View source for Vagabond (manga)

{{Short description|Japanese manga series}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| name            = Vagabond
| image           = Vagabond (manga) vol. 1.png
| caption         = First {{Transliteration|ja|[[tankōbon]]}} volume cover, featuring [[Musashi Miyamoto (Vagabond)|Musashi Miyamoto]]
| ja_kanji        = バガボンド
| ja_romaji       = Bagabondo
| genre           = {{ubl|[[Epic (genre)|Epic]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Kosaka|first=Kris|title='Vagabond': An epic manga based on the life of a 17th-century samurai|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2017/01/07/books/book-reviews/vagabond-epic-manga-based-life-17th-century-samurai/|website=[[The Japan Times]]|access-date=May 1, 2019|date=January 7, 2017|archive-date=May 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501153429/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2017/01/07/books/book-reviews/vagabond-epic-manga-based-life-17th-century-samurai/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Cha|first1=Kai-Ming|last2=MacDonald|first2=Heidi|title=Takehiko Inoue Unveils Mural at New Kinokuniya|url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/new-titles/adult-announcements/article/370-takehiko-inoue-unveils-mural-at-new-kinokuniya.html|website=[[Publishers Weekly]]|access-date=April 20, 2020|date=November 30, 2007|quote=Inoue is also the mangaka (manga creator) behind the epic ongoing series, ''Vagabond'' (Viz Media), based on Japan's most revered and influential samurai warrior, Miyamoto Musashi.|archive-date=October 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001225821/https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/new-titles/adult-announcements/article/370-takehiko-inoue-unveils-mural-at-new-kinokuniya.html|url-status=live}}</ref>|[[Historical fiction|Historical]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Douresseaux|first=Leroy|title=Vagabond: Volume 37 manga review|url=http://www.comicbookbin.com/vagabond037.html|website=ComicBookBin|access-date=May 12, 2020|date=April 23, 2015|archive-date=May 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508154511/https://www.comicbookbin.com/vagabond037.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=indefhiatus/>|[[martial arts fiction|Martial arts]]<ref name=viz>{{cite web|url=https://www.viz.com/vagabond|title=The Official Website for Vagabond|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=October 27, 2017|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426121417/https://www.viz.com/vagabond|url-status=live}}</ref>}}<!-- Note: Use and cite reliable sources to identify genre/s, not personal interpretation. Please don't include more than three genres (per [[MOS:A&M]]). -->
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type            = manga
| author          = [[Takehiko Inoue]]
| publisher       = [[Kodansha]]
| publisher_en    = {{English manga publisher|AUS=[[Madman Entertainment]]|NA=[[Viz Media]]}}
| demographic     = {{Transliteration|ja|[[Seinen manga|Seinen]]}}
| magazine        = [[Morning (magazine)|Morning]]
| imprint         = Morning KC
| first           = September 3, 1998
| last            = May 21, 2015 (on hiatus)
| volumes         = 37 
| volume_list     = List of Vagabond chapters
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}

{{nihongo|'''''Vagabond'''''|バガボンド|Bagabondo|lead=yes}} is a Japanese [[Epic (genre)|epic]] [[martial arts]] [[manga]] series written and illustrated by [[Takehiko Inoue]]. It portrays a fictionalized account of the life of Japanese swordsman [[Musashi Miyamoto]], based on [[Eiji Yoshikawa]]'s novel ''[[Musashi (novel)|Musashi]]''. It has been serialized in [[Kodansha]]'s [[seinen manga|{{Transliteration|ja|seinen}} manga]] magazine ''[[Morning (magazine)|Morning]]'' since September 1998, with its chapters collected in 37 {{Transliteration|ja|[[tankōbon]]}} volumes by July 2014. [[Viz Media]] licensed the series for English release in North America and has published the 37 volumes by April 2015. The series has been on indefinite hiatus since May 2015.

The manga has had over 82 million copies in circulation, making it one of the [[List of best-selling manga|best-selling manga series of all time]]. In 2000, ''Vagabond'' won the 24th [[Kodansha Manga Award]] for the general category, as well as the Grand Prize of the sixth [[Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize]] in 2002.

