Vagabond, Volume 2

バガボンド [Vagabond] #2

by Takehiko Inoue

Shinmen Takezo is destined to become the legendary sword-saint, Miyamoto Musashi--perhaps the most renowned samurai of all time. For now, Takezo is a cold-hearted killer, who will take on anyone in mortal combat to make a name for himself. This is the journey of a wild young brute who strives to reach enlightenment by way of the sword--fighting on the edge of death.

Chapter Titles

Chapter 011. "Demon" (悪鬼)
Chapter 012. "Takuan" (沢庵)
Chapter 013. "Life" (生)
Chapter 014. "Cut Down" (斬死)
Chapter 015. "No Fear" (怖くない)
Chapter 016. "Captured" (捕獲)
Chapter 017. "Invincible Under the Sun" (天下無双)
Chapter 018. "Tree of Shame" (樹上の恥)
Chapter 019. "The Demon's Child" (鬼の子)
Chapter 020. "Death" (死)
Chapter 021. "A Place in the Sun" (光のある場所)

Genres: Manga, Comics, Historical Fiction, Graphic Novels, Seinen, Fiction, Historical

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 22, 1999

About the author

Takehiko Inoue (井上雄彦) is a Japanese manga artist, best known for Slam Dunk and Vagabond.

Reviews

[Diz · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this volume, Takezo encounters the mysterious monk, Takuan Soho. Takuan possesses an amazing intellect and presence. The interactions between Takezo and Takuan are more psychological in nature, so there is less action than in the first volume. However, Takuan is such a mesmerizing character, I couldn't help enjoy seeing his plans fall into place. The addition of this character greatly raises my interest in this series.

[Nicolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume continues the pre-Miyamoto Musashi life of Takezo Shinmen and it introduces the character who has become my favorite cast member of Vagabond, Takuan.

Takuan is a monk and he's no ordinary man. Mild spoiler alert, he helped Takezo turn his life around. The way he does this convertion I leave to the rider to find out.

The art is simply beautiful and Inoue draws the ugliest characters the best. Matriarch Honi'den is probably the meanest character ever and her appearance reflects it. Every wrinkle on her pruned out face is lovingly rendered Inoue. There is no mistaking this is a bitter old woman.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do yourself a favor: read this so that you know what quality looks like.
Out of all the manga I’ve ever seen this one’s probably got the most artistic value, hands down (well, it’s either that or Goodnight Punpun, my ultimate favorite). The symbolism, the expressiveness in panel placement, angles, facial expressions, backgrounds....Powerful. The artwork is fucking BREATHTAKING. The story is deep, dark, brutal, tragic, and deadly - just the way I like it.
I think... I might have just found my new Berserk. 🙌🏽

[Mohammad · Rating 4 out of 5]

"There is no light for those who do not know darkness. Live and endure the shadows, Takezo."

[Daniel T · Rating 5 out of 5]

بسی زیباست

[داریوش مجـــد · Rating 4 out of 5]

انصافا هم آرتش هم دیالوگ های کم و بیش فلسفیش و هم اینکه بر اساس تاریخ ژاپن نوشته شده جذابه.

[Ray Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5
Takezo por fin es capturado por Takuan, un monje con importantes conexiones y aún más interesantes lecciones de vida.

Takuan lo cuelga de un árbol y lo obliga a hacer introspección en su propia vida. Es así como nos enteramos que la madre de Takezo lo abandonó apenas era un niño y, por ende, tuvo que criarse con un padre que solo sabía ser un asesino. Así mismo, la gente de la aldea lo tachaba de un pequeño demonio y se nota que vivió aislado de todos.

Al menos hasta que Matahachi y Ozu se convirtieron en sus amigos, pues no parecían temerle ni odiarlo como todos los demás.

Lo cierto es que lloré un poquito con este volumen porque me encanta Takezo desde el primer momento en que lo vi, pero ser un prodigio con la espada solo le iba a traer más dolor y aislamiento. Takuan le pregunta seriamente a dónde cree que iba a parar toda esa muerte y le hace reflexionar sobre su propósito en la vida, al mismo tiempo que le brinda esperanza para convertirse en un mejor hombre, alguien que dirija ese potencial hacia algo mejor.

El arte de Inoue, como siempre, es un absoluto gusto de ver. Me sigue volando la cabeza el hecho de que esto fue hecho hace más de 20 años. ¡Ya quiero leer el volumen siguiente!

Este volumen incluye los capítulos 11 – 21.

