Vagabond

Vagabond - GOD LEVEL DRAWING!!

Inoue Takehiko is renowned as a legend, thanks to masterpieces like Slam Dunk, one of the best-selling manga series in history, and Vagabond, an adaptation of Eiji Yoshikawa's book "Musashi".

Synopsis: In 1600 AD, Japan experiences one of its most turbulent periods. Young Takezo, alongside his friend Matahachi, leaves Miyamoto village to fight in the Battle of Sekigahara. Their dreams of fame and glory are met with defeat and uncertainty. Follow the journey of this fearless swordsman, who becomes known to posterity as the great samurai Miyamoto Musashi!

Based on Eiji Yoshikawa's epic novel and featuring breathtaking art by Takehiko Inoue, this classic comic book is among the most awarded works of Japan's greatest hero!

Before becoming Musashi, readers see Takezo as a boy from Miyamoto village, Mimasaka province, feared by many and living almost exclusively through his intelligence. At age 17, he and Matahachi join the war, marking the beginning of Vagabond's story at the end of the Battle of Sekigahara. This introduces Shinmen Takezo and Honiden Matahachi.

Takezo quickly gains a reputation for merciless killings, making him a target. Monk Takuan and childhood friend Otsu plan to capture Takezo, leading to his confinement in a tree without food or water. During this time, Tsukizake Kohei seeks revenge but is scared away by Takuan.

At the arc's end, Takuan talks to Takezo about his soul, emphasizing that darkness is part of him. This concludes chapters 1-21 (volumes 1-2).

The transition from volume 2 to 3 sees Shinmen Takezo transform into Miyamoto Musashi. Monk Takuan declares Shinmen Takezo dead, and Miyamoto Musashi emerges, avoiding issues with the village, Honiden clan, and fostering Musashi's maturation. Now 21, Musashi travels to Kyoto to challenge strong swordsmen, heading to the Yoshioka school.

Musashi unknowingly encounters Yoshioka Seijuro, who threatens him. Fearless, Musashi challenges the school, defeating five members before facing Denshichirō. A dramatic battle ensues, interrupted when Matahachi accidentally sets the school on fire. Denshichirō tells Musashi to return stronger within a year.

Musashi escapes, and Matahachi realizes Takezo is Musashi, deciding to return to his old life, sparking an inferiority complex and rivalry. This marks the start of the Hōzōin arc - chapters 33-76 (volumes 4-8).

Takuan encourages Musashi to be more serious about training. Musashi visits Hozoin Temple for its famous spear technique. Gion Toji, aiming to kill Musashi, arrives first, causing chaos. Musashi fights Agon, a top-level monk, winning despite being disarmed. Gion Toji defies Musashi, but Inshun stops the fight, wanting to face Musashi himself. After a second battle, both recover and depart.

Vagabond offers an unparalleled experience, redefining the seinen genre. Master Takehiko Inoue presents a complex story of historical depth and adaptation. The contrast between Musashi's ambition and Matahachi's simplicity highlights their different paths. Both make mistakes and solve problems differently. Matahachi faces numerous problems while Musashi strengthens himself immensely.

Flashbacks reveal Takezo's father, Shinmen Munisai, forcing Takezo to learn martial arts after divorcing his mother. Rejected by his mother, Takezo finds solace in nature, developing a bond with it. He discovers a swordsman's corpse, aspiring to be like him. Childhood friends include Matahachi and Otsū.

The story drags slightly during the Yoshioka Arc but excels in emotional battles and realistic swordfights. The minimal dialogue emphasizes powerful imagery. Each volume prompts deep reflection.

In Vagabond, there are no enemies, only opponents. There is no quantity, only quality. It's an adaptation grounded in reality, offering life lessons.

Story: 10 | Art: 10 | Character: 10 | Enjoyment: 10

Score: 11/10

Personal Note: Currently finished reading the Hōzōin arc – chapters 33–76 (volumes 4–8). Favorite manga for art, plot, adaptation, characters, personality, charisma, plot points, and fights. Yes, Inoue is a legend, and here is the proof.

For me, the art and the characters are what make Vagabond a true masterpiece!

The artwork in Vagabond is breathtaking. Inoue's artistic style is remarkably detailed and lifelike, effectively capturing the essence of the Sengoku era. Every character stands out with their own distinct features, and the action sequences are thrillingly dynamic. Inoue’s skillful use of light and shadow adds depth to his illustrations, brilliantly expressing the emotions of the characters.

The characters in Vagabond are wonderfully fleshed out and endearing. Musashi, as the protagonist, is both intricate and captivating. His quest to become the greatest swordsman is both motivating and deeply poignant. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, each driven by their unique ambitions and desires.

