Vagabond

Minor Spoiler Alert

I seldom use the term "perfection" because it risks losing its impact through overuse. Moreover, only a few manga can truly justify such a label.

Nevertheless, "perfection" aptly describes Vagabond. It transcends greatness in every aspect. Though often categorized as a Martial Arts/Combat Seinen, the narrative dives much deeper than that classification suggests.

The duels and battles, while breathtaking, are just one facet of Inoue sensei's masterpiece. This aspect propels readers into profound philosophical reflections, compelling self-examination as they delve deeper into the story. Readers become emotionally invested in the characters' journeys.

The protagonist's development throughout the series is masterfully penned by the author. As he inches closer to his goal of becoming "Invincible under the Heavens" via swordsmanship, each step prompts introspection about his true desires and the essence of true strength.

A pivotal moment in his evolution occurs after the Battle of Ichijoji-Sagarimatsu, where he annihilates the remaining Yoshioka clan members. This battle stands out as the best I've encountered in any manga—no superfluous dialogues, no forced power-ups, no disruptive flashbacks. Just raw skill and focus, cutting down adversaries in a state of 'mushin.' Inoue's depiction here achieves perfection, immersing readers completely in the battle scenes, making them feel as if they're in Musashi's zone.

Vagabond's artistry feels divinely crafted. Takehiko Inoue might be the greatest mangaka when it comes to artwork, as evident from his various works. The art is undoubtedly one of Vagabond's most striking features, capable of giving readers goosebumps. Personally, I've spent minutes admiring some panels purely for their beauty.

I could elaborate further on what makes this work so captivating, but it would never end. Discover it yourself once you embark on this journey.

In conclusion, despite its current hiatus, Vagabond remains an absolute masterpiece among great manga and a top contender—if not the champion—for the title of the "best manga of all time."

Story: 6/10
A compelling narrative centered around Miyamoto Musashi, a historical figure. The storyline is fairly straightforward but executed well with moments that truly stand out. The progression of the story is decent, though my main issue lies with the farming arc which significantly dampened my interest. The manga remains unfinished, and I have doubts about its completion. A major letdown was the absence of the anticipated showdown between Kojiro and Musashi.

Art: 10/10
Inoue Takehiko's artwork is nothing short of spectacular. Emotions are depicted beautifully, characters are drawn realistically, surpassing most other manga in terms of visual quality. There are no exaggerated anime eyes or unrealistic features; every face and panel showcases meticulous effort.

Character: 9/10
Musashi shines as the standout character with remarkable development and depth. Matahachi’s evolution is perhaps the best in the series. The characters are generally well-rounded and engaging, although some are somewhat forgettable. My personal favorites are Kohei and Kojiro.

Enjoyment: 10/10
Despite the disappointing farming arc, the rest of the manga is nearly flawless. It masterfully evokes excitement, sadness, and anticipation. Overall, it was an immensely enjoyable read with no significant complaints.

Overall: 8/10
The core cast and raw fight scenes were the highlights. As the story advanced, fewer beloved characters appeared, leading to a slight loss of interest. Additionally, the thrilling fights that made the manga special were notably absent from the latter half.

Vagabond stands out as one of the finest manga ever crafted. Unlike many seinen manga that often delve into gore and superficial storylines, Vagabond offers a refreshing depth, appealing to readers who appreciate philosophical and realistic narratives.

The story follows the journey of Miyamoto Musashi, a samurai whose life is depicted with remarkable authenticity from the very first chapter. The mangaka's portrayal of Musashi’s trials and tribulations throughout his path is nothing short of brilliant.

The artwork in Vagabond is unparalleled, and the narrative unfolds with exquisite finesse. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, ensuring that readers remain engaged without feeling rushed or bogged down. Character development is superb, with each character introduced in a thoughtful and comprehensive manner. The combat scenes are breathtakingly epic and portrayed with such realism that every panel becomes an immersive experience.

The elegance with which the story is told ensures that each chapter imparts valuable lessons about life. For those hesitant to embark on this reading journey, cast aside your doubts and dive into this masterpiece. You won't regret it.

Vagabond

Plot - 7/10 The synopsis for Vagabond might not be enticing to everyone. It's rather simple, which isn't inherently bad, but hearing it's about a man striving to be the strongest may not appeal to all. Vagabond is more of a character-driven narrative, focusing on motivations and personal goals. Essentially, it's a deep dive into Musashi's journey towards invincibility. What elevates Vagabond are its profound themes like self-purpose and strength. If these resonate with you, Vagabond could become one of your favorite manga.

