浪客行 37

バガボンド [Vagabond] #37

by Takehiko Inoue

Vive en la espada, y se transforma en demonio. Vive en la tierra, y muere en la tierra. La solitaria disciplina de una única vida, dedicada a la espada del presente por Musashi, y confiada a la tierra del futuro por Shuusaku. Dos formas incompatibles de vivir se cruzan mediante la frágil vida del arroz, dando un fruto inesperado en su corazón.

Genres: Manga, Comics, Historical Fiction, Seinen, Fiction, Adventure, Action

Paperback

First published July 23, 2014

About the author

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

Reviews

[Artemy · Rating 4 out of 5]

And this is it, the final published volume of Vagabond to date — hopefully, Inoue will one day finish his magnum opus, but for now this is all we have. It's a good wrap up for the farming storyline, but I would be lying if I said that I loved it as a whole — the arc was very dire and bleak throughout, and Inoue's storytelling felt unusually choppy and scattered a lot of the time. Still, it's an important chapter in Musashi's journey, a humbling lesson that made him closer to the people and the world around him.

I loved my time with Vagabond, and I sure hope that we will get the chance to see the end of this phenomenal story in the future. But even if not, it was an incredible journey for which I am immensely grateful.

[Lexu · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the manga on hiatus, this is the farthest we can go in this story. As we are on hiatus, let me recommend not to take breaks with this story. It's so long there's things you will forget along the way. References and such. I have to clarify that my ratings of 5 starts that I have been dropping on all the volumes are for the entire saga, to that point. Sure there were some volumes that are slower than others but I'm not going to spend the time reviewing every single one.
As a whole, this story is 5/5. I love it. Crazy thing is, Musashi is only my 2nd favourite character. Team Kojiro, anyone? He's a riot. The best of the story's comedy comes from him.
As for Musashi. He's a one in a million human being and his character development is vast. He has people who push along this development for him like Takwan (spelling?) and more recently Shuusaku (the rice farmer) but he alone can also come to realisations. Musashi's one of those self taught alpha geniuses. The deep thinking usually happens after big fights and although it can be tedious for the reader at times, it is the mind of a champion. "Unrivalled under heaven", was it?

[Ostrava · Rating 5 out of 5]

And with this my journey with Vagabond comes to its end, although I'm hoping to continue with it one day. Either way I'm satisfied. This is easily one of my favorite works in the medium, surpassing the likes of Berserk and getting awfully close to Punpun. I feel indebted to this work for its exploration of strength and its views on things like religion for example have had a positive impact on my life.

I don't like to write long reviews unless I feel inclined to do so, but I will say this: this is a masterpiece. And an unmissable work if you want to get into serious manga. I came for its almost legendary visual beauty but stayed for Mushashi and Inoue's writing.

[richa ⋆.˚★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was binging this series for days now... only to realise it's incomplete 😫🤦🏻‍♀️🥲 Why do I read without checking it's status? I know we're in the final arc and we'll finally see Takezo and Kojiro fight. It's gonna be epic but I know one of them has to go ⚔️. Takezo who went from a senseless rage killing machine to a farmer of a draught struck place now is slowly learning true strength. I cannot believe he's alive and made it till vol 37 though. He even gave up his girl 👏🏻 for his true purpose.

5⚔️

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Will add the rest of the reviews for the volumes 4-36 soon.

[Henrique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vagabond Volume 37


Esse volume vai dos cap 316 ao 322 e com isso finalmente cheguei ao último volume lançado até o momento da obra já que está em um hiato há muitos anos e assim a sensação que fica que é que foi uma jornada sensacional que que cada página e cada capítulo lido valeu a pena foi muito bom de acompanhar toda a trajetória do Musashi desde que ele lutou na batalha de Sekigahara lá no capítulo 1 até os dias atuais onde ele praticamente virou um fazendeiro entendo agora o que é ser forte e o caminho que ele vai seguir a partir de agora e eu gostei muito de toda a evolução do protagonista simplesmente e um personagem que cresce muito no decorrer da história e se um dia essa obra voltar com capítulos inéditos com certeza estarei lendo porque esse mangá se tornou um dos favoritos da vida e eu recomendo a todos que gostam tanto de mangá como de história de samurai mas principalmente para aqueles que gostam de ver um protagonista que começa a história de um jeito na reta final ele está de um jeito totalmente diferente façam um favor a vocês mesmo e vão ler Vagabond essa obra merece ser apreciada por todos que mangá sensacional.

