Talk:Saitō Hajime (Rurouni Kenshin)/GA1

GA Review
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Reviewer: ChrisGualtieri (talk · contribs) 15:06, 4 May 2012 (UTC)

Review
I'm going to start with the checklist and explain afterwards.

I have major concerns with the article battling the creator and the historical figure for the majority of the article. "Saitō Hajime (1844–1915) was an actual historic figure of the Meiji era who was the captain of the third squad of the Shinsengumi." This should be preceded or fixed with something like "Nobuhiro Watsuki based Saitō Hajime..."

Secondly, "In the development of Rurouni Kenshin Watsuki planned for Saitō to be a "dirty" hero who maintains his "Swift Death to Evil" policy and does not become "a nice guy" and "palsy-walsy" with Kenshin's group. Hajime has no specific model for his design." No citation and argumentative and frankly insulting with 'palsy-walsy'.

Next, "Watsuki received negative feedback from Shinsengumi fans who believed that Saitō had a more handsome face than the "villain-ish" face Watsuki used. In his defense Watsuki said that no photographs of Saitō exist; Watsuki added that while portraits exist, "if you think that's handsome, well, your mileage may vary, okay?" Watsuki recalled that one of the complaints criticized Saitō's selling of "Ishida powdered medicine" from the Hijikata family. Watsuki said that was "just me, fooling around" and that while he would take criticism for some aspects, "when people start complaining about stuff like that...come on now." [7] Watsuki stated that he received negative feedback letters regarding Saitō and received some positive feedback letters "in response."[8]" This is unacceptable. The article actually engages in the dispute. Watsuki's comments should be minimal and not used in such a way.

More so, "He later changed his name to Fujita Gorō (藤田 五郎?) (which the real life Saitō used) and started working for the Meiji Government as a spy agent.[6][15] Saitō is also married to a woman named Tokio (時尾?), who does not appear in the story." The ties to the historical figure are allowed in one brief section, preferably not in detail. Do not pick apart the character and bring the historical figure into the picture. It ruins the flow.

The sections for Personality and Abilities have weasel words and unsourced claims which seem to be WP:OR and WP:SYNTH. "A ruthless fighter, Saitō has no compassion or mercy for his enemies. He lives by the Shinsengumi code "Swift Death to Evil" (悪即斬 Aku Soku Zan?, also translated loosely as "Evil Unto Evil", where evil is killing[17]), though he never shows much regard for human life, at some points even letting on that he likes to kill. He is rather arrogant, morbid and cynical. Nevertheless, none of these character flaws prevent him from being a superb investigator and fighter. He believes in peace and order, even in the society created by the Imperialists, his former enemies. Anyone he considers to be corrupt or despotic, he targets for elimination.[18]" Give examples do not state it as a matter of fact without a source.

Abilities section has some problems with the weasel words as well, "Besides his overwhelming ability with a sword, Saitō is extremely well versed in hand-to-hand combat. His fighting style mostly resembles boxing as he possesses amazing footwork, defense, tremendous speed and immense physical strength. This is evident when he effortlessly pummels Sagara Sanosuke in a fistfight.[21] Saitō is also an able observer and extremely analytical in battle, much like Hiko Seijūrō, and can exploit his opponent's weaknesses quite easily, such as Kenshin's reliance on his quick judgment, to which he replies by kicking him to the back rather than with the sword despite having taken his sword up.[22]" This needs to be addressed.

Appearance in Rurouni Kenshin is a bit lack luster, but possible. His role could use some touch ups and some personality. It just seems like it is missing some emotion and detail. Rather then play on the other characters strengths make Saito be the main focus.

Reception is the last major area of concern. The issue of the items, amazon ones, being linked without reason are a bit much for me. List one or two, but a direct link to purchase them comes across as advertising.

I know its a lot of work to do, but I'll be here to help out. ChrisGualtieri (talk) 15:36, 4 May 2012 (UTC)