==Summary==
The story starts in 1600, in the aftermath of the decisive [[Battle of Sekigahara]]. Two 17-year-old teenagers who joined the losing side, Takezō Shinmen and Matahachi Hon'iden, lie wounded in the battlefield and pursued by survivor hunters. They manage to escape and swear to become {{Nihongo|"Invincible Under The Heavens"|天下無双|Tenka Musō}}. Their paths separate: Takezō decides to become a ''[[vagabond]]'' and wander the world challenging strong opponents, and Matahachi chooses to stay with women. Takezō returns to his hometown, the Miyamoto village, to tell Matahachi's mother, Osugi Hon'iden, that her son is alive. However, Osugi reacts hostile because the village detests Takezō for his extremely violent and antisocial tendencies, and because the future of the Hon'iden [[gentry]] family is compromised now that their heir Matahachi is missing. Osugi pulls strings to accuse Takezō of being a criminal. Takezō fights his pursuers but is eventually caught by the monk [[Takuan Sōhō]], who makes him reconsider his purpose in life. Takuan frees him and, to make him start his life anew, renames him Musashi Miyamoto. 

After a 4 years [[timeskip]], Musashi goes to [[Kyōto]] where he fights against the [[Yoshioka-ryū|Yoshioka]] swords. Musashi takes several students but the area catches on fire, leading to the fight being postponed. Musashi is rescued by Matahachi and treated by Takuan. He decides to continue his training with a young boy, Jōtarō, wanting him to teach him. In Musashi and Jōtarō's arrival to the [[Hōzōin-ryū|Hōzōin]] spears, Musashi's battles against the Hōzōin, escaping after being scared by [[Hōzōin Inshun]]. Its aftermath, Musashi briefly trains to prove his superiority over Inshun. Otsū's situation with the Yagyū, while Matahachi becomes famous while stealing the name of a famous samurai known as Kojirō Sasaki. Musashi and Jōtarō arrive to the [[Yagyū]] swords where the events while deliberating how to enter the Yagyū headquarters,where he meets the elder [[Sekishūsai Yagyū]]. Musashi's training, Matahachi and his family's troubles, the events directly leading to Musashi's fight against [[Baiken Shishido]].

The story then reverts to 17 years before the story's start, featuring [[Kojirō Sasaki]]'s difficult upbringing with [[Jisai Kanemaki]] adopting him, standing out as a fighter despite being disabled. At his coming-of-age, [[Ittōsai Itō|Ittōsai]] returns dragging Kojirō to a night fight. He travels with  Ittōsai and [[Gonnosuke Musō|Gonnosuke]] with a brief encounter with Takezō at the battlefield of Sekihagara, their splitting, the situation of Sadakore's squad, the fights against the peasant groups, Kojirō's fight against Sadakore's squad. After Kojiro's arc ends, Musashi meets Kojiro again while playing with a snowman simulating a brief sword fight in the process. Musashi meets Matahachi who expresses jealousy over Musashi's achievements and apparent relationship with Otsu. This angers Musashi and leaves his old friend. Musashi then fights the 70 Yoshioka all alone. Although he kills all of them, one of them leaves him with a severe wound. The aftermath of Musashi's solo battle, has him his return to wandering despite being offered the position of mentor. Meanwhile, Matahachi's mother passes away, leaving his son to tell the story of the manga. Musashi's new wandering leads him meet the orphan [[Iori Miyamoto|Iori]], whom he decides to raise while dealing with a village with poor fields. Musashi, Iori and Toyozaemon's journey lead to [[Yūsai Hosokawa]], while Otsū and Jōtarō's situation living with the Yagyū, and Kojirō deals with the Hosokawa.