"Preoccupied with a single leaf, you won't see the tree; preoccupied with a single tree, you'll miss the entire forest." -Takuan Soho

In just 327 chapters, Vagabond narrates the tale of two men, each mastering the art of swordsmanship under vastly different social conditions. This manga is a masterpiece recounting the journey between Sasaki Kojiro and Musashi Miyamoto.

Story: 10/10

Musashi Miyamoto (formerly Shinmen Takezo) from Miyamoto Village aimed to be invincible. To prove his strength, he sought battles with renowned swordsmen. However, his violent tendencies hindered his progress until Monk Takuan Soho guided him towards the right path. Throughout his journey, Miyamoto faced formidable opponents who could fight without swords. Realizing the need for mental and physical cultivation, he trained rigorously for a year. After defeating the heads of a prestigious school and their brother, he faced seventy disciples' wrath. Meanwhile, his best friend Matachi Honiden enjoyed fleeting success before living in solitude. Miyamoto's first love, Otsu, and his disciple Jotaro followed their paths as they awaited their master.

On the other side, Kojirou Sasaki, born during a war that claimed his parents, was a deaf-mute swordsman raised by his grandfather. He honed his skills after saving his village from stragglers. Sasaki lived a life of swords, women, and sake while traveling Japan. The retelling of Musashi and Kojiro’s journeys was captivating, with attention to detail spanning 300 chapters. Their stories weren't just about fighting but also refining their dispositions through various experiences. Characters’ backgrounds were intricately highlighted, making the storyline hard to fully grasp. Takuan Soho helped maintain their convictions, enabling Musashi to refine his mindset.

Art: 9/10

The artwork is detailed yet not overwhelming, balancing both aspects well. Some chapters have many panels, making reading challenging at times. Dialogue is minimal, with concise speech boxes ensuring effortless information consumption. Although not fully colored or digitally drawn, shading and crosshatching compensated for any shortcomings.

Character: 10/10

Vagabond excels in character development, managing over twenty characters with their backgrounds, environments, and connections. Each arc introduces unique character developments, minimizing filler content. Managing information flow within arcs was impressively handled, such as introducing Kojiro's background in 30 chapters and detailing Musashi's farming arc over 32 chapters. Character design was flawless, exemplified by Honiden Matachi, who lived a life of lies. Despite betraying friends, Matachi saved Musashi multiple times, showcasing complex character growth.

Enjoyment: 10/10

Loved it. Emotional. Dramatic. Comedic. Vagabond represents a lone swordsman's quest uniquely, blending various storytelling elements beautifully.

THIS IS SO GOOD. Even though it's just a manga, if you enjoy TV series with profound character development in terms of roles, personalities, and stories, along with dark themes, suspense, a touch of comedy, and drama akin to Berserk and Breaking Bad, you'll appreciate this. I don't have many other examples, and I watch a lot of dark anime too, but those two are the ones that make me feel deeply for the characters and share similar themes with Vagabond. The writing style is quite similar in depicting the main characters' pain and consequences, making you empathize and relate to them as real people, like Guts and Walter White. Even the supporting characters have backgrounds that enrich the story, ensuring it's not solely about the main protagonist and doesn't get boring. Honestly, if this ever gets an anime adaptation that stays true to the manga, it could become one of the best anime and TV series out there. I've only read 8 volumes, but I can already see the quality in the writing that makes you want to read more. I urge you to give it a try; you won't be able to stop!

The artwork in Vagabond is nothing short of exceptional. Inoue Takehiko masterfully employs his brush strokes, which dramatically shift depending on the scene's context, to fully immerse the reader. His ability to guide the viewer's eye through the beautifully crafted visuals is unparalleled. Even if one has no interest in the characters or storyline, the sheer quality of the art makes reading this manga worthwhile. The calligraphy within the story is also noteworthy.

The narrative loosely follows Yoshikawa Eiji’s interpretation of Miyamoto Musashi’s life, a figure widely regarded as one of history's greatest swordsmen. Musashi's profound understanding of combat and swordsmanship continues to elude many students today. Before starting this manga, I had read Musashi’s Go Rin No Sho and Yoshikawa’s original book, enhancing my enjoyment significantly. Having this background knowledge helps clarify some of Musashi’s decisions throughout the story, and there are several nods to the philosophical insights Musashi shares in Go Rin No Sho.

