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Vagabond, Vol. 1
728 pages, Hardcover
Published January 21, 2025
28 people are currently reading
4549 people want to read
About the author
Takehiko Inoue
316 books1,556 followersTakehiko Inoue (井上雄彦) is a Japanese manga artist, best known for Slam Dunk and Vagabond.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 24, 2025
Absolutely one of the greatest Manga's to ever be made.
In this definitive edition, we have a nice hardcover, very similar to the Berserk deluxe, and very much worth owning thanks to the GORGEOUS art this series provides. On top of that the story is excellent, with a man who is fighting for his very name/survival, and wanting to be something. It's dark, funny at times, brutal at others, and you must read it. A 5 out of 5.
In this definitive edition, we have a nice hardcover, very similar to the Berserk deluxe, and very much worth owning thanks to the GORGEOUS art this series provides. On top of that the story is excellent, with a man who is fighting for his very name/survival, and wanting to be something. It's dark, funny at times, brutal at others, and you must read it. A 5 out of 5.
January 24, 2025
Vagabond Definitive Edition Vol One.
A classic manga that I am glad to see published as a definitive edition, this first book clocks in at an impressive 728 pages, compiling the first three volumes of the series. The story begins with Musashi, originally known as Shinmen Takezo, a young and fiery warrior with a burning desire to become “invincible under the sun.” He aims to be the best swordsman who ever existed. After returning to his village and facing punishment for his crimes, he undergoes a transformation and is “reborn” as Musashi. Determined to make a name for himself, he sets out on a journey abroad.
This volume is not only a beautifully written and illustrated manga but also an excellent read. The detailed art and meticulously choreographed fight scenes bring the story to life, making it compelling and engaging. The character development is strong, and the narrative is rich with themes of redemption, ambition, and the quest for greatness. Each page is a testament to the author’s skill in blending intricate artwork with a captivating storyline.
Overall, this definitive edition is a must-have for fans of the genre and newcomers alike. It offers a deep dive into the early life of one of the most legendary swordsmen in history, presented in a format that does justice to its epic tale.
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publishers Viz Media for an advanced readers copy.
A classic manga that I am glad to see published as a definitive edition, this first book clocks in at an impressive 728 pages, compiling the first three volumes of the series. The story begins with Musashi, originally known as Shinmen Takezo, a young and fiery warrior with a burning desire to become “invincible under the sun.” He aims to be the best swordsman who ever existed. After returning to his village and facing punishment for his crimes, he undergoes a transformation and is “reborn” as Musashi. Determined to make a name for himself, he sets out on a journey abroad.
This volume is not only a beautifully written and illustrated manga but also an excellent read. The detailed art and meticulously choreographed fight scenes bring the story to life, making it compelling and engaging. The character development is strong, and the narrative is rich with themes of redemption, ambition, and the quest for greatness. Each page is a testament to the author’s skill in blending intricate artwork with a captivating storyline.
Overall, this definitive edition is a must-have for fans of the genre and newcomers alike. It offers a deep dive into the early life of one of the most legendary swordsmen in history, presented in a format that does justice to its epic tale.
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publishers Viz Media for an advanced readers copy.
February 7, 2025
(Zero spoiler review) 2.25/5
When you go swimming, you get wet. When you jump off a cliff, you go splat, and when I read manga, I have a bad time. Fewer things in this world are more guaranteed than my complete and utter indifference to Japanese comics. (Except Blade of the Immortal which is amazing)
Vagabond was one of the few titles I had been waiting for a possible hardcover release of. It's popular enough, so I figured it was gonna come sooner or later. Well, it came, and I left, or rather, sold it to someone else.
Every problem I have had (and will likely always have) with manga is present and accounted for. Glacially slow pacing. Limp and languid writing, with dialogue that would have to loosen up to be described as wooden. I mean if a Western comic took nearly 700 pages to get to the point of the story Vagabond has it would be dragged (and rightly so) from pillar to post. Yet people continue to fawn over manga as if they have somehow cracked the omerta code of amazing storytelling. Manga hasn't, and Vagabond certainly hasn't.
I appreciate the independence of the creators and the fact that the own their own creations, but until mangaka learn to write, rather than simply draw and fudge something approaching competent writing along the way, then manga will continue to elude me. Vagabond is a case in point of style over substance.
If you like most manga, you'll love this. For everyone else, then Vagabond offers nothing you haven't seen a dozen times before. Disappointing. 2.25/5
OmniBen.
