Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan

Black Cat addpermalink

The two main characters go through similar changes in their lives. They both begin as assassins and eventually turn around to use their skills for the good of others.  

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Vagabond addpermalink

If you enjoyed Kenshin, Vagabond should be up your alley. Main character is a swordsman, takes place in Japan, historical fiction, great story and great characters. 

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Busou Renkin addpermalink

Busou Renkin is another great series authored by Nobuhiro Watsuki, the man responsible for Rurouni Kenshin. It shares the same mix of intense action, good story, great character development, and light-hearted humor.  If you enjoyed the overall feel of Kenshin at all, then Busou Renkin is something you really should read. 

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Nurarihyon no Mago addpermalink

Even though the topics are not similiar at all it has got a very similar feel to it. Probably because the execution of the arcs/basic storyline is the same. 

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Mugen no Juunin addpermalink

Both manga are set in a period when samurai were still active in Japan. Both also deal with the changes in the samurai world when Japan started to open up to the Western civilization. And, of course, both manga tell the story of a rounin searching for redemption. 
 

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Both are about a swordsman going on a journey to pursue their respective goals but they've both come across someone who've later become close to them. Both series also feature an antagonistic group who seek to destroy a certain establishment. If you've enjoyed Rurouni Kenshin then you'll most likely enjoy Blade of the Immortal (and vice versa). 

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The premise of both series is a man who wants to atone for the sins/crimes he has committed. Of course, there is way more to the stories of both mangas than that which I don't want to spoil. They also both have a historical backdrop and are of similar length. The main leads of both mangas (Kenshin/Manji) I find very likeable and well done, as well as both female leads (Kaoru/Rin). Both supporting casts are great and contain very memorable characters. The villains that appear throughout both series have a sense of moral ambiguity to them to the point that 'villain' isn't a fitting word to describe quite a lot of them, with the exception of a few who are truly despicable, but it's true that Blade has a larger quantity of sympathetic antagonists. Both mangas also utilise flashback sequences at multiple instances for backstory and have rather lengthy story arcs. RuroKen and Blade make great use of their historical setting despite both series being set at different times of Japanese history, with RuroKen being a Meiji Restoration narrative while Blade is set in the mid-Tokugawa era.

(Also in my humble opinion, the last story arcs of both these series are the high points.)

The similarities more-or-less end there. Blade of the Immortal is a seinen series and therefore has much more mature content such as extreme gore and sexual violence, its story delves into some seriously dark territory at times;  RuroKen does delve into some serious and depressing territory but it is a shounen and naturally, doesn't go quite as far as Blade. Furthermore, RuroKen has significantly more comedy than Blade (particularly in the earlier chapters), but that's not to say Blade doesn't have its humorous moments. Additionally, Blade has a much more realistic and sketchy art style compared to the more solid and typically 'anime' style of RuroKen, but I greatly enjoy both styles for what they are and they compliment the tone and atmosphere flawlessly. 

I think it's safe to say that if you liked Rurouni Kenshin then you'll like Blade of the Immortal as well, especially if you are a fan of Japanese period drama and can stomach its darker tone.

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Shinsengumi Imon Peace Maker addpermalink

Opposite sides of the Ishin-Shishi/pro-Shogunate clash of the Bakumatsu and, in Ruroken's case, into the Meiji period. Because Ruroken deals with the aftermath of pro-sonno joi activism and SIMP centres around Bakumatsu era Shinsengumi action, it's like they tell the same story from opposing sides. For anyone interested in Japanese history, it might be fun to try a different perspective. 

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Mutou Black addpermalink

Both stories feature leads living in a Japan of an era past where strife settled through the sword is still common thing. Yet they both seek to fight in a way to protect people. 

