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Vagabond VIZBIG Omnibus Edition #8
Vagabond Vizbig Edition, Volume 8
Confrontation
Real-life figure Miyamoto Musashi was the most celebrated samurai of all time. The quintessential warrior-philosopher, Musashi authored A Book of Five Rings, a classic treatise in the canon of world philosophy and military strategy. But the path to enlightenment is an endless journey, and to get there through violent means—by way of the sword—makes mere survival an even greater challenge.
Musashi has returned to Kyoto one year after he last attempted to take on the mighty Yoshioka School, and the entire city is abuzz anticipating the rematch to come. When the elder disciples of the Yoshioka discover the unbelievable progress Musashi has made along the way of the sword, they plot to defeat him however they can—even if it means resorting to dishonorable means.
Real-life figure Miyamoto Musashi was the most celebrated samurai of all time. The quintessential warrior-philosopher, Musashi authored A Book of Five Rings, a classic treatise in the canon of world philosophy and military strategy. But the path to enlightenment is an endless journey, and to get there through violent means—by way of the sword—makes mere survival an even greater challenge.
Musashi has returned to Kyoto one year after he last attempted to take on the mighty Yoshioka School, and the entire city is abuzz anticipating the rematch to come. When the elder disciples of the Yoshioka discover the unbelievable progress Musashi has made along the way of the sword, they plot to defeat him however they can—even if it means resorting to dishonorable means.
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First published October 23, 2006
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About the author
Takehiko Inoue
316 books1,559 followersTakehiko Inoue (井上雄彦) is a Japanese manga artist, best known for Slam Dunk and Vagabond.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
February 27, 2019
This volume builds up towards and ends up right at Musashi's duel against Yoshioka Denshichiro, so it's a hell of a cliffhanger — although, let's be real, even if we weren't talking about actual historical events here we would still already know that Denshichiro has absolutely no chance. But that's hardly the most important thing happening in this volume, because THEY FINALLY MET. Yes, Musashi and Kojiro have finally officially crossed paths, and their first encounter is... super cute? Like, almost romantically so! The two are just fooling around with a snowman, trying to cut it in half with a tiny wooden branch. It sounds silly, but there is so much tension in those scenes, it's absolutely incredible what Inoue is doing here. He makes you wish that these two future rivals would rather become good friends. It's a real shame that one of them is destined to be killed by the other.
May 15, 2019
This series continues to be awesome. The art is simply gorgeous and the story compelling and engrossing, whether we are experiencing quiet moments or violent action. I am constantly amazed at how Takehiko Inoue is able to repeat patterns and ideas, but does so in such a way that he always sems to be bringing something new to the page and never ends up appearing boring or redundant. We start off with a bang (that may seem in some ways a bit anti-climactic) as Musashi immediately kills Seijuro, the head of the famous Yoshioko school of swordsmanship and elder brother of Denshichiro, who is in the midst of preparing for the long arranged duel he had made with the wandering ronin a year earlier.
Immediately after this Musashi meets an old man who, sensing something special about the swordsman, invites him to his home as a guest. Unbeknownst to Musashi it is the great sword sharpener Hon’ami Koetsu who has intervened in his life. It appears that Musashi is not the only wandering master of the sword that has been taken in by the famous artisan, as we discover that Sasaki Kojiro is also staying as a guest of Koetsu and his wife and has developed quite a palyful bond with the elderly couple. Indeed, the two act as surrogate parents to the two orphans of the sword, providing them with an experience of family that neither of them had as a child. Just as Hon’ami sensed the powerful ki in both of them they each recognize a worthy peer in the other and, given the setting in which they find themselves, they develop an almost sibling rivalry as they size each other up while ‘playing’ in the snow with Musashi acting as the ‘elder brother’ often nonplussed and irritated at the seemingly childish actions of Kojiro. As the Yoshioka disciples, upon learning of Seijuro’s death, search relentlessly (though fruitlessly) for Musashi and hatch a plan to have a stand-in replace Denshichiro in the coming conflict in the fear that they will lose all, Musashi learns about himself from both his host and the child-like Kojiro and suddenly appreciates the need to let go of the seemingly limitless rage that has fueled him to this point in order to regain the natural affinity he had with the sword as a child; an affinity that Kojiro shows in spades.
