In 16th-century Japan, Shinmen Takezou is a rough and wild young man, both in appearance and behavior. His aggressive demeanor has earned him the collective disapproval and fear of his village, leading him and his best friend, Matahachi Honiden, to seek something greater than their provincial lives. They enlist in the Toyotomi army, hoping for glory—but after the Toyotomi suffer a devastating defeat at the hands of the Tokugawa Clan in the Battle of Sekigahara, the friends barely escape with their lives.
Separated after the battle, Shinmen returns home on a mission to inform the Hon'iden family of Matahachi's survival. Instead, he finds himself branded as a wanted criminal, framed for his friend's supposed murder due to his violent past. Captured and strung up on a tree to die, he is secretly freed by an itinerant monk named Takuan Soho, who takes pity on the "devil child." Takuan renames him Musashi Miyamoto to help him evade authorities.
Vagabond is a fictional retelling of the life of one of Japan's most famous swordsmen, the "Sword Saint" Musashi Miyamoto—his journey from a swordsman driven solely by the desire to become "Invincible Under the Heavens" to an enlightened warrior who gradually learns the importance of friendship, self-reflection, and life itself.
The series won the Japan Media Arts Festival Manga Grand Prize and the 24th Kodansha Manga Award in the General category in 2000. It also received the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2002 and has sold over 82 million copies worldwide.
Vagabond was published in English by VIZ Media under the VIZ Signature imprint from April 5, 2002, to April 21, 2015. Large 3-in-1 omnibus editions were released under the VIZBIG imprint from September 16, 2008, to April 21, 2015. The English release earned Takehiko Inoue a nomination for the Eisner Award in the Best Writer/Artist category in 2003. The series was also published in Brazilian Portuguese by Panini Comics from February 2016 to February 2019.
Vagabond is undoubtedly one of the two best manga I've ever read, alongside Berserk. I'm not exaggerating; even casual manga readers might agree. This manga deserves to be on everyone's must-read list, regardless of whether they're avid manga fans or not. The story and concept are breathtaking, magnificent in every aspect and arc. Even when an arc seems slow or boring, it still leaves you amazed. Another aspect I love is the philosophical messages embedded in every word. The character development is incredibly realistic over time.
The enjoyment of reading this manga varies from person to person. For me, the combination of mesmerizing art and storytelling is truly enjoyable. However, the uncertainty or hiatus of the series' continuation makes me a bit uncomfortable, always guessing what will happen next:
- Has Musashi found the true meaning of "the strongest under heaven"?
- How does Musashi's journey end?
Overall, reading Vagabond is a personal journey, and I would rate it a clear 10/10.
I find it incredibly challenging to recommend a manga where the initial 120 chapters are largely mediocre, despite the stunning artwork. It's quite an investment of time, but it reads quickly.
It's difficult for me to give this series a high rating when it takes so long to get engaging, even with numerous fight scenes (which should be shorter). While I've read many slow-burn stories that kept my interest, Vagabond, though visually beautiful, requires more than just impressive art to be considered a masterpiece.
Although I managed to speed through the beginning without much effort, it never felt like a burden. If you're not feeling it, skip ahead to chapter 125 and decide if you want to continue. The manga took too long to become interesting, and while I did feel somewhat rewarded, it was still a long wait. This work delves into philosophical themes such as self-improvement, understanding the world, what strength means, and losing one's way. Despite its aimlessness in earlier chapters, the story eventually finds its footing towards the end.
To sum up: The first 120 or so chapters were excruciatingly boring. I appreciated the philosophical topics it touched upon (though it didn't explore them deeply), but the repetition became tedious (lengthy fights, characters reaching the same conclusions repeatedly). Honestly, it's a 6/10 manga. If you truly want to enjoy the story and dive deep into its philosophical aspects, read the actual epic novel "Musashi" by Yoshikawa Eiji—it's vastly superior. Without the art, this would have been a mediocre adaptation of the novel.
Vagabond stands among the 'Big Three' of Seinen manga, celebrated for its profound philosophical insights woven through the evolution of its protagonist, Miyamoto Musashi.