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Vinland Saga addpermalink

While both manga have their differences, they are surprisingly similar. Both are historical and have a message of nonviolence. Kenshin and Thorfinn have almost identical backstories. SPOILER: However, while in Rurouni Kenshin we are introduced to Kenshin, who has already come to his decision to embrace a pacifist lifestyle, Vinland Saga is about how Thorfinn arrives at the same conclusion. Both manga are top quality with an enticing plot, wonderful characters and great action sequences. However, it's important to note that Rurouni Kenshin is shounen and Vinland Saga is seinen. If you're new, that means that RK is aimed to an audience of younger teenagers (mainly boys) and VS is aimed at adults. VS is undoubtedly more mature and complex than RK (without taking anything away from the latter) and I wouldn't recommend it to younger and/or immature readers. read more 

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InuYasha addpermalink

Rurouni Kenshin is like a darker version of Inuyasha.  Both have powerful swordsmen as their protagonists who are fighting a demon within themselves.  There is a very similar feel in the way that people gravitate toward them despite their anti-social nature.  And while Inuyasha is more openly romantic, Rurouni Kenshin also has bits of romance.  

If I tell you much more about their similarities, I'll ruin the series, but they are very similar in every sense but the differences between shojo and shonen. 

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Rekka no Honoo addpermalink

Both series are about a protagonist with a strong sense of honour fighting both to protect his lady love and because of the legacy he has come to represent. 

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Bleach addpermalink

Both have male protagonists with unique swords and both are often underestimated. Both protagonists fight to protect people. both have orange hair. 

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Kaze Hikaru addpermalink

If you like Rurouni Kenshin you might like Kaze Hikaru. The time setting of both series is the same. Kaze Hikaru is like a shojo counterpart of Kenshin. Both are historical tale with sword fights, samurai and bushi. Kaze Hikaru contains a fluffy tale or romance, to sweet and very innocent. You guys should check it out. Also being publish by Viz. 

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Trigun Maximum addpermalink

The story seems similar as in the protagonist has a very large potential for personal gain yet instead uses their abilities to help others arounf them. In Trigun, Vash wanders from place to place while in Rurouni Kenshin, Kenshin wanders after the war like Vash does. Also in both mangas, the main character is drawn towards a female character who at first resents and even gets extremely annoyed at them, but later warms up to them. 

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Trigun addpermalink

The story seems similar as in the protagonist has a very large potential for personal gain yet instead uses their abilities to help others arounf them. In Trigun, Vash wanders from place to place while in Rurouni Kenshin, Kenshin wanders after the war like Vash does. Also in both mangas, the main character is drawn towards a female character who at first resents and even gets extremely annoyed at them, but later warms up to them. 

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Peace Maker Kurogane addpermalink

If you are a die-hard fan of Rurouni Kenshin, you like swords, and you want to see the Shinsengumi aspect of the Bakumatsu, Peacemaker Kurogane is the perfect manga for you. Drawn by the talented Chrono Nanae, this follows the stories of the Shinsengumi members, and contains all the action, sword-fighting, and gun-toting you'll ever need, with a splash of fictionalized characters. You won't be disappointed. 

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Ansatsu Kyoushitsu addpermalink

Kenshin and Koro-sensei were destructive monsters in the past, but in present day, changed themselves to help the people around them.
However, their lives are targeted by people from their past as well as new enemies made in the present.
The supporting characters in both series learn from and are influenced by the aforementioned protagonists and have their own battles to face.
An important theme in both series is an emphasis on not killing but disabling your opponent in order to defend yourself and those important to you. 

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Samurai Deeper Kyou addpermalink

Both are about a great samurai who has a tragic past and this samurai meets an attractive  young girl and they have life threatening hurdles to overcome. Along the way they pick up a variety of friends and enemies. The time setting is about (roughly) the same too, Feudal Japan. Both have excellent fighting scenes too, but Kyo´s fights are (in my opinion) better as Kenshin is peace loving and does not kill, while Kyo and his gang are much more sadistic and fights normally always end with someone being sliced in half or decapitated. But if you liked kenshin, you should like Kyo and vice versa, but keep in mind Kyo is a lot more bloodier than Kenshin and the anime for Kenshin is great, while the anime for Kyo is indescribably bad.  read more 

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Berserk addpermalink

- Both have heroes that change their ways
- Beautiful artwork that is easily noticeable
- Lots of action scenes 

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Adabana addpermalink

The main characters are similar, in that they both have dark pasts that they are trying to put behind them and set right. Also, both manga have sword fighting and are shounen. 

