Overview
- Rurouni Kenshin is renowned as a premier anime series, complemented by its sequel manga titled The Hokkaido Arc.
- Following interruptions caused by the author’s health issues, The Hokkaido Arc is anticipated to resume in Spring 2025.
- The original Rurouni Kenshin manga boasts impressive sales, exceeding 72 million copies, solidifying its status as one of the most successful manga series ever.
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Despite controversy concerning its author, Rurouni Kenshin remains one of the most cherished anime series to date. After wrapping up the original manga, the author transitioned to exploring new arcs, with The Hokkaido Arc acting as a sequel to the classic storyline.
However, a hiatus took place beginning in June 2024 due to the health issues of its creator, Nobuhiro Watsuki. Thankfully, fans can look forward to the return of the saga featuring Himura Kenshin in Spring 2025, as signs indicate Watsuki’s health is on the rise.
The Journey to Rurouni Kenshin: The Hokkaido Arc
The story of The Hokkaido Arc dates back to 1999 when Nobuhiro Watsuki first expressed interest in expanding the series with a sequel set in Hokkaido. In 2012, he contemplated pursuing this idea before focusing on Rurouni Kenshin: Restoration, ultimately shelving it for a time.
Watsuki’s return to the Hokkaido storyline was inspired by a Rurouni Kenshin musical, leading him to launch serialization of The Hokkaido Arc in Jump Square in September 2017. The promotional campaign even included eye-catching posters across Shinjuku Station to attract new readers.
Rurouni Kenshin – Hokkaido Arc by Nobuhiro Watsuki and Kaoru Kurosaki will resume in Spring 2025 in Jump SQ. The series has been absent from the magazine since June 2024 due to Watsuki’s poor health condition. pic.twitter.com/kr7ram1Irt — Shonen Jump News (@WSJ_manga) December 21, 2024
However, just two months into its run, Shueisha suspended The Hokkaido Arc following Watsuki’s involvement in a scandal involving inappropriate material. This shocking revelation impacted the author’s reputation, given his pivotal role as a mentor to other prominent manga creators.
What many anticipated would be a career-damaging incident instead resulted in a brief hiatus, with Watsuki returning to work in July 2018. Since then, delays have mainly been attributed to his ongoing health challenges.
Rurouni Kenshin: A Sales Jungler
- Over 70 million copies sold.
- Continues to garner a passionate fan base.
The original Rurouni Kenshin series made its debut in April 1994, culminating in 255 chapters by its conclusion in 1999. These chapters were later compiled into 28 volumes. The series has achieved remarkable sales figures, crossing the 72 million copy mark, positioning it among the best-selling manga series globally.
Following the manga’s release, the anime adaptation aired from January to 1998, thanks to a collaborative effort between various animation studios. A newer adaptation, spearheaded by Liden Films, was announced in December 2021, with its first season debuting in July 2023 and wrapping up in December 2023, while the second season premiered in October 2024.
Fans can enjoy streaming Rurouni Kenshin on Crunchyroll.
Source: X (Formerly Twitter)
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