The Edit List
Rurouni Kenshin - Introduction
by Kyle Pope,
Rurouni Kenshin: Introduction
If you haven't heard yet Rurouni Kenshin is coming to Cartoon Network starting March 17th. It was confirmed at Katsucon 2003 by John Sirabella that it will be the Media Blasters dub that will be airing. Mr. Sirabella has also confirmed the the show will be edited. He states specifically that blood will be removed and some dialogue wil be redubbed.
According to CN's schedule page it looks like RK will be going to Toonami rather than Adult Swim. This will make for some very interesting edits. For the first arc there won't be too many problems to deal with. There is some blood as well as some scenes involving sake. However when the Kyoto arc hits things are likely to get ugly for those of you who don't like edits. The Kyoto arc is considered the high point of the RK TV series by its ardent fans. It is also extremely dark and violent. Shishio's Juppongatana henchmen are cruel in the extreme and their effects on the countryside are unflinchingly depicted. Then there are the fights between each member and the Kenshin-gumi. These are some of the hardest and bloodiest fights in the series particularly those involving Saito who is unburdened by Kenshin's "no-kill" mandate.
This show would have been better off going to Adult Swim where it could have run unedited. While Toonami may have to edit RK there is actually nothing in it that would violate Adult Swim standards especially given how Adult Swim has loosened up on what it will allow.
So a new player enters the arena of televised anime as Media Blasters makes it first entry. It's nice to see Bandai's monopoly over Cartoon Network is apparently breaking. While I have nothing against Bandai and enjoy many of their titles they're not the only player on the field with something to offer. Maybe now Magic Knight Rayearth will get the television airing it has so long deserved.
So I will be looking forward to Rurouni Kenshin's US television debut and I look forward to keeping you informed of what has been removed or otherwise altered.
