Vagabond Manga Review: Exploring the Epic Samurai Saga 2023 - retoreview

Vagabond is a historical fiction series that takes place in Japan during the early seventeenth century. The series follows the journey of Miyamoto Musashi, a legendary swordsman who is considered to be the greatest swordsman of all time. The story starts with Musashi's teenage years and follows him through adulthood as he becomes the greatest swordsman in Japan. The series is an epic tale of action, adventure, and philosophical musings on the nature of war, life, and death.

One of the key themes in Vagabond is the concept of martial arts and sword fighting. Takehiko Inoue is a fan of martial arts and has a deep understanding of the subject, which is evident in the way he portrays the action scenes in the series. The fights in Vagabond are well-choreographed and are both visually stunning and emotionally engaging. Inoue also uses the fights to explore the psychological and philosophical aspects of martial arts. For example, he often depicts the internal struggle of a character as they try to come to terms with the violence and death that they have caused.

Another important theme in Vagabond is the concept of personal growth and development. Musashi starts off as a brash and impulsive teenager who is more interested in fighting than anything else. However, as the series progresses, he begins to mature and develop as a person. He starts to see the world in a different light and begins to question the violence and death that he has caused. This personal growth is an important part of the series, as it shows the reader that Musashi is not just a mindless killer, but is instead a complex and multi-faceted character.

The art style in Vagabond is also worth mentioning. Inoue's illustrations are detailed and beautifully rendered. He uses a variety of techniques, such as shading, cross-hatching, and washes, to create a sense of depth and texture in his drawings. The illustrations are also expressive and convey a range of emotions, from joy and excitement to sadness and despair. The action scenes are especially well-done, as Inoue uses dynamic panel layouts and vivid visual effects to create a sense of movement and impact.

Vagabond is also a deeply philosophical series that tackles complex themes such as war, death, and the nature of life. Inoue uses the story of Musashi to explore these themes, as well as to question the nature of violence and the reasons why people fight. The series is not afraid to take a critical look at the world, and it challenges the reader to think about the morality of war and the impact that it has on people's lives. This philosophical depth is what sets Vagabond apart from other manga series, as it adds a layer of depth and meaning to the story that is not often found in other works of fiction.

Vagabond is a must-read for anyone who is a fan of historical fiction, martial arts, or philosophical musings. It is a beautifully illustrated and well-written series that explores complex themes and tackles difficult questions about war, death, and the nature of life. The series is both emotionally engaging and visually stunning, and it will leave a lasting impression on the reader long after they have finished reading it.