When you go swimming, you get wet. When you jump off a cliff, you go splat, and when I read manga, I have a bad time. Fewer things in this world are more guaranteed than my complete and utter indifference to Japanese comics. (Except Blade of the Immortal which is amazing)
Vagabond was one of the few titles I had been waiting for a possible hardcover release of. It's popular enough, so I figured it was gonna come sooner or later. Well, it came, and I left, or rather, sold it to someone else.
Every problem I have had (and will likely always have) with manga is present and accounted for. Glacially slow pacing. Limp and languid writing, with dialogue that would have to loosen up to be described as wooden. I mean if a Western comic took nearly 700 pages to get to the point of the story Vagabond has it would be dragged (and rightly so) from pillar to post. Yet people continue to fawn over manga as if they have somehow cracked the omerta code of amazing storytelling. Manga hasn't, and Vagabond certainly hasn't.
I appreciate the independence of the creators and the fact that the own their own creations, but until mangaka learn to write, rather than simply draw and fudge something approaching competent writing along the way, then manga will continue to elude me. Vagabond is a case in point of style over substance.
If you like most manga, you'll love this. For everyone else, then Vagabond offers nothing you haven't seen a dozen times before. Disappointing. 2.25/5
OmniBen.
November 24, 2025
STORY: 4/5
We follow Takezo on his journey to become the ultimate warrior, an immortal legend whose name will be remembered throughout the ages. His story entertains through the characters he meets on his path, as some of them shape and mold him into the man he is slowly becoming. The book can feel sluggish as his simple goal can feel, at times, aimless. But the book is titled “Vagabond,” is it not? We stick with this stubborn lad through thick and thin and blood soaked carnage, as he intimidates and bludgeons his foes with nothing more than a wooden stick. His troubled past pops up on more than one occasion, inevitably leading him to his barbaric ways. His imperfections make him interesting as he interacts bluntly with his acquaintances. I must admit, there’s nothing terribly new here, but I’m a sucker for a protagonists rise to power. There’s enough here to keep me intrigued. It’s a breezy reading experience, but it was the artwork that kept my eyes lingering on panels for extended amounts of time.
ART: 5/5
Panel to panel, there is some excellent storytelling here. Beautiful framing of shots, wonderfully rendered in ink. The creator never seems to run out of ways to pose the human figure, nor does he lack the creativity to set up a fresh angle throughout this 700 page monster (By the way, the hardcover is absolutely gorgeous). Panels have just the right amount of visual information; Many foreground elements and characters are brushed in using eye-popping expression while his hatching and shadow work impresses equally. I envy the balance between the brushwork, and the densely lined G-pen details. Inoue has clearly mastered his craft, illustrating faces full of subtle expression. Characters still look like cartoons while the art has a realistic vibration to it. One can tell that he uses human reference for certain panels (I find it quite amusing how Inoue draws important characters with softer, more attractive features, while characters of less importance or questionable motives are slightly more cartoonish and less visually appealing. Maybe this is a common trait in Japanese manga?) The backgrounds in the woods are drawn with staggering detail. Every leaf, every piece of bark is detailed over and over again. I have to wonder is there is some degree of tracing going on here. Another quality worth mentioning is the brilliant use of screentones and/or duotone or whatever it is he uses to create the dramatic lighting of each composition. I’d kill to be a fly on the wall of this mans creative process. I will most likely have this book within arms reach for reference in my own comic book work. I hope to produce lines and brush marks this good and work this consistent someday.
We follow Takezo on his journey to become the ultimate warrior, an immortal legend whose name will be remembered throughout the ages. His story entertains through the characters he meets on his path, as some of them shape and mold him into the man he is slowly becoming. The book can feel sluggish as his simple goal can feel, at times, aimless. But the book is titled “Vagabond,” is it not? We stick with this stubborn lad through thick and thin and blood soaked carnage, as he intimidates and bludgeons his foes with nothing more than a wooden stick. His troubled past pops up on more than one occasion, inevitably leading him to his barbaric ways. His imperfections make him interesting as he interacts bluntly with his acquaintances. I must admit, there’s nothing terribly new here, but I’m a sucker for a protagonists rise to power. There’s enough here to keep me intrigued. It’s a breezy reading experience, but it was the artwork that kept my eyes lingering on panels for extended amounts of time.
