Vagabond

Simply beyond compare. Where do I even start? There's nothing left for me to add that hasn't already been said. The artwork is otherworldly. Every panel feels like a masterpiece. You can sense the effort and overflowing creativity on every page. It's poetry, but with pictures. Its visual storytelling stands at the pinnacle. The images convey emotions effortlessly, yet with such complexity. The calmness and serenity it brings while reading are unparalleled.

The only downside is the void one feels after finishing it, knowing there's nothing better out there. This is one of those rare things that makes me grateful for my ability to read. I feel fortunate to be alive, and it makes me value my sight even more.

I've read a great deal of manga, but Vagabond stands out as the absolute best. Often in storytelling and even in life, significant themes revolve around strength and power. These two concepts have shaped the history of our planet, with countless wars fought and much blood shed over the idea of strength.

In Japan's Sengoku Era, being the strongest warrior under the sun was the ultimate aspiration. Every samurai, ronin, and fighter aimed to achieve this status, yet only a small fraction succeeded, while the majority fell short along the way.

Shinmen Takezo, better known as Miyamoto Musashi, was no exception. His journey was initially driven by self-gratification and an overwhelming desire to become the strongest warrior. However, as his journey progressed, Musashi realized that true strength lies in protecting those you hold dear. Death and violence ultimately lead to nothing but sorrow.

Musashi's transformation from a wandering ronin to the philosopher he became in later life is one of the most profound explorations of character development ever seen in this medium. It is through this self-discovery that he truly evolved.

Vagabond is indeed Takehiko Inoue's masterpiece and a manga that every fan of the genre should experience. Its depth and richness make it a must-read for anyone who appreciates compelling narratives and intricate character growth.

Life-changing masterpiece
I can't believe this was created by a real person
Inoue is one of the most gifted individuals ever, and I'm eager to dive into his other works
The story is excellent, the development is superb, the characters are outstanding, along with their dynamics and more
Everything about it is flawless; it's incredibly consistent and never feels dragged out
Everyone should give this a read
If you've been putting it off, don't make the same mistake I did—start as soon as possible (make sure to check out the exhibition chapter, which was written as an ending in case the series doesn't conclude)

Literally, this is a pinnacle of fiction. Unlike other Seinen works that tend to be dark and brutal, this manga shines with its unique quality. I regard it as the finest written manga ever. Takehiko Sir is truly the GOAT.

Main Protagonist - 10/10 (Musashi/Takezo is the best-written character in the entire history of anime and manga)

Storyline - 10/10 (The story itself is simple, but the way it's written and portrayed is beyond imagination)

Artstyle - 10/10 (This manga boasts one of the best art styles)

Antagonist - 9.8/10 (The main antagonist is awesome, though we haven't seen him clash with Musashi yet; hopefully, we will after the manga restarts)

Side Cast - 9.5/10 (Even though the story centers on Musashi, we can still feel the presence of other characters)

Backstory - 9.9/10 (Sasaki's backstory is the best I've ever read or watched)

Emotion - 10/10 (I literally felt hurt when Musashi was hanged on a tree)

Fight Sequences - 10/10 (Just watch the fight sequences once)

Theme and Character Development - 10/10 (Musashi transformed from a bloodthirsty monster into a wise noble man)

Overall - 9.9/10 (Just read this masterpiece once. If you miss it, you're missing something very rare and legendary)

The history in general is fine, nothing to object to. Inoue's drawings are perfect; I have always liked them. However, as the series progresses towards its end, it becomes heavy and repetitive, skipping over the most important part historically speaking—the fight between Musashi and Kojiro. The series starts well but fails to provide a satisfying conclusion.

The characters are well-crafted, especially Musashi. Kojiro’s portrayal feels somewhat off, though; I just don’t like how he is described. Otsuu comes across as a smooth character who doesn't do much in the end, almost like a typical sidekick that every protagonist must have. Yet, in this case, the protagonist seems able to live without her influence. Jotaro follows the same pattern; initially, he appears integral to the protagonist's journey but eventually fades away without making a significant impact.

At first, everyone seems relevant to the story and to the protagonist, but ultimately, they remain in the background without adding further dimensions to Musashi’s life.

