Vagabond, Vol. 1 (VIZBIG Edition) Paperback – September 16, 2008

I bought this mainly for the art, but the story is also captivating. For a Western reader, going from "the back" to "the front" was a little awkward at first, but I got used to it pretty quickly. In addition to the marvelous character design and linework, the script is solid, it's like watching a movie.

Vagabond, Vol. 1 is one of the most beautiful pieces of manga I have ever read and seen. The first in a 12-volume omnibus series, Inoue Takehiko has created something truly special for readers. Set in the aftermath of the Battle of Sekigahara, the story follows a young man (Shinmen Takezo) who strives to rise from his misfortune (being on the losing side) to become the greatest warrior in the land.Here are the pros and cons of this work below:Pros*Fascinating era and place (early Edo-era Japan, 1600s)*Beautiful artwork - Composed of three volumes, each opening chapter (by volume) opens with a exquisite series of color panels. Drawn in a realistic yet stylized art form, Vagabond oozes with detail from the detailed expression of emotion on character's faces to the flick of grass on the forest floor. The artwork seems to come alive!*Character development - All the discussion of artwork should not distract from the excellent display of character arc. The protagonist, despite being a prodigy in combat, is one whom continually struggles to deal with his sense of identity and mission. From the beginning of this volume to the end, Takezo changes as a person.Cons*Virtually noneSummaryAs a piece of Historical Fiction, this volume is highly recommended. As a manga, it is highly recommended. As a piece of literature and artwork, it is highly recommended. Need I say more?

One of the prized possessions in my manga collection is "Vagabond," created by the talented Takehiko Inoue, who is also known for his popular series "Slam Dunk." "Vagabond" is a captivating tale inspired by the life of Miyamoto Musashi, a legendary swordsman in feudal Japan.Inoue's storytelling in "Vagabond" is nothing short of captivating. Through his vivid characters and intense plotlines, he explores themes of personal growth, inner strength, and the pursuit of excellence. Each volume of "Vagabond" not only entertains but also educates, as Inoue meticulously incorporates historical details and cultural insights into the narrative.What truly sets "Vagabond" apart is Inoue's artwork. His mastery of the pen and brush brings the world of feudal Japan to life with stunning detail. From breathtaking landscapes to intense sword fights, every panel is a testament to his skill and dedication.As a fan, I find myself deeply immersed in Musashi's journey with each new volume of "Vagabond." Inoue's ability to blend history with fiction creates a reading experience that is both enriching and emotionally resonant. I eagerly look forward to adding more volumes of "Vagabond" to my collection, knowing that each one will continue to inspire and captivate with Inoue's exceptional storytelling and artistic brilliance.

Great Read

Vagabond reaches S trier in terms of quality. From the book itself, to the artwork and wording.A daunting book at a glance, it reads very fast, all whille having gorgeous art on display.The artwork of this manga is so far above any other manga it feels like it's in a league of its own. The attention to detail and expressionist design is better than the rest.Going beyond its very well introduced story, it doesn't take low hanging fruit. Choosing to take the high road in all situations, touching on eastern philosophy and historical accuracy with a metaphorical structure to its plot.This is my favorite manga. From the core message, to its art style and the character arcs, its just one of those times everything comes together and feels timeless.

My friend had recommended me Vagabond and all I gotta say is don’t think about it read it it’s one of those novels that’s easy to read through and the story catches you in very quickly accompanied with wonderful Illustrations by Takehiko Inoue it’s just absolutely impeccable

Series Info/Source: This is the first VIZBIG volume of the Vagabond series. I bought this book.Story (4/5): This is the story of Takeza and how he started down the path to becoming the legendary Miyamoto Musashi. It’s well done and fast paced. This is a fairly violent and graphic story, but has some interesting history and an engaging story.Characters (4/5): The characters are well done and have some depth to them but are pretty unlikable throughout. Takezo’s disregard for life and struggle to understand the rest of society is intriguing.Setting (4/5): The historical setting is well done and interesting. It was fun to take a look into this time of history.Writing/Drawing Style (4/5): The story is very easy to follow and well done. The drawing here is really exceptional, lots of detail both on the characters and in the background.My Summary (4/5): Overall this was well done and exceptionally well drawn. The story is kind of interesting and the characters had a lot of depth to them. There is a lot of graphic violence as well. I thought it was well done but don’t plan on continuing the series because I just prefer more of a fantasy take to my graphic novel stories and I didn’t really like any of the characters all that much. Additionally the volumes are fairly pricey to buy and my library doesn’t carry them.

My son doesn’t like to read but he enjoys this manga! He bought it himself!