‘Rurouni Kenshin’ manga put on hold over author’s scandal

Image: Viz Media official website

Most Filipinos are very much up to speed with the adventures of fictional swordsman “Kenshin Himura” from the hit manga turned anime series “Rurouni Kenshin.”

However, controversy struck when the manga’s artist, Nobuhiro Watsuki, was recently charged with possession of of child pornography.

READ: ‘Rurouni Kenshin’ creator arrested for possession of child pornography

Due to the unforeseen series of events, the production and release of the new “Rurouni Kenshin: Hokkaido” five-story arc will now be put on a hiatus, according to J-News, as relayed by Anime News Network.

READ: ‘Rurouni Kenshin’ returns with new 5-story arc

“We’ve heard the news, and as a company, this is something we are taking very seriously,” the manga’s publisher, Shueisha, said in a statement carried by J-News.

“The artist is doing deep soul searching. Rurouni Kenshin Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story: Hokkaido Arc, currently serialized in Jump SQ, won’t appear in print for the time being from the December 4 issue.”

Meanwhile, movie network Neco Channel has also decided to drop the upcoming “Rurouni Kenshin“ live-action movie broadcasts in light of the charges against Watsuki, according to Kotaku.  Khristian Ibarrola /ra