Vagabond by Inoue Takehiko

[Drmke]

Their site has barely been updated since mid 2011 but they don't seem to be defunct so hopefully they will *crosses fingers and stands on one leg*

[Mifec]

http://mangastream.com/read/vagabond/35508784/1 enjoy

[LoS]

I am so glad that Mangastream picked up this series, might as well have the best group of fast scanlators possible working on the project prior to the volume releases.

The artwork is still as good as ever, the landscape and backgrounds were just sublime; however, for my tastes the painted swirl texture on a few of the earlier pages was a bit too Avant-garde for me, I just wasn't a fan of that and would have rather had raw emotion from just the pen lining. But some of the emotion is just so spot on, like I literally can't see how the bottom panel on page 29 could possibly be improved at all.

[sharingan_kakashi]

Wow so much happened in one chapter. Musashi changed so much. It looks like this chapter took place in the span of a week to a month. And in that short span of time Musashi changed from a savage beast to a lost soul and back to his childhood self. Quite a metamorphosis if you ask me. He most likely got even stronger because bloodlust will no longer cloud his judgement. And it looks like the 2 ghosts are gone because Musashi has finally reached peace of mind.

The reintroduction of the Yoshioka is great. I like how they are used to bring the protagonist back down from his narcissistic throne.

@LoS. Inoue has been using that specifically for Musashi as a visual reminder of his dark side but you already know that. He used to just draw Musashi's gaunt face but he switched this lately. He always protray the strong characters as calm and deep and the swirls are clearly the opposite. But I agree with you, i can live w/o the swirls. Inoue has the best facial expressions in any manga I have read and he can do a great job with emotions based on facial expressions alone.

[ladylola]

wow the art is so gorgeous in this chapter! seriously haven't seen such good art in years! and musashi changed a lot in such a short period of time. it's a bit too sudden if you ask me. i would have liked it better if Inoue introduced those changes slowly but oh well. musashi's back and that's the most important thing imo. can't wait for the next chapter.

[baboysai]

I can't say it was really SUDDEN, his transformation. If I remember reading all Vagabond volumes, Musashi's philosophical questioning of his purpose spans for quite a long time- ever since he killed those old men that we see putting that smile on his face in this chapter. Which, for me, is a relief. That now he's had his mind made up after all this time of questioning, he can now be ready for the big bout (yesh!)

[Kaiten]

I think his transformation began shortly after the Battle of the 70, when he began referring to being strongest under the sun as a heat haze. He may have realized that being the strongest under the sun required more than strength as far back as his meeting with the Yagyuu. It has been an underlying theme that true strength when come when he is a more well rounded person, when he can think beyond the sword.

Musashi looked so weary during this chapter. He seemed so much more peaceful when he was staying with the family of the Buddha carver. A shame that his inner turmoil began to surface in such a peaceful place. At least he began to think of the importance of friends and family while he was there.

My favorite part of this chapter is what the monk said to Musashi: "You're like a hare trying to run from the fire. However... You are also the one who lit the fire". Great line and I think the key to the last arc. Even as he now seeks inner peace his fame will bring him challengers, and those seeking revenge, like the Yoshioka. Even if he does not want to fight he will be forced to. He did not want to kill the old man of the Yoshioka, but he could not flee. Ultimately he will have to be like the Yagyuu, if he wants to put out the fire he lit himself.

[ladylola]

Yeah you're absolutely right .there were premises of this change back when he fought the Yoshioka. But I would have preferred if Inoue spend more time to explain it. Maybe have 2 or 3 chapters instead of just one. It's just a matter of personal taste. I think the most significant change aside from the fact that he doesn't want to fight anymore is that he wants to start a new life with Otsu. That shows how much he has become mature, and wants to have a peaceful life.But like you said he won't be allowed to as long as the Yoshioka are after him.

[Kaiten]

I'm not certain this was the end of his transition. While this chapter did represent a mental breakthrough Musashi is a long way from quietly painting and Buddhist influenced philosophies regarding the art of the sword. A great deal of character growth is needed before he becomes the Musashi of legend. I don't think the demon has been vanquished yet though he has taken a step forward. At least he acknowledges there could be something as important as being the strongest under the sun. But he is still a long way from serenity.

[tobeulp]

Marathon this manga in one day all I could say the art is the best the battle is the best!... All of the people rate this as one of the best is not lying a must read manga!... Glad to read it when it is back hope that the final arc will be finish and no hiatus anymore ^^...

[Josef K.]

Excellent Mangastream Excellent! I am glad they are back with such an iconic series. Their epic cleaning will go well with Vagabond's art! As epic as ever, Vagabond IS the most mature manga ever!

Marathon this manga in one day all I could say the art is the best the battle is the best!... All of the people rate this as one of the best is not lying a must read manga!... Glad to read it when it is back hope that the final arc will be finish and no hiatus anymore ^^...

Welcome aboard, it does have that appeal right? I mean it is complex, but it leaves you wanting more. It is monthly now, hope it keeps going well.

[natli]

Vagabond is back yaaaaaaaaaay xD

I loved the artwork and the quality of scans and translation <3
But the atmosphere and narration style changed a bit. Musashi is different, and I'm not sure if I like the changes, but I'll hold my judgement for now :3

[Kaiten]

Musashi seems more world weary than he did in previous chapters. He has to change though, in order to become the Musashi of legend he has outgrow the demon of the earlier chapters. Before he can fight Koujiro, Musashi needs to be at peace with himself.

[baboysai]

he seems to have achieved that, no?

re: art, the first page is very distinctively Vagabond, as Inoue was always fond of using brushes and watercolor like that. For the next few pages I felt the lines got thicker, is all.

but can you all see the Musashi face close-up spread??? Beautiful

[goldb]

he seems to have achieved that, no?

Not yet, as Kaiten stated above he seems to have realised that there's something that's just as important to him as the sword....Otsu.