Similar to Yoshikawa, Inoue takes certain liberties with the timeline based on what historians currently believe about the real Musashi’s life. However, it’s an action-packed manga after all. If you view the characters as adaptations from Yoshikawa’s novel, the level of adaptation is outstanding. They closely resemble their literary counterparts, particularly Musashi, Kojirō, and Matahachi. Takuan also mirrors his character from the book well. For those who haven't read the novel, these characters remain exceptionally well-defined, each with clear goals, human flaws, and understandable motivations, whether you agree with them or not.

If any manga deserves to be called "unrivaled under the heavens," it's undoubtedly Vagabond.

Vagabond is an unusual case. Recommending this manga feels tricky when I find the first third to be mostly average despite its stunning artwork. It seems like a significant commitment to say that the initial 90 chapters have little substance, but it's a quick read at the beginning. For some readers, I'd almost advise skipping to chapter 128 where the story completely shifts gears. The final third gave me what I wanted—an incredible philosophical exploration into why someone becomes who they are. However, contrary to popular opinion, I think the start is quite unnecessary.

Rating something that takes so long to hit its stride is challenging, especially for someone who appreciates slow-burn narratives. Ironically, I think the beginning needed to be even slower. It has the pacing of a monthly series with the page count of a weekly one, making the plot feel glacial while the individual moments pass by rapidly. This leaves it in an awkward middle ground—it's too slow to engage with the plot and too fast to deeply connect with the moments. It's all very beautiful, but I need more than just excellent art to hold my interest. Thankfully, the series eventually clicked for me, but not because of its start. It took the author doing something entirely different for everything to fall into place. Finally, the pace felt right, and the chapters felt substantial. Some people say that's the point, but there's a difference between intention and quality.

At least it was never terrible. Compared to other series I haven't enjoyed, I breezed through the start quickly, feeling almost nothing, but it never became a chore. If you're not feeling it, skip to chapter 128 and see how you feel. That’s when it started to "get good" for me, and I definitely felt rewarded for sticking with it. It's a work full of insights on self-improvement, understanding the world, and the consequences of lying to oneself and losing one's way. Much like the journey of the characters within, even if it was aimless for far too long, the story finds itself just in the nick of time. Now please, Inoue... give us more REAL!

Vagabond is one of the big four seinen manga, which includes Berserk, Vinland Saga, Kingdom, and Vagabond. These works are widely regarded as some of the best manga ever created. Although I haven't read extensively in the genre, I can confidently say that this is among the finest, if not the best, manga I've encountered so far and possibly ever will.

The art is breathtaking, evoking a style reminiscent of classic sports manga like Rookies and Slam Dunk, both by the same author. Each panel's realistic detail combined with the striking designs and aesthetic often surpasses even Berserk in captivating beauty at times.

The narrative is equally praiseworthy, never feeling dull or awkwardly constructed. It mirrors the engaging storytelling and impactful moments found in Vinland Saga's farmland arc, but consistently throughout its entirety. Musashi Miyamoto undergoes significant character development; though he appears outwardly unchanged, his evolution is profound and convincingly portrayed. The author’s ability to create such genuine and practical growth is truly remarkable.

The fight scenes stand out as particularly well-executed. Whether due to the exceptional art style or the narrative context, these battles rank among the most enjoyable I’ve read. Some are brief while others extend longer, yet all progress with an engrossing rhythm akin to a sports manga—building steadily toward a climactic and sometimes orchestral finale.

While I have minor quibbles with the series, none constitute serious criticism. One slight issue might be the brisk pacing at the start, potentially due to less dialogue compared to other series. Overall, Vagabond stands as a masterpiece—a testament to what the medium can achieve and deliver, offering an unforgettable experience.

Vagabond, my all-time favorite manga.
Despite being on hiatus, I don't think there's anything I'd ever read that could surpass Vagabond. I might be biased, but this is just my personal opinion. I love Vagabond so much that I'm going to write a review about it.
The premise isn't too hard to follow. It basically features three protagonists in a sense: Sasaki Kojiro, Miyamoto Musashi (aka Takezo), and Matahachi. The dynamics of the story revolve around questioning your existence and how to become a better person overall.
The artwork is absolutely gorgeous, with some of the best-written and thoroughly explored characters backing it up. The story is extremely philosophical and set in a real-world context, making Vagabond stand out even as a seinen manga.
The manga is very realistic, and anyone who reads it will thoroughly enjoy the whole story. With every chapter progressing the plot, Vagabond is a must-read for anyone.

However, from a personal standpoint, I don't think everyone would love Vagabond, and I don't really care about that. I just wanted to express my gratitude towards the series, which has been an absolutely beautiful ride I'll cherish for years. I hope Inoue-sensei finishes his masterpiece.
(English might not be my native language, so please overlook any spelling mistakes if there are any.)