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Burai-an addpermalink

Bruai-an has quite similar plotline to the beginnings of Rurouni Kenshin - a dojo being taken over ba a bad guys, and strong but quirky swordsman comes in to whip those bad guys. Key difference being that Burai-an is a BL work. 

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Kangibanka addpermalink

IF you love Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan so much then you probaly like kangi banka in weekly shonen magazine because they are same type series
both are a dramatically series and samurai and action and historical 
so hurry read kangi banka because is great 

 

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Houshin Engi addpermalink

Both are historical shonen battle manga that center around major events in Asian history (Rurouni Kenshin Japanese, Houshin Engi Chinese). 

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Samurai Usagi addpermalink

Both are shonen battle manga that deal with the Meiji Restoration, Samurai Usagi being set right before it and Rurouni Kenshin right after it. Swordfighting is also the main form of combat in both. 

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Sousou no Frieren addpermalink

Frieren and Kenshin are strikingly similar:
They aren't getting rapidly stronger every chapter. They already reached their peaks and achieved great things before the show started. 
They were decisively involved in the most important political event in recent history. Meiji Restauration and defeat of the demon lord. 
They are haunted by the past, about which we slowly learn more and more. 
They just want to wander the lands anonymously but get interrupted by the need to help people.
They have their reputation precdede them. Most strangers have heard of the Battosai and Frieren of the hero party. 
They didn't really care about the feelings of others before but now try to be more empathic. 
 read more 

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Manga: Embalming: The Another Tale of Frankenstein

Embalming: The Another Tale of Frankenstein addpermalink

Same author, both take place in a historic setting:
Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Era
Embalming ~ The Another Tale of Frankenstein~: Victorian England

Once again, themes of revenge, betrayal, the sake of protecting someone are explored in Embalming, albeit a little differently than Rurouni Kenshin.
Because it's by the same author, the battle scenes have the same flow and pacing. 

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Noragami addpermalink

Noragami is Rurouni Kenshin with spirits and gods instead of samurai. There are many parallels, such as a the vow not to "kill" anymore. I loved both, and since the artwork is completely different, Noragami reads like an updated version of RK. It is not plagiarism at all, it is a honest, appreciative nod to a classic. 

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Aiki addpermalink

Both mangas have a similiar story line about "the strongest" who lost his powers in some kind of event and gets them back piece after piece as the story progress 

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One Piece addpermalink

Eiichiro Oda (the creator of One Piece) was once assistent to Nobuhiro Watsuki (the creator of Rurouni Kenshin), so this is a given. Similarities? They both have:
* Insanely powerful swordsmen (Zoro mostly)
* An entertaining cast of main characters 
* A friendly main character
* A fiery female lead
* Both gangs fight injustice 
* Sad backstories 
* Similar tastes in gags 

Differences: One Piece has less romance between main characters and focuses more on the adventure. 

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Fullmetal Alchemist addpermalink

They both feature very similar drawing. When I read Fullmetal Alchemist first, I immediately thought of Kenshin because they are so similar.Even more, the plot shares a similar core.

If you liked one of them, reading the other is definitively something to consider. 

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Hidamari no Ki addpermalink

Although they have little in common in their tone, pacing or focus, they have a specific aspect in common: both are intimately related with the Meiji Restoriation. Rurouni Kenshin deals with the consequences of the Restoration 10 years after it happened. Hidamari no Ki is set during the late 1850's and early 60's, giving great historical insights on the motives for why the Restoration happened. 