Adventure tales, especially those done right, emphasize the journey over the destination. Likewise, a remarkable character arc isn't defined by its conclusion but rather by how the characters evolve along the way. Watching their growth can be immensely satisfying, even if what we tend to recall most vividly are the more dramatic changes.

Vagabond is a manga that prioritizes the journey above all else. Musashi doesn’t reach a final destination, nor does he have a specific endpoint in mind. Well, perhaps that's not entirely accurate. Throughout much of the series, Musashi aspires to become invincible under the sun, striving for this goal even when he struggles to comprehend why he would go so far to achieve it. His history with his father and those around him offers some explanation, but what makes Musashi intriguing is that he isn't solely (or even primarily) shaped by these influences. He grapples with balancing what he believes he must be against various competing interests presented to him—whether romantic, duty-bound, or challenging his entire concept of true invincibility.

However, this story wouldn't be as effective if it were solely about Musashi. It takes extensive detours to follow Matahachi, who embarks on a different self-discovery journey as he tries to uncover the person hidden beneath layers of lies. It follows Otsu, a girl out of her depth in this world of powerful swordsmen yet someone who understands the humanity behind those swords better than most. It also tracks Jisai, a disgraced sword instructor reluctantly caring for a deaf child named Kojirou, who becomes an interesting foil to Musashi as he matures.

And these are just some of the main characters. Others like Soho, Seijurou, Baiken, Ryouhei, and Denshichiro serve as distinct foils to Musashi, pushing him and learning from him in turn. Several characters become crucial mentors to him, seemingly living on as spirits in his mind. How Musashi treats his self-proclaimed students at various points during his journey reveals how much he has changed. The fact that his journey sometimes veers away from combat altogether to offer Musashi something new and essential to appreciate underscores the author’s willingness to challenge him in fresh and innovative ways.

I’m a big fan of excellent character development, and this series excels in that regard. There’s a reason this manga is so widely cherished despite its hiatus at an awkward moment—it truly focuses on the journey rather than the destination. Knowing how certain events will unfold would be nice, but I don’t need to see that to appreciate what we’ve experienced so far. Additionally, it’s visually stunning, with remarkable detail and motion depicted on its pages. Simply put, it’s a masterpiece.

Incredible manga depicting the true story of the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi. The artwork in this manga is among the finest I've ever encountered. It's truly a marvel on its own, often making me pause just to admire the pages. The narrative follows the legendary samurai on his quest to become invincible under the sun. While some elements might be overly dramatized, it effectively illustrates Musashi's path to achieving his lifelong ambition and showcasing his immense strength. The supporting characters may occasionally feel somewhat underdeveloped, but they are still well-crafted. One can genuinely develop a fascination for Musashi's formidable rival.

One of the finest manga for writers to explore themes, as it is rich with them. The journey to success, the essence of manhood, lessons on humility, and what it truly means to be strong, among others.

Musashi stands out as an exceptional protagonist. His actions can all be traced back to his backstory. He's proactive, a loner, violent and angry yet scared—a complex character with well-defined reasons behind his behavior. Vagabond also poses an intriguing question: What if the hero's dreams are misguided?

This manga offers profound life lessons but isn't confined to philosophy and character development alone. The fights and conflicts are incredibly suspenseful, and the story doesn’t shy away from showing Musashi’s vulnerabilities. He loses battles, gets severely beaten, and even steps on a nail while walking! Yet he overcomes everything, not merely by becoming physically stronger. He gains invaluable insights about life, which shape how he wields his sword. Musashi's mind evolves alongside his body, and the manga masterfully intertwines this personal growth with its characters and combat scenes.

A must-read for those who appreciate self-contained, deeply personal stories about a multifaceted character continually evolving and learning.

Vagabond embraces a bold, tentative use of shades and shadows to drive realism as well as accentuate other elements like mood and tone. I (subjectively) cannot imagine a manga with better art and if Vagabond is ever adapted into an anime I don’t see any studio doing it justice. Yes, Yes, it’s that good.