This work is based on an autobiography about the greatest samurai in history, Miyamoto Musashi. The story is realistic, and when a story is realistic, it tends to be more successful compared to fictional tales. Stories with fabricated events will always seem smaller in comparison to real-life narratives like that of Chernobyl.

The most remarkable aspect of this work is its blend of realistic and surrealist painting. It offers a vivid and imaginative portrayal of a swordsman's psyche during a duel with another person.

Regarding enjoyment and excitement, this work excels as a teacher in creating thrilling duels and battles. It avoids lengthy, unpleasant scenes or repetitive elements often seen in series like One Piece, Naruto, and others.

Dear gentlemen, I have reviewed many works on this site, but all of them were flawed, such as Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Part 7: Steel Ball Run and Fullmetal Alchemist. However, this particular work deserves a perfect score for its story. Unfortunately, since the story remains unfinished, I had to give it a lower evaluation solely due to this reason.

So my relationship with Vagabond is a bit unusual.
It began as just "This series is okay," then shifted to "This series is good, but I don't get why it's so beloved," and after finishing the final arc, I concluded, "This is one of the most beautiful series I've ever read."
I won't delve into its plot since other reviews cover that. Instead, I'll focus on my personal experience.
Vagabond didn't truly resonate with me until nearly its last arc. I enjoyed the entire series, but couldn't fully grasp its brilliance. After reading the farming arc, my perspective on Vagabond completely transformed. It felt like the whole series was justified by this part, allowing me to appreciate the earlier arcs even more.
The art in Vagabond is among the best in manga. It masterfully conveys emotion, making movements feel real and the environments stunning.
The characters are the story's strongest asset. They possess depth and distinct personalities. Each character has unique traits, and the philosophy Vagabond is known for shines through their thoughts.
Miyamoto Musashi is an excellent protagonist. His character growth is arguably one of the best in the industry.
Overall, Vagabond is a masterpiece that needs time to be appreciated as such. I highly recommend it, especially to fans of series like Berserk or Vinland Saga. I sincerely hope it will be completed someday.

Well, Vagabond... THE ONLY manga I read and went out to buy all 12 volumes for over $300. If that doesn't scream "READ THIS SHIT," then I don't know what will.

When I first started reading Vagabond back in 2021, I didn't think I'd enjoy it. The beginning was a slow mess, and I hated how detailed the art was; my eyes kept getting lost in the drawings, paying no attention to the story. So, I put it down and picked it up again late 2021 into early 2022, finishing it in just one week.

I find it hard to explain Vagabond because words simply can't do it justice. It's one of those series that leaves you speechless and silent after finishing. Truly a life-changing experience. To give a brief explanation without diving too deep, Miyamoto Musashi is a samurai in late 1600s Japan, striving to become "invincible under the sun" – the strongest warrior in Japan. Musashi's growth is unparalleled; his character evolves so much, but that's something you need to discover for yourself.

Overall, Vagabond is MY FAVORITE manga of all time, and I hope it becomes yours as well. This series is rapidly gaining popularity thanks to TikTok, so hopefully, more fans will make their way over to MAL.

"Vagabond" stands out as a gem in the realm of manga. It's a profound and intricate tale that draws you in and prompts deep reflection. The characters within this manga are exceptionally unique. Not only is the protagonist, Musashi Miyamoto, compelling, but every individual he encounters has their own distinct narrative. You feel an emotional connection to them, grasp their emotions, and truly care about their lives.

As you turn its pages, you don't just 'read' the manga; you 'experience' it. The thoughts, contemplations, and reflections presented are so profound they encourage introspection. It delves into the psyche of the warrior, the burden of the sword, and the paths we navigate in life.

While I understand the challenge in relating to the portrayal of weapons and combat, especially for someone living amidst the realities of war, "Vagabond" presents them in a distinctive manner. Here, fights aren't merely physical confrontations; they are intense dialogues. Each swing, parry, and thrust is a statement, a question, or a rebuttal. The weapon becomes an extension of the soul, and the battle transforms into a conversation, albeit a violent one.

However, it’s crucial to distinguish between the symbolic representation of combat in "Vagabond" and the harsh realities of real-world conflict. While the manga captures the spirit and philosophy of the warrior's journey, it vastly differs from the devastations and complexities of modern warfare.

In conclusion, "Vagabond" is a masterpiece that transcends its genre boundaries. It is a philosophical exploration, a deep dive into the human soul, and a celebration of art, all encapsulated in one. If you seek a narrative that challenges your beliefs, pushes you to think, and captivates you with its artistry, this manga is a must-read.