[Keiko, the manga enthusiast ♒︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young beaten Musashi: Why was I born? For what?
Takuan: You’re here… to support others

Who wouldn’t have wished for such a heartwarming ending after that depressing volume? This is gratifying enough. Although, I wouldn’t drop Vagabond just yet… in hopes of the future continuation. Afterall, I haven’t seen Jotaro and Otsu for quite a long, long time.

Thank you, sensei.

[Dhia Nouioui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, the rice farming arc comes to an end. The grumpy but wise old farmer dies, and its time for Musashi to move on. Musashi went through a lot of spiritual and philosophical growth during his year with farming, plus his leg healed up. That scene with the dragonflies flying over the rice paddies was awesome.

[Seb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading Vagabond in April. I knew next to nothing of what it was about except that it is one of the three big Seinen Manga (Berserk, Vagabond, Vinland Saga.). Berserk is one of the greatest stories I've ever read and my experience reading it last year along with One Piece opened up a new medium of content for me to explore. After One Piece the question remained, which one should I read next?
I decided on Vagabond for no other reason than it was recommended for people who loved Berserk. When I started reading it I had no idea what it was about. Part of me assumed it would be fantasy but I quickly learned it wasn't. Vagabond is a historical fiction story chronicling the life of legendary Japanese Sword Saint Miyamoto Musashi. At first, I was a little taken aback. It was objectively good, I knew that from the beginning. Vagabond has plenty of action, but action isn't the point of Vagabond.
Inoue has crafted a truly genius story here which while it isn't complete and perhaps may never be (who knows).
I loved this series because it wasn't like Berserk where the action was nonstop and the emotions were always running high. Vagabond is a masterpiece because it is a much quieter down to earth story about one man, one Vagabond trying to find his place in the world. It's about life and searching for meaning in a world were purpose doesn't find you.
This isn't only reflected in Musashi and his Sword (which is also a character of sorts), but in the others, being Otsu, Matahachi, Denshichiro and Inshun. It's very slow moving and that might be jarring but it's worth it. Especially later in the series when it becomes especially philosophical. It's a great series. It's worth reading or at least checking out.

[Ahmad K. Al Hindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check my review of 𝑉𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑛𝑑 on Instagram via this link: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5HHkBioQ...

I will start posting manga/manhwa/comic reviews there (+ other things related to books).

[Berna Labourdette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imposible no amar esta serie. Un dibujo soberbio y una historia increíble donde vemos la lucha de Miyamoto Musashi contra la naturaleza, intentando hacer germinar arroz, en medio de una hambruna generalizada. Todo esto que puede sonar muy aburrido, en manos de Inoue es épico, con paisajes de mucha belleza y reflexiones precisas en medio de las catástrofes y las alegrías. La vida misma.

Por favor no deje botada esta serie, Sr. Inoue. 

[Santi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ya que es el último tomo que hay hasta la fecha, voy a escribir la reseña en este un poco por encima.
En general es un manga 10/10. Me arde la sangre solo al pensar en la incertidumbre de cuando llegara el siguiente tomo. Espero que Takehiko Inoue encuentre la fuerza y la inspiración que necesita para seguir con esta obra maestra.
Solo me queda decir que me parece increible que de todas las batallas hasta la fecha, la más intensa e increible ha sido Musashi peleando contra la tierra para conseguir plantar arroz.
Dicho esto, mucha paz.

[Miyako Hallier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is more going to be over the entire series itself and not simply the most recently released volume. I'm too lazy to update every single volume I've read with my review on that volume, anyways.

