“Vagabond” is a manga that ranks among the greatest seinen manga of all time, often mentioned in the same breath as works like “Berserk.” Throughout its existence, it has had a significant influence on many other manga. Authored and illustrated by Takehiko Inoue, who is also famous for his sports manga “Slam Dunk,” “Vagabond” has become a standout work in the industry.
Both “Vagabond” and “Slam Dunk” have proven to be commercially successful, with each selling over 100 million copies. “Vagabond” is particularly known for its captivating storytelling, visually breathtaking artwork that employs a brush instead of the standard mangaka G-pen, and characters that are both simple and complex.
But what sets “Vagabond” apart from other manga in the industry? For those unfamiliar with it, questions may arise, such as: What makes it so unique? What is the reason behind its immense popularity despite having no anime adaptation?
Today we will explore these questions, providing a detailed look at “Vagabond” and what makes it a truly exceptional manga.
The Story and Setting
“Vagabond” tells the story of Japan’s greatest samurai, Musashi Miyamoto, who later became a philosopher. The narrative follows the historical events of Musashi’s life, drawing inspiration from Eiji Yoshikawa’s novel, ‘Musashi.’
Set in 16th-century Japan, the story follows Shinmen Takezou, a wild and aggressive young man whose behavior has made him an outcast in his village. Along with his best friend, Matahachi Honiden, he runs away to join the Toyotomi army, seeking something greater than their provincial life.
However, after a crushing defeat at the Battle of Sekigahara, the friends are separated, and Shinmen returns home, only to find himself framed as a criminal. Captured and left to die, he is rescued by the distinguished monk Takuan Soho, who gives him a new name: Musashi Miyamoto.
Unlike typical samurai action manga, “Vagabond” explores the concept of finding life’s meaning in a unique way. Shinen Takezo, the old name of Musashi Miyamoto, is a flawed and broken character.
The series focuses on self-discovery and the journey to become the best possible version of oneself, overcoming life’s fierce challenges. It conveys the message never to give up, no matter the obstacles.
“Vagabond” illustrates how life is a long journey filled with hurdles, especially for an ordinary person in an era of lords and wars. Musashi travels across Japan to become physically and mentally stronger, meeting people who challenge and strengthen his beliefs.
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A Journey of Self Discovery
Vagabond manga is solely about self-discovery, improvement, and growth as a person of Musashi Miyamoto. Embarking on a Journey throughout Japan to become the most powerful samurai and grow mentally, Vagabond shows how indomitable the human spirit is.
Each character in the series is shown how they deal with the consequences of their actions, how it affects them throughout their life, and how they overcome it. With the manga mainly focusing on Musashi, we see Musashi is fighting his demons and haunted by the ghosts of his past.
But even with hardships, Musashi is moving forward to attain a better version of himself without looking back anymore. The main reason for Musashi’s growth is the woman he loves, Otsu. Otsu is the reason why Musashi wants to grow and become stronger.
Takuan, the monk in the series, was the only character that pushed Musashi to become what he is now. If Takuan were not there, Musashi still would’ve been that broken brat. Showing the importance of self-discovery, Vagabond also serves as a life lesson.
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Contemplating Life
Vagabond manga consistently questions life’s meaning and what it means to stay alive. Musashi spends his whole life trying to find the meaning of life, but unfortunately, he never reaches the answer himself.
But Musashi does learn that the journey is more important than reaching the destination, as the journey full of hardships will teach you how to live a life and strengthen your mental health. The most essential thing in life is to not hold back on anything and live it to the fullest.
Through his journey of finding the meaning of life, Musashi learns how peace of mind is more important than the peace of a human body.
Compellingly Alluring Art
With everything that has been explained so far, the best part about Vagabond is the surrealistic art and character portraits by Takehiko Inoue. Vagabond has the best art in a manga we have ever seen, comparable to Berserk.
Vagabond has the most soothing visuals and has the best details about the characters and the background. There is no doubt that Takehiko Inoue is a master artist and never holds back while portraying his wild imagination with the help of his art.
The character portraits alone express what is happening inside the character’s heads and how much they fear. The characters never feel lifeless; all of them in the manga will make you root for them, whether right or wrong.
While his art is indeed detailed, Inoue-sensei choreographs the fights so that it would be easy to understand what is happening. The use of contrasts and shading is surreal, and this helps to give the manga more depth and realism.
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Conclusion
Overall, Vagabond is something that you will read in your life only once. It will make you laugh, cry and feel a lot of other emotions at the same time. Every character in the series is characterized to the extent of realism.
The series is one of a kind, and it will surely stay with you for a long, long time. Truly, one of the best manga to have ever surfaced. Vagabond is about humility, growing, learning compassion, and going toward peace.
Every page of Vagabond is meant to be savored, and the whole manga will provoke your thoughts.
What are your thoughts about Vagabond? We will love to read them!
