Before the 2023 remake, the 1999 OVA (Original Video Animation) Rurouni Kenshin: Trust and Betrayal ( Tsuiokuhen ) redefined the franchise. Often considered a standalone masterpiece, this prequel details how Kenshin got his cross-shaped scar.
In 2023, a complete remake of Rurouni Kenshin began airing, produced by LIDENFILMS. This version strictly follows the manga with modern animation and no filler.
First, a quick clarification. The term "Samurai X" is a Western marketing invention. When the anime first aired in North America and Latin America, distributors feared that Rurouni Kenshin (which translates to "Kenshin the Wanderer") was too foreign. They rebranded it as Samurai X to emphasize the action and the mysterious "X" shaped scar on the protagonist's left cheek.
Start with the Trust & Betrayal OVA (legendado) for the perfect 90-minute tragedy. Then watch the Kyoto Arc of the 1996 series (legendado) for the ultimate shonen battle epic.