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Title: Vagabond
Genres: Seinen(young adult, 17+), Samurai, philosophical,
Author: Takehiko Inoue (best known for Slam Dunk manga)
Artist: same
Publication: Weekly Morning, (publisher: Kodansha)
Start Date: 1998
End Date: On Going
Number of chapters at review: 243
Number of chapters read by reviewer: 243
General Overview: This is a more realistic manga based on the novel by Eiji Yoshikawa which is based on the real life of sword saint Musashi Miyamoto. It is a seinen manga so it has deeper more social and philosophical views, arcs, and plots than a standard shounen manga. While there is a small amount of spirituality involved, the action and fighting sequences are very realistic. You won't be finding 5 attacks that look like they should destroy the body entirely being used in a row by two samurai here, but rather the real threat and difference in skill that comes from dodging a blow that leaves a scratch on you.
Category Ratings: (1-10 scale)
Art: 10
The art is amazing. VERY VERY detailed each and every page. Although there aren't any elaborate looking monsters or costumed heroes the realistic and detailed is very cool.
Plot: 8
The deep thoughts that go into Musashi mastering his skill and becoming the strongest under the heavens is very engaging. But unlike most standard manga it lacks a big bad boss villain, this may or may not be a big deal to personal tastes. But I will say Inoue does a masterful job in moving along the plot with Musashi and all the supporting characters. There's much character depth in this manga.
Characters: 10
Like I said there is lots of character depth in this. Character's growth reaction to situations and realizations I personally think is what makes this such a great manga that stands far above many others.
Themes: 7.5
The big main theme is philosophy of martial arts. Growing and becoming stronger more aware, etc. The theme is rather blunt I'll admit. To really get into it you kinda have to like martial arts or samurai. I'm not saying you must or you'll hate. But give it a try and it might grow on you.
Originality: 10
I give this a 10 because never have I read such a realistic manga before. The fights are really something rather amazing in the way they are brought about. The fact that there is no main villain or anything also helps with its originality. Inoue does a great job to keep you hooked and wanting more without there actually being a villain to defeat.
Overall: 9
Vagabond is among the best manga I've ever read in my life. It truly is amazing and captivating the way Inoue has written the story and character depths. The only thing that keeps this from being a 10 is that it's themes aren't something that is so easily understood and appreciated.
Well this was my first review leave some comments on what you think. All the chapters used to be available here. But something happened the links broke from rapid share or something. You gotta register but you can find all the volumes up to date Here: www.mangatraders.com
You can discuss the chapters on here just look to your left and find the Vagabond forum link.
Genres: Seinen(young adult, 17+), Samurai, philosophical,
Author: Takehiko Inoue (best known for Slam Dunk manga)
Artist: same
Publication: Weekly Morning, (publisher: Kodansha)
Start Date: 1998
End Date: On Going
Number of chapters at review: 243
Number of chapters read by reviewer: 243
General Overview: This is a more realistic manga based on the novel by Eiji Yoshikawa which is based on the real life of sword saint Musashi Miyamoto. It is a seinen manga so it has deeper more social and philosophical views, arcs, and plots than a standard shounen manga. While there is a small amount of spirituality involved, the action and fighting sequences are very realistic. You won't be finding 5 attacks that look like they should destroy the body entirely being used in a row by two samurai here, but rather the real threat and difference in skill that comes from dodging a blow that leaves a scratch on you.
Category Ratings: (1-10 scale)
Art: 10
The art is amazing. VERY VERY detailed each and every page. Although there aren't any elaborate looking monsters or costumed heroes the realistic and detailed is very cool.
Plot: 8
The deep thoughts that go into Musashi mastering his skill and becoming the strongest under the heavens is very engaging. But unlike most standard manga it lacks a big bad boss villain, this may or may not be a big deal to personal tastes. But I will say Inoue does a masterful job in moving along the plot with Musashi and all the supporting characters. There's much character depth in this manga.
Characters: 10
Like I said there is lots of character depth in this. Character's growth reaction to situations and realizations I personally think is what makes this such a great manga that stands far above many others.
Themes: 7.5
The big main theme is philosophy of martial arts. Growing and becoming stronger more aware, etc. The theme is rather blunt I'll admit. To really get into it you kinda have to like martial arts or samurai. I'm not saying you must or you'll hate. But give it a try and it might grow on you.
Originality: 10
I give this a 10 because never have I read such a realistic manga before. The fights are really something rather amazing in the way they are brought about. The fact that there is no main villain or anything also helps with its originality. Inoue does a great job to keep you hooked and wanting more without there actually being a villain to defeat.
Overall: 9
Vagabond is among the best manga I've ever read in my life. It truly is amazing and captivating the way Inoue has written the story and character depths. The only thing that keeps this from being a 10 is that it's themes aren't something that is so easily understood and appreciated.
Well this was my first review leave some comments on what you think. All the chapters used to be available here. But something happened the links broke from rapid share or something. You gotta register but you can find all the volumes up to date Here: www.mangatraders.com
You can discuss the chapters on here just look to your left and find the Vagabond forum link.
Feel like discussing Vagabond further? Go here:
Vagabond Discussion Forum
Vagabond Discussion Forum
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