Vagabond

It began so promisingly, the first 130 chapters were nothing short of perfect. I was staying up until 8 AM, sacrificing sleep just to keep reading because I couldn't put it down. Initially, it was a thrilling battle manga with a touch of romance. The fight scenes were top-tier (even better than Berserk), and the romance, though rare, was genuinely good. The characters were outstanding too. I found Buggy the Clown hilarious and relatable, the main character was a total badass, his enemies were intimidating, and so on.

Then, from around chapter 130 to 170, there's this excessively long flashback that is utterly worthless. All you really need to know about the man at the center of this flashback is that he's deaf and loves swords—a fact revealed in the early chapters. The rest is just pointless elaboration on irrelevant characters that don't add anything substantial.

After that, things get slightly better for a bit, but then the author mostly removes the battles and completely drops the romance. Instead, the story becomes inundated with speeches about the Shinto religion, which feels quite odd. Sure, the manga is based on history, but ultimately, the author has creative freedom. It baffles me that he would miss the opportunity to include any romance after the big fight, especially when the MC is being hunted by the government at the peak of his abilities while injured. Instead, we're assured he'll be fine :), only to have someone try to kill him later anyway—why? It would be way cooler to see government swordsmen hunting him down.

It's much more compelling to watch an injured MC fight back from a career-ending injury, witnessing his journey through painstaking rehabilitation as he refuses to give up, rather than seeing him lose hope and give up. Hajime no Ippo’s ending must have taken inspiration from this manga because both were disappointing and left a lot of untapped potential. Why bother world-building if you don't even use your characters properly because your MC retires early? In Reverend Insanity, every character is utilized to their fullest, and you never know what crazy thing the MC will do next. This manga started similarly but fell off a cliff.

I might be biased because I care little about history or accuracy, but honestly, neither does anyone else. Nobody reads this manga to learn history; they'd read Wikipedia for that.

This series is about a man who aspires to become the strongest, or should I say, invisible... It's essentially the tale of a man embarking on a journey to find strong swordsmen and fight to grow stronger. Quite simple, right? How did such a straightforward series become the best samurai series of all time? Here's why: if you delve deeper, it's more than that. It embodies the morals of the samurai and mirrors what truly happened during Japan's Edo period. This man, Musashi Miyamoto, grew stronger for three reasons. First, he became stronger due to his environment and facing tougher adversaries. The second reason is realizing your own weaknesses and identifying the skills you need to improve. The third reason involves words—yes, words. Hard to believe, right? There's this veteran samurai who tells him a single sentence, but that sentence carries profound meaning, which the main character must decipher to grow stronger. So yeah, absolutely read this...

Story: 9 out of 10. Already explained.

Art: 10 out of 10. Do we even need to discuss how amazing the art is? It's basically the best drawing in manga.

Character: 10 out of 10. Yes, all the characters are so interesting, each with different perspectives on life and embodying dignity.

Enjoyment: 9 out of 10. It's just incredibly enjoyable to see every character rise to the top.

Overall: 9 out of 10.

VAGABOND
RATING: 11/10

This is now my all-time favorite manga. Although I haven't completed it yet, I believe it's my top pick so far. (Personally, I prefer it over Berserk.) It's a beautifully optimistic tale that delves into the essence of strength and the human condition. A magnificently written masterpiece. Takezo/Musashi stands out as my favorite protagonist; his character has inspired me to such an extent that I've started meditating because of him. Takehiko Inoue's artwork is nothing short of exceptional, with every panel feeling like a piece of pure art. The INSHUN VS MUSASHI fight might be one of my favorite arcs in all of fiction.

To anyone who reads this review, please dive into this series. I cannot emphasize enough how incredible it is. Honestly, I would go as far as saying that Inoue deserves immense praise for his work.