However, that doesn't mean the other parts of the whole don't strike home; The story and overarching plot, albeit simplistic, are executed perfectly. Themes like the meaning of life, death, identity, and purpose are constantly challenged in this retelling of [the 1935 Eiji Yoshikawa novel] 'Miyamoto.' Even without a proper ending the plot comes full circle. Without delving into spoilers I'll say Vagabond offers something for everyone. Whether you're a sucker for good art, a critical thinker, or you just love martial arts and epic fights.

A Masterpiece!

Vagabond is my only 10/10 manga, and there's a good reason for it. First off, Vagabond boasts stunning artwork. I often find myself captivated by the color pages and two-page spreads; they are absolutely breathtaking.

However, the story is more subjective, so I recommend reading other reviews before deciding to purchase it. Personally, I consider it a masterpiece. While it isn't an original story for the manga genre (it was based on a book, which in turn was inspired by real-life events), this doesn't bother me at all.

The only "bad" thing I can say about this series is that many characters change names throughout the story, making it a bit challenging to keep track of everything if you haven't read it in a while.

Vagabond tells the tale of Musashi Miyamoto, Japan's most renowned samurai, drawing inspiration from the novel "Musashi."

STORY:
This narrative stands out as one of the finest and simplest I've ever encountered. It traces Musashi’s journey towards becoming the mightiest warrior under heaven. We witness his transformation from a reckless troublemaker into a respected individual as he learns the value of true friendship, self-reflection, and life itself. The story also shadows Sasaki Kojiro, our secondary protagonist, who shares similar ambitions but possesses an innocent demeanor and exceptional swordsmanship skills, setting the stage for a future showdown with Musashi. Despite its straightforward premise, the depth and intricacy of both the storyline and characters are profound.

CHARACTERS:
The characters in Vagabond are among the most complex and humanistic portrayals I have seen in any manga. Each character has distinct goals, methods, and personalities. There are numerous compelling side characters, each grappling with their unique struggles. Musashi evolves into a dignified figure, while Sasaki seeks to challenge stronger adversaries. Meanwhile, Matahachi descends further into a life of depravity. The list of remarkable characters is extensive. When a character is meant to be despised, you truly loathe them, and when they're intended to be cherished, they often become your favorite.

ART:
Unlike many other manga with their lackluster and uninspired artwork, Vagabond opts for a more proportionate and realistic artistic approach. This could very well be the best artistry in any manga, matching the excellence of its story and characters. Featuring stunning landscapes, beautifully illustrated characters, and abundant detail, the art is crisp and effectively conveys every emotion. Unlike some other manga, there are no confusing panels here.

OVERALL:
Vagabond is a masterpiece both visually and literarily, nearly flawless aside from its current hiatus. Additionally, it boasts some of the most exhilarating fight scenes ever depicted.

10/10

I've been enjoying reading manga for most of my life, but in recent years, I've been seeking more depth, trying to understand what makes great storytelling.

So, I bought volume one quite a while ago after seeing Takehiko Inoue's art on Pinterest. After researching him and reading reviews about Vagabond, I had little doubt it would be great. Twenty volumes later, I must admit I was quite disappointed. It is a good book, and I see why people like it, but was this all it had to offer?

The art is technically impressive. However, it seems to struggle with depicting moment-to-moment action effectively. The world around the characters doesn't convey the impact it should during battles in a three-dimensional space, making the hits feel disconnected. The author is undoubtedly talented, creating stunning stills, and his skill with the sumi brush is remarkable.

It doesn't help that every single action has to be explained. This is a common trope in shonen manga, but here there's no excuse; you're addressing adults (show, don't tell). I understand reaction shots are sometimes necessary, but one per swing feels excessive.

The pacing and character progression also leave something to be desired. While I might have elaborated further, these aspects were never the focus.

The book is good, and there's valuable content within its pages. Still, if you're interested in Miyamoto Musashi's story and share similar tastes, I'd recommend "Musashi" by Eiji Yoshikawa. If you want context for my review, read "Blade of the Immortal," which, despite some questionable content, might be my favorite representation of action in sequential art.

Thank you for reading, and I hope my opinion didn't provoke any negative feelings.