So i've FINALLY finished it. After many years, I've completed one of the best reads since Watchmen. Yes I compare this series to Watchmen due to the sheer emotion and character development. It's not as grim and poetic as Watchmen but Nobuhiro Watsuki-sensei really makes you love the characters and feel their trials and tribulations. I REALLY had a hard time picking my favorite character in this series. Every main character had strengths and weaknesses and everyone got to show their colors. Saito, Aoshi, Kenshin, Yahiko, Sanosuke, Shishio, Kaoru and even Kenshin's master Hiko Seijuro played very strong roles. And the artwork: Wow, just wow!!! I am so inspired and apparently so was Watsuki. I noticed many character designs and poses resemble (and ripped off) of several American comics such as Spawn, X-men (specifically Jim Lee's version) and Spider-Man. This is not a bad thing but if you know American comics of the 90's you'll definitely see the influence. He even talks about these influences between chapters, as well as his action figure and game addictions (sounds a bit like someone I know...ME!).

So I strongly recommend reading this series. It's funny, sad, exciting and every other emotion in between. Also if you haven't seen the Anime or OVA I say check them out (except don't watch the anime after the Kyoto/Shishio saga, it goes on a totally different path). Just watch the TV show first before the OVA. You'll thank me...