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Ruler of the Land addpermalink

PLEASE READ~ It's hard to make a recommendation for "Ruler of the Land" because it is awesome in its own way. Both ROTL and Kenshin are great fantasy historical battle manga. While Kenshin is great at story and characters, ROTL is better as a comedy and introduces a wide range of characters with SUPER COOL BATTLE TECHNIQUES. Number one recommendation! 

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Takemitsuzamurai addpermalink

Pasts twisted by the dark feelings over spilled blood haunt the expert swordsmen  protagonists in both manga. As they struggle to leave their pasts behind them by committing themselves to promoting the good of society and holding a blade against the violence promoted by evil men distorted by the bloody revolution.

These two manga are a must read for every reader out there. 

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Yamikagishi addpermalink

The male lead characters of the manga combat the gifted, fatally flawed antagonists and the supernatural as you follow them on their journeys to protect whom they love and cherish. 

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Rappi Rangai addpermalink

Both titles set in Japan the golden age of Japan. Both titles contain plenty of Sword and Ninja action with excellent artwork 

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Sengoku Armors addpermalink

Both series are action/fighting-based period pieces -- though different eras -- set in the wake of a changing age. Likewise, both deal with the clash between those trying to find their way in changing times and those clinging to and attempting to revive a past that allowed them to prosper through violence. 

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Donten ni Warau addpermalink

Meiji Period dramas revolving around the decline of the samurai class as Japan opened its gates to the outside world. In particular, the conflict between samurai and police officers (with a ninja or two thrown in) may seem familiar. Donten ni Warau is more of a fantasy story than the action-packed Rurouni Kenshin, but it does include exciting fight scenes and some wacky characters wielding unusual weapons. Also, both series manage to balance their sad or serious moments with hilarious slapstick humour.  

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Karakurizoushi Ayatsuri Sakon addpermalink

Somewhere I read that the two manga artists worked together before they became famous. Let's just say their styles have major simularities. 

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Sabu to Ichi Torimono Hikae addpermalink

This is the original traveling samurai adventure. This series is based on the same stories as the "Zatoichi" blind samurai live action film series. If you like samurai adventure, this is an excellent choice. 

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Souten no Koumori addpermalink

Both manga are set in a fictionalized version of feudal Japan and center around a warrior who seeks to atone for and/or escape from a life defined by violence and murder. 

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Kurogane addpermalink

Both tell the story of two ronin samurai in conflict with their past,and during their wander they will fight strong enemies helping those who need it,in this point Kurogane is less ingenuous than Rurouni Kenshin and as plot more adult. 

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Gintama addpermalink

The background for Kenshin and Gintoki is pretty much the same. Once feared as a demon in the battlefield they disappeared from the world with the ending of the war. Years later they return as a new man that resign from violence, but their past pursues them and they have to fight again to protect those important to them. 

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Gamaran addpermalink

They both involve sword fighting and the techniques from Gamaran remind me of Rurouni Kenshin. They both have their own certain fighting style. Trust me if you liked Kenshin you're 100% going to like Gamaran it's going to be the next best thing. 

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Hokuto no Ken addpermalink

Shounen-mangas with very strong maincharacters. Both try to make the world better with their fighting skills.
Not to mention that Hokuto no ken was a huge influence to Kenshin. :) 

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Sakuran addpermalink

Both series are based in a much older time within the country of Japan and have a very historical feel. Not to mention, there is also romance in both: more so in Rurouni Kenshin than Sakuran. 

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Appare Jipangu! addpermalink

They both take place in the late Warring States Era of Japan and.....  Samon just kinda reminded me of Kenshin, cause they're both swordsman and they have long red hair. That's pretty much it... :P 

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Meteor Methuselah addpermalink

Rurouni Kenshin and Immortal Rain both begin with the female deuteragonist attacking the eponymous character. Kaoru and Machika learn later on who they really are and gradually fall in love with them.

Kenshin and Rain are usually easy-going, goofy, clumsy, and very, very kind, but will become serious and ready to defend those important to them.
Both have a dark past and enemies who they must confront if it means living peacefully with those who have become like a family to them. 

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