When I first picked up Vagabond, my initial thoughts were that the artwork was stunning, but each chapter felt somewhat lacking in substance or moved at a sluggish pace. The storyline initially struck me as rather ordinary until it began to delve deeper into its characters, which ultimately became the highlight of the series. The overarching plot about striving to become the greatest swordsman seemed quite generic, making it appear like just another combat-oriented manga. However, every other chapter introduces profound philosophical elements that I greatly appreciate, such as characters questioning their very nature and why they can't change who they are. Apart from the art, my favorite aspect of this manga is the main character's inner monologue, which allows readers to witness the evolution of his thought process.

Vagabond left me feeling quite let down. I was expecting to dive into a genuine masterpiece, but that didn't materialize. The only aspect that truly wowed me was the artwork by Takehiko Inoue.

Story
The narrative centers on the samurai Shinmen Takezo and his quest to become the ultimate warrior through defeating other samurai and growing stronger. Unfortunately, this plot device became monotonous for me, leading to a loss of interest.
5/10

Characters
On the whole, the characters were adequate, with Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro standing out as favorites. However, most others seemed irrelevant to the story's progression, and Matahachi Honiden was irritating from the get-go. As for Otsu, her storyline felt neglected and unresolved.
6/10

Art
Absolutely stunning 10/10

Enjoyment
It was an easy read thanks to its short chapters, large panels, and minimal text. If not for the art, I might have abandoned it altogether.
6/10

Overall
I'm glad I experienced Vagabond, but there's no way I'd revisit it. The art was the backbone of the manga, making it bearable despite the weak storyline.
6/10

I was never really into manga as much as anime; more often than not, anime tends to be more thrilling compared to manga. As I matured, I found myself increasingly drawn to the depth and narratives of comics. Seinen manga, in particular, presents a mixed bag – it can either be profoundly insightful or disappointingly shallow. Examples of truly deep manga include Oyasumi Punpun, Berserk, Shingeki no Kyojin, and Monster. Vagabond comfortably fits within this category but offers an additional layer of complexity.

Vagabond is a slightly fictionalized account of Miyamoto Musashi’s life, one of history’s greatest samurai. For those familiar with legendary samurai, Musashi stands alongside figures like Uesugi Kenshin, Takeda Shingen, and Minamoto no Yoritomo. This tale is quintessentially a samurai story, replete with battles, intrigues, scandals, and stunning artwork. However, these elements alone are not why I fell in love with this manga. If you only scratch the surface, you miss the profound reasons that make it a 10 out of 10.

Vagabond delves into significant philosophical themes: What does it mean to be “The Greatest Under the Heavens” or to follow “The Way of the Sword” or “The Way of the Samurai”? What becomes of a samurai when there is no war? What is their purpose? Vagabond explores these questions intricately yet accessibly. The exquisite art, masterfully woven narrative, and vividly portrayed characters convey the existential struggles of a 17th-century samurai during peacetime.

I would NOT recommend this manga to newcomers to the medium. If you have never read a Seinen manga, start with some classics like Berserk. Vagabond is tailored for seasoned readers who appreciate deep ideas and a glimpse into a critical aspect of Japanese culture, Bushido. The art is breathtaking, the pacing impeccable, the characters resonate with authenticity, and it captures the essence of Miyamoto Musashi and the dilemmas faced by samurai in that era.

To merely label this manga as a masterpiece would be an understatement, but that is precisely what it is—a 10. I hope you will read it too and experience its magic firsthand.

The art of character development...

This manga can be misunderstood by some. Each chapter represents a step in our protagonists' psychological journey.

Musashi's journey is beautiful, realistic, painful, and inspirational. Every antagonist serves as both a physical and mental obstacle for Musashi to overcome. He perfectly encapsulates how our priorities evolve as we grow as individuals. I believe everyone can find life lessons within his journey.

Matahachi is a spineless man with an inferiority complex, and his journey illustrates that every action has consequences. Many people relate to him but hate to admit it.

Kojiro is an intriguing case because his personality is conveyed through the artwork rather than his words, which is a challenging task. However, Inoue Takehiko accomplishes this masterfully. What I see in Kojiro's journey is that he lives in the moment.

Of course, we also have what is probably the best art I've seen in a manga, and that alone is reason enough to check it out.