==Production==
[[File:Takehiko Inoue 20240312 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Manga author Takehiko Inoue wanted to draw a more realistic series through ''Vagabond''.]]
After finishing the basketball manga ''[[Slam Dunk (manga)|Slam Dunk]]'', Takehiko Inoue wanted to write something more realistic. He did not find differences between the basketball players and samurais since he claimed that none of them like losing. In retrospect, Inoue's experience with changing demographics feels obligatory as he believes manga authors should challenge themselves.<ref name="zonanegativa">{{cite web|last=Estrada Rangil|first=Oriol|url=https://www.zonanegativa.com/zn-manga-entrevista-con-takehiko-inoue-no-tengo-conciencia-de-ser-alguien-famoso/|title=ZN Manga: Entrevista con Takehiko Inoue «No tengo conciencia de ser alguien famoso.»|website=Zona Negativa|date=November 4, 2014|access-date=May 11, 2023|archive-date=May 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511225230/https://www.zonanegativa.com/zn-manga-entrevista-con-takehiko-inoue-no-tengo-conciencia-de-ser-alguien-famoso/|url-status=live}}</ref> He called ''Vagabond'' as an experiment about complex writing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hablandoenmanga.com/articulo/3182/|title=Entrevista a Takehiko Inoue (traducción)|website=Hablando de Manga|date=May 6, 2013|access-date=May 11, 2023|archive-date=May 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511223727/http://www.hablandoenmanga.com/articulo/3182/|url-status=live}}</ref> Inoue started ''Vagabond'' having wondered what the character was like when he read ''[[Musashi (novel)|Musashi]]''. Having come off of drawing a [[sports manga]], he wanted to create a series about more basic concepts, such as "life and death, the human condition, etc." Rather than portray Musashi's later life in his "enlightened state", which has been written about often, the author chose to depict the lesser known "young man reaching that point of enlightenment when he comes from a place of being so like an animal". In 2009, he stated that he made his weekly deadline thanks to only having to draw the people, with his five assistants drawing the backgrounds.<ref>{{cite news|last=Aoki|first=Deb|title=Interview: Takehiko Inoue|newspaper=Liveabout|publisher=[[About.com]]|url=http://manga.about.com/od/mangaartistswriters/a/TakehikoInoue.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=October 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303173031/http://manga.about.com/od/mangaartistswriters/a/TakehikoInoue.htm|archive-date=March 3, 2016}}</ref> When drawing, Inoue avoids speed lines and instead keeps showing bodies based on his understanding how human bodies work.<ref name="deculture">{{cite web|url=http://www.deculture.es/2014/11/entrevista-takehiko-inoue/|website=DeCulture|date=November 4, 2014|access-date=May 5, 2023|title=Entrevista Takehiko Inoue|archive-date=May 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511223728/http://www.deculture.es/2014/11/entrevista-takehiko-inoue/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Since not much is known about the real Musashi, Inoue wanted to give his own take which he considers more modern than other related works. He regards the artwork for ''Vagabond'' as a challenge in contrast to ''Slam Dunk'' and ''[[Real (manga)|Real]]''.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6505266.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071226110101/http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6505266.html| archive-date=December 26, 2007| title=Takehiko Inoue Unveils Mural at New Kinokuniya| work=[[Publishers Weekly]]|author1=Cha, Kai-Ming|author2=MacDonald, Heidi|date=November 26, 2007| access-date=November 5, 2009}}</ref> The author clarified that there are other activities besides fighting which are important for the protagonist. Should Inoue make Miyamoto constantly follow fights, the main character would die. Rather than tell a story, Inoue wants to shows the life of Miyamoto which he considers poetry. When Musashi comes face to face with Sekishūsai, Inoue tried to make the artwork appealing to the readers.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Inoue, Takehiko|author1-link=Takehiko Inoue|script-title=ja:井上雄彦「空白」: Switch Interview Apr. 2010–Mar. 2012|date=May 10, 2012|publisher={{ill|Switch Publishing|ja|スイッチ・パブリッシング}}|isbn=978-4-88418-300-4|pages=99–113|language=ja}}</ref> In contrast to popular belief, Inoue's Musashi does not follow bushido but instead a more unique path with a growth path that he finds realistic.<ref name="deculture"/> He does not consider Musashi a samurai, but instead as a ronin.<ref name="zonanegativa"/> Other changes Inoue put when writing the manga was to make the supporting characters have different personalities from the novel. Inoue also expressed difficulties when drawing scene were the characters are wounded, most notably when Musashi battles the 70 Yoshioka which took a lot of energy to properly make. This scene was also a new idea he had when writing the manga as he felt that Musashi required a major challenge than in the novel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ramenparados.com/entrevista-conjunta-takehiko-inoue-y/|title=Entrevista Conjunta: Takehiko Inoue y Eiichiro Oda – Tercera Parte|website=Ramen Para Dos|date=January 5, 2011|access-date=May 11, 2023|archive-date=May 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511224758/https://ramenparados.com/entrevista-conjunta-takehiko-inoue-y/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In April 2009, Inoue told ''[[Nishinippon Shimbun]]'' that he suspected ''Vagabond'' would be ending "within one or two years". Claiming that he did not know how it would end, but that it had entered its final stages.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|date=April 24, 2009|title=Takehiko Inoue: Vagabond Manga Will End in 1-2 Years|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-24/takehiko-inoue/vagabond-manga-will-end-in-1-2-years|access-date=February 26, 2014|work=[[Anime News Network]]|archive-date=April 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140401141935/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-24/takehiko-inoue/vagabond-manga-will-end-in-1-2-years|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2010, he confirmed it would be ending within the year.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|date=January 4, 2010|title=Inoue Confirms End of Vagabond Manga by Year's End|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-01-04/inoue-confirms-end-of-vagabond-manga-by-year-end|access-date=February 26, 2014|work=[[Anime News Network]]|archive-date=April 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403064433/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-01-04/inoue-confirms-end-of-vagabond-manga-by-year-end|url-status=live}}</ref> However, in September during a hiatus due to health concerns, Inoue announced that the ending had been delayed until 2011.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|date=September 8, 2010|title=Takehiko Inoue Delays Vagabond Manga's Return & Finale|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-09-08/takehiko-inoue-delays-vagabond-manga-return-and-finale|access-date=February 26, 2014|work=[[Anime News Network]]|archive-date=April 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140401001914/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-09-08/takehiko-inoue-delays-vagabond-manga-return-and-finale|url-status=live}}</ref> Inoue posted an update on his website in December 2010, stating that ''Vagabond'' would not return until he regained "enthusiasm" for the series.<ref name="indefhiatus">{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|date=December 7, 2010|title=Vagabond Manga Remains on Indefinite Hiatus|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-12-07/vagabond-manga-remains-on-indefinite-hiatus|access-date=February 26, 2014|work=[[Anime News Network]]|archive-date=May 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521023605/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-12-07/vagabond-manga-remains-on-indefinite-hiatus|url-status=live}}</ref>

