Samurai X

Originally titled "Rurouni Kenshin," and often referred to as simply "Kenshin," this Japanese anime series was redubbed "Samurai X" for its American release. The anime is based on an original manga (comic book) called "Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story" written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The series follows a wandering former assassin named Himura Kenshin, who travels through feudal Japan as a sort of benevolent mercenary, a violent do-gooder with an eye towards protecting the weak and innocent. The series actually takes place in a historical era in Japan known as the "Bakumatsu", which is essentially the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate era, or the late 1800s. Kazuhiro Furhashi directed the anime run in its entirety, and would later build his career off of the incredible success of the series. Upon its importation to America, "Samurai X" aired on the cartoon network as part of the Toonami block of action anime programming. MORE