This is one of the first graphic novel/manga series I've ever read, and I must say that I can't imagine there being another quite like it. Vagabond's enthralling storyline, combined with it's detailed characters, underlying themes, and stunning art, is far beyond my expectations of it, and I can say with confidence it is one of the best series I've ever read.
Though it had somewhat of a slow start, the story picked up fairly quickly after the Takezo arc, the prelude to his journey of discovering himself as a swordsman. Even then, the story was interesting enough to keep me reading more of it. When it began to hasten it's pace, around the Yagyuu arc, I actually dropped it for some time and began to read a few other graphic novels. Perhaps I had bored myself with constantly reading seinen books, what with reading Vagabond and Berserk at the same time, and needed to take a bit of a break from the mentally exhausting themes. It wasn't long, however, that I found myself reading Vagabond again. One of the things that brought me back is the art. Inoue is a one-of-a-kind artist, and I'd guess that reading too much of the simplistic, cartoony styles of shounen action, sports, and romance had me wanting to return to Inoue's intricate and sophisticated style.
I began reading once more, at a much faster pace than before, and eventually found myself at one of my favorite arcs, Kojirou's arc. Though it may not be on par with the top tier manga arcs like Berserk's Golden Age arc, Bleach's Soul Society arc, or Attack on Titan's Battle of Shiganshina arc, and though it may not even be the best of the Vagabond series, it's one that I wholly and thouroughly enjoyed. It was lengthy, detailed, and had great importance to the story. I believe this arc to be the reason Sasaki Kojirou cannot truly be considered the "villain" of the story, though he is Musashi's arch-rival and one of the main antagonists of the story. Developing a sympathy for him despite not knowing his relation to Musashi, it's almost as if Kojirou became his own main character of a separate story, so that instead of a hero and a villain, we have two heroes and no human "villain." Had we not learned of his past with his deafness, and instead stumbled upon him when Musashi decided to fight him, it's likely that we wouldn't feel the same way towards him, and instead seen him as another cocky samurai like Yoshioka Seijuurou. Even with his deafness, his supposed "handicap," we readers still would have looked at him like Itou Ittousai with his handicap.
Despite this, however, I do not believe Kojirou to be the best written character. Though he is a very likeable character with a nonchalant air to his movements in battle, I would have to say his development thus far is subpar compared to the other characters. To be honest, I would say there's a dozen other characters better written than him (well, that may be a slight exaggeration). For example, here's someone highly overlooked by fans of the story that I believe to have better development than Kojirou: Yoshioka Denshichirou. His development, from the time of his first real battle against Kojirou to his final one against Musashi, is phenomenally written and planned out. His understanding of not using his father's name as a shield against those who see less of him, yet his unyielding love and aspiration to be like his father, combines perfectly into one in his final moments. His death, standing straight up with his sword in the air, portrays his victory in the war against himself, while Musashi stands before him, victorious, but still struggling and fighting his own internal battles.
While I would like to look into Hon'iden Matahachi's character in this review, I feel obligated to bring justice to another overlooked character, Baiken Shishido, more specifically, Tsujikaze Kouhei. Musashi's second battle against Kouhei was what I believe to be the main turning point of his views on sword fighting. In the first "battle" between the two, Kouhei and Musashi are alike in what they deem to be the meaning of living by the sword. However, in their second battle, Kouhei had developed and discovered something Musashi could not quite find himself. I predict Kouhei to be a mirror of who Musashi will become in future novels (if the story is continued). It could potentially be two things that changed Kouhei in ways Musashi has yet to. The first is that it could be the presence of someone to care for and protect, Rindo. While Musashi does have Otsuu and Joutarou, it's important that we see the difference in the mutual bond between Rindo and Kouhei and the love/love-but-doesn't-fully-realize-it relationship between Musashi and the other two. The second, and what I think to be the more likely of the two, is the presence of a battle against Kojirou. Though it was brief, it's clear that Kouhei's battle against Kojirou changed him and enlightened him on the way of the sword, as it did for everyone else who dared to approach Kojirou with murderous intent. Though Musashi has met Kojirou on multiple occasions, he has yet to cross swords with him, and I believe it is not until then that Musashi will ever fully realize his purpose following the way of the sword.
Then there's Miyamoto Musashi. His development in the 327 chapters of this series is unmatched, and he has more room to grow. I've talked about him quite a bit in my review already due to the fact that he's the main character, but one thing I would like to point out about him that I find fascinating is the number of parallels to him that can be found throughout the story. Even in the most minor characters that are slain by another swordsman in two pages, we can see Musashi in so many characters, who are most often the pre-Musashi, the "Shinmen Takezo" Musashi. There are also occasions where we see a more matured Musashi, such as in Kouhei or even Kojirou himself, a Musashi that has yet to be uncovered by the audience.
As the story moved into the Second Yoshioka arc, as well as into the Post-Yoshioka arc and the beginning of the Farming arc, I believe Inoue's art peaks, specifically in the fluidity of the motions of characters. Perhaps this was a strategic change in style, as the closer Musashi comes to the conclusion of what his purpose is, the cleaner and smoother the art and his motions become, as if Musashi's goal in finding himself is becoming "cleaner and smoother." While the story seems to slow as the amount of action and battles in the story diminishes, the dialogue becomes heavier and harder to understand. Musashi begins to speak about sword fighting more figuratively as he continues to reflect on his purpose. I believe this exchange of action for dialogue is a fine trade-off, as I don't necessarily find action-packed parts of stories to be the most interesting, though they are fun to read.
On the contrary, the most recent arc, the Hosokawa arc, has been quite the bore to me. I believe it may be due to the absence of Musashi in these chapters, his only appearance being the end of what has been released, when he finally arrives at the Hosokawa castle. This is somewhat disappointing to me; I think back to how Kojirou used to be one of my favorite characters and compare it to now, where I'm bored by the sight of him. Hurts to see things like this happen, eh?
Overall, the story was phenomenal and a worthy 5 star, 10/10 rating for me. Knowing that it probably won't be continued, with the story's hiatus gaining on 6 years and showing no signs of returning, I can't say the ending we were given was satisfactory, especially considering how there's not even a "partial conclusion" like in the Hunter x Hunter show, and it instead abruptly ends with Musashi's arrival at the castle. There's so much more to be played out for us, so much more that needs explaining, but understanding that the author may not wish to continue this series is just as important as understanding the series itself. Inoue's "Real" graphic novel series is currently being released, so he hasn't quit the manga industry for sure, but there's absolutely no guarantee that he will return to Vagabond. One can hope, though, that we will one day see Musashi's fated battle of the "invincibles under the sun" against Kojirou and his reunion with Otsuu and Joutarou.

