The normal TV series was based on the manga. The art was kind of close to Watsuki�s art style… or one of his styles because it developed fast and in extreme ways…
TV series ()
The anime series stopped following the manga�s story line after the Kyoto arch. However, the the big flashback telling Kenshin�s past was adapted as the Trust and Betrayal OVA… or Tsuiokuhen…
The art style was changed a lot to fit the gloomier mood. In my opinion they created a masterpiece.
OVA 1 ()
Hmmm… the second OVA had even more realistic design, but I don�t have pictures. If you�re suicidal, check for the Seisouhen OVA, although I still don�t see why anybody would want to watch that. 😉
The art also changes throughout the TV series… quite … Remember it has more than ninety episodes. Some of those pics look ugly. O_o