Story:
Vagabond chronicles the metamorphosis of the brutish Shinmen Takezo into the refined Miyamoto Musashi. Born to 'The Unequaled', Shinmen Takezo initially perceives life as an endless cycle of killing until his own demise. A near-death experience catalyzes his rebirth as Musashi, instilling a newfound appreciation for his existence. Devoted to mastering the sword in pursuit of invincibility, Musashi challenges renowned schools across Japan. Each confrontation reveals more about himself and the world, gradually shifting his quest from mere strength to wisdom. Inoue's storytelling unfolds at a contemplative pace, enriched by stunning visuals that invite readers to savor every page.
9/10
Characters and Themes:
This is Vagabond’s forte, driving its immense popularity. Inoue delves into themes like talent, ambition, purpose, life, death, and true strength through multifaceted characters. Every battle symbolizes deeper ideological clashes. My favorite juxtaposition involves Musashi, Denshichiro, Seijuro, and Matahachi. Musashi embodies both ambition and talent; Denshichiro has ambition but lacks talent; Seijuro possesses talent without ambition; Matahachi lacks both. Another pivotal theme explores true strength. Characters like Ittosai and Munisai represent raw physical power, whereas Takuan and Otsu exemplify Inoue's belief that true strength emanates from kindness.
10/10
Art:
In terms of quality, Vagabond showcases Inoue’s unparalleled artwork. Each panel captivates, compelling readers to pause and absorb the details, thereby controlling the story's rhythm. The art masterfully blends shading, texture, and detail, mirroring the narrative's depth.
10/10
Personal Enjoyment:
Vagabond encourages reflection on its ideas. Occasionally, the dialogue's wisdom is cryptic, prompting deep thought. While many find this transformative, I personally struggled to connect deeply. Still, I appreciated the thorough exploration of its themes.
8/10
Conclusion:
Vagabond excels in both art and writing, making full use of its medium. It demands multiple readings, offering fresh insights each time. It's a masterpiece that transcends casual consumption.
9/10
Look, if you're looking for a fantastic samurai manga, this is the one. It's my absolute favorite. Even just 30 chapters in, you can already see significant development in our main character. This manga is an essential read.
Art - The artwork is top-notch, even during its more whimsical moments. It maintains high quality throughout. 10/10
Story - While the storyline is straightforward, it's executed beautifully. (Spoilers) Our protagonist aims to become the strongest, and through his journey, he grows wiser, contemplating what true strength, fear, and other profound concepts really mean. So yeah, 10/10.
Characters - They are all endearing, though some might initially seem unlikable. However, they grow on you over time. 10/10.
Enjoyment - I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It captivated me from the start, and it's also a quick read. 10/10.
Overall - 10/10
VAGABOND MORE LIKE VAGAPEAK. No bro, you gotta read this. It will change you mentally. The way the character in the story transforms from a young and angry boy without meaning to a mature, strong, and calm man showed me how to behave when facing adversity. Vagabond is one of the greatest manga you can read right now. Anyone can read Vagabond and learn from it, but if you're a young man or a teenager, you GOTTA read Vagabond. It is not just a manga; it's a whole journey in the life of the main character, Shinmen Takezo, later known as Miyamoto Musashi. The story teaches you what it means to go alone, walking through a country to become the greatest and discover who he truly is. That's what Vagabond is - not just a manga, but a masterpiece.
A progressive philosophical manga with action as its subject.
Art: 10/10, Characters: 10/10,
Something every person should consume if they have time; it will help you in one way or another.
SURFACE:
The tale of Musashi Miyamoto, arguably the greatest swordsman of all time.
From an early age, Musashi was a wild boy who cared only about striving for the title "Unrivaled Under The Heavens" and making sure his name was heard everywhere.
What Vagabond is ACTUALLY about:
That is just the surface of it and is NOT what the author wants us to think Vagabond is all about.
Vagabond is the maturing of the main character from being the wild animal and narrow-minded Shinmen Takezo (Musashi's old name) to becoming the all-observing and accepting Musashi Miyamoto. Through the way of the sword, meeting friends and foes.