After eighteen-months, ''Vagabond'' returned to ''Morning'' as a monthly series in March 2012.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ransom|first=Ko|date=February 9, 2012|title=Vagabond Manga's Return Slated for March 15|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-02-29/vagabond-manga-return-slated-for-march-15|access-date=January 23, 2014|work=[[Anime News Network]]|archive-date=February 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223202734/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-02-29/vagabond-manga-return-slated-for-march-15|url-status=live}}</ref> The manga went on what was supposed to be a four-month hiatus in February 2014, with the reason stated being for Inoue to work on research.<ref name="four months">{{cite web|last=Loveridge|first=Lynzee|date=February 16, 2014|title=Vagabond Manga to Go on 4-Month Hiatus|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-02-16/vagabond-manga-to-go-on-4-month-hiatus|access-date=February 16, 2014|work=[[Anime News Network]]|archive-date=February 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140216205109/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-02-16/vagabond-manga-to-go-on-4-month-hiatus|url-status=live}}</ref> However, it was not until January 2015 that the series resumed.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|date=January 6, 2015|title=Vagabond Manga to Resume on January 29|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-01-06/vagabond-manga-to-resume-on-january-29/.82949|access-date=January 13, 2015|work=[[Anime News Network]]|archive-date=April 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411084647/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-01-06/vagabond-manga-to-resume-on-january-29/.82949|url-status=live}}</ref> The series has been on indefinite hiatus since May 21, 2015, with its 327th chapter, "The Man Named Tadaoki", being the latest one.<ref>{{cite tweet|last=Inoue|first=Takehiko|number=601252327220064256|user=inouetake|script-title=ja:【お知らせ】本日発売のモーニングにバガボンド327話「忠興という名の川」掲載です。|date=May 21, 2015|access-date=July 14, 2021|language=Japanese}}</ref>

==Release==
{{main|List of Vagabond chapters{{!}}List of ''Vagabond'' chapters}}
Written and illustrated by [[Takehiko Inoue]], ''Vagabond'' is based on [[Eiji Yoshikawa]]'s 1935 novel ''[[Musashi (novel)|Musashi]]''. It started serialization in [[Kodansha]]'s [[Seinen manga|{{Transliteration|ja|seinen}} manga]] magazine ''[[Morning (magazine)|Morning]]'' on September 3, 1998.{{efn|It started in the magazine's 40th issue of 1998 ([[cover date]] September 17),<ref name="ITplanning">{{cite web|title=Works|url=https://itplanning.co.jp/previous/workse.html|website=itplanning.co.jp|access-date=May 23, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200523232757/https://itplanning.co.jp/previous/workse.html|archive-date=May 23, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/M605557|script-title=ja:モーニング 1998年 表示号数40|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=[[Agency for Cultural Affairs]]|access-date=May 24, 2020|language=ja|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200524015728/https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/M605557|archive-date=May 24, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> released on September 3 of that same year.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:モーニング 1998年40号|url=http://www.morningweekly.co.jp/now&next/1998/9840.htm|website=[[Morning (magazine)|Morning On Line]]|publisher=[[Kodansha]]|access-date=May 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990218135331/http://www.morningweekly.co.jp/now%26next/1998/9840.htm|archive-date=February 18, 1999|language=ja}}</ref>}} Kodansha has collected its chapters into individual {{Transliteration|ja|[[tankōbon]]}} volumes. The first volume was released on March 23, 1999.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shop.kodansha.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3286193|script-title=ja:バガボンド (1)|trans-title=Vagabond Vol. 1|publisher=[[Kodansha]]|language=Japanese|access-date=August 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830021624/http://shop.kodansha.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3286193|archive-date=August 30, 2009|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> As of July 23, 2014, 37 volumes have been released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product?isbn=9784063883404|script-title=ja:バガボンド (37)|trans-title=Vagabond Vol. 37|publisher=[[Kodansha]]|access-date=December 1, 2014|language=Japanese|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220103559/http://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product?isbn=9784063883404|archive-date=December 20, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

