipulate people to do his bidding. Of course it doesn’t hurt that he can get into anywhere using his position as Fujita Goro, a member of the secret police. This includes getting invited into Kamiya dojo by Kenshin’s unsuspecting surrogate family (returning the day after he breaks off his sword in the shoulder of ex-gangster Sanosuke & gives him a severe beating!). The viewpoint of his crossing the threshold into the dojo is pure cinematic brilliance and is portrayed like a vampire being invited into the home of his next victim. Political machinations abound as Kenshin’s old skills are needed by a government official…assuming Saitou doesn’t kill him first! Kenshin returns to find the Shinsen Gumi captain amongst his loved ones (Kaoru and Yahiko) and gets drawn