Meanwhile both Matahatchi, Otsu and Jotaro come to Kyoto without knowing that they are once again fortuitously crossing paths with Musashi on the eve of his great duel. Matahatchi becomes embroiled in this when the Yoshioka, having heard rumours of his superlative skill, attempt to recruit Kojiro as their stand-in for the duel and Matahatchi happens to once again be in the right place at the right time (or is it the wrong place at the wrong time?) in order to try and manipulate circumstances to take advantage of the situation.
In the last few pages we finally come to the duel with Denshichiro which shows Musashi evaluating several attacks in his mind as the two face off in silence, appearing to the impatient crowd to be doing nothing. In the end we have a cliffhanger with Musashi making an almost fatal error as he finally runs forward to attack his foe. Has his new sense of ease and naturalness cost him his killing edge? Only time, and the next volume, will tell.
Immediately after this Musashi meets an old man who, sensing something special about the swordsman, invites him to his home as a guest. Unbeknownst to Musashi it is the great sword sharpener Hon’ami Koetsu who has intervened in his life. It appears that Musashi is not the only wandering master of the sword that has been taken in by the famous artisan, as we discover that Sasaki Kojiro is also staying as a guest of Koetsu and his wife and has developed quite a palyful bond with the elderly couple. Indeed, the two act as surrogate parents to the two orphans of the sword, providing them with an experience of family that neither of them had as a child. Just as Hon’ami sensed the powerful ki in both of them they each recognize a worthy peer in the other and, given the setting in which they find themselves, they develop an almost sibling rivalry as they size each other up while ‘playing’ in the snow with Musashi acting as the ‘elder brother’ often nonplussed and irritated at the seemingly childish actions of Kojiro. As the Yoshioka disciples, upon learning of Seijuro’s death, search relentlessly (though fruitlessly) for Musashi and hatch a plan to have a stand-in replace Denshichiro in the coming conflict in the fear that they will lose all, Musashi learns about himself from both his host and the child-like Kojiro and suddenly appreciates the need to let go of the seemingly limitless rage that has fueled him to this point in order to regain the natural affinity he had with the sword as a child; an affinity that Kojiro shows in spades.
Meanwhile both Matahatchi, Otsu and Jotaro come to Kyoto without knowing that they are once again fortuitously crossing paths with Musashi on the eve of his great duel. Matahatchi becomes embroiled in this when the Yoshioka, having heard rumours of his superlative skill, attempt to recruit Kojiro as their stand-in for the duel and Matahatchi happens to once again be in the right place at the right time (or is it the wrong place at the wrong time?) in order to try and manipulate circumstances to take advantage of the situation.
In the last few pages we finally come to the duel with Denshichiro which shows Musashi evaluating several attacks in his mind as the two face off in silence, appearing to the impatient crowd to be doing nothing. In the end we have a cliffhanger with Musashi making an almost fatal error as he finally runs forward to attack his foe. Has his new sense of ease and naturalness cost him his killing edge? Only time, and the next volume, will tell.
May 13, 2020
Again a very good volume in the Vagabond series. I was expecting the big confrontation to happen in this one but it looks like we’ll to wait a bit more for it to happen. I love how the author merge all the plot and storyline we have follow so far in the series and now seeing all come together it just very fun. Love it!
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May 16, 2025And so it begins
October 18, 2021
As the skill and spirit increases the game gets easier and the challenges become fun no matter the danger. ⚔️
June 14, 2023
Now is where the story truly begins
March 25, 2024
This volume was so good. It’s the build up of the entire series. The ending cliff hanger, I need the next one
December 10, 2021
Sometimes it feels like this is just an endlessly repetitive cycle of killing. Musashi challenges someone, kills them, feels like he's evolved as a person, has some kind of personal epiphany and then goes on to the next person to kill.
It's a credit to Takehiko Inoue as both author and artist that my interest hasn't waned. He seems to know when to pull back and add to Musashi as a character, when to focus on other characters, when to expand upon this universe so when we go back to Musashi killing his next opponent it does feel like something has changed, even if it's arguable nothing has.