To those who are new to graphic novels or mangas in general, I probably wouldn't recommend this as a starter series, but more of a series to read once you've read 5-10 graphic novels/series, for a few reasons. One, it may be difficult to read if you don't understand Japanese honorifics (-san, -sama, -kun, -chan/chin, etc.) or some aspects of Japanese culture in general. Translator's and editor's notes and such can be helpful in clearing this information up, but these may be absent or vague in some versions. Two, there are several scenes showcasing gore and gruesome killing. For someone just beginning to read graphic novels, the detail of gore, especially with Inoue's art style, may come as a slight shock, so please be mindful of such things before reading. The last reason is simply because of how spectacular of a story it is. When you first read or watch something, whether it be a TV show or a sporting event, it will typically be your first impression of whatever that thing is, and you will tend to use it as a point of comparison. With something like Vagabond, you may set your standards too high, so I'd suggest starting out with something a bit more tame, perhaps a shounen series. But again, this series is a definite must-read, so be sure to put it at the top of your "To Read" list if you have any interest in graphic novels.

[Ana Laura Iñiguez]

Ok………this will be more of a LONG ASS personal note to myself.

I think it’s complicated for me to judge this manga objectively and even subjectively lmao. Starting with the art, it really is a shame how the quality started dropping right in the middle of it, near the time we meet Kōjiro, but tbh no es que se haya vuelto malo, es sólo que al principio era demasiado bueno. We got super spoiled by the author, to the point it gets kinda hard to focus on the plot when every single panel is incredibly breathtaking.

I really can’t emphasize enough HOW GOOD Inoue’s art is right in the beginning of this manga. La mera neta nunca había disfrutado tanto ver el arte de un mangaka, it might be because I need to read more well done mangas, it might be because of my HUGE crush on Musashi, idk!!! Idk. Point being, at the beginning I cried frequently because the art really stirred things up in my little heart, even when the characters were unlikeable and everything they did was dumb as fuck, the way this man drew it was enough to make me emotional. There’s a chapter seared in my mind right at the beginning of Musashi’s journey, when he’s starting to actually learn about human decency, and he fights the bald monk in the woods at night. I think that was the peak in Vagabond’s art, it felt alive, it was crazy good!

From then on, the art quality dropped steadily and it started bothering me after having met Kōjiro and returning to Musashi’s storyline. I think it definitely has to do with the author being less and less excited about the story, idk you definitely can start sensing a lack of motivation around that time, but even then I can’t say it gets bad. It never ever gets bad, every single character is so complex and unique, but alas, regarding the art, the last chapters are obviously miles away from the first ones.

Y bueno ya ya mucho pedo, having covered that, I need to talk about the story. I took a month (maybe 2 month) break from it because I thought I couldn’t really get on board with the plot anymore. The story kept dragging out, it became very slow paced and removed from the original point, but I don’t think I can blame it on the mangaka. I kept forgetting this is a book adaptation, and looking at it that way, the pacing of Vagabond makes sense since it’s completely representative of the rhythm of Japanese literature. It’s (thankfully) all about the journey, and it places importance on experiences more so than in actions.