In North America, [[Viz Media]] started publishing the manga in an [[American comic book]] format in December 2001;<ref>{{cite web|title=New Viz Manga Series|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-09-20/new-viz-manga-series|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=August 9, 2023|date=September 20, 2001|archive-date=November 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104202103/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-09-20/new-viz-manga-series|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Green|first=Scott|title=This Week's Releases|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-12-19/this-week%27s-releases|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=August 9, 2023|date=December 19, 2001|archive-date=February 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203103210/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-12-19/this-week%27s-releases|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=This Month's Viz-In : December 2001|url=http://www.viz.com/news/vizin/current.html|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=August 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011222070855fw_/http://www.viz.com/news/vizin/current.html|archive-date=December 22, 2001}}</ref> 16 issues were released until March 2003.<ref>{{cite web|title=New Releases: March 2003|url=http://www.viz.com/news/newreleases/200303.php|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=August 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030818102612/http://www.viz.com/news/newreleases/200303.php|archive-date=August 18, 2003}}</ref> Viz Media started releasing the manga in the regular graphic novel format in March 2002.<ref>{{cite web|title=Press Releases : March 2002 : Vagabond, Volume 1|url=http://www.viz.com/news/pressreleases/2002/03/vagabond.html|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=August 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020607021041fw_/http://www.viz.com/news/pressreleases/2002/03/vagabond.html|archive-date=June 7, 2002|date=February 25, 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Pine|first=Jarred|title=Vagabond Vol. #01|url=http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/manga/manga.php?manga_view=957|website=AnimeOnDVD|access-date=August 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080418090245/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/manga/manga.php?manga_view=957|archive-date=April 18, 2008|date=March 4, 2005}}</ref> Their release retains the color pages from the series' magazine run. The 37th and latest volume was released on April 21, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vagabond, Volume 37|url=http://www.viz.com/manga/print/vagabond-volume-37/11421|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=August 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612170426/http://www.viz.com/manga/print/vagabond-volume-37/11421|archive-date=June 12, 2015}}</ref> Viz Media's release was distributed in [[Australasia]] by [[Madman Entertainment]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Hayward|first=Jon|date=December 8, 2006|title=Madman announces December acquisitions.|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-12-08/madman-announces-december-acquisitions|access-date=January 23, 2014|work=[[Anime News Network]]|archive-date=February 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223202737/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-12-08/madman-announces-december-acquisitions|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2008, Viz began re-releasing the series in a "VizBig" edition, which collects three of the volumes into one; the first volume was released on September 16.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vagabond (VIZBIG Edition), Vol. 1|url=https://www.viz.com/read/manga/vagabond-vizbig-edition-volume-1/product/1507|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=August 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128121512/https://www.viz.com/read/manga/vagabond-vizbig-edition-volume-1/product/1507|archive-date=January 28, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> The twelfth and latest one was released on April 21, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vagabond (VIZBIG Edition), Vol. 12|url=https://www.viz.com/read/manga/vagabond-vizbig-edition-volume-12/product/2812|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=August 9, 2023|archive-date=August 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230809121131/https://www.viz.com/read/manga/vagabond-vizbig-edition-volume-12/product/2812|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2024, Viz Media announced a "Definitive Edition", releasing three volumes in a large-trim edition starting in Q2 2025.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|title=Viz Media Licenses Beyblade X, Mujina Into the Deep, Firefly Wedding, The Climber, More Manga|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-06-01/viz-media-licenses-beyblade-x-mujina-into-the-deep-firefly-wedding-the-climber-more-manga/.211428|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=June 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601060854/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-06-01/viz-media-licenses-beyblade-x-mujina-into-the-deep-firefly-wedding-the-climber-more-manga/.211428|archive-date=June 1, 2024|date=June 1, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