Once again this volume feels like Musashi really has changed, but in a way it feels like he's embraced a part of himself he cut off long ago. He seems to have become more carefree and actually funny.
Musashi politely (at first) trying to push through a crowd as they force him away, unaware that he's the one they've gathered to watch had me laughing out loud.
Also, he builds a snowman. If that's not showing growth I don't know what will.
I do love that in this volume we're shown that Musashi and his future nemesis Kojiro could have so easily been friends in different circumstances. It manages to add a touch of sadness to an otherwise fairly funny conclusion to this story.
Particularly as they have no idea who the other is at this point so they kind of just play around in the snow, which is ridiculously cute. I mean, if they weren't going to end up as rivals this volume would have me convinced they were going to end up as lovers. Enough with the unintentional queer baiting, Inoue!
It's a credit to Takehiko Inoue as both author and artist that my interest hasn't waned. He seems to know when to pull back and add to Musashi as a character, when to focus on other characters, when to expand upon this universe so when we go back to Musashi killing his next opponent it does feel like something has changed, even if it's arguable nothing has.
Once again this volume feels like Musashi really has changed, but in a way it feels like he's embraced a part of himself he cut off long ago. He seems to have become more carefree and actually funny.
Musashi politely (at first) trying to push through a crowd as they force him away, unaware that he's the one they've gathered to watch had me laughing out loud.
Also, he builds a snowman. If that's not showing growth I don't know what will.
I do love that in this volume we're shown that Musashi and his future nemesis Kojiro could have so easily been friends in different circumstances. It manages to add a touch of sadness to an otherwise fairly funny conclusion to this story.
Particularly as they have no idea who the other is at this point so they kind of just play around in the snow, which is ridiculously cute. I mean, if they weren't going to end up as rivals this volume would have me convinced they were going to end up as lovers. Enough with the unintentional queer baiting, Inoue!
March 10, 2017
4.5 Stars
Volume 22 - 4 Stars
I don't care what anyone says, Musashi is invincible - I just loved seeing him in this volume, I've missed being immersed in his journey and seeing how much he's grown as a swordsman and man in general. I'm interested to see where this drama is going, Matahachi has finally been captured and Sasaki is being used. Will Musashi remember their encounter, will he know who he's fighting ? - and vice versa. I'm so intrigued to see where these both their journeys are taking them !
The exploration of consciousness is so great in Vagabond, both the last volume and this one really delve into the realm of soulfulness and it's so well done, it's as if you need to be shrouded in this conscious atmosphere to understand the complexity, density and funnily enough the simplicity of the dimensions Musashi is exploring. I love Takehiko, he's present in every page and illustration, his soul is one of the reasons I'm so captivated by not only Musashi but this series as a whole ! Love love love - now let's get back to the drama !
Volume 23 - 4 Stars
Another great volume :) Matahachi's scheming was grand, seriously it was interesting to see a con man at work, and his mindset - so bloody strange to experience !
The segment on sword sharpening was really insightful, the beauty of a sword is only apparent when it ceases to be anything but a weapon - that's profound, something I will have to keep thinking over to completely grasp. I really appreciated Hon'ami's talk about the depth of one's unique colour and seeking out that one hue rather then tackling all types of hues - another piece of information I want to dwell on and understand at its full potential...
I'm really intrigued to see who will fight Denshichiro, Ueda (who's just been banished :O), Sasaki ?? Really intrigued let's find out :D
Volume 24 - 4.5 Stars
Definitely a volume I want to revisit, the conscious philosophy was astounding, so profound that i didn't completely grasp the essence of what Takehiko was conveying - so I'm making it a goal to revisit and learn until I understand the density of the message. I really like the fact that Sasaki has a quality Musashi once had and has lost, I think being one with nature is something that Musashi will need to become what he once was, I do feel like a minuscule amount of him has been tarnished - however in saying that, this part of him has proceeded anything he ever was so it's strange to comprehend. Again something I want to revisit in the future along my journey :) I really enjoyed the part where Matahachi faces up to the Yoshioka samurai, it was so brave and reminded me of the first few chapters he was in - back before he was a traitor, thief, cheat, liar and arson... Although I do despise him it was really nice too see :)
Now for the fight - OMG I can't believe it's come to it finally, and Wth was that with Musashi forgetting to draw his sword, he's such a goof but so amazing - I'm scared for him but I know he will move forward ! Yay lets read the next volume ! Omg and Otsū and Jōtarō and Matahachi's Mama and Takuan :OOO everyone's back !
Volume 22 - 4 Stars
I don't care what anyone says, Musashi is invincible - I just loved seeing him in this volume, I've missed being immersed in his journey and seeing how much he's grown as a swordsman and man in general. I'm interested to see where this drama is going, Matahachi has finally been captured and Sasaki is being used. Will Musashi remember their encounter, will he know who he's fighting ? - and vice versa. I'm so intrigued to see where these both their journeys are taking them !
The exploration of consciousness is so great in Vagabond, both the last volume and this one really delve into the realm of soulfulness and it's so well done, it's as if you need to be shrouded in this conscious atmosphere to understand the complexity, density and funnily enough the simplicity of the dimensions Musashi is exploring. I love Takehiko, he's present in every page and illustration, his soul is one of the reasons I'm so captivated by not only Musashi but this series as a whole ! Love love love - now let's get back to the drama !
Volume 23 - 4 Stars
Another great volume :) Matahachi's scheming was grand, seriously it was interesting to see a con man at work, and his mindset - so bloody strange to experience !
The segment on sword sharpening was really insightful, the beauty of a sword is only apparent when it ceases to be anything but a weapon - that's profound, something I will have to keep thinking over to completely grasp. I really appreciated Hon'ami's talk about the depth of one's unique colour and seeking out that one hue rather then tackling all types of hues - another piece of information I want to dwell on and understand at its full potential...
I'm really intrigued to see who will fight Denshichiro, Ueda (who's just been banished :O), Sasaki ?? Really intrigued let's find out :D
Volume 24 - 4.5 Stars
Definitely a volume I want to revisit, the conscious philosophy was astounding, so profound that i didn't completely grasp the essence of what Takehiko was conveying - so I'm making it a goal to revisit and learn until I understand the density of the message. I really like the fact that Sasaki has a quality Musashi once had and has lost, I think being one with nature is something that Musashi will need to become what he once was, I do feel like a minuscule amount of him has been tarnished - however in saying that, this part of him has proceeded anything he ever was so it's strange to comprehend. Again something I want to revisit in the future along my journey :) I really enjoyed the part where Matahachi faces up to the Yoshioka samurai, it was so brave and reminded me of the first few chapters he was in - back before he was a traitor, thief, cheat, liar and arson... Although I do despise him it was really nice too see :)
Now for the fight - OMG I can't believe it's come to it finally, and Wth was that with Musashi forgetting to draw his sword, he's such a goof but so amazing - I'm scared for him but I know he will move forward ! Yay lets read the next volume ! Omg and Otsū and Jōtarō and Matahachi's Mama and Takuan :OOO everyone's back !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2024
The main focus of this book is the duel between Denshichiro and Musashi. However, there are so many little moments in this book that are absolutely superb. We get apperances by almost all the characters that have been in the story up to this point and that is a huge plus. The family that takes in Musashi is great and the chapters with Kojiro and Musashi playing with the snowman are wonderful. The clan is trying to get Denshichiro to back out of the duel but his pride and honor won't let him. Then the final chapter brilliantly displays a game patience and analysis at the start of our duel. All of this is accentuated by Inoue's masterclass art and line work.
October 21, 2024
Another phenomenal volume in this epic series. The emotions are high, the action is beautiful, and the philosophy is just breathtaking. I could write multiple essays about how skilled Inoue is as a writer.
January 5, 2019
These last two omnibuses have been fantastic! Need the next one ASAP!
November 14, 2021
The previous volume ended with Yoshioka Seijūrō picking a fight with Miyamoto Musashi, in order to save his brother Denshichirō from having to fight him, and the opening of this volume sees the end of that duel: with the head of Yoshioka clan losing to Musashi. This in turn causes a lot of upheaval in the clan, leading Ueda Ryōhei, Denshichirō's right hand man, to seek ways of stopping the planned duel between Denshichirō and Musashi.
Meanwhile, Musashi takes shelter at Hon'ami Kōetsu, a famous, albeit retired, sword sharpener; with whom, incidentally, unknown to Musashi, Sasaki Kojirō is also staying. In the midst of all this, the narrative furthermore reconnects with Hon'iden Matahachi, who still uses the papers and identity of Sasaki Kojirō, although the sudden realisation that the latter is supposedly deaf and thus very likely not at all the dead man from whom he got the papers. The latter leads to the creation of a new alias: Sasaki Koujirō, a name only slightly sounding like Kojirō's. And of course, Matahachi's mother, Hon'iden Osugi, is still on his tracks.
Takehiko Inoue continues to further interlink the two narrative strands of Kojirō and Musashi respectively, as the volume deals with the time and events between Musashi's respective duels with the Yoshioka brothers.
Meanwhile, Musashi takes shelter at Hon'ami Kōetsu, a famous, albeit retired, sword sharpener; with whom, incidentally, unknown to Musashi, Sasaki Kojirō is also staying. In the midst of all this, the narrative furthermore reconnects with Hon'iden Matahachi, who still uses the papers and identity of Sasaki Kojirō, although the sudden realisation that the latter is supposedly deaf and thus very likely not at all the dead man from whom he got the papers. The latter leads to the creation of a new alias: Sasaki Koujirō, a name only slightly sounding like Kojirō's. And of course, Matahachi's mother, Hon'iden Osugi, is still on his tracks.
Takehiko Inoue continues to further interlink the two narrative strands of Kojirō and Musashi respectively, as the volume deals with the time and events between Musashi's respective duels with the Yoshioka brothers.
April 2, 2018
As much as I love the moments of visceral action, when the book is teeming with blood and gore, this series truly shines during its more tranquil moments when the characters take the time to ponder their place in this great, big world. Gazing at Inoue's breathtaking depiction of nature never fails to put me at ease. It's difficult to articulate the feelings I experience whenever I read it. Suffice to say, it's something you must read if you're ever feeling lost. I'm still perplexed at how a manga about battles between bloodthirsty men can be so damn relaxing. I think this might be my favorite volume yet.
July 7, 2014
This, the eighth, Vizbig Vagabond collection is one of the best so far in a superb range. If you have not read the first seven volumes this is far from the ideal place to start - many established characters appear briefly and their significance relies upon having read earlier volumes.
This volume deals with the build up to the duel mentioned in volume 7 and focuses on the characters and relationships of the duellists to those around them and in their past.
A masterpiece creation of a great storyteller and artist.
This volume deals with the build up to the duel mentioned in volume 7 and focuses on the characters and relationships of the duellists to those around them and in their past.
A masterpiece creation of a great storyteller and artist.
December 18, 2021
In the aftermath of a big, unexpected fight, Vagabond Vizbig volume 8 explores character interactions more than the actual swordfights (in fact, I cannot recall any actual swordfight in this volume). While the humor is toned down a bit from the previous volume, this collected edition has one, if not the most heartfelt moments in the series. The moments are light and cute, thanks to Takehiko Inoue's genius in story execution.
After eight volumes, I am so glad I have Vagabond in my collection. This is a must, must-read to manga readers.
After eight volumes, I am so glad I have Vagabond in my collection. This is a must, must-read to manga readers.
January 14, 2012
The artwork in this series seems to get better and better and that says alot. The details in the drawings and Inoue's ability to draw faces and express emotions is amazing. I also enjoy the storylines converging. The different personalities and physical statures of the main characters reflecting their own unique personalities.
July 19, 2024
Truly beautiful book.
The fight between musashi and seijuro was incredible, the fluidity of the swords in each panel create a vivid image in my mind of his both characters handle their swords.
A proper meeting for musashi and kojiro and further development for both in their sword skills. Incredible how so much can be gathered even if virtually no words are spoken between the two characters, and the text being mainly in musashi's head. Very wholesome.
The development for musashi is amazing watching him become less animalistic and more fluid thinking more than just relying on instinct and becoming more carefree.