People delve too much into it and overthink it. Vagabond is not an action manga; it is the progression of Musashi as a human being and evolving onto the higher realms of what a truly strong person is all about. Think of Vagabond as a progressive philosophical manga with action as its subject.
PHILOSOPHY:
With the recent surge of "Vinland Saga Good Guy Philosophy," Vagabond's philosophy is actually underappreciated and forcefully labeled as "overrated."
This is not the philosophy of a depressed fanatic who is upset with his father, nor is it the type of philosophy which questions everything. This is the philosophy of a man who has the blood of many on his hands, the philosophy of a warrior. And each bit of philosophy in Vagabond completely checks out in its samurai context.
For example:
"All strong men are truly kind": A philosophy given to Musashi by a monk named Takuan. Now note that this philosophy can be considered flawed in many ways if we refer to it from our perspectives. BUT THIS was given to MUSASHI specifically in order for him to grow and realize the truth that you do not ONLY have to be strong in order to be the "strongest" but also kind.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW:
I could go on and on for hours about how great this manga is and how influential a man Musashi truly is. But keep in mind a few things. This is not complete and has been on hiatus since around 2015. But it does not need to be completed in order to be a fulfilling masterpiece. (Bias)
Thank you for reading,
This has been Marco.
Vagabond is a tale centered around a man who resists adapting to an evolving world where his line of work is gradually becoming outdated. Unlike others in similar situations, he doesn't conform to the system. Instead, he pursues his passion with purity and directness, discovering timeless artistic beauty within it.
This narrative offers multiple interpretations, each resonating with timeless themes that many can relate to. Despite being categorized as Seinen, Vagabond avoids fixating on adult themes like gore and sex. It uses these elements as tools to convey elegance without letting them define its identity.
Art - 10
No manga boasts a more lifelike or captivating art style than Vagabond. Takehiko Inoue stands among the best artists of our time, crafting each page to be more stunning than the last. This is manga art at its pinnacle.
Characters - 10
The characters in Vagabond feel genuinely human. Matahachi exemplifies this perfectly; he's neither good nor purely evil but simply human. He lacks a logical mindset or steadfast principles. He makes countless mistakes and acts impulsively, sometimes causing harm, yet occasionally doing good. Throughout the story, he matures but often reverts to old habits. His flawed nature makes him a perfect representation of real humanity, a trait shared by most characters, creating a vibrant, living world reflected in every dialogue and expression.
Story - 9.5
Vagabond weaves a beautiful tale, adeptly utilizing its historical setting. It delves deeply into various aspects of the era without turning into a tedious history lesson. The story hooks readers, drawing them in. Initially, it may seem confusing as it thrusts you into action without explanation, but gradually reveals information, hooking you before you realize it. While it occasionally meanders, it always reconnects with previous plot points.
Enjoyment - 10
The rating speaks for itself. I've never enjoyed any manga as much or related so deeply to its characters.
Overall - 10
What's remarkable about this manga is the exceptional quality of its action scenes. Usually, I struggle to follow action sequences in manga that are overly cluttered or feature a character frozen in an action pose surrounded by numerous "action lines." However, in Vagabond, you get a vivid sense of the characters' movements—the speed, the timing, and how narrowly they avoid each other. You can visualize everything clearly.
Besides, the characters' eyes seem to leap off the page. It feels as though they are looking directly into your soul. Their faces are uniquely detailed with wrinkles, blemishes, and scars, making each character stand out.
The artist truly acts like a great director. The "camera" angles are well-placed to capture both the action and drama—often cutting away to peaceful scenes nearby while you can almost still hear the clashing swords. The scenery always enhances the mood, whether it's a cloudy day in a dense forest, a bright morning in a small village, or a deep night at the beach under a bright moon.
The story is outstanding, and after reading 166 chapters, all the various characters are becoming intertwined within the larger narrative. They strive for strength and live by the sword, but they often ponder what it truly means to be strong and sometimes question if living by the sword is worthwhile.
Once again, the artwork really stands out to me. While I wouldn't describe it as particularly beautiful, it's incredibly effective. It makes me feel like I'm watching rather than reading. I can almost hear the sounds and see the actions unfolding before my eyes. This manga is definitely worth reading.