Vagabond

Created by Takehiko Inoue, (and one of my favorite manga of all time) Vagabond doesn’t just tell the story of a swordsman. Based on Eiji Yoshikawa's novel Musashi, the manga follows the legendary Miyamoto Musashi on his relentless journey to become the greatest swordsman in history. But Vagabond isn’t just about duels and swinging blades—it’s about the weight of ambition, the cost of greatness, and the quiet, often painful search for inner peace. Let me explain…

At its core, Vagabond isn’t a story about winning fights; it’s about confronting oneself. Musashi, portrayed as a restless and haunted warrior, chases an ideal of strength that’s as much philosophical as it is physical. Inoue’s masterful artwork captures every drop of sweat, every tremor of fear, and every fleeting moment of clarity on Musashi’s face, making the reader feel every step of his journey. The landscapes are breathtaking, the action fluid, and the emotions raw—each panel feels like a painting you could stare at for hours. When I say Inoue “paints” this story, I quite literally mean it.

But what makes Vagabond truly unforgettable is its exploration of humanity. Through Musashi and his rival, Inoue asks timeless questions: What does it mean to be strong? Is victory worth losing your soul? And in the end, what’s left when the sword is finally set down? Whether you’re drawn in by the sweeping battles, the poetic reflections, or simply the astonishing art, Vagabond isn’t just a manga—it’s an experience. One that cuts deep, lingers long after you close the pages, and reminds you that the hardest opponent you’ll ever face… is yourself.

If you’re encountering a period of growth, I highly recommend giving this a look. Here’s the first book to get started (it’s actually the first three volumes in one so it’s a better bang for your buck).

Until next time! -edo