I’m conflicted about Kōjiro and he obviously needs to be mentioned since we spent MANY volumes following him around. I HATED his backstory I’m gonna be honest, I didn’t care and I didn’t like it, and it was very very long. Apart from those like ? 10 volumes of backstory, I started to grow fond of him and came to really appreciate him, specially at the point when he met Musashi, before fighting the Yoshioka school, but I ultimately don’t know what to make of him 😭 he’s too eccentric for me to form an opinion on without first knowing the ending to his story. All I can say is that I do like him more than Matahachi and, given he’s a deaf samurai, he’s an inherently cool and interesting character

Having said all that, I love Musashi so much. I love him so much. He’s a wonderful character and I got so incredibly attached to him. The last few volumes were so different from the rest of the story and from what I had hoped they would be, and still they became my absolute favorite ones. Musashi doesn’t even fight, he becomes a farmer, he’s literally dying of starvation, and yet!! And yet, for me, those are the best volumes. I think that just goes to show how good a character Musashi really is, and how superb is his character development. I related a bit too much, and I learned and relearned things about myself while reading those volumes. Because of this, any rating I give will be highly biased lol, but these last volumes really were incredibly emotional and philosophical and just amazing, really.

Musashi, little Takezō, became so important to me. I can only hope we can see him happy and married to Otsū one day, along with Iori and Jōtarō. I will definitely cry about this again, also the crush I have on Musashi is unbelievable!! Did I mention that? That’s all, cheers.

[fonz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tres tomos sublimes donde se narra la mejor bajada a los infiernos del héroe para renacer como agricultor que yo haya leído en mi puta vida (maravilloso que utilice el arrozal de una aldea misérrima como metáfora y prueba para el héroe, siendo el arrozal un elemento imprescindible para entender las sociedades asiáticas en general y la japonesa en particular). Después de esto Inoue lo puede dejar en este punto si le da la gana y seguirá siendo un momento final bellísimo para una obra majestuosa de un grandísimo autor.

[Абрахам Хосебр · Rating 5 out of 5]

Що може знаменитий на всю країну Міямото Мусаші унаслідувати від старого незнайомого фермера?
Я зовсім не розумію.
Єдине, в чім я певен, це те, що як тільки він побачить збір урожаю власними очима, ми двоє вернемося в Кокуру.

[Mohamed Al-Moslemany · Rating 5 out of 5]

All stories have the potential to have deeper messages, it should not only be taken at face value and Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue is a masterful work. Vagabond is the fictionalized account of the great swordsman Miyamoto Musashi and the source material was taken from Eiji Yoshikawa’s novel "Musashi" with some creative changes.

The plot is absolutely captivating, not only because if it's wonderful and highly detailed artwork but it's simple central plot which is about the ultimate pursuit of becoming the best. each time that I sat down and read the manga I spent more time thinking about the situations at hand than actually flipping the pages.
what is the true meaning of strength? and after obtaining true strength is there even a benefit of having it? what is mentally and spiritually required to be a warrior? what is oneness and how should we move in our day to day life and remain rooted? is weakness inherently wrong? what makes strength fundamentally right? if clinging to labels is wrong, how can we truly judge ourselves objectively and present ourselves to the world aptly?

Vagabond explores abandonment, starvation, abuse, doubt, insanity, struggle, dishonor, loss, fear and ultimately death but on the other hand it also explores strength, invincibility, camaraderie, oneness, balance, passion, destiny, love and life. Vagabond imposes these questions themes and messages and ask you to come up with your own conclusions.

Before there is Miyamoto Musashi there was Shinmen takezo from Miyamoto village who embarks on a journey to become the only man invincible under the sun. “there are many ways to the top of a mountain”. he meets many opponents with different weapons and with different weapons come different mindsets and different styles of engagement in battle. Regardless of swordsmanship style different characters have struggled with the definition of strength and how to obtain it.
Ittōsai for example advocate that experience can only be gained once a man is in the field and completely devout to giving their mind, body and soul to the sword. his abrasive and extreme demeanors reflected in the swordsmanship.
Every character has their reasoning for what is necessary to conquer the heat of battle, so when a brawl ensues it's less a battle of swords but more a battle of spirit and ideology.
When your life is truly on the line and every movement that you make could potentially be your last, you need to be extra sure of every action you make and if your soul wavers in the heat of battle you're liable to lose your life.
This story has dire stakes. It emphasis on the scars of battle and dismemberment.
“Strength is desired by all but there's a trail of bodies behind every sword” and worriers have to cope with that fact.
“when you yourself become truly strong you can perceive what true strength is”