Two art books for the series were released on October 23, 2006; ''Water'' containing the manga's colored art and new pieces, and {{nihongo|''Sumi''|墨}} containing the black and white art as well as early rough sketches.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:バガボンド画集 ＷＡＴＥＲ|url=http://shop.kodansha.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3646726|publisher=[[Kodansha]]|access-date=August 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307202230/http://shop.kodansha.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3646726|archive-date=March 7, 2009|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:バガボンド画集 墨|url=http://shop.kodansha.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3646734|publisher=[[Kodansha]]|access-date=August 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307202248/http://shop.kodansha.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3646734|archive-date=March 7, 2009|language=ja}}</ref> Both were published in North America by Viz Media on September 16, 2008.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Viz Media Announces the Debut of New Works from Famed Manga Artist Takehiko Inoue Including Slam Dunk and Real Manga Series and Sumi and Water, The Vagabond Art Books|url=http://activeanime.com/html/2008/08/19/viz-media-announces-the-debut-of-new-works-from-famed-manga-artist-takehiko-inoue-including-slam-dunk-and-real-manga-series-and-sumi-and-water-the-vagabond-art-books/|publisher=[[Viz Media]] via Active Anime|access-date=August 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319111223/http://activeanime.com/html/2008/08/19/viz-media-announces-the-debut-of-new-works-from-famed-manga-artist-takehiko-inoue-including-slam-dunk-and-real-manga-series-and-sumi-and-water-the-vagabond-art-books/|archive-date=March 19, 2016|date=August 19, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Viz to Print Cat Eyed Boy, Black Lagoon, Tanemura Works|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-01-24/viz-to-print-cat-eyed-boy-black-lagoon-tanemura-works|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=August 9, 2023|date=January 24, 2008|archive-date=May 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506053822/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-01-24/viz-to-print-cat-eyed-boy-black-lagoon-tanemura-works|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception==
''Vagabond'' has had over 82 million copies in circulation worldwide.<ref name=ritsumei>{{cite web|url=http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/~shuku/2012/CB2012/CB20121213.pdf|script-title=ja:コンテンツビジネス概論-12|page=12|publisher=[[Ritsumeikan University]]|access-date=November 29, 2013|language=ja|date=December 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222055023/http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/~shuku/2012/CB2012/CB20121213.pdf|archive-date=February 22, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

''Vagabond'' won the Grand Prize for manga at the fourth [[Japan Media Arts Festival]] in 2000. The following is an excerpt from the speech congratulating Takehiko Inoue: "From [[Toyotomi Hideyoshi|Toyotomi]] to [[Tokugawa Ieyasu|Tokugawa]]. Musashi Miyamoto grew up amidst the turn of two great eras. Mr. Inoue has taken the powerful Musashi who was sometimes called a 'beast' and drawn him as a vagabond. The artist brags about boldly challenging the national literary work of Eiji Yoshikawa, even so, the sense of speed that he creates is impressive. I send my applause to the artist for creating a new image of Musashi".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Grand Prize - Vagabond {{!}} Award {{!}} Manga Division {{!}} 2000 [4th] Japan Media Arts Festival Archive|url=http://archive.j-mediaarts.jp/en/festival/2000/manga/works/04m_Vagabond/|access-date=October 22, 2022|website=[[Japan Media Arts Festival]]|archive-date=October 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021150251/http://archive.j-mediaarts.jp/en/festival/2000/manga/works/04m_Vagabond/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://plaza.bunka.go.jp/english/festival/2000/manga/000360/|author=Japan Media Arts Plaza|title=2000 Japan Media Arts Festival Manga Division Grand Prize Vagabond|access-date=August 26, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011214402/http://plaza.bunka.go.jp/english/festival/2000/manga/000360/|archive-date=October 11, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> The same year, the series won the 24th [[Kodansha Manga Award]] in the general category.<ref name="KodanshaHahn">{{cite web|url=http://www.hahnlibrary.net/comics/awards/kodansha.shtml|author=Joel Hahn|title=Kodansha Manga Awards|work=Comic Book Awards Almanac|access-date=August 21, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070816031310/http://www.hahnlibrary.net/comics/awards/kodansha.shtml|archive-date=August 16, 2007}}</ref> ''Vagabond'' also received the Grand Prize of the sixth [[Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize]] in 2002, and the North American version earned Inoue a nomination for the 2003 [[Eisner Award]] in the Best Writer/Artist category.<ref name="four months"/>

