Vagabond

Vagabond is a straightforward manga that follows a man's quest to live by the "way of the sword" and become "invincible under the sun." It lacks magic, monsters, or typical plot twists found in many anime/manga. The storyline remains grounded in reality. The protagonist draws heavy inspiration from the real-life figure Miyamoto Musashi, though the manga's narrative is fictional and doesn't mirror Musashi's actual life events.

The manga boasts stunning artwork, capturing the essence of Japan's countryside beautifully. The artist's connection with nature shines through, as does the unique portrayal of characters, whose faces are filled with intricate details. Character development is exceptional, making the story almost a study in personal growth. It revolves around Musashi’s journey to understand what it means to be the strongest and why he must achieve this goal.

Since 2015, the manga has been on hold, but roughly 75% of Musashi's real-life story seems covered. Key moments of his life have been depicted, with only a few significant events remaining. Reading it over two weeks felt like an intense mental exercise. While the fight scenes are thrilling, there are reflective moments where characters contemplate their actions and lifestyle. These parts can feel lengthy, though they're well-written. They might test your concentration at times.

In summary, Vagabond is excellent but perhaps not quite deserving of its high ranking among manga due to its limited scope compared to others. Still, it's a must-read for its superb art and character development. Dive into it and experience a beautifully crafted tale of samurai spirit and self-discovery.

This is arguably the best manga—or at least—one of the most engaging, captivating, and exhilarating pieces of literature I have ever read!

At first, I was hesitant... I had originally thought: "Really?... Samurai stuff? Nah... I'll pass."

Then, after reading more about the genre and looking at other images: "Eh... another overgrown and nonsensical Seinen that over-glorifies gore... it looks great... it sounds simple..."

And now my current thoughts on it: "I acclaim this as the ultimate EPIC in the form of manga, while also adopting beautiful and masterfully drawn and painted artworks, exhibited and splashed throughout the pages and so forth..."

The fruition of beautiful characters demonstrates conceptual ideas that really make the reader think. Though the archetypal traits and tropes of a "person who was born to be fledged and beautiful" VS. "The weak and pathetic one" still stands as rather monotonous and generic; the almost coalescent and methodical ways the pictorials and gradual literary development unfold is utterly magnificent. This is only further reinforced with the EVEN-MORE magnificent artwork.

I was sucked into and essentially inside the world of 'Vagabond', and gosh, it was fantastic! Reading aspects of the story, with nods to character progressive montages and further fleshing out diverse characters, I was really in another world. Though this overlays with my first and only problem... The enjoyment factor: critically through, within the first reading there were no apparent problems—rather all of my time was consumed by the sheer captivation and adoration I had towards this manga. Thereafter, following volumes and arcs had me in somewhat of a lapse. I had raised my bar of expectation beyond belief only to be laterally disappointed, though this bar had been satiated with Sasaki Kojiro, which was later again disappointed with the following arcs. Though, do not get me wrong, this disappointment was incredibly tiny, one I can just easily wipe away—this was the main reason I didn't enjoy it to its maximum potential. (which is predominantly my fault)

But this in itself is what made me think about the value of story—in which we are told; how do we technically value story? But that is for another time...

"There is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter." - Miyamoto Musashi

When I first started reading this manga, it was way back in 2015 or 2016. I didn't expect much from it except "cool samurai fight scenes" as I would've described it then. However, upon reading and rereading it countless times already, I've come to accept this manga for what it is: an unfinished masterpiece.

If it were only completed, this would make the second manga/anime I have ever ranked a solid 10. It follows the real-life story of the wandering vagrant swordsman Miyamoto Musashi in his journey to become the strongest swordsman who has ever lived. It doesn't start off slow and pick up later on. It is consistent in its storytelling and masterful in its conveying of the plot.

Personally, I think many of its negative reviews are due to the viewer being unable to relate to the characters, leaving them with a sense of lack of depth from the overall story. I don't want to say they are wrong. But perhaps they are looking at it the least productive way. Vagabond is a biography. The characters were different people, not fictional relatable protagonists. Much of the manga might be seen as unnecessary drawn-out action, but that is simply what Musashi's life boiled down to during his earlier years before he retired. It's like trying to relate to Elon Musk's autobiography when you really can't. You're supposed to take some ideas from it and try to better yourself as a person using them.

Sun Tzu's Art of War is no less relatable because it's about warfare. That is simply not true at all; people still use it predominantly in business tactics. If I might say: most negative reviews of this manga are/might be unjustified.

You are not supposed to relate to the characters or Musashi at all. I believe that is the true intention of the author.

Story: 40% / 43%

Vagabond is the epic story of wandering swordsman Musashi Miyamoto, later in life titled "The Sword Saint." The manga closely follows his early years in life from when he leaves for war and returns with a different name. He starts to steadily build up his legend but at times seems unsure of himself, striking deep philosophical thought, not from the author, but from the person himself. I love how the story follows his life as accurately as possible while still maintaining a sense of, well, epicness. The only reason it doesn't have full points is because of the fact that the manga remains unfinished to this date.