Can't wait to read the next chapters and see where musashi heads next after this duel at the end of the volume. The artwork on the front panel of chapter 208 especially stands out to me. I think I was staring at it for about 20 minutes before moving on with the volume. Definitely one of my favourite panels of the series so far.
The fight between musashi and seijuro was incredible, the fluidity of the swords in each panel create a vivid image in my mind of his both characters handle their swords.
A proper meeting for musashi and kojiro and further development for both in their sword skills. Incredible how so much can be gathered even if virtually no words are spoken between the two characters, and the text being mainly in musashi's head. Very wholesome.
The development for musashi is amazing watching him become less animalistic and more fluid thinking more than just relying on instinct and becoming more carefree.
Can't wait to read the next chapters and see where musashi heads next after this duel at the end of the volume. The artwork on the front panel of chapter 208 especially stands out to me. I think I was staring at it for about 20 minutes before moving on with the volume. Definitely one of my favourite panels of the series so far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2023
Its the Denshichiro - Musashi encounter finally from the second book or so!!.. the gruesome path of blood that had let the readers to this fight is not just one highlight of this episode... its the sweet and funny encounter between Musashi and Kojiro that makes this one of the most exciting additions to the series....Apart from that, otsu, jotaru and a lot of characters converge in this book at one place and the Yoshioka clans grant finale!..
Still i feel the form factor of the book is not doing justice to the reader .. there is so much good spreads lost in the middle :(, but the story makes up for it
Still i feel the form factor of the book is not doing justice to the reader .. there is so much good spreads lost in the middle :(, but the story makes up for it
August 25, 2021
Elképesztő még milyen mélységekbe tud menni ez a történet.
Gyakorlatilag kiemelkedő pillanatról kiemelkedő pillantra váltunk végig.
Musashi vs. Senjichiro WOW!
Matahachi továbbra is küzd, hogy fontos legyen valami szempontból.
Musashi-Kojiro találkozás fantasztikus, ahogy előrevetít mindent miközben két faággal küzdenek.
Denshichiro készülése a csatára
A Yoshioka tanítványok, ahogy szeretnék megmenteni Dent a haláltól.
Gyakorlatilag kiemelkedő pillanatról kiemelkedő pillantra váltunk végig.
March 31, 2023
Seeing Musashi and Kojuro meet in such a wholesome and friendly way makes me think the final fight won’t resort to death. It was also nice seeing musashi not only reflect on his previous combat experiences, but to also realize that he’s been fighting for the wrong reasons from the beginning. I’m excited to continue this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2024
It feels like everything from the first book to now has been leading up to this rematch, every single character that’s been out on their own journeys all ending up in Kyoto for Musashi’s duel is incredible and I’m not even mad that the book ended with the duel just starting because the build up to it has been perfect
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2018
El final de la batalla del libro anterior Luego una pausa, pero llena de acción, pues el clan Yoshioka tiene que lidiar con el duelo que paso, y el que va a ocurrir en varios días. Y aparte Kojiro se mezcla lateralmente en la historia. Nuevamente cliffhanger al final, inicio del duelo.
November 12, 2023
Great build-up of Denshichiro and Musashi's duel. Several scenes I physically reacted. 👏🏻👏🏻
The first 5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, could not stop reading when I started. The fight scenes are chef's kiss.
The first 5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, could not stop reading when I started. The fight scenes are chef's kiss.
February 7, 2025
This volume had the worst beginning in whole manga and so good ending.
Really that way he made this fight at first pages Iam disapointed. I needed some time of tension but i got nothing.
But then i got amazing realtionships beatween characters
Really that way he made this fight at first pages Iam disapointed. I needed some time of tension but i got nothing.
But then i got amazing realtionships beatween characters
September 15, 2025
My only real problem with this book is that I hate matahachi’s character and his role in the story. It seems unnecessary to include him as often as the author does as he makes it a dreadful read whenever he’s around.
December 23, 2019
This volume contains some of the best panels and arcs of the series
January 12, 2020
Musashi mengalahkan Yoshioka dengan membelah tubuhnya secara diagonal. Omg.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2020
Just another amazing volume, like the one before, and I'm sure like the one to follow. We are still journeying with Musashi on his quest to be invincible under the sun.
August 19, 2020
4.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews