From:Â http://misaki-toyodome.tumblr.com/
I'd be very interested in hearing what Aoshi fans think, but I've always understood his appeal to be primarily his looks. Also, some girls are really drawn to melancholic, withdrawn men (dark, brooding, 'misunderstood' men have been a popular trope since Heathcliff - and although I love Wuthering Heights, I've never been drawn to Heathcliff). I agree with you about his unappealing ideology; it's not born out of conviction but out of despair and thwarted ambition, and it seems rather flimsy for him to hang his obsession on.Â
What I really had a hard time grasping is that Misao forgave him instantly and welcomed him back with open arms. Or maybe she didn't - Watsuki-sensei didn't portray it, and judging by her behavior after Shishio's defeat, it doesn't seem like there's any lingering resentment. In real life though, betrayal like that will destroy a relationship and it takes major effort for reconciliation, if that's even a possibility (if the guy you were in love with almost killed your father, would you make excuses that 'he just wasn't himself' and forgive him in less than a month?). Sure, Aoshi found redemption after Kenshin opened his eyes, but it came far too easily, in my humble opinion.
Shinomori Aoshi: anti-hero, or just kind of...anti?