It’s a shame that Inoue took hiatus, I will be anticipating him finishing this marvelous piece of art.
In the meantime, I will take on Eiji Yoshikawa’s "Musashi"

here are some panels that caught my eye

[Met · Rating 4 out of 5]

«Se credi che appartenga solo a te stesso, la vita non ha alcun valore.»
Altro volumone di Vagabond! 🔥

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply phenomenal

[Synoeca · Rating 5 out of 5]

!!!!! art!!!

[Philipp Vallejo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay! Hiatus time!
Legendary manga with deserved reputation

[ekari · Rating 5 out of 5]

takehiko inoue's magnum opus.
10/10

bloody, gripping, philosophical, and introspective.
the perfect encapsulation of the human spirit.
no other manga will ever touch this level of perfection.

[Dr Rashmit Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again harvesting and again it's just a display of grit and determination and it's awesome . Love it. Alas it is the penultimate volume

[Hugo Barahona · Rating 5 out of 5]

¿Qué es vivir con fuerza?

Musashi, con ese gesto que puede parecer pequeño, se convirtió en alguien verdaderamente invencible. No aquella invencibilidad que proclamaban hombres como Munisai Shinmen o Ito Ittosai, esa que se medía en duelos o títulos, sino una invencibilidad mucho más profunda: la de quien ha salvado una vida, la de quien ha salvado a toda una aldea.

En esta aldea, rodeado de quienes verdaderamente conocen la fuerza: Iori, Shuusaku y los demás aldeanos, Musashi aprendió a ver con otros ojos. Ellos le enseñaron la perseverancia, la humildad y el amor silencioso que sostiene la vida. Musashi les dio esperanza, pero también recibió de ellos la suya propia. Shuusaku representa el juicio de la vida sobre Musashi. Aquel hombre que no entendía como aquel hombre alzaba la azada para preservar lo más preciado para él. Pero sin embargo, gracias a ese juicio, Musashi pudo hallar lo que más anhelaba. Shuusaku no enseñaba con palabras, sino con una existencia sencilla, con la simpleza y la constancia. Frente a él, el guerrero comprende otro tipo de fuerza. Cuando Shuusaku, comparte la tierra junto a Musashi, convive con él e incluso le invita a su casa, estos gestos tienen el peso de una redención. El hombre que lo juzgó, ahora confía en él, y esa propia confianza, es la absolución que Musashi nunca pidió, pero que siempre necesitó.

Cuando la enfermedad consume a Shuusaku, Musashi lo acompaña en silencio. En los últimos días, el anciano le pregunta si aquella aldea lo ha cambiado. Musashi no responde con palabras, solo sonríe. La sonrisa de alguien liberado. La propia sonrisa que nace de un acto valeroso: aceptarse.
''Musashi... enséñame cómo logras poner esa sonrisa, yo puedo sonreír a la tierra... pero no a las personas.''

Shuusaku muere, fundiéndose con la tierra que tanto amó. En su muerte hay una paz serena, finalmente ha comprendido que incluso ese guerrero puede florecer. Musashi no solo ha cambiado; ha dejado una huella. Ha sembrado en Shuusaku lo mismo que él había aprendido en la aldea: la capacidad de vivir con compasión. Shuusaku descansa en la tierra, Musashi sigue caminando sobre ella.

Musashi lo comprendió todo. Descubrió lo que significa vivir con fuerza. Su espada ya no es aquella que destruye y arrebata vidas, ha forjado una espada que siembra, protege y cuida lo más esencial: la existencia misma. La espada de Musashi ha trascendido la violencia; ya no responde al orgullo ni a la ambición. Ha superado el ciclo de muerte y de venganza, y en su lugar, ha aprendido a mirar por la gente débil, no a aplastarlos. Musashi al fin se permite algo que jamás se habría imaginado: perdonarse a sí mismo.

''La esencia precede a la existencia.''
Musashi nació como hijo de Munisai Shinmen, cargando una herencia y una expectativa: ''ser el mejor bajo los cielos.'' Creció bajo esa sombra, perdió su rumbo entre duelos y sangre, pero logró romper esas cadenas de ese destino autoimpuesto. Encontró y forjó su propio camino, su propia paz en el lugar más sencillo e inesperado: una aldea remota, pobre, entre manos cansadas, tierra húmeda, su promesa y miradas esperanzadas.

