Rurouni Kenshin - Figures
Nearly all anime fans in the late 1990s watched the story of a former assassin on his road to atonement. Rurouni Kenshin Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story--or simply Rurouni Kenshin--uniquely centers a show featuring sword fighting on non-violence and growth. The memorable cast of fully fleshed-out characters stick with old fans to this day. The main standout of the cast, titular character Kenshin Himura, remains one of the most popular shonen heroes of all time. While Kenshin makes up most of the available figure catalog for the show, he’s not the only option. The three best figures for any Rurouni Kenshin fans are “Rurouni Kenshin Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story Kenshin Himura 1/7 Scale Figure,” “Figuarts Zero Rurouni Kenshin Makoto Shishio,” and “Q Posket Rurouni Kenshin Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story Battousai Himura.”
Rurouni Kenshin Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story Kenshin Himura 1/7 Scale Figure
Max Factory’s dynamic scale figure captures Kenshin in the Hiten Mitsurugi technique: “Dragon Flight of Heaven.” The composition of the figure, with Kenshin, crouched down with his left leg forward and slashing the Sakabatou up and out toward his foe, creates a daring, cool silhouette. Attention to movement continues in the sculpting. The fabric of Kenshin’s hakama appears to fly up around his body, followed by his wild red hair. This attention to delayed movement conveys how fast the Dragon Flight of Heaven technique happens--in a flash. Kenshin’s facial expression is calm yet determined, showing the true level of focus the skilled swordsman possesses. The high-gloss lacquered base features a delicate gold flower painting to offset the deep reds and purples of Kenshin’s hair and outfit.
Product Name: Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story Kenshin Himura 1/7 Scale Figure
Manufacturer: Max Factory
Sculptor: Yui Ishiyama
Specifications: Painted, non-articulated, 1/8 scale ABS & PVC figure with base
Height (Approx.): 200mm | 7.9"
Rurouni Kenshin Makoto Shishio (Figuarts Zero) Figure
This dangerous, cold-blooded genius Makoto Shishio figure brings his terror from the Kyoto Arc to life. His already menacing character design is recreated in high detail, down to the shading and dirt stains on his full-body bandages. Shishio stands in a taunting pose, his legs wide and torso unguarded. His left-hand flexes in front of his face as he holds his sword casually over his right shoulder. The sword is removable if fans prefer to keep him unarmed. The painting detail stands out in the figure. Differences in materials, such as Shishio’s cloth bandages and high-shine almost vinyl-like gloves contrast wonderfully. Figuarts also sells a companion Kenshin figure for fans who want to relive the climactic showdown of the Kyoto Arc.
Product Name: Figuarts Zero Rurouni Kenshin Makoto Shishio
Manufacturer: Bandai (Tamashii Nations)
Specifications: Pre-painted, non-articulated, PVC & ABS figure
Height (Approx.): 180mm | 7.1"
Rurouni Kenshin Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story Battousai Himura (Q Posket) Figure
Kenshin’s past as the Hitokiri Battousai is depicted in the cutest way in Banpresto’s upcoming Q Posket figures. Two versions of the figure--one in vibrant and the other in muted colors--show Kenshin in his Bakumatsu era tattered haori and high ponytail. Either option would complete a Kenshin fan’s collection, but the affordable price means fans may not have to choose. He is posing with his left leg forward in a slight lunge, his hand resting on the reverse blade katana at his hip. The rounded facial carvings, with plump cheeks and small mouth, give Kenshin a chibi appearance. However, the painted details of his serious eyebrows and a reflective glint in his eyes hint at Kenshin’s dangerously strong combat abilities. Even in chibi form, the former assassin poses a threat.
Product Name: Q Posket Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story Battousai Himura
Release: 2021 - Month TBA
Manufacturer: Banpresto
Specifications: Painted, non-articulated, non-scale figure with stand
Height (Approx.): 140cm | 5.5"
Rurouni Kenshin Series Story
In the 11th year of the Meiji Era, a former assassin known as “Hitokiri Battousai” wanders the land under the name Himura Kenshin. To atone for his life of killing, Kenshin travels to offer help to anyone who needs it. After arriving in Tokyo, finds Kamiya Kaoru fighting a murderer using his former name. Kaoru discovers Kenshin’s former identity after he defeats the imposter and she invites him to stay at her dojo. She soon learns that despite being the cold-hearted assassin of legend, Kenshin is now peace-loving. Kenshin stays at the dojo making new friends and hopefully a new future as he tries to shed the demons of his past.
Rurouni Kenshin Series Development
Rurouni Kenshin began as a pair of short stories in 1992 and 1993, set during Kenshin’s past. Manga artist Nobuhiro Watsuki wanted to create a shonen series, unlike others at the time. His habit of reading shojo manga as a child influenced the series’ more serious and character-driven tone. Shueisha picked up Watsuki’s fully developed series in 1994, serializing Rurouni Kenshin in Shonen Jump until 1999. The series received a 95 episode anime adaptation from Studio Gallop and Studio Deen. The manga and anime follow the same storyline until the Shishio arc, then the anime deviates into original storylines. In 2017, Watsuki began a sequel series, Rurouni Kenshin: The Hokkaido Arc. The original manga remains one of Shueisha’s top ten best-sellers of all time.
Links
Rurouni Kenshin Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story Kenshin Himura 1/7 Scale Figure
Figuarts Zero Rurouni Kenshin Makoto Shishio
Q Posket Rurouni Kenshin Meiji Swordsman Romantic Battousai Himura
Rurouni Kenshin Series Label
Kenshin Himura Label