REVIEWS ANTERIORES:
Volumen 1

[Keiko, the manga enthusiast ♒︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was about to sleep but I remembered thinking about this series earlier and so here I am! Damn, thank Heavens I don't have observation tomorrow! Augh! This is just simply amazing. Dang, I cried, okay! This particular volume is making me emotional. But it ended well. I think I can sleep soundly tonight. I knew it, Otsu brings out the human in Takezo. Augh, I love them!! Especially the reunion panel. This is just so good, I'm going to read the next few volumes tomorrow. By the way, who Takuan really is! I feel like there's something fishy in his identity, but since he did well in this volume, I knew I'm going to love him too.

BUT LOL CRAZY STUFF, I LAUGHED OUT LOUD WHEN MATAHACHI'S MOTHER WENT TO THE TREE OF SHAME TO SEE TAKEZO. LOL HE PEED ON HER FACE. THAT STUFF WAS THE BEST! SO CRAZY. BUT THE BEECH DESERVED IT HAHAHA

[امیرمحمد حیدری · Rating 4 out of 5]

برپاییِ هنرمندانه‌ی منطق داستان و عرضه‌ی ظریفِ شخصیت تاکوان.

[Nathalie Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second volume of Vagabond follows straight on from the end of the first as Takezo returns to his village and ends up being accused of abandoning or even killing Matahachi. (Matahachi's grandma is actually quite terrifying. I have a grandma like her...) what works in this story is the subtle development of the relationship between Otsu and Takezo, which I certainly hope will be built upon in later books, and the extended sequence wherein Takezo finds redemption, which I thought was really well-handled as the author did not hold back on the full horror of his intent towards self-destruction. Takuan the monk is another great character. It will remain to be seen if these characters return later in the series.

[Sarah (menace mode) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ITS GETTING PHILOSOPHICAL MY BROTHERS

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

فعلن مانگا خوندنم رو کم میکنم
خیلی دیگه مانگا شده همه خوندنام...

[Aiste · Rating 5 out of 5]

When humans battle one another… a certain demon observes in silence, waiting in anticipation. It clings to us… waiting to devour our very souls… never moving on its own… it sits still. Observing from the darkness…patiently it waits, until finally the weak seek refuge within its darkness…

[Gael · Rating 5 out of 5]

My fucking heart this is so good

[Himanshu Karmacharya · Rating 4 out of 5]

"There is no light for those who do not know darkness."

[R.C. Hudrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dibujo genial, las páginas vuelan solas. Todo amante del mundo samurái tendría que echarle un ojo.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

بی‌نظیر

کاری اینوئه سنسی توی این ولیوم با کارکتر موساشی می‌کنه فوق‌العاده‌س.
آرت عالیه. یک سری صفحات هست که در نگاه اول این‌طور به‌نظر میاد که کیفیت کمتری داره ولی وقتی با دقت بهشون نگاه کنی، می‌بینی کاملا به داستان میاد و به بهترین شکل ممکن منظور خالق و حس رو منتقل می‌کنه.

واگا داره به اثر مورد علاقه‌م تبدیل میشه. باورم نمیشه با خوندن دو ولیوم از یه اثر دارم این حرفو می‌زنم ولی آره. شدیدا دوستش دارم.

[Dhia Nouioui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Chapter with so much growth for Takezo! I hope Otsu and Takezo are able to reconnect later on in the manga.

The pacing felt really fast in the beginning and middle, but as things slowed down towards the end the arc improved with some good character moments.

[إيمان❤︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't put it down, literally

[SajjadKarbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mesmerising artwork
Captivating story
Overall mfing incredible

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

No way the book opened with him fighting butt ass naked
lol

[Monsour · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHINMEN TAKEZO died here today.
For now on
You Shall be Called
MIYAMOTO MUSASHI



Now I'm a fan of this

Growing up in early 2000's in Philippines, the biggest thing in anime next to Dragonball back then is Takehiko Inoue's Slam Dunk. Even though I never had the chance to read its manga and haven't even touch other Inoue's works until this one. After finishing the first volume I actually hesitant to read the second one. Maybe because it really reminds me of Slam Dunk you know..tall kid that beat the shit of people yet the middle of 2nd Volume starts becoming different and turning into heart warming story about a teen whose almost doesn't have a will to live until in the last part.

The story is just beginning and I'm pretty sure to get the next one soon.