Characters: 33% / 33%

Miyamoto Musashi or Musashi Miyamoto. He is practically the only character as far as it goes because it is basically a biography of him. (Other characters like Sasaki Kojiro were not taken into consideration whilst writing the rating for this section). The Sword Saint. It is not an exaggeration; that is his actual title. This is a man that actually lived in Japan, and the tales of his journey are well recorded so I can say firmly (after actually doing a lot of research) that the manga stays true to the nature and reality of the character. Musashi was and is the greatest swordsman to have ever lived, but he wasn't born that way. His life was full of hardship, struggle, and challenge. Everything from when he was thirteen and on was battle. But that was not all there was to Musashi. He had a strong sense of philosophy and was extremely intelligent. He theorized about things such as psychology that weren't even invented in his era. A character this brilliantly and accurately represented in manga is something you won't find anywhere else. Truly masterful work done to recreate his person.

Art: 21% / 23%

This manga has perhaps some of the best illustrations I have ever had the privilege of setting eyes upon. At least in book form, the art in this manga is second only to Berserk. The fight scenes are spectacles unfolding right before your eyes, and everything in between is equally exquisite. The quality does not waver during the whole length of the manga, and if anything, it gets even better as it progresses. The reason it does not have full points, though, is just that. The art does get better, but in turn, that means that the earlier chapters could've been better as well. This may come off as overly critical or analytical, but it is the undeniable truth. In spite of this, the art still gets one of the best ratings I've given to art in manga.

Overall: 94% / 100% or 9.4/10

It was a masterpiece, hands down one of the best manga I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I'd wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone new to the genre, though perhaps not as their very first read—there's too much brilliance here to risk spoiling with unrealistic expectations for future finds. This is the kind of story that may leave you yearning for a definitive conclusion, yet its length and sheer enjoyment make up for any lingering uncertainties. It consumed my attention so thoroughly that I found myself reading during classes instead of listening. The development of the protagonist and his world was nothing short of excellent. I adored following his journey of self-reflection and understanding his drive to become the strongest. Beyond the main character, the supporting cast was equally captivating. I particularly enjoyed the extended arcs that delved into the backgrounds of both characters and the world they inhabit. Truly, this is a 10/10 experience.

I haven't gone through every chapter yet, but I'm already confident my rating will be a solid 10/10. "Beautiful" encapsulates Vagabond perfectly, even considering its intense samurai battles and bloodshed. However, a minor caveat: if slow pacing and extended periods without action frustrate you, Vagabond might not suit your tastes.

The artwork is what initially draws most readers to Vagabond, and rightfully so. Takehiko Inoue's illustrations are distinct, with an astonishing level of meticulous detail. This rings especially true for fans of landscape and nature art, as the manga features ample examples. The style leans more towards realism compared to the often exaggerated aesthetics found in other manga or anime. Words can only do so much justice; it's best to see it yourself and appreciate its inherent beauty.

Vagabond doesn't shy away from action. The combat scenes are brutal, gory, and thrilling. Yet, some confrontations managed to evoke a sense of poignancy, particularly the mutual respect shared among the story's strongest warriors. They weren't adversaries out of hatred but fellow seekers striving to master martial arts.

Between these intense bouts lie slower narrative segments, but they never feel like mere filler. Instead, Musashi and others use this time for personal growth, making Vagabond a profoundly character-driven tale. The characters evolve naturally over time, mirroring real-life transformations, which adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the storytelling.

Absolutely recommend this manga.
The artwork is stunning. Every single panel feels like a masterpiece.
This story is exceptionally crafted, poetic and beautiful at every turn. It hooked me so thoroughly that I read all 327 chapters in under a week. It's loosely based on a novel and true history, which likely contributes to its cohesive narrative.

My criticisms, aside from the hiatuses: technically none. The character growth in this manga is remarkable and one of its best features. However, if you're impatient or struggle with dialogue laden with hidden or deeper meanings, you might find parts of it slow-going. For me, that wasn't an issue. Personally, I found the manga good from the start, but around chapter 100 is when I truly became engrossed. Something for new readers to keep in mind.

If you appreciate development and love action—this is the manga for you.

Once you start reading this manga, you're going to be hooked. Vagabond is a unique manga that blends comedy, romance, action, blood, and a touch of drama. The aspects I love most about it are the art and the outstanding fighting scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it; while immersed in the story, I feel like I'm right there with the characters. The plot is excellent, and there's no telling what will happen next. I must mention that it contains plenty of blood and some nude scenes. If you enjoy samurai-themed, bloody manga/anime, this one is for you.