THIS IS A SPOILER-FREE REVIEW

When it comes to manga, only a few can truly be called "The greatest". My all-time favorite manga is "Slam Dunk" by Takehiko Inoue. His other work, "Vagabond," is considered by many to be an absolute classic that every manga fan must read - so I decided to dive in!

Story - 8/10

"Vagabond" is based on the historical novel "Musashi" by Eiji Yoshikawa. First off, this is undoubtedly the best Samurai manga ever. If you enjoy ancient Japan and samurai settings, you'll absolutely adore this. Musashi's journey takes readers across Japan, introducing various families, villages, and clans from the 1600s. Sometimes, the story branches off to follow other characters. The overall quality of the series improves until the very end. The fight scenes are intense and fascinating, not your typical shounen battles with screaming attack names. They are deeply psychological; some fights span over five chapters and conclude with a single strike. However, the pacing can be problematic. Some arcs drag out simple conversations too much and feel slow, while others rush through too quickly. The overarching plot about becoming "Invincible under the sun" is also quite simplistic for such a lengthy manga.

This is my ranking of the story arcs:

1. Kojiro Origin Arc
2. Farming Arc
3. Hozoin Arc
4. Second Yoshioka Arc
5. VS Baiken Arc
6. Yagyu Castle Arc
7. First Yoshioka Arc
8. Wandering Arc
9. Takezo Arc

It's important to note that "Vagabond" remains unfinished and is currently on hiatus. There's no telling when it will return, but it seems likely to stay on hiatus for several more years.

Art - 10/10

The art in "Vagabond" is breathtaking. This was a weekly serialization, yet every frame and drawing looks amazing. The only manga that compares is "Berserk," but while Berserk is known for its fantasy drawings and monsters, "Vagabond" focuses on pure realism. The hair, beard, swords, and especially nature are stunningly detailed and realistic. Inoue's art style makes each character unique despite similar hairstyles and outfits. Remarkably, the artwork remained consistent and even improved as the manga progressed. Perfect score!

Characters - 9/10

Musashi Miyamoto exemplifies character development. Each arc changes his personality significantly. The Musashi in the Takezo Arc is entirely different from the one in the Yoshioka Arc. By the final Farming Arc, his personality almost completely contrasts with the beginning. This gradual progression makes sense, as significant events in each arc reshape his views on life and the future. Secondary characters like his eternal rival Sasaki Kojiro or childhood friend Matahachi Hon'iden were also fantastic. If the manga concludes and completes their character arcs, this category could easily become a 10/10.

Enjoyment - 9/10

This is a LONG manga, with 327 chapters available at the moment, making it a substantial read. But it was absolutely worth it. The fantastic art makes every chapter visually rewarding. If you love Samurai stories, you'll cherish this manga. It's a must-read for every seinen fan. It can get brutal sometimes, but if you're okay with that, you'll experience something truly special.

I will update this review if "Vagabond" gets an ending.

- Marco_Yooo

FINAL SCORE - 9/10

Honestly, guys, this manga truly boasts stunning artwork, particularly in the way the author captures emotionally charged duel battles involving our main protagonist Takezo (later known as Miyamoto Musashi to clear his name of the many killings he committed during his youth). That said, I must admit that the manga did feel a bit drawn out for me, considering it spans 327 chapters and introduces numerous easily forgettable characters who suddenly appear to fight Takezo. Nevertheless, I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it because it remains a fairly good read, and you can easily get lost in Inoue-San's exceptional artwork.

I wouldn't be surprised if this eventually gets adapted into an anime, as it definitely merits a binge-read. I highly recommend this manga to those who enjoy historical settings, sword fighting, a compelling protagonist, and, once again, remarkable artwork. It’s absolutely worth a binge if you're looking for something to do!

What makes a man? What defines a warrior? What is the 'Spiral of Death and Killing'?

The answers to these questions extend beyond the superficial elements that draw readers to 'Vagabond'. People often mention samurai and stunning artwork when recommending this manga, and I was no exception initially. "The art is incredible, and it's an amazing historical fantasy," I thought. Yet, as I continued reading, I discovered profound questions each character seemed to address. Musashi embarks on an endless quest not only to become 'Unrivaled under Heaven' but also to truly understand what it means to be unrivaled. There's more to a man than the sound his sword makes or the strength of his grip. But what exactly is it? Where can one find it? A pivotal moment in Musashi's life shifts his perspective from 'I will kill anyone to prove there's no one above me' to 'There's always someone above me; how do I surpass that?' This character arc fascinates me immensely.

This idea of someone always being superior fuels the 'Spiral of Death and Killing'. To be the best, you must continually prove it. In my view, becoming the best means escaping that spiral. That spiral represents the ultimate challenge Musashi must overcome to achieve unrivaled status. Once he stops feeling compelled to kill everyone who stands before him, he can truly be 'Unrivaled under Heaven'. We see this through Sekishusai Yagyu, who 'defeated' Musashi without lifting a finger. He holds the title of 'Unrivaled under Heaven' and seems to have escaped the spiral.

Matahachi is another captivating character. He's far more relatable to the average reader than Musashi. While one is almost an unrivaled warrior, the other has longed for such prowess his entire life yet isn't suited for it. It's the struggle and failure of an 'average Joe'. Matahachi is just an ordinary man who happens to be friends with a demigod among men, and there's nothing he can do about it. We all know someone who excels in ways we can't, often sparking jealousy. However, it's heartening to see Matahachi overcome that feeling and move on while still supporting his childhood friend, Takezo. Matahachi answers the question 'What constitutes a man?' Our flaws and weaknesses are as integral to us as our strengths. While Musashi exemplifies this too, Matahachi provides a more relatable example.

Is there even any point in discussing the art of this manga? So many have praised it, and I fully agree. Watercolor is my favorite medium, and seeing Inoue's watercolored pages is a delight within an already masterfully crafted work.

I'm a fan of samurai and vagabond-like journeys (using 'vagabond' in its literal sense, not referring to the manga). The notion of dropping everything and wandering off offers a unique sense of freedom. I wish I could experience something like that. This comes from a romanticized viewpoint, I realize, but it's a dream I cherish.

In summary, 'Vagabond' is essential reading for manga enthusiasts. If you expect shonen-level action, you might be disappointed since its fight scenes are highly realistic. Nonetheless, it shouldn't be missed by anyone who regularly reads manga.

The plot holds up for the first 150 chapters. Characters enter and exit without much development, and Musashi can be somewhat uninteresting. What kept me hooked was the art and the side characters Matahachi and Takuan. Post chapter 150, the story transforms into one of the best things I've ever read, maintaining its excellence for several volumes thereafter.

The primary reason I appreciate this manga is due to the art and a particular arc around chapter 150. The artwork is so exceptional that it compensates for the storytelling shortcomings prevalent in the first half, with only a few genuinely inventive narrative choices sprinkled here and there.

My favorite manga.

Vagabond stands as one of the most critically acclaimed manga ever, even without an anime adaptation. In my view, it doesn't need one because the manga is already so remarkable on its own.

Story: 10/10

In my opinion, it features some of the finest storytelling in manga or fiction. The narrative around Musashi's journey and its evolution over time is simply incredible.

Art: 10/10

If the artwork doesn't persuade you to read this manga, I don't know what will. The world-building through both story and art is fantastic. Every character looks polished and superb, showcasing one of the most consistent art styles in manga history.

Characters: 10/10

Vagabond centers around its characters, each of whom is exceptional. The dynamics between them are outstanding.

Fights: 9/10

While Vagabond has some of the best fight scenes in manga, that's not the core focus. The fights are brilliantly depicted with amazing panel work, but if you're reading Vagabond just for the action, reconsider your choice. That's not what this manga is about.

Arcs: 10/10

Each arc is essential and engaging, offering fantastic character development. It’s the most consistent manga I've ever read.

Overall: 10/10

Vagabond is a must-read for anyone who enjoys seinen manga and historical fiction. It's an absolute masterpiece.