[Juho Pohjalainen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like a half of this volume is spent hanging from a tree. It's by no means a bad thing - the main character needed some time to cool off and think - but I feel that it took maybe a little too long, and spent most of that time repeating the same few talking points with maybe some small variables.

Finally feeling a little warmer towards the art, though.

[James DeSantis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why do YOU want to live?

Is it to truly become stronger?

To find some type of meaning?

Was all this hardship in life worth nothing in the end if you die here for nothing?

Questions that aren't normally asked in such a violent situation are asked, as our "hero" decides if his life is actually worth fighting for.

[Vikas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another smashing volume as Takezo finds himself hunted in the village and how he runs from here to there and then back here. The monk is wonderful and I enjoyed his and Takezo's interaction. Also, The art through the manga is just wonderful, I loved it Maybe would extend the review later but for now I need to continue the series so there's that. You shall too read what you like and then Keep on Reading.

I have always loved comics, and I have I can. I love comics to bits, may the comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and hope always to love them. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics, Diamond Comics, or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on international and classic comics and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I just want to Keep on Reading.

[Henrique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vagabond Volume 3


Esse volume vai dos cap 11 ao 21 e continuamos vendo que o Takezo só sofre ao voltar pra vila antiga dele e tentar fazer uma boa ação coitado dele e assim esse mangá está me fazendo sentir algo que nunca pensei que sentiria estou sentido ódio mortal de uma idosa como é que pode isso essa mãe do Matahachi é UMA VELHA DESGRAÇADA QUE ÓDIO DESSA CRIA DO CÃO PUTA QUE PARIU, como que pode uma idosa dar tanto ranço desse jeito eu espero que morra tbm porque só ferrou o Takezo por ele dizer a verdade que ódio, fora o ranço gostei de alguns personagens novos que foram apresentados como a Otsu a noiva ou melhor ex-noiva do Matahachi achei ela bem legal e também o Monge que apareceu aqui que faz de protagonista refletir sobre ele mesmo já achei esse personagem muito foda e espero ver mais dele na história por enquanto estou gostando muito dessa obra.

[ki]

“You may be big, but your heart is small. It's the size of a cat's. You keep your nerves on edge and you're always ready to lash out. You distance yourself from everyone. You are the weakest person in this village.”

“I kill and kill, over and over again. In the end, I'll be cut down, too. That's all there is.”

“You shouldn't hide the truth from him. Incompetence is incompetence. If a person doesn't realize he's incompetent, that's all the more reason he needs to be told.”

“How did I end up like this? I just.. I just wanted to become stronger. I have to become stronger. I want to be strong so that I won't have to depend on anybody. I'll become stronger. I'm going to become invicible under the sun.

“So you want to die honorably? A warrior's death? You're being selfish. Each and every person you killed had his own life. Whether that life was blessed or not. Everyone is born into this world, they grow up. Some people have families. Some are alone in this world. Some have young children. Some are engaged. Some have pets. Some people have high hopes and great dreams. Others have no ambition at all. You ended everything for them, Tekezo. You killed them. What gives you the privilege to die when and how you choose? An honorable death? Who do you think you are, Tekezo?”

“Your eyes are so dark, lonely, and in pain. you've cut down so many. In the end, you'll be cut down yourself. That's what you want? Then you have lived your life to the fullest, Tekezo. Why aren't you smilling?”

“Why was I born, if only to be abandoned and shunned? To be feared, hated and despised by all. I'm the son of a demon and I deserve to die. Why was I even born?”

“Is it worth it? Is a life of rage and murder truly honorable? Takezo? No. That life is not for you.”
“Is it true Takuan? Do I really deserve to live?”
“There is no light for those who do not know darkness. Live on and endure the shadows, Takezo. And brightness shall come your way.”

[carolzinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uau, esse volume foi ainda melhor do que o anterior. Takuan foi introduzido à história e já se tornou o meu personagem favorito. Junto com ele, vieram vários questionamentos brilhantes, significativos a ponto de completamente transformar a maneira de pensar e agir de Takezo. O mais maravilhoso é que nós podemos refletir e aprender junto com ele. E novamente, a arte é simplesmente absurda de bela.

[Sydneroo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 8.86/ 10.00 | 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗

I'm still confused about how these character came to be and where this story is going but it's still very good. I'm just anxious because I want to know MORE. Where/what is Matahachi doing?!

Also, it's confusing when most charters names start with "T"

[لِيو. · Rating 5 out of 5]

ايحزن،ابن الشيطان الوحيد هي الجدة والله