starstoryteller wrote:Hey Watsuki was trying to give him a girlsh look to be get a way form the usal sameri look and make some thing difernt and unique thats it the
Actually, from what I understand, the character design of Kenshin is based on an actual historical "hitokiri", called Kawakami Gensai, who happened to look more feminine than usual.
Kawakami Gensai
"Kawakami Gensai, one of the four great Hitokiri of the Bakumatsu, could be mistaken for a girl at first glance, but his nature was the complete opposite of his appearance]Watsuki's Character Notes[/U]
The following is quoted off of Shonen Jump's RK graphic novel translations of Watsuki:
"Himura Kenshin. Based somewhat on the actual Hitokiri,Kawakami Gensai. Sort Of. Except Totally Different. Kawakami Gensai was one of the four great Hitokiri, or assassins of the revolutionary (Bakamatsu) period. He was short and skinny and could be mistaken at first glance for a woman. Contrary to his appearance, though, he was clever and clear-headed despite being most dreaded among all of the hitokiri.
Master of an original sword-style called "Shiranui-Ryu," Kawakami is famous for felling the graet idealist Sakuma Shozan in one swing, in mid-day. Kawakami is nevertheless a mysterious figure, however, as there are no certain records of his other assassinations.
After the revolution-and unableto let go of the idea that Japan should remain closed to the world-Kawakami found himself in frequent conflict with the revolutionary government. Ultimately, he was accused of a crime he did not commit and executed in the 4th year of Meiji.
As I researched further, it began to occur to me that the story wasn't so clear cut and dried. What this hitokiri could not let go of was his duty to his fallen comrades, and to the men that he had killed. It's this that gave me the initial idea for the "Kenshin" character. As for the others, there is the selflessness of okita Soshi of the Shinsengumi and the mysterious quality of Saito Hajime...but, then again, who knows.
In terms of graphic designs, I had no real motif. The main character of my debut work was a tall, black-haired man in showy armor, so when I set out to design someone completely opposite of him, he ended up looking like a girl (heh). Not knowing what else to do, I put a cross-shaped scar on the left cheek. Now that same cross marks the spot at which the Battosai became Kenshin...or so I've heard!
(taken from the Oro.com)
More here...
http://www.sword.ne.jp/swordsmen/bushi/gensai.html