Este arco no cierra una historia que parece seguir inconclusa, sino que condensa el mensaje final del viaje de Musashi: aquel hombre que antes fue una langosta, devorando y destruyendo cuanto quedaba a su paso, ahora sostiene con su azada invencible, la promesa más pura y sincera de la tierra: a pesar de estar destruida, siempre tiene la oportunidad de crecer y florecer.

EXHIBICIÓN
Este capítulo no es solo un cierre narrativo, sino una epifanía visual, una meditación sobre el paso del tiempo, los vínculos y la plenitud del camino de Musashi. Aquí, Takehiko Inoue no solamente busca concluir una historia, sino también trascenderla.

La escena comienza con Fuki, un joven idealista que busca a un hombre: el legendario Miyamoto Musashi. Lo encuentra, envejecido, sereno, cuya espada ya no hiere ni protege, solamente existe. Su filo se ha fundido con el cielo y la tierra: una vasta extensión de la vida misma.

Musashi recibe otro visitante: Inshun, quien cumple la promesa tras su duelo: volver a verse como amigos, no como rivales. Ya no hay sangre, ni el deseo de medir fuerzas, solo el reconocimiento mutuo de quienes han comprendido el mismo camino.

Fuki, con la ingenuidad de la juventud, le pide ser su último discípulo. Pero Musashi ya no puede enseñar más. Fuki, aquel niño que una vez fue abandonado y adoptado por una familia rica, anhela la fuerza... como aquel Takezo. Ser fuerte... ¿para qué quería Takezo Shinmen ser fuerte? Para poder lidiar con su soledad, para dejar de tener miedo de existir y vivir por su cuenta. Pero Miyamoto Musashi es otra historia...

En sus últimos momentos, Musashi contempla las sombras y luces de su recorrido. Todos sus vínculos. A Otsu, aquella mujer que protegió su alma y le dio humanidad; a Kohei, el reflejo trágico de su propia espiral; a rivales que incluso en la muerte, le ofrecieron respeto: Ueda, Seijuro y Denshichiro. A Jotaro, que a pesar de no poder su discípulo, trae consigo todas aquellas personas que tanto en el presente, como en el futuro, Miyamoto Musashi les ha mostrado un camino. Sekishusai Yagyu e Inei Hozoin, siempre presentes con su sabiduría silenciosa y agradecimiento pleno. Y por último, Munisai Shinmen, su padre, con el que comparte un vínculo poderoso: ese lazo de resentimiento que lo definió, lo hirió y lo moldeó.
''Musashi... ¿Hay algo que todavía deseas?''

Sí, Musashi anhela una cosa que nunca tuvo: el amor de su madre. Su viaje, todo su esfuerzo, su furia, su hambre... nacieron de un corazón roto que solamente deseaba ser aceptado por aquella figura. Sin remordimientos, Musashi se disuelve junto a Sasaki Kojiro, su fiel y eterno reflejo, caminando hacia la vastedad del mar. Ambos ya no son espadas cruzadas, sino corrientes de un mismo río que desembocan en el infinito.

Inoue nos deja una despedida preciosa por el cual llegamos a un homenaje al hombre como al artista. La figura de Musashi se desvanece, Inoue ha llegado al punto en este capítulo donde el arte, la vida y la búsqueda se funden, dándonos un clímax a la altura de muy pocos.

¿Qué es en realidad ser fuerte? Es la pregunta que Vagabond e Inoue nos sugiere. Takehiko Inoue traza ese ''camino de la espada'' como ese camino que recorremos todos: aquel por el cual dirigimos y decidimos quien queremos ser. Inoue no solo dibujó una historia de samuráis; dibujó el proceso de un alma encontrando su forma. Y nosotros, al leerla, encontramos un pedazo de la nuestra.

[Rohit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think there’s a lot of life philosophy I simply did not understand. But even only partially grasping musashi’s goals and how his character changes in pursuit of them, I found the story amazing.

Sometime the dialogue is poignant and makes complete sense. it’s in these lines that vagabond really shines.

The manga also has some of most stunning art I’ve seen. The two page spreads are gorgeous and panels hit HARD. It’s the kind of art where I find myself taking breaks just to sit with it.

