Rurouni Kenshin Vol. 1

It is the Meiji Restoration, and the feudal system separating the classes has ended. By law, the samurai must give up their swords - symbols of their traditional power - but a few still resist the changing times. Many of these that refuse have honed their power and skill in such a way that it would make them a horrible threat in an otherwise, peaceful society.

Although... not all that carry a sword carry it with the intent to kill, as the wanderer, Himura Kenshin will show. Using an elite style of swordsmanship known as Hiten Mitsurugi, he wields a reverse-bladed sword and fights to repent for his past, defending the oppressed and aiding those in need - all without killing anyone.

Rurouni Kenshin Vol. 2

Things are settling down at the Kamiya dojo. Former "fight merchant" Sanosuke has come to grips with his past, realizing perhaps that things aren't quite so black and white as he may once have thought, that good men may serve bad causes, and vice-versa. Yahiko, the angry-fisted young man, is learning to relax. And Kenshin is enjoying Kaoru's cooking (as much as he can, anyway). But even in these confused, ambiguous, early days of modern Japan, there is such a thing as pure evil - Udo Jin-e, black-hatted, crazy-eyed former assassin, still is chasing the scent of blood, his mad thirst for vengeance felling the innocent and guilty alike. If a man kills too many, too long, as Kenshin says, he loses his original purpose, and has his heart stolen by the color and smell of blood. Hitokiri vs. hitokiri...can Kenshin withstand the strange, hypnotic effect of Jin-e...?

Rurouni Kenshin Vol. 3

A night out gambling and what Kenshin and Sanosuke bring back are not winnings, but a woman - Takani Megumi, mysterious and beautiful, pursued by the crooked industrialist Takeda Kanry - and in need of Kenshin's protection. Megumi, it seems, is the daughter of a famous family of physicians and, however unwillingly, has been participating in the production of a super-powerful, super-profitable form of opium. But now Kanry wants his "hen who lays the golden egg" back, while Sanosuke - who lost a friend to an opium overdose, and therefore sees only the worst in Megumi - would just as rather she did disappear. Kenshin, though, has looked into her eyes...seen the sadness...and knows that, whatever reason a man may need to act, for one who has seen as much as he, the plight of Megumi is for him enough.

Rurouni Kenshin Vol. 4

Held captive and running out of hope, Megumi ponders the two options she's been given: A life of suffering, or a peaceful death. Meanwhile, Kenshin and the others continue their battle with the elite former guards of Edo Castle - the Oniwabanshu - as led by the enigmatic Shinomori Aoshi. Foes who spit fire, throw poison darts... How can Kenshin and his friends overcome a seamingly endless number of foes?

Rurouni Kenshin Vol. 5

Isurugi Raijuta, a truly old-school swordsman, comes to Kenshin and requests his aid in reforming the state of swordsmanship schools or kenjutsu dojo in Japan.

Rurouni Kenshin Vol. 6

Kenshin's battle with Raijuta to decide the fate of Meiji Era swordsmanship is coming to a head. One fact is quicklyu becoming apparent: Raijuta will stop at nothing to ensure the supremacy of his own school of sword-fighting! Reunited with a member of the former Sekiho Army - that doomed civilian unit - Sanosuke runs into trouble of his own. Old alliances are challenged whn a plan to topple the current government by any means necessary is shared·and as his friend puts it, Sano's either "in," or he's "in the way."

Rurouni Kenshin Vol. 7

The Shinsengumi - fearsome and formidable protectors of the Shogunate, with whom Kenshin did battle during the final days of the Meiji Restoration. One man in particular-Saitt Hajime, captain of the third unit-lingers in Kenshin's mind. Now an officer of the law and known as "Fujita Gort," Saitt arrives on the steps of the Kamiya Dojo, challenging Kenshin to a duel that will force a reawakening of Kenshin's own past. But the confrontation with Saitt is just the beginning of something much larger, something that will involve the future of the new Japan.... Also a hit anime series, RUROUNI KENSHIN is beloved by fans around the world for its mix of historical detail, spectacular battles and, of course, romantic comedy. The "Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story" continues in this new edition from VIZ.