This is my first review and potentially the only one I will ever write. Vagabond is just the second manga I've read, and the reason I'm writing this review is that as I read it, I began to realize how exceptional this manga had become for me. It's truly a masterpiece, and honestly, I don't think I'll find another like it. Enjoying this manga so much, I started feeling empathy towards Musashi's emotions. Whenever he questions his abilities, strength, or feels lost about the true meaning of being invincible, I start questioning myself too. Whatever he feels, I feel too. Creepy, right? Anyway, Vagabond, or should I say Inoue Takehiko, brings us closer to the world he created, showcasing the best and worst of mankind and life. The rise and fall of great men, the cycle of life and death, the gore, sex, and everyday aspects of life. What I love most is the complexity and simplicity of all the characters in Vagabond. At first, Musashi is like a demon-like child, an outcast by society, a warrior fighting to be invincible under the sun. It's fascinating to see him grow not just to be invincible but also question what being invincible means. He can only find those answers through Inei, old man Yagyu, and Takuan. For me, Vagabond and its characters taught me how important it is to love and be loved, how love can erase thoughts of invincibility. They taught me the simple values of life, and by living by that philosophy, you can achieve true happiness. Musashi is slowly learning them or perhaps already knows but chooses to chase invincibility, which guides him to what’s truly best for him. From one of the best, we move to one of the worst in the Vagabond universe: Matahachi. He's a Musashi wannabe who tries his best but fails, tainting his soul with deviant ways. Despite everything, I still like him. He lost everything—love, home, and a mother—to become something he isn’t. Musashi was born with that mighty warrior spirit, but Matahachi lacks that. On the other hand, Kojiro is the simplest character I've seen. He doesn't desire to be invincible or the best, although Ittosai tries to instill that in him. I see Kojiro as someone who never fully grew up, always having that face of a child playing outside on sunny days. He is happy. I've never seen him sad. We all could learn from Kojiro and Musashi.

I apologize if I didn't mention the story above. Overall, Vagabond is a manga worth reading, waiting a month for the next volume, and even waiting a lifetime to see its development. I hope it never ends, though that's a silly thing to say. I wondered why Vagabond isn't an anime yet. Such a good manga doesn't need to be an anime. Why ruin a perfect thing? If you've read my review, thank you, and sorry if you didn't like it. But I thought this was the best way to express my joy in reading Vagabond and share it with others. Thank you. Here's a hint: listen to Nujabes while reading Vagabond. It's something out of this world.

So, where do I start with this absolute gem of a manga? Should I discuss the art, the story, the author, or the main character Musashi himself? Everything in this manga was a perfect 10, except for one thing that personally didn't resonate with me, which I'll mention later.

The plot centers around Takezo, also known as Musashi, on his quest to become arguably the greatest swordsman who ever lived. The narrative delves into the trials and hardships he encountered along the way. What I appreciated most about the story was the emphasis on mental growth rather than purely physical prowess. Throughout the tale, Musashi gradually pieced together the answer to his question, "What does it mean to be truly strong?" This contrasts with many other manga where the protagonist magically discovers the solution mid-battle. Additionally, Matahachi's subplot was surprisingly excellent. It focused on his journey from being lazy and lost to becoming kind and courageous.

As a character-driven story, the characters were paramount. Here, the manga truly excelled. Each character was intricately crafted, complete with backstories, quirks, motivations, and ambitions. Although Musashi was well-written, I felt Matahachi was the most realistically portrayed character. He had dreams, stumbled, got lost, grew angry, and even despised himself at times, but eventually picked himself up. Isn't that reflective of real life too? Many of us lose our way when we don't know what to do next, but over time and through various experiences, we find our footing again. Unlike the exceptional Musashi, readers are likely to relate more to human characters like Matahachi and Otsu. Otsu was also a well-crafted character. The only weak link, in my opinion, was Sasaki Kojirō. Being deaf and mute made him challenging to write, and despite the author's commendable effort, something seemed lacking compared to the other characters. Even after dedicating around 60 chapters to him, I felt Sasaki lacked ambition or growth. He was the hardest to relate to, though there have been other well-written differently-abled characters. To me, Sasaki existed mainly to serve as a formidable opponent for Musashi.

The artwork was flawless; no one could reasonably complain. Each panel was a masterpiece, exactly what you'd expect from Inoue-sensei. It is by far the most beautifully illustrated manga I've ever read.

What else can I say? I was utterly captivated by this manga and couldn't put it down. When I say hooked, I mean I read over 100 chapters a day, which is unprecedented for me. For anyone reading this review, stop now and go read the manga. You will absolutely love it.

As I write this, I've already read 93 chapters of this masterpiece. It's remarkable how the story develops Miyamoto Musashi's character, transforming him from a reckless and arrogant individual into a wise man on his own journey. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It amazes me how a manga can so effectively portray the characters' journeys and their inner thoughts. The way the message is conveyed is impressive, never feeling forced or overbearing. Although I haven't read as many chapters as there are now, I can already see how excellent this work is.

THIS ISN'T A REVIEW, JUST MY THOUGHTS SO FAR.

It's one of the few manga that I believe everyone should read, even those who don't usually watch anime or read manga.

The characters, the fight scenes, the stunning art, the simple yet captivating story, and most importantly, the life-changing lessons that make you reflect deeply, all combine to create something truly unique in this manga.

Reading it draws you into the narrative and the development of its characters. You find yourself rooting for their success and happiness, while also questioning your feelings towards characters who may not seem deserving of kindness or love. This makes you second-guess your own thoughts and emotions as you progress through the story.

This manga isn't just about action; it's also a guide on how to live life and understand what you genuinely want to achieve.

In my opinion, it's a must-read.