Vagabond Definitive Edition, Vol. 3

by Takehiko Inoue

Genres: Manga

616 pages, Hardcover

Published July 15, 2025

About the author

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

Reviews

[Riley Pilgrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The journey of Miyamoto Musashi continues, and boy was this volume an amazing read. Inoue dives deep into the mindset, and psyche of Musashi. Rather then illustrating another violent, and action packed duel with Inshun; he guides us through each of the characters minds, and to me, makes this final duel all the more impactful. How does Inshun's upbringing ultimately decide his fate? Has Musashi truly learned from his recent training in the Mountains? Both these questions are answered in profound, and satisfying ways. The first half of this volume was amazing, and while the last half is more set up for what's to come-I overall am loving everything Inoue is doing in this series.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compared to the previous version of the Vagabond Definitive Edition, volume 3's action is more character-driven than sword-driven. Please note that this volume does contain depictions of sexual violence and the offscreen killing of a pet, on top of the usual violence amongst swordsmen. It's fascinating to see Musashi's growth as a warrior during his rematch with Inshun. Matahachi is featured in this volume under a different name, living a fairly good life based on identity theft, until his grandmother finds him. Otsu appears to be in a good place as the caretaker of an old headmaster who fancies himself a matchmaker, and it looks an awful lot like her past will be catching up to her very soon as well. I cannot wait to read the next volume. [ I received a free ARC of this volume from Viz via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. ]

[Frank Jarome · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is well-written, and the art is amazing, but I think this was my last volume for a couple of reasons:
1 - I found out it’s unfinished and might never be completed,
2 - at its core it is another “I must become STRONGER so that I can defeat So-and-So” manga, and boy are there a lot of those,
3 - I’m having a damn hard time keeping track of all the characters appearing and who wants to defeat who.

Again, it’s well-done and I can see why it’s considered one of the greats, but I’ve decided it’s just not for me.

[Juan José · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe my reviews for Vagabond will start to become shorter, but only because each volume keeps what's best from the previous ones, while improving the narrative as Musashi's journey continues.
Highlights from this one, besides the art: the conclusion to the duel against Inshun and Musashi's epiphanies are one. On the other hand, the sequence where Master Sekishusai passes on his sword school to his grandson really brought me to tears.
Expecting Vol 4 for October/November.

[Scotty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half is outstanding. From the pacing leading up to the rematch with Inshun to the dream sequences and, of course, the art, everything blends together splendidly. The second half, while still great, fell off for me a slight bit, maybe because of the pacing, or maybe because the story starts to feel a bit cyclical, not unlike Dragon Ball Z (fight, defeat, power up, fight, victory, wash rinse repeat). Also, no spoilers for the end, but booooo Jotaro booooo!

[Fardin Rayan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t mention it before but the definitive editions of these books are so beautiful, I need to install a shelf to display them soon.

Volume 3 covers Musashi’s new journey in his life where he tries to make a name for himself. Art is always amazing and you can see it get better, which is hard to believe. Can’t wait for the next edition!

[Luuk.V.S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peak

[Iraj Ahmadzai · Rating 4 out of 5]

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