Rurouni Kenshin Vol. 6 - Manga Review

Rurouni Kenshin is a tale of supernatural metaphors and honorable battles forged by the honor or dishonor of those who stand for evil and those who defend the righteous. The key is balance in both sides of the equation. But in this volume, there is one clear dominance. The aspect of Shinshio in his complete omnipotence is like a rock star swordsman trapped in a mummy's body. Even in the aspect of his stubborness and pain, the girls still flock to him. The great aspect of this character is that he embodies the essence of “staying true” even if you are a villain. At one point Buttosai faces off against Shinshio in a fire filled arena. The use of fire in his sword intrinsically optimizing gunpowder is a great motif. Romagata gives all of herself as Shinshio's consort allowing for warnings but is not heeded. Buttosai rises from death with a vengeance because unlike Shinshio, he has people to live for. One frame which is completely vertical has Buttosai from a wide shot sweeping his sword as its impact throws Shinshio into the air like a rag doll. The essence of tragedy is well played in this kind of universal story based in love. Romagata allows herself to be run through saying with love that she will meet her betrothed in hell. Now while Shinshio doesn't admit to it, her loss changes the tide. The key to Shinshio's character is that his internal temperature cannot overcome himself or he will spontaneously combust. Talk about a literal metaphor. The leftovers decide that a life must be forfeited but this angle makes no sense to the survivor.The beginning of Issue 18 here is an epilogue to the great battle of 16 and 17, and in terms of reset, it makes good story sense. The reintroduction of the Bushin, who is like a cross between Bluto and the drummer from Gorillaz, gives a shot of modernism which works well. His insistence at having Buttosai cut off his arm to create the Arm Strong cannon (which is like a throwback to Hellboy) works well. After the Bushin fires his gun, Kenshin comes to alert but nothing is indicated other than a simple mischarge. Their band of soldiers including a man covered in a Halloween mask (think Baccano) unite together to fight “The Six Comrades” (which they all think is a bad name anyway). Their effort is revenge for Shinshio and they attack at night on sight. One memorable image has a particularly mangled assailant dripping with blood over a fallen man. It is a classic cliffhanger which specifically heightens the war elements to a T.Rurouni Kenshin Vol. 6 in the Viz Big format gives an essence of truth in old myths. The archetypes and mythic elements of Shinshio shown here truly highlight the great storytelling structure of these legend stories which carry a different kind of timeless imagination unfettered by technology.