===Critical response===
In early releases of the manga,  ''MangaLife'' found Musashi appealing for his quest of strength and Inoue's detailed artwork despite its slow pacing.<ref>{{cite web|last=Aronson|first=Michael|url=http://www.mangalife.com/reviews/Vagabondv1.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014090201/http://www.mangalife.com/reviews/Vagabondv1.htm|website=Manga Life|access-date=May 10, 2023|archive-date=October 14, 2007|title=Vagabond 1|url-status=live}}</ref> They find the early journey of Musashi impressive due to the emphasis on violence over his mental development and his connections with Matahachi.<ref>{{cite web|last=Aronson|first=Michael|url=http://www.mangalife.com/reviews/Vagabondv3.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014091109/http://www.mangalife.com/reviews/Vagabondv3.htm|website=Manga Life|access-date=May 10, 2023|archive-date=October 14, 2007|title=Vagabond 3 review|url-status=live}}</ref> The eventual release of the sixth volume received more acclaim from the ''Manga Life'' for further developing Musashi's bushido, his acceptance of his weak point and how Matahachi also kept appearing despite the two still not meeting.<ref>{{cite web|last=Aronson|first=Michael|url=http://www.mangalife.com/reviews/Vagabondv3.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011231601/http://www.mangalife.com/reviews/Vagabondv6.htm|website=Manga Life|access-date=May 10, 2023|archive-date=October 11, 2007|title=Vagabond 6 review|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Fandom Post'' was drawn out by the writing of Inoue when reading the first manga volume, praising its large amount of content and whether or not Musashi is still capable of being a true warrior when interacting with the monk Takuan.<ref>{{cite web|last=Alexander|first=Matthew|url=https://www.fandompost.com/2018/04/19/vagabond-vol-01-manga-review/|title=Vagabond Volume 1 Manga review|website=The Fandom Post|date=April 19, 2018|access-date=May 10, 2023}}</ref> A similar comment was given by ''ComicBookBin'' with the reviewer claiming that his impression of ''Vagabond'' was so impressive that it reminded him of the comic book ''[[Batman: The Dark Knight Returns]]'', praising the way Inoue portrays violence in a realistic fashion.<ref>{{cite web|last=Douresseaux|first=Leroy|url=http://www.comicbookbin.com/vizbigvagabond009.html|title=Vagabond VIZBIG Edition: Volume 9|website=Comic Book Bin|date=November 12, 2010|access-date=May 10, 2023|archive-date=April 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424192748/http://www.comicbookbin.com/vizbigvagabond009.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Another aspect praised by the same website was the lack of large amount of dialogue needed to describe the characters.<ref>{{cite web|last=Douresseaux|first=Leroy|url=http://www.comicbookbin.com/vagabond033.html|title=Vagabond: Volume 33|website=Comic Book Bin|date=October 27, 2010|access-date=May 10, 2023|archive-date=April 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424192748/http://www.comicbookbin.com/vagabond033.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Peter Fobian of [[Crunchyroll]] commented that ''[[Slam Dunk (manga)|Slam Dunk]]''{{'}}s [[Hanamichi Sakuragi]] and Musashi are similar protagonists being young, egotistical prodigies, but that "Musashi is a force of nature." He went to call Inoue's take on Musashi unique when compared to the ones often depicted in fiction.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fobian|first=Peter|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/features/2016/3/15/feature-monthly-mangaka-spotlight-9-takehiko-inoue|title=FEATURE: Monthly Mangaka Spotlight 9: Takehiko Inoue|website=[[Crunchyroll]]|date=March 15, 2016|access-date=August 29, 2023|archive-date=August 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829234137/https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/features/2016/3/15/feature-monthly-mangaka-spotlight-9-takehiko-inoue|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Comic Book Resources]]'' praised the way Musashi addresses Bushido, the Code of the Samurai, which makes him honorable.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kogod|first=Theo|url=https://www.cbr.com/vagabond-reasons-must-read-manga/#realities-of-bushido|title=Vagabond: 10 Reasons It's A Must-Read Manga|website=[[Comic Book Resources]]|date=December 13, 2019|access-date=April 24, 2023|archive-date=April 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424230648/https://www.cbr.com/vagabond-reasons-must-read-manga/#realities-of-bushido|url-status=live}}</ref> The story arc where Musashi tries to take care of villagers as it retains the handling of Bushido but without relying on action and using other types of strength, was praised for retaining its pacing.<ref>{{cite web|last=Begley|first=Joshua|url=https://www.fandompost.com/2015/03/18/vagabond-vol-36-manga-review/|title=Vagabond Vol. #36 Manga Review|website=The Fandom Post|date=March 18, 2015|access-date=May 10, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Begley|first=Joshua|url=https://www.fandompost.com/2016/04/18/vagabond-vol-37-manga-review/|title=Vagabond Vol. #37 Manga Review|website=The Fandom Post|date=April 18, 2016|access-date=May 10, 2023|archive-date=January 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129152017/https://www.fandompost.com/2016/04/18/vagabond-vol-37-manga-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Japan Times]]'' regarded Musashi's growth from the ruthless warrior to a wise monk warrior to be well executed across the narrative.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kosaka|first=Kris|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2017/01/07/books/book-reviews/vagabond-epic-manga-based-life-17th-century-samurai/|title='Vagabond': An epic manga based on the life of a 17th-century samurai|website=[[Japan Times]]|date=January 7, 2017|access-date=April 24, 2023|archive-date=November 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102052424/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2017/01/07/books/book-reviews/vagabond-epic-manga-based-life-17th-century-samurai/|url-status=live}}</ref>

While comparing the manga with the original novel, William Scott Wilson, the author of ''The Lone Samurai: The Life of Miyamoto Musashi,'' noted that the manga is darker and more mature; yet, although "extraordinarily well drawn", it is "no substitute for Yoshikawa Eiji's work".<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qQDEAwAAQBAJ&dq=Vagabond+Inoue&pg=PT210|title=The Lone Samurai|year=2013|isbn=978-1590309872|publisher=[[Shambhala Publications]]|author=Wilson, William Scott|access-date=June 10, 2023|archive-date=August 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230809121044/https://books.google.com/books?id=qQDEAwAAQBAJ&dq=Vagabond+Inoue&pg=PT210|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' regarded ''Vagabond'' as a "samurai masterpiece" for the contrast it makes with the novel by deepening the characterization of Musashi and alternate take on the rival Kojiro. Another aspect praised by ''Los Angeles Times'' was how the protagonist makes philosophy about strength and his goal as the arc of the Yoshioka where the main character kills 70 men ends with him retaining severe wound on his foot that weakens him and makes him question what is being invincible.<ref>{{cite web|last=Solomon|first=Charles|title='Vagabond': Takehiko Inoue creates a samurai masterpiece|url=http://herocomplex.latimes.com/books/vagabond-takehiko-inoue-creates-a-samurai-masterpiece/|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150820220032/http://herocomplex.latimes.com/books/vagabond-takehiko-inoue-creates-a-samurai-masterpiece/|archive-date=August 20, 2015|date=October 2, 2011}}</ref> According to ''[[Hobby Consolas]]'', ''Vagabond'' deserves the praise it gets both in narrative and artwork theme.<ref>{{cite web|last=Valdivia|first=Thais|url=https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reportajes/trabajos-takehiko-inoue-85232|title=Trabajos Takehiko Inoue|website=Hobby Consolas|date=September 12, 2014|access-date=May 11, 2023|language=Spanish|archive-date=April 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425001030/https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reportajes/trabajos-takehiko-inoue-85232|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[One Piece]]'' manga artist [[Eiichiro Oda]] claimed he enjoyed the manga for touching deep themes and how it helped Inoue grow as an artist.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ramenparados.com/entrevista-conjunta-takehiko-inoue-y-2/|title=Entrevista conjunta: Takehiko Inoue y Eiichiro Oda – Primera Parte|website=Ramen Para Dos|date=December 22, 2010|access-date=May 11, 2023|language=Spanish|archive-date=May 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511224253/https://ramenparados.com/entrevista-conjunta-takehiko-inoue-y-2/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|https://morning.kodansha.co.jp/c/vagabond|''Vagabond'' on the official ''Morning'' website}} {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Official website|http://www.itplanning.co.jp|Takehiko Inoue official website}}
* {{Anime News Network|manga|1595}}

{{Takehiko Inoue}}
{{Series in Morning}}
{{Kodansha Manga Award - General}}
{{Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize}}

[[Category:Biographical comics]]
[[Category:Comics based on real people]]
[[Category:Comics set in the 16th century]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Miyamoto Musashi]]
[[Category:Epic anime and manga]]
[[Category:Historical anime and manga]]
[[Category:Kodansha manga]]
[[Category:Madman Entertainment manga]]
[[Category:Martial arts anime and manga]]
[[Category:Samurai in anime and manga]]
[[Category:Seinen manga]]
[[Category:Takehiko Inoue]]
[[Category:Viz Media manga]]
[[Category:Winner of Kodansha Manga Award (General)]]
[[Category:Winner of Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize (Grand Prize)]]