Vagabond Definitive Edition, Vol. 2

by Takehiko Inoue

Genres: Manga

632 pages, Hardcover

Published April 15, 2025

About the author

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

Reviews

[Michael Roberti · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride. I think I’m now just slightly passed what I read of this in my phone. Way better with the definitive edition’s oversized pages.

Amazing art and a story that just brings you along. Amazing.

[Eu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating 3.5-4.0 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue is a historical action/martial arts manga inspired by Eiji Yoshikawa's novel, Musashi, and was originally published in the 1990s. This hardcover omnibus Definitive Edition collects Volumes 4-6 of the original publication. As always, the art here is a 10/10.

Set in the years immediately following the Battle of Sekigahara (1600), the story follows Miyamoto Musashi as he strives to become the strongest warrior in the world. Volume 2 of the Definitive Edition picks up pretty much right where Volume 1 left off. After the destruction of the training hall in Kyoto, Musashi heads to Nara as part of his quest for strength and stops at a temple to battle with the skilled monks there. Meanwhile, his friend Hon'iden Matahachi attempts to follow in Musashi's footsteps but finds the path full of dangerous temptations.

A lot of page space in this book is dedicated to fight scenes, so this may be a good pick for readers in the mood for historical action stories. Plot-wise, the story moves rather slowly--there is a bit of a revenge plot in here that carries over from Volume 1, but much of the focus for Musashi in this volume is the idea of strength and where it comes from; his quest this time feels like trying to beat the boss to level up in a video game (but over the course of 600+ pages). Matahachi, on the other hand, seems to be increasingly developing into a foil for Musashi--more things happen to him, but the choices he makes all have definitive consequences. Otsū makes a brief appearance, but for the most part, this is a very male-focused book. I will still likely keep reading this series, but may wait until I can read several volumes at once for more direct development. This is a series with enough intricacies that you don't want to forget anything before reading the subsequent installment(s).

Readers may also enjoy: The Legend of Kamui by Sanpei Shirato, Lone Wolf and Cub by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima, The Legend of the Condor Heroes and other works by Jin Yong, Berserk by Kentaro Miura, Thunderbolt Fantasy by Gen Urobuchi, and Ashita no Joe: Fighting for Tomorrow by Asao Takamori, among others.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this volume from the VIZ Media via NetGalley. In the original volumes of Vagabond covered by the Definitive Edition's Volume 2, sure, Musashi has the warrior monk arc. Between Takuan's appearance early in this volume and his interactions with Hozoin's warrior monks, Musashi gets hit with some philosophical talk, which is quite refreshing as an exposition tool for his character growth and definitely sets up the following fights. I found that the biggest fight for Musashi in these volumes is his relationships with strength and fear. Somehow, the most violent fights in this volume involved no blades, just wooden weapons. We also catch up with Matahachi, who somehow manages to keep failing upwards while refusing to learn from his past mistakes or take ownership of his actions. It ends at a nice stopping point, which makes me ponder what Musashi will internalize from his internal fights with strength and fear in the next volumes.

[Juan José · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one even more than Volume 1.
Mr Inoue's characters are alive; the drag you into the story, they make you feel with them and for them. Their expressions speak as much as the text.
The action is sublime; you can follow each movement fluidly from panel to panel. For a story about martial arts, this is, without a doubt, a huge point in favor. Anatomy and choreography are a highlight of this tome.
Backgrounds are, still, astounding. It's incredible what Mr Inoue manages to portray in B&W.
Finally, I really enjoyed the fight against Inshun, the monk. It's a long, prolonged fight, across many chapters, but it doesn't feel dragged; quite the contrary.
It really feels like an evolving story full of living characters; it's been a long while since a manga managed to capture me like this.
Waiting for Vol 3!

[Cait · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume 1 was off to a great start, but oh boy does Volume 2 really underscore all the things that were great about the first volume. The plot and characters both show a complexity and depth that really underscore that Inoue-san is one of the GOAT-est mangaka to grace us with their creativity. And hey I just got back from a trip to Japan so really this volume was also able to scratch a bit of the post-vacation itch I was hoping to get at.

[Fardin Rayan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume 1 is not here so I will add that here as well, the story of strength by Takezo who is now going as Musashi is so beautiful to see.

The art is always amazing to see and it really makes you immersed in the story. Matahachi serves as a great foil to Musashi and I wonder if they ever meet in the future.

The definitive edition also comes with author notes and sketches that make it worthwhile.

[Rob Marney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it still a decompressed art showcase with the advantage of a well known plot? Yes. Does it now also include relatable teen angst, the consequences of your actions, and a reasonable power level for your battle manga? Yes. Vagabond moves forward with intention and I'm excited to see how many individually rendered leaves will come next.

[Wolky · Rating 5 out of 5]

The artist uses white space expertly, and does an incredible job of making sure you maintain awareness of the structure of scenes. The classic pairing of the internal struggle and the warrior way is super well done in this, the action is glorious, and the questions about what it means to raise yourself are excellently examined.
Could Not Put it Down!

[Luuk.V.S · Rating 5 out of 5]

peak

[Scotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takuan aura farms, Inshun lives for the thrill of the battle, Musashi learns fear, and Hatamachi (or should I say major spoiler?) finds new purpose. It really starts coming together here.

[Jhanvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolute perfection

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The skill in this artwork is stunning.

3.5 stars

[elisha miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Area man faces one defeat and rethinks his life choices

5/5 no notes