Overall, an amazing piece of work I wish was finished. I would totally rate this a 5 star, but sadly with the story not being resolved, I feel musashi’s character arc incomplete.

[Valdir S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Musashi's constantly improving in his journey to be the strongest in a somewhat Buddhist alike way. Diminishing his ego, overcoming his pride and watching over the weak beings, he unveils his illusion thoughts in order to turn back to the place where his mind belongs - depicted as that dead samurai's crypt from his childhood . Will he be able to match Kojiro after this life experience in the wasteland? Let's see...let's see...

[groulx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very hard to put it in words right now but boy did I love this manga. A character journey like none other, one of the best cast ever, depth on the true meaning of life, themes handled to perfection and art that belongs in a museum. Vagabond might be the media I am most confident to call a masterpiece and it is also possibly the media I truly believe anyone will consider a masterpiece because of how much it tackles aspects of life we are all familiar with.
Top 3 animanga
Top 3 media
99/100

[Marina Mandarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uuff i ara què? Esperar que l'iatus no s'allargui més. Aquest manga és tan reflexiu i meditatiu 🧡 Ple d'autoconsciéncia, d'alliberament.
No puc agraïr més al Takehiko la manera tan bonica que té de cuidar les seves histories. Amb Slam Dunk ja ho va fer i ara que estic llegint el manga tinc tants records nostàlgics que no puc estar més agraïda. És precios veure la evolució de Slam Dunk a Vagabond. Ai deu meu, ja estic trobant a faltar al Musashi i al Kojiro 🧡✨

[M. Ashraf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I though this was a complete series. and I kept wondering in the last couple of volumes; how we are going to end on this note - planting rice -_-
but it is still an ongoing series but in a long, very long hiatus :(
Now I am on par with the latest issue so :( Waiting the next issue.
The volume was great much better than the previous one. we finally moved on to a new thing.

[ukht miri ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Et voici que mon voyage avec Vagabond prend fin. J’en suis vraiment stupéfaite, lisez cet œuvre.

Dans ce récit réaliste se passant dans les années 1600 au Japon, Miyamoto Musashi qui est un jeune bretteur, ne vit que pour un principe, affuté son art le plus possible pour devenir le meilleur bretteur du Japon. Cette quête de puissance le ramènera en réalité à une quête d’humanité.

En effet, pendant ce long voyage, nous verrons Musashi « grandir » et trouver de réels buts à sa vie, grâce aux nombreuses expériences et leçons qu’il a acquises. Étant premièrement cet homme ayant cet rage et ce désir fou de devenir plus fort, à celui en recherche d’une compréhension plus profonde du monde et des personnes qui l’entourent, Musashi a obtenu un développement DE FOU FURIEUX. C’est pourquoi, je trouve qu’il est le parfait d’exemple de la maîtrise de soi. Il nous montre de même la valeur de la persévérance et du développement personnel.

Ce manga regorge également de principes philosophiques tels que, le but et la quête de la force véritable, mais également de la paix. C’est donc pour cela, si vous aimez les histoires qui vous amènent à une réflexion poussée de la vie et qui abordent des sujets philosophiques, Vagabond est pour vous.

(Ps: j’ai mis plus d’âme dans mon commentaire sur Vagabond que sur mes contrôles de français.)

[sofi · Rating 5 out of 5]

por qué se tuvo que ir a hiatus T_T

el mejor manga que he leído en mi vida y lo mejor que he leído este año. lo terminé ayer y aún me siento vacía (no dormí dado que sólo leía) KDJÑALDKAKSKSKS

no tengo palabras que decir más que me cambió la vida, también pienso que no pudo haber terminado en un mejor arco que este, el cual de forma indiscutible fue mi favorito 🥺🤍🤍🤍🤍. muchos pueden preferir las batallas, los capítulos de política, llenos de sangre, rabia y odio, pero ver a un musashi agricultor enfatizando lo mucho que ha crecido como personaje es mil veces mejor 😭

no puedo definir lo que siento por musashi, ha crecido tantooooo!!! en definitiva es de mis personajes favoritos a partir de ahora JFLÑSLDKSKD, los fuertes siempre son amables, duele que él mismo no se de cuenta de lo puro (ha matado gente, si sé, no me importa) que es

OTSU ES LA MEJOR

matahachi recibió su karma <3

YYYYYYY kojiro tiene la mejor historia que un personaje secundario pueda tener


10/10, de lo mejor que he leído en mi vida ✨ me cambió profundamente