Characters - 9/10 The characters in Vagabond are its standout feature, feeling remarkably realistic. My favorite is Matahachi, whose decisions, though sometimes flawed, reflect human nature accurately. Discussing these characters extensively would do them an injustice; experiencing them firsthand is essential.

Art - 10/10 Inoue's art excels in realism, making some panels visually stunning.

Enjoyment - Personally, Vagabond wasn't my most enjoyable read, but that doesn't mean it won't be yours. Enjoyment varies from person to person, so assigning a numerical score here seems inappropriate. A well-written story doesn't guarantee universal enjoyment.

Other (dialogue and paneling) - 8/10 The paneling is excellent, especially during action sequences. Dialogue is sparse until the later arcs, as Inoue prefers showing over telling. This method enhances memorability, but if you prefer dialogue-heavy manga, Vagabond might disappoint. Despite the minimal dialogue, it effectively conveys its messages through visual storytelling.

Final Rating - 8.5/10

Vagabond has its moments of brilliance, yet it remains a frustrating manga due to inconsistent and static characters, along with pacing issues in the final third. Despite having the potential to be a masterpiece, it falls short of achieving that status.

The story of Vagabond is straightforward, tracing the (stylized retelling) life of the renowned historical samurai Miyamoto Musashi, later joined by his arch-rival Sasaki Kojiro. The artwork is stunning, among the best in all of manga. The world-building, enhanced by the beautiful art, is immersive, making you feel like you are in samurai-era Japan, surrounded by historically realistic characters.

If you enjoy reading manga filled with gore and fighting or just appreciate a badass protagonist, then Vagabond is perfect for you, as this is where it excels. However, it also attempts to delve deeper, exploring why various characters dedicate their lives to becoming stronger. This is executed very well in the first half. We see sword fighting depicted as an art form, with its significance derived from the fact that practitioners risk their lives. We also witness Musashi being challenged by characters who question his indifference towards taking life, and his own struggle with what it means to be the strongest.

My primary issue with Vagabond is that it doesn't progress these themes, leading them to become repetitive. Additionally, Inoue tries hard to give Musashi a softer, more philosophical side but fails to reconcile this with Musashi's lack of regard for human life. It's unrealistic to have empathy if you kill people without hesitation, and the fact that you enjoy carving wood statues doesn't change that.

The supporting characters, aside from Matahachi who is quite amusing, are two-dimensional. The "romance" is poor, consisting solely of sexual tension with a useless love interest.

The plot quality varies. Several early arcs are exceptionally good (Inshun, Yoshioka, Kojiro growing up), to the point where if the manga only had those parts, it would be a 10/10. However, it starts to decline around chapter 260. The first two-thirds are definitely worth reading, and it's unfortunate that the manga is on hiatus, as the current arc seems promising.

Overall, I found Vagabond interesting enough to hook me, but rather frustrating because of the mix of good and bad qualities.

[Spoiler Warning]

I decided to read Vagabond out of curiosity, wondering what all the buzz was about. It turned out to be a quick read. Each chapter is filled with large image panels and minimal action, which makes it flow smoothly if you're reading it all at once but can be agonizing if you're waiting for each chapter release. The artwork is stunning—probably the best I've seen in any manga—but it sharply contrasts with the lack of substantial story, much like relying on special effects in a movie.

The "story" seems to revolve around the protagonist's quest to become the ultimate warrior, or as they say, "invincible under the sun." This leads to some peculiar battles, such as the infamous "let's duel next year when our dojo isn't on fire" incident, the thrilling stare-down with Aang from Avatar, and the gripping standoff with the sleeping man. Things got slightly more engaging after Musashi killed enough people that their friends started caring, giving them motives beyond perfecting their skills, thus creating some sympathy and emotional investment in the outcomes of these battles... but this didn't last long.

Over 50 chapters were dedicated to spoon-fed philosophizing. These revelations weren't born out of sincere self-discovery but were forced upon the characters by circumstances preventing them from pursuing their usual goals. Over time, the endless conversations and bouts of schizophrenia became repetitive and tedious for me.

Many characters clung to highly romanticized notions of "honor," making their motives and actions hard to relate to and sometimes unrealistic. They would get confused over conflicting honor codes, nearly sabotaging their original goals. Other times, they'd shift from genuine emotional reactions to intellectualized bushido ideals so quickly that I wanted to slap them. This led to many facepalms on my part.

The 70-man battle should have been thrilling, but instead, it exemplified action over substance. Chapter after chapter of countless sword swings left me indifferent because I didn't care about these characters. While I love action, it only resonates with me when there's something significant at stake beyond just fighting stronger opponents later. That's why my favorite fight, and the highlight of the series, was the twig battle between Sasaki and Musashi. It's disheartening when a twig battle feels more exciting than a 70-man bloodbath.

Sometimes, there are works that come out and push an entire medium forward. I never truly considered manga to be anything more than fast-food entertainment until I read Vagabond. Only a few works have genuinely changed how I view a medium, and just as Watchmen redefined comics for me, Vagabond altered my perspective on manga.

I need to get this out first: the art is magnificent. Using traditional inkbrush and watercolors, Inoue has surpassed any of his previous works. This is his artistic peak, and it's unlikely he'll surpass it in terms of artistry.

The saying goes that a picture is worth a thousand words, and often, Inoue is content to give us a two-page spread of blood and iron, detailed down to the last droplet. Those details bring us to the story itself. I don't think Vagabond is a perfect work; there are undoubtedly minor and major details that won't sit well with everyone. There might be plot holes or details I've missed. But from a purely academic reading aside, Vagabond tells its story effortlessly. Miyamoto Musashi starts off craving power, a young man eager to test himself against the world.

Gradually, we watch him fight, kill, grow stronger, and mature. This journey unfolds alongside the equally captivating story of Matahachi Honiden, Musashi's childhood friend. While Musashi dedicates himself to mastering his craft, Matahachi indulges in hedonistic pleasures. Though the story makes certain implicit judgments about both characters, ultimately, it treats them as people. We see Musashi strive for greater success while Matahachi descends into despair. About halfway through, we meet our final protagonist—the deaf swordsman Sasaki Kojirou. Through trials and tribulations, we follow these three characters, even though the series remains unfinished.

In 2015, Inoue put the work on hiatus, and I don't believe he will return to it. But in many ways, this only increases my love for the story. Vagabond may be flawed due to its lack of exposition or breeziness in content, but regardless, it cannot be ignored. To me, Vagabond embodies the feelings it evokes—the deeply atmospheric art that threatens to drown you in its beauty, the enigmatic characters and their relationships that you can admire without fully understanding. All these elements make Vagabond what it is, perhaps even more than the sum of its parts. And in many ways, Vagabond pushes me to say—this might very well be the greatest manga of all time.

Possible spoiler ahead

That Kojiro arc, spanning over 80 chapters and nearly a third of the manga, completely drained my enthusiasm for it.

I adored the first 115 chapters, where the primary focus was on Musashi's journey to becoming invincible under the sun. I appreciated the philosophical depth and how our protagonist began contemplating life more broadly. It felt like he was starting from scratch, viewing combat through a fresh lens, and with guidance from various mentors, his progress was swift.

My reluctance to skip arcs, combined with a desire to fully grasp the plot and its nuances, compelled me to endure this unbearable section. Knowing that Kojiro plays some role in the storyline, yet facing excruciatingly slow pacing and numerous uninteresting characters, I eventually dropped it.

Perhaps, after some time, I might reconsider picking it up again to see how it concludes. I've always been eager to witness Musashi's growth.

7/10

There is a reason this manga is regarded as one of the best, yet I seldom see anyone discussing it. I get that it's not currently releasing new chapters and has been on hiatus with no end in sight, but that doesn't diminish its quality. For fans of action manga, I highly recommend this series—it blends comedy and raw emotion, occasionally stirring anger, truly engaging the reader while offering insights into Japanese history.

The art style sometimes felt like a drawback to me. There were moments when reading where the artwork didn't convey as much emotion as the story did. You can clearly see Takehiko Inoue getting worn out by his own manga; at times, his art deteriorated rather than improved. However, it started to pick up again in more recent issues, and some chapters are even more detailed than they were at the beginning. It wasn't a bad display by any means, but it just didn't feel as vibrant.

Musashi Miyamoto—Widely considered one of the greatest, if not THE greatest swordsmen in Japanese history.
Sasaki Kojiro—Known as the "Crazy Tiger from Echizen," he is Musashi Miyamoto's deaf-mute arch-rival and friend.
Matahachi Hon'iden—Musashi Miyamoto's childhood friend and the WORST CHARACTER IN THE ENTIRE DAMN SERIES!

Some seinen manga, I believe, take the meaning too far. The gore and nudity found in them is simply disturbing, no longer artistic, just omnipresent and absolutely in-your-face.

Vagabond is not like those seinen manga.

From the beginning, Vagabond has this strange allure to it. Drawn to this manga by the promise of awesome fight scenes, [oh yes, I assure you, you will not be disappointed by the fight scenes], you find yourself hooked to this manga.

Absolutely, completely, utterly, hooked.

It starts off with a rather rude and yet beautiful jerk, depicting the scene of a battlefield in splendid watercolor. The manga just rides on from there, rising from peak to peak. The fights get better, and the character himself grows. He grows realistically, he stumbles, he falls, he falls so hard that he finds it difficult to get back onto his feet, he takes the wrong path, goes the wrong way, makes the wrong enemies, and kills the wrong people, but he gets back up, and the story continues.

It is just so completely believable, so persuasive and so artistic all at the same time that with this manga just feels so raw and yet so real.

The main character, who one will find it hard to identify with on the surface, has something deep within him that every single one of us can possibly understand and aspire towards.

His growth and development, in more ways than just of the sword, but yet at the same time never truly leaving the sword, are so simple and yet so spectacular at the same time. He manages to bring out the best in some people and the worst in others, brushing past some like a whirlwind and crashing headlong into others, leaving behind a trail of death, destruction, and new life. All this happens while he himself is still growing, and while he is nowhere near perfect, there is just something so addictive about getting to know more about him.

And getting to know more about the main character is exactly what this entire manga is about. It is about seeing Miyamoto Musashi through the eyes of the world, through the eyes of others, and through his own eyes.

With a brilliant blend of flashbacks, flashforwards and glimpses into the lives of others besides those who surround the main character, Vagabond paints a rich picture of the samurai scene in the time of Miyamoto Musashi, the main character.

If you have been hesitating about reading a seinen manga, hesitate no more.

Vagabond will open your eyes to a brilliant new genre.

What can I say about Vagabond to convey its magnificence? I confidently state that this manga can be likened to masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa. Before questioning why, let me explain by discussing its art.

Story

This manga is inspired by Eiji Yoshikawa's masterpiece, detailing the life of the legendary Japanese swordsman Musashi Miyamoto, also known as Shinmen Takezo, who founded the Niten Ichi-ryū (二天一流), a style using both Katana and Wakizashi (the short sword). Whether all depicted events are factual or embellished remains uncertain, but this work underscores the significance of honor, swordsmanship, and excellence. The story in Vagabond is profound, possibly challenging for everyone to fully appreciate at first read.

Art

This aspect leaves me utterly mesmerized. Takehiko Inoue, renowned for his dedication to artistry, outdoes himself here. From the initial pages, you're completely immersed. Characters' emotions are vividly portrayed through their eyes and expressions, affirming the adage that eyes are windows to the soul. The color palette is exceptional, particularly how he employs brushes for colored pages. Character designs are superb; every panel captures their emotional state, a challenging feat few achieve solely through visuals. This explains my Mona Lisa comparison—it boasts the best artwork in manga history.

Character

Vagabond primarily focuses on character development, especially our protagonist Musashi. His growth from the beginning to current chapters is astonishing due to the challenges he faces. Philosophical debates abound, notably exploring what it means to be "the best under heaven." These questions are answered ingeniously through various events, making it a compelling narrative.

Enjoyment

I simply can't get enough of this manga. Initially captivated by the art, diving into the story offers endless enjoyment. Its depth necessitates multiple readings to fully grasp the implications and dialogues, enhancing the overall experience.

Overall

Vagabond provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It commands respect for its characters, many based on real people. Whether events are factual or exaggerated, it remains an extraordinary masterpiece.

"Vagabond" crafts an enthralling and distinctive samurai narrative that occasionally touches on familiar motifs while introducing surprising turns to maintain reader engagement. Takeo Inoue's artistic approach, particularly during the samurai combat scenes, is visually arresting and significantly elevates the storytelling experience. The characters, especially Miyamoto Musashi, are intricately developed with a blend of virtues and faults, lending authenticity to the plot. Their plausible responses to various situations enhance the immersion into the historical backdrop. Though the series might not resonate with all audiences, its universal storytelling, profound character development, and breathtaking visuals make it a captivating recommendation even for those beyond the usual samurai genre enthusiasts. "Vagabond" achieves a delicate equilibrium between the familiar and the unpredictable, providing an engrossing read that surpasses genre boundaries.