ART: 5/5
Panel to panel, there is some excellent storytelling here. Beautiful framing of shots, wonderfully rendered in ink. The creator never seems to run out of ways to pose the human figure, nor does he lack the creativity to set up a fresh angle throughout this 700 page monster (By the way, the hardcover is absolutely gorgeous). Panels have just the right amount of visual information; Many foreground elements and characters are brushed in using eye-popping expression while his hatching and shadow work impresses equally. I envy the balance between the brushwork, and the densely lined G-pen details. Inoue has clearly mastered his craft, illustrating faces full of subtle expression. Characters still look like cartoons while the art has a realistic vibration to it. One can tell that he uses human reference for certain panels (I find it quite amusing how Inoue draws important characters with softer, more attractive features, while characters of less importance or questionable motives are slightly more cartoonish and less visually appealing. Maybe this is a common trait in Japanese manga?) The backgrounds in the woods are drawn with staggering detail. Every leaf, every piece of bark is detailed over and over again. I have to wonder is there is some degree of tracing going on here. Another quality worth mentioning is the brilliant use of screentones and/or duotone or whatever it is he uses to create the dramatic lighting of each composition. I’d kill to be a fly on the wall of this mans creative process. I will most likely have this book within arms reach for reference in my own comic book work. I hope to produce lines and brush marks this good and work this consistent someday.
September 27, 2025
Vol. 1
Dos amigos buscaron la gloría en la guerra, pero en su lugar, quedaron en el bando vencido. Este es el inicio que Takezo y Matahachi tienen, para luego encontrase con personas que cambiarán bastante su rumbo.
Más que una escena o panel favorito, puedo decir que todas las páginas coloreadas en este volumen me gustaron bastante. De los pocos mangas que he leído, esto es lo más llamativo en Vagabond.
No hay ningún personaje que me haya llamado la atención o gustado. Takezo, desde mi perspectiva, no ha mostrado sentimiento alguno, y Matahachi me parece alguien tan bajo por lo hecho hacia Otsu.
Vol. 2
Takezo es cazado por los habitantes de la villa llamada Miyamoto, ocasionando la muerte de muchos de ellos, hasta que Takuan, un monje conocido en esa villa, decide resolver el asunto junto con Otsu para capturar a Takezo.
Hay tantas escenas que me gustan como tal, pero puedo resaltar la conversación entre Takuan y Otsu. Ella pasaba por un momento duro, y Takuan se mostró como un buen receptor, alguien atento y que no la juzgaría. Pudo desahogarse y a la vez reírse de las ocurrencias de Takuan.
Otsu es alguien a resaltar para mi en este volumen. Da la impresión de ser alguien dulce y que busca dar lo mejor de sí para aquellos que considera se lo merecen.
Vol. 3
Miyamoto está en Kyoto, y busca retar a los mejores maestros de la espada, y como primer paso decide ir por la escuela de Yoshioka Kempo, en donde da una feroz lucha por sobrevivir.
La pelea con Denshichiro, fue algo que disfrute. Ambos al límite, dispuestos a darlo todo para demostrar la fuerza de sus propósitos.
Matahachi, bajo otro nombre, aparece de nuevo. Siguiendo con su carácter inútil y cobarde, vive una vida de arrepentimiento, de constante nostalgia, que no le permite crecer. Huye de todo aquello que conlleve esforzarse o confrontar a alguien.
Dos amigos buscaron la gloría en la guerra, pero en su lugar, quedaron en el bando vencido. Este es el inicio que Takezo y Matahachi tienen, para luego encontrase con personas que cambiarán bastante su rumbo.
Más que una escena o panel favorito, puedo decir que todas las páginas coloreadas en este volumen me gustaron bastante. De los pocos mangas que he leído, esto es lo más llamativo en Vagabond.
No hay ningún personaje que me haya llamado la atención o gustado. Takezo, desde mi perspectiva, no ha mostrado sentimiento alguno, y Matahachi me parece alguien tan bajo por lo hecho hacia Otsu.
Vol. 2
Takezo es cazado por los habitantes de la villa llamada Miyamoto, ocasionando la muerte de muchos de ellos, hasta que Takuan, un monje conocido en esa villa, decide resolver el asunto junto con Otsu para capturar a Takezo.
Hay tantas escenas que me gustan como tal, pero puedo resaltar la conversación entre Takuan y Otsu. Ella pasaba por un momento duro, y Takuan se mostró como un buen receptor, alguien atento y que no la juzgaría. Pudo desahogarse y a la vez reírse de las ocurrencias de Takuan.
Otsu es alguien a resaltar para mi en este volumen. Da la impresión de ser alguien dulce y que busca dar lo mejor de sí para aquellos que considera se lo merecen.
Vol. 3
Miyamoto está en Kyoto, y busca retar a los mejores maestros de la espada, y como primer paso decide ir por la escuela de Yoshioka Kempo, en donde da una feroz lucha por sobrevivir.
La pelea con Denshichiro, fue algo que disfrute. Ambos al límite, dispuestos a darlo todo para demostrar la fuerza de sus propósitos.
Matahachi, bajo otro nombre, aparece de nuevo. Siguiendo con su carácter inútil y cobarde, vive una vida de arrepentimiento, de constante nostalgia, que no le permite crecer. Huye de todo aquello que conlleve esforzarse o confrontar a alguien.
April 19, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue is a manga based on the novel Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa. The manga was originally published in 1998; the re-publication of the Definitive Edition includes the first three volumes of the original series. Vagabond is a historical fiction martial arts epic about Shinmen Takezō (later Miyamoto Musashi), a country village youth who went off to fight in the Battle of Sekigahara (1600). Though his army lost, Takezō decides to become a rōnin, or wandering swordsman, in order to become the 'strongest under the sun.'
Inoue is an experienced mangaka, also known for his basketball stories, Slam Dunk and Real. Vagabond is different in topic from his other works, but still a masterpiece in its own right. The art is detailed and distinctive in style, while the action sequences flow clearly and are easy to follow. Japanese history buffs may recognize the historical events and personages referenced in this story, such as the monk Takuan, but even with very little knowledge of the subject, the story is easy to follow and context is provided as needed. This is a manga from the '90s aimed at older teen and emerging adult cishet men, so the female characters are a bit lackluster...but apart from that, the story is compelling and engaging, perfect for readers looking for action-packed sword-fighting entertainment. This is a series I will take the time to finish.
Readers who like this story may also enjoy: The Legend of Kamui by Sanpei Shirato, Inuyasha by Rumiko Takahashi, Lone Wolf and Cub by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima, The Legend of the Condor Heroes and other works by Jin Yong, Water Margin by Shi Nai'an, and The Water Outlaws by S.L. Huang.
Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue is a manga based on the novel Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa. The manga was originally published in 1998; the re-publication of the Definitive Edition includes the first three volumes of the original series. Vagabond is a historical fiction martial arts epic about Shinmen Takezō (later Miyamoto Musashi), a country village youth who went off to fight in the Battle of Sekigahara (1600). Though his army lost, Takezō decides to become a rōnin, or wandering swordsman, in order to become the 'strongest under the sun.'
Inoue is an experienced mangaka, also known for his basketball stories, Slam Dunk and Real. Vagabond is different in topic from his other works, but still a masterpiece in its own right. The art is detailed and distinctive in style, while the action sequences flow clearly and are easy to follow. Japanese history buffs may recognize the historical events and personages referenced in this story, such as the monk Takuan, but even with very little knowledge of the subject, the story is easy to follow and context is provided as needed. This is a manga from the '90s aimed at older teen and emerging adult cishet men, so the female characters are a bit lackluster...but apart from that, the story is compelling and engaging, perfect for readers looking for action-packed sword-fighting entertainment. This is a series I will take the time to finish.
Readers who like this story may also enjoy: The Legend of Kamui by Sanpei Shirato, Inuyasha by Rumiko Takahashi, Lone Wolf and Cub by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima, The Legend of the Condor Heroes and other works by Jin Yong, Water Margin by Shi Nai'an, and The Water Outlaws by S.L. Huang.
May 5, 2025
I wasn't convinced at first - the pace was somewhat sluggish and the art, while beautiful, wasn't particularly remarkable.
However, you have to let the story follow its own pace; it's told this way for a reason, and its development requires it to start slow. The art follows suit, reaching beautiful splash pages which remind me of classic japanese artwork, mixing subtle lines with broad, furious strokes of ink that communicate as much as the dialogue.
I hope to use Inoue-sensei's art as a basis to develop a better style; the way he accomplishes vivid expressions through a few simple, perfect lines, is masterful.
The edition itself is a work of art; the covers are made of two materials - cloth and paper; the interior pages are thick and feel great to the touch. The care put into the creation of these tomes are worth the 5 stars.
However, you have to let the story follow its own pace; it's told this way for a reason, and its development requires it to start slow. The art follows suit, reaching beautiful splash pages which remind me of classic japanese artwork, mixing subtle lines with broad, furious strokes of ink that communicate as much as the dialogue.
I hope to use Inoue-sensei's art as a basis to develop a better style; the way he accomplishes vivid expressions through a few simple, perfect lines, is masterful.
The edition itself is a work of art; the covers are made of two materials - cloth and paper; the interior pages are thick and feel great to the touch. The care put into the creation of these tomes are worth the 5 stars.
June 10, 2025
Having experienced and loved Slam Dunk to such a surprisingly monumental degree, I think it goes without saying that Vagabond was an inevitability for me to pick up eventually and it truly didn't disappoint. Takehiko Inoue is just a master at balancing beautifully stunning art with a solid plot, allowing for so much to go understated in the dialogue to allow for the art to speak for itself. Nobody is doing it with this amount of finely tuned skill. It's still early days as far as I'm concerned with the story - we're just getting a feeling for these characters - but I'm 1000% locked in on Musashi and his goal to be invincible under the sun.
October 23, 2025
Gorgeous artwork I could stare at all day. The story doesn’t quite live up to the art but is still entertaining. In setting up the myth we need to see the downfall and the drudgery. That makes up two thirds. The final third is a fight which is action packed. Just lacks that final bit of connection. Keen to read the next books.
I am concern that the story is a bit drawn out. If I bought these chapter by chapter I would’ve lost patience and stopped following it. As a gorgeous hardcover collection you can fly through it and go back to admire the artwork and some of the philosophy.
I am concern that the story is a bit drawn out. If I bought these chapter by chapter I would’ve lost patience and stopped following it. As a gorgeous hardcover collection you can fly through it and go back to admire the artwork and some of the philosophy.
July 17, 2025
I mean it's sick.
The art is great, the characters are distinguishable, the moral trajectory is classic and engrossing.
Two characters chasing after what appears on it's face to be honor, but each trying to become someone they themselves can respect.
It's got it's action, it's got young men learning what to live for. Some quality historical fiction places you into a living world. The villains personal, domestic, and villainous which feels appropriate to the journey.
The art is great, the characters are distinguishable, the moral trajectory is classic and engrossing.
Two characters chasing after what appears on it's face to be honor, but each trying to become someone they themselves can respect.
It's got it's action, it's got young men learning what to live for. Some quality historical fiction places you into a living world. The villains personal, domestic, and villainous which feels appropriate to the journey.
February 5, 2025
A beautiful collected edition with even more beautiful art. There were many times throughout this book I just stopped and stared at the art in shock at how good it was. The story is interesting and I’m enjoying the slow growth of the protagonist as he fails and learns throughout. I can’t wait to read more when the next volume arrives!
February 5, 2025
Art style is amazing, easy to follow. Looking forward to seeing how this character develops
March 9, 2025
First time reading Vagabond, already understanding the hype! Can't wait for volume 2 to be released so I can continue the journey.
March 30, 2025
Love this story
April 10, 2025
My favorite manga of all time. Art work is amazing and a great story.
June 8, 2025
Been living up to the hype
July 27, 2025
Easy read, being manga. A steady burn, but good development on main character.
Would like to see the redemption of his friend, and the development of his skills, hopefully in the next one.
Would like to see the redemption of his friend, and the development of his skills, hopefully in the next one.
September 8, 2025
One of the contemporary masters of detail oriented manga drawing. These 2025 hardcover editions will make you want to display certain panels like an art book on your coffee table.
September 14, 2025
A classic story adapted to manga with stellar art. Of course, it isn't the classic story frame-for-frame, and for that, I'm grateful. I'm looking forward to seeing where else this all goes.
September 14, 2025
The artwork is brilliant (though I skimmed some of the gore) and really effectively depicts the intensity of both the narrative and the stubborn will of the MC. Brutal but beautiful.
3.75 stars
3.75 stars
October 24, 2025
The best manga of all time.
December 1, 2025
i love when main character is angry and violent then do their best to stop being angry and violent, but the world demands otherwise
December 5, 2025
Finished this in one day I need the rest immediately
4.2/5
4.2/5
December 8, 2025
thought i'd try a manga again. this really wasn't it.
December 21, 2025
Un clásico del manga con increíbles detalles en las viñetas y gran story telling. Muy similar a Berserk Deluxe conteniendo tres libros en uno guardando todo tipo de detalle.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews