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Vagabond VIZBIG Omnibus Edition #12
Vagabond, Vol. 12
The Path of Water
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.
Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro’s intertwining paths lead them toward what will be the greatest samurai duel in Japanese history. Sasaki Kojiro heads to Kokura for his new position as sword instructor for the powerful Hosokawa Clan. Meanwhile, Musashi is at a crossroads dealing with the aftermath of single-handedly destroying the mighty Yoshioka clan. After he starts to question his quest to be invincible and his whole reason for existence, will his confidence in himself ever be the same?
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.
Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro’s intertwining paths lead them toward what will be the greatest samurai duel in Japanese history. Sasaki Kojiro heads to Kokura for his new position as sword instructor for the powerful Hosokawa Clan. Meanwhile, Musashi is at a crossroads dealing with the aftermath of single-handedly destroying the mighty Yoshioka clan. After he starts to question his quest to be invincible and his whole reason for existence, will his confidence in himself ever be the same?
632 pages, Paperback
First published October 23, 2013
19 people are currently reading
614 people want to read
About the author
Takehiko Inoue
316 books1,582 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 83 reviews
May 22, 2020
3.5 - 4 stars
So, it appears as though this how Vagabond ends. Despite the cliff-hanger it seems unlikely that we will have any more from Takehiko Inoue’s interpretation of Miyamoto Musashi’s life since the series has been on hiatus since 2015. That’s really too bad as this was a great series. At first it seemed like little more than a carbon copy of the novel upon which it was based, but as the story went on Inoue introduced some significant differences in both character and plot that made his interpretation something new and interesting. Working with themes of the search for perfection, the interrelatedness of all human endeavours, and the dichotomy in the swordsman between the primal animal passions and the search for a refined, even pure, perfection he built something quite compelling.
Musashi was an interesting character from the beginning, if perhaps a bit simplistic. Beginning as a man that is little more than a beast whose primary claim to fame seemed to be his brute strength and unshakeable tenacity, he grew beyond this simplicity into quite an intriguing and complex character. Always fighting a battle within himself, and attempting to learn from both his mistakes and the many people he met in his travels, Musashi started to show how he might truly grow into the “sword saint” he is depicted as in popular legend. The varied supporting cast that filled out his story was also great from those who acted as friends, mentors, and pupils (primarily Otsu, Matahachi, Jotaro, and Takuan) to the many, many martial opponents who acted as both foils to Musashi’s quest as well as stepping stones on his quest to perfection. Each warrior faced by the legendary swordsman presented a slightly different perspective on the way of the warrior, sometimes even calling into question whether such a thing as a true ‘martial art’ (or violence that can lead to perfection) can even exist…an interesting possibility to be entertained by fiction based more or less on the pursuit of violence.
This final volume (so far at least…fingers crossed, right?!) sees Musashi take an abrupt left turn in his travels. Trying to escape form the confusion and shame he is beginning to feel as the target of every would-be fighter that wants to make a name for themselves by beating the great Musashi, he hides away in a back-water village where he befriends a young orphan and takes up residence in the boy’s dying farmstead. What ensues is a battle of wills between the swordsman and the land itself as he works tirelessly to try and turn a village dying by inches, and on the edge of starvation, into a living community once again. At first viewed with suspicion and fear by the villagers, he soon becomes a symbol of hope and tenacity in the face of nearly crushing obstacles as he refuses to be cowed by the harsh realities of weather and soil. Working against time, he slowly brings the villagers around to his perspective and they begin to work tirelessly in the hopes of saving the village. In the end they find that….
Well we don’t know what they find (at least in this version) and may never unless Inoue’s hiatus comes to an end and Vizbig is able to once again produce these omnibuses. It’s really too bad, but I’d still say it was well worth spending time with this series, even if it remains unfinished.
So, it appears as though this how Vagabond ends. Despite the cliff-hanger it seems unlikely that we will have any more from Takehiko Inoue’s interpretation of Miyamoto Musashi’s life since the series has been on hiatus since 2015. That’s really too bad as this was a great series. At first it seemed like little more than a carbon copy of the novel upon which it was based, but as the story went on Inoue introduced some significant differences in both character and plot that made his interpretation something new and interesting. Working with themes of the search for perfection, the interrelatedness of all human endeavours, and the dichotomy in the swordsman between the primal animal passions and the search for a refined, even pure, perfection he built something quite compelling.
Musashi was an interesting character from the beginning, if perhaps a bit simplistic. Beginning as a man that is little more than a beast whose primary claim to fame seemed to be his brute strength and unshakeable tenacity, he grew beyond this simplicity into quite an intriguing and complex character. Always fighting a battle within himself, and attempting to learn from both his mistakes and the many people he met in his travels, Musashi started to show how he might truly grow into the “sword saint” he is depicted as in popular legend. The varied supporting cast that filled out his story was also great from those who acted as friends, mentors, and pupils (primarily Otsu, Matahachi, Jotaro, and Takuan) to the many, many martial opponents who acted as both foils to Musashi’s quest as well as stepping stones on his quest to perfection. Each warrior faced by the legendary swordsman presented a slightly different perspective on the way of the warrior, sometimes even calling into question whether such a thing as a true ‘martial art’ (or violence that can lead to perfection) can even exist…an interesting possibility to be entertained by fiction based more or less on the pursuit of violence.
This final volume (so far at least…fingers crossed, right?!) sees Musashi take an abrupt left turn in his travels. Trying to escape form the confusion and shame he is beginning to feel as the target of every would-be fighter that wants to make a name for themselves by beating the great Musashi, he hides away in a back-water village where he befriends a young orphan and takes up residence in the boy’s dying farmstead. What ensues is a battle of wills between the swordsman and the land itself as he works tirelessly to try and turn a village dying by inches, and on the edge of starvation, into a living community once again. At first viewed with suspicion and fear by the villagers, he soon becomes a symbol of hope and tenacity in the face of nearly crushing obstacles as he refuses to be cowed by the harsh realities of weather and soil. Working against time, he slowly brings the villagers around to his perspective and they begin to work tirelessly in the hopes of saving the village. In the end they find that….
Well we don’t know what they find (at least in this version) and may never unless Inoue’s hiatus comes to an end and Vizbig is able to once again produce these omnibuses. It’s really too bad, but I’d still say it was well worth spending time with this series, even if it remains unfinished.
July 26, 2023
Vagabond's Farmland arc, featured in Volume 12, is a divisive yet essential part of the series that demands attention and admiration (you're already here at Inoue's final completed arc, why stop?). To declare it the best one in the entire manga or dismiss it as bland and tedious would be gross oversimplifications. Instead, this arc demonstrates an exquisite balance, adding depth and dimension to the character of Musashi Miyamoto in the most efficient way possible.
This volume exemplifies the inherent flaws in Musashi's character, making him an imperfect and relatable protagonist. The Farmland arc serves as a crucial development phase for Musashi, where he undergoes immense growth, not just in terms of his swordsmanship but also as an individual. If you go back to the manga and look at the beginning and the end, the arc began in the dark with Musashi as a demonic beast until he "sees" himself in the eyes of Ioti, yet it ends with him being the smiling hero, stronger than ever. In usual animanga terms, he is in his final form. The term "balanced" accurately captures the essence of this arc, for it neither glorifies nor downplays Musashi's journey but presents it in a raw and authentic manner.
The true strength of the Farmland arc lies in its purpose of depicting Musashi's transformation. We witness his inner struggles, philosophical introspections, and self-reflection through themes of water, soil, life and death, existence and non-existence. Yeah, this volume drowns and savors itself on philosophical stuff. The narrative delves deep into the psyche of our protagonist, giving us a profound understanding of who he was before and who he has become. Vagabond, through its unique execution, ensures that Musashi's character development is unlike anything we've encountered.
As I have mentioned, Takehiko Inoue masterfully weaves various philosophical themes and concepts into the story. The ideas of fluidity like water, invincibility, life and death, and the dichotomy of killing and saving are intertwined in a captivating tapestry of a beautiful commentary about life. You won't get that when you're savoring the action scenes and see all those blood and carnage (which I also do like in the series). Although these themes may not have separate and distinct payoffs, they sort of combine together to create a thought-provoking and enriching experience for readers.
One might find the storytelling in this volume to be disjointed, but Inoue brilliantly justifies this aspect in the narrative itself. The fact that the arc is presented through Matahachi's perspective, even though he is not physically present, adds a layer of complexity (and clever excuse) to the storytelling. This choice creates a sense of nostalgia, introspection, and a profound understanding of how the journey shaped both Musashi and Matahachi as brothers.
As the Farmland arc concludes, we clearly know who Musashi has become—a stronger, more skilled swordsman, finally a match for Kojiro, whom we universally know as superior, thanks to that bridge fight which was elegantly choreographed. While the Farmland arc could have served as a powerful penultimate segment, it leaves us craving for a conclusive ending. :( We are left yearning to see how Musashi's journey concludes, to witness the culmination of all the growth and development we have witnessed throughout the series.
Vagabond Vizbig Volume 12's Farmland arc is a beautifully balanced and contemplative exploration of Musashi Miyamoto's character. It goes beyond traditional storytelling to provide a deeply philosophical and introspective experience. The arc's amalgamation of themes, its unique narrative approach, and its focus on character development make it a standout within the manga world. Takehiko Inoue's expert craftsmanship shines through, leaving readers with an insatiable desire to see Musashi's journey through to its conclusive end that I hope we would see in our lifetime.
This volume exemplifies the inherent flaws in Musashi's character, making him an imperfect and relatable protagonist. The Farmland arc serves as a crucial development phase for Musashi, where he undergoes immense growth, not just in terms of his swordsmanship but also as an individual. If you go back to the manga and look at the beginning and the end, the arc began in the dark with Musashi as a demonic beast until he "sees" himself in the eyes of Ioti, yet it ends with him being the smiling hero, stronger than ever. In usual animanga terms, he is in his final form. The term "balanced" accurately captures the essence of this arc, for it neither glorifies nor downplays Musashi's journey but presents it in a raw and authentic manner.
The true strength of the Farmland arc lies in its purpose of depicting Musashi's transformation. We witness his inner struggles, philosophical introspections, and self-reflection through themes of water, soil, life and death, existence and non-existence. Yeah, this volume drowns and savors itself on philosophical stuff. The narrative delves deep into the psyche of our protagonist, giving us a profound understanding of who he was before and who he has become. Vagabond, through its unique execution, ensures that Musashi's character development is unlike anything we've encountered.
As I have mentioned, Takehiko Inoue masterfully weaves various philosophical themes and concepts into the story. The ideas of fluidity like water, invincibility, life and death, and the dichotomy of killing and saving are intertwined in a captivating tapestry of a beautiful commentary about life. You won't get that when you're savoring the action scenes and see all those blood and carnage (which I also do like in the series). Although these themes may not have separate and distinct payoffs, they sort of combine together to create a thought-provoking and enriching experience for readers.
One might find the storytelling in this volume to be disjointed, but Inoue brilliantly justifies this aspect in the narrative itself. The fact that the arc is presented through Matahachi's perspective, even though he is not physically present, adds a layer of complexity (and clever excuse) to the storytelling. This choice creates a sense of nostalgia, introspection, and a profound understanding of how the journey shaped both Musashi and Matahachi as brothers.
As the Farmland arc concludes, we clearly know who Musashi has become—a stronger, more skilled swordsman, finally a match for Kojiro, whom we universally know as superior, thanks to that bridge fight which was elegantly choreographed. While the Farmland arc could have served as a powerful penultimate segment, it leaves us craving for a conclusive ending. :( We are left yearning to see how Musashi's journey concludes, to witness the culmination of all the growth and development we have witnessed throughout the series.
Vagabond Vizbig Volume 12's Farmland arc is a beautifully balanced and contemplative exploration of Musashi Miyamoto's character. It goes beyond traditional storytelling to provide a deeply philosophical and introspective experience. The arc's amalgamation of themes, its unique narrative approach, and its focus on character development make it a standout within the manga world. Takehiko Inoue's expert craftsmanship shines through, leaving readers with an insatiable desire to see Musashi's journey through to its conclusive end that I hope we would see in our lifetime.
May 24, 2023
This volume in a way was a return to form after a long middling stretch.
November 24, 2017
Best book on farming I've ever read.
October 8, 2025
The Tao Te Ching with dope ass sword fights
June 10, 2025
Wie kann man denn so ein Buch aufhören und dann nicht weiter machen?
June 11, 2020
4,5/5. What it the end, yes and no, I learn that the series is on some kind of hold, and has been for five years, so you might never truly get over with it. It's a bit of a disappointment because I was expecting a big final... I was sure it was already over. I was wrong! Nonetheless a very good one, but maybe not a strong ending as I was expecting. I like the more philosophical part, but at the same time I was expecting the big duel which will probably never happen... I also had some issues with a few cases (barely a few so no big deal) which look very cartoonish and not representative of the general style, they kind of feel out of place and I'm unsure what was the artistic choice behind them! I like it, but was expecting more. Still a series I deeply love and would highly recommend. The «ending» could pass as an end, a very open one, but even if it wasn't intent too, it could represent some sort of closure!
July 21, 2019
Another incredible volume of Vagabond, although quite bitter sweet finishing it knowing how uncertain the future of the series is.
I really hope Takehiko Inoue feels ready to continue and conclude his fantastic adaption of Musashi some day in the not to distant future, as I’ve loved the time I’ve spent with all these characters.
I really hope Takehiko Inoue feels ready to continue and conclude his fantastic adaption of Musashi some day in the not to distant future, as I’ve loved the time I’ve spent with all these characters.
September 17, 2019
I'm still quite hooked on this manga, but it is now so long between editions that it is almost in real time now, meaning it may be another seven years before Kojiro and Musashi actually meet. Still beautifully drawn, slow paced and contemplative. Nice.
September 13, 2019
If I could give this book 6 stars, I would. I never thought that the life & death struggles of Musashi, Iori and the small town as they try to survive famine and try grow rice to sustain themselves would grip me so completely. The most emotionally taxing volume yet in the series
September 20, 2021
Vagabond is one of the best stories I've ever read and will be something I constantly return to to reread
May 22, 2025
Whoa. I got goosebumps
September 13, 2025
Aunque descubrí de forma ingenua, que la historia ha estado pausada desde 2015, mi agrado por su desarrollo ha ido creciendo.
Ya no es solo la historia de Musashi Miyamoto, un sujeto que transitó desde la violencia juvenil (pensamientos tontos de querer ser mss fuerte) más pura hasta una técnica con sustento protofilosófico, sino que ademas ha traído consigo el desarrollo en si de su propia filosofía, como si de una tropicalización entre el estoicismo y el budismo se hablara, que incurre ya en Musashi a un grado sumamente interesante. Pensar quizá, en, ya no sólo lo que implica ser fuerte, sino a como buscar la plenitud, y de cómo está se encuentra en apoyar a los más débiles, o incluso de ampliar los propios horizontes y objetivos de vida, de la resiliencia, entre otros, convierte la experiencia de lectura en una de reflexión.
Me quedo con la esperanza de mas, con muy altas expectativas.
Ya no es solo la historia de Musashi Miyamoto, un sujeto que transitó desde la violencia juvenil (pensamientos tontos de querer ser mss fuerte) más pura hasta una técnica con sustento protofilosófico, sino que ademas ha traído consigo el desarrollo en si de su propia filosofía, como si de una tropicalización entre el estoicismo y el budismo se hablara, que incurre ya en Musashi a un grado sumamente interesante. Pensar quizá, en, ya no sólo lo que implica ser fuerte, sino a como buscar la plenitud, y de cómo está se encuentra en apoyar a los más débiles, o incluso de ampliar los propios horizontes y objetivos de vida, de la resiliencia, entre otros, convierte la experiencia de lectura en una de reflexión.
Me quedo con la esperanza de mas, con muy altas expectativas.
November 10, 2024
What a journey this series has been. I would love to see it properly finished one day, but what a joy it’s been to witness the art and talent of Takehiko Inoue. Musashi’s dedication to bringing life to one small village and making one rice paddy was so touching. Choosing to grow instead of kill. Beautiful.
May 9, 2025
A much slower volume but one filled with character. Musashi is living life away from the blade as best as he can but it isn't going to well. I enjoyed all the moments with the villagers and by the end I was devastated. This is most likely the end of this journey for me, unless more work gets published. It ends about as well as it could for an unfinished story.
May 30, 2023
The farming arc gives me the vibe of an old black and white samurai film. Wondering samurai aids famine struck village? There’s gotta be an old black and white samurai film with a similar plot to that!
September 3, 2023
Sad that it's over, glad that it exists.
Read
June 16, 2025And that’s it. Waiting game now.
Read
September 3, 2025I’m never going to shut the fuck up about how cool it is that this exists even if it’s never going to get finished.
(Coping by listening to the novel Inoue is adapting because frankly I’m about about to crash out that there’s no more after this)
(Coping by listening to the novel Inoue is adapting because frankly I’m about about to crash out that there’s no more after this)
November 18, 2023
مقدر كذا لازم فوليوم ثاني ياربييي تاكيهيكو بيجلطنيي ليه وقف هناا 😭😭
June 16, 2023
Simply amazing! Timelines converging from different POVs and main characters. Excited for what is to come
January 4, 2017
You know, I didn't sign up for a story about famine and death, but it was kind of interesting to read. What would a man like Musashi do in a situation where his enemy is hunger and poor economic circumstance? I'd love a return to the main story, but this feels like a fitting side story, even if it is kind of frustrating to have stories like this so late in the run, like here or in Berserk.
May 8, 2018
Even though we may never see a conclusion to this breathtaking story, I'm glad I got to experience at such a crucial point in my life. I don't necessarily feel like a better person for having read this, but I do feel that I've left with a great deal of knowledge and empathy so that I may achieve the level of calm Musashi seeks.
July 10, 2018
I really enjoyed this volume. It's mostly about farming and finding inner strength and ability to connect with nature. Takehiko Inoue is one of the most humble writers in Magna industry. His art style is unquestionably THE BEST! I've also read Vol. 37 of Vagabond and the latest chapters, and I can't wait for the rest of the story!
November 28, 2016
I'm speechless..
The art , philosophy , angle of thinking , fight strategy, meditations
The art , philosophy , angle of thinking , fight strategy, meditations
May 10, 2019
9.5/10
The last vizbig. Musashi takes a long break from sword fighting and instead starts farming. He slowly finds clarity through the hard work and suffering. A Great volume.
The last vizbig. Musashi takes a long break from sword fighting and instead starts farming. He slowly finds clarity through the hard work and suffering. A Great volume.
August 2, 2019
I maybe read this too fast but damn it was still great. Think I’m just a little sad and unfulfilled because the book went on hiatus after this volume and has stayed that way for 6 or so years.
July 2, 2023
The themes and philosophy are all coming together and give everything that came before so much meaning. Fantastic stuff
August 8, 2025
In this volume, Musashi befriends an orphan named Iori, living on a farm with barren, dying land. Rather than continuing to wander, Musashi seems to settle here for a time, focusing not on duels, but on “defeating” the stubborn soil that refuses to yield crops. His sword is set aside in favor of the hoe, and this shift brings out a quieter but equally intense battle. The story is filled with philosophy, exploring themes such as the nature of the self, true freedom, and what it means to dedicate oneself fully to a goal beyond personal glory.
I also enjoyed Shūsaku’s arc, going from the village outcast to becoming a respected leader who is nearly the head of the community. At first, he views Musashi with suspicion and even contempt, but over time the two come to understand and respect one another.
As the seasons pass, the village gradually comes to rely on Musashi. Together, they begin making progress toward creating a functioning rice paddy, but a harsh winter strikes, bringing starvation and death to the village. In one of the most humbling and human moments of his journey, Musashi does something he’s never been able to do before, he asks for help. This act marks a turning point in his understanding of strength and connection.
Takehiko Inoue’s artwork in this volume is breathtaking. The quiet, painstaking farming scenes carry as much tension as any duel, each panel heavy with effort and grit. The winter landscapes are haunting, wind-swept snowscapes that mirror the hardship and hunger of the villagers, and the way the seasons shift on the page feels inseparable from Musashi’s own transformation.
Vagabond remains one of the greatest series I’ve ever read. Its philosophy is profound and life changing, blending action with moments of deep reflection. I can only hope that one day it will be completed.
I also enjoyed Shūsaku’s arc, going from the village outcast to becoming a respected leader who is nearly the head of the community. At first, he views Musashi with suspicion and even contempt, but over time the two come to understand and respect one another.
As the seasons pass, the village gradually comes to rely on Musashi. Together, they begin making progress toward creating a functioning rice paddy, but a harsh winter strikes, bringing starvation and death to the village. In one of the most humbling and human moments of his journey, Musashi does something he’s never been able to do before, he asks for help. This act marks a turning point in his understanding of strength and connection.
Takehiko Inoue’s artwork in this volume is breathtaking. The quiet, painstaking farming scenes carry as much tension as any duel, each panel heavy with effort and grit. The winter landscapes are haunting, wind-swept snowscapes that mirror the hardship and hunger of the villagers, and the way the seasons shift on the page feels inseparable from Musashi’s own transformation.
Vagabond remains one of the greatest series I’ve ever read. Its philosophy is profound and life changing, blending action with moments of deep reflection. I can only hope that one day it will be completed.
June 24, 2022
Seeing as this may be the final book in the series, it's pretty underwhelming. I do appreciate that Musashi has made a concerted effort to discard the way of the sword in order to find something else in life.
Musashi stumbles upon Iori, a small orphaned farm boy and takes pity on him, and so decides to help him create a proper farm. One of the cranky old farmers keeps telling him you can't just hack away at the fields like an enemy, there's more work involved. So Musashi has to rewire his brain away from his spiral of death.
It's disappointing that there hasn't bee any collections since 2015, I don't hold it against the author as it's clearly a very time consuming task, but part of me wishes he cut out some of the fluff so he could finish the damned thing in one of the previous twelve volumes.
Guess I'll have to read the book this is all based on now instead.
Previous reviews:
Volume One
Volume Two
Volume Three
Volume Four
Volume Five
Volume Six
Volume Seven
Volume Eight
Volume Nine
Volume Ten
Volume Eleven
Musashi stumbles upon Iori, a small orphaned farm boy and takes pity on him, and so decides to help him create a proper farm. One of the cranky old farmers keeps telling him you can't just hack away at the fields like an enemy, there's more work involved. So Musashi has to rewire his brain away from his spiral of death.
It's disappointing that there hasn't bee any collections since 2015, I don't hold it against the author as it's clearly a very time consuming task, but part of me wishes he cut out some of the fluff so he could finish the damned thing in one of the previous twelve volumes.
Guess I'll have to read the book this is all based on now instead.
Previous reviews:
Volume One
Volume Two
Volume Three
Volume Four
Volume Five
Volume Six
Volume Seven
Volume Eight
Volume Nine
Volume Ten
Volume Eleven
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews