Vagabond, Vol. 8

Vagabond VIZBIG Omnibus Edition #8

by Takehiko Inoue

Confrontation

Real-life figure Miyamoto Musashi was the most celebrated samurai of all time. The quintessential warrior-philosopher, Musashi authored A Book of Five Rings, a classic treatise in the canon of world philosophy and military strategy. But the path to enlightenment is an endless journey, and to get there through violent means—by way of the sword—makes mere survival an even greater challenge.

Musashi has returned to Kyoto one year after he last attempted to take on the mighty Yoshioka School, and the entire city is abuzz anticipating the rematch to come. When the elder disciples of the Yoshioka discover the unbelievable progress Musashi has made along the way of the sword, they plot to defeat him however they can—even if it means resorting to dishonorable means.

Genres: Manga, Historical Fiction, Comics, Japan, Seinen, Fiction, Graphic Novels

624 pages, Paperback

First published October 23, 2006

About the author

Takehiko Inoue (井上雄彦) is a Japanese manga artist, best known for Slam Dunk and Vagabond.

Reviews

[Artemy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume builds up towards and ends up right at Musashi's duel against Yoshioka Denshichiro, so it's a hell of a cliffhanger — although, let's be real, even if we weren't talking about actual historical events here we would still already know that Denshichiro has absolutely no chance. But that's hardly the most important thing happening in this volume, because THEY FINALLY MET. Yes, Musashi and Kojiro have finally officially crossed paths, and their first encounter is... super cute? Like, almost romantically so! The two are just fooling around with a snowman, trying to cut it in half with a tiny wooden branch. It sounds silly, but there is so much tension in those scenes, it's absolutely incredible what Inoue is doing here. He makes you wish that these two future rivals would rather become good friends. It's a real shame that one of them is destined to be killed by the other.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series continues to be awesome. The art is simply gorgeous and the story compelling and engrossing, whether we are experiencing quiet moments or violent action. I am constantly amazed at how Takehiko Inoue is able to repeat patterns and ideas, but does so in such a way that he always sems to be bringing something new to the page and never ends up appearing boring or redundant. We start off with a bang (that may seem in some ways a bit anti-climactic) as Musashi immediately kills Seijuro, the head of the famous Yoshioko school of swordsmanship and elder brother of Denshichiro, who is in the midst of preparing for the long arranged duel he had made with the wandering ronin a year earlier.

Immediately after this Musashi meets an old man who, sensing something special about the swordsman, invites him to his home as a guest. Unbeknownst to Musashi it is the great sword sharpener Hon’ami Koetsu who has intervened in his life. It appears that Musashi is not the only wandering master of the sword that has been taken in by the famous artisan, as we discover that Sasaki Kojiro is also staying as a guest of Koetsu and his wife and has developed quite a palyful bond with the elderly couple. Indeed, the two act as surrogate parents to the two orphans of the sword, providing them with an experience of family that neither of them had as a child. Just as Hon’ami sensed the powerful ki in both of them they each recognize a worthy peer in the other and, given the setting in which they find themselves, they develop an almost sibling rivalry as they size each other up while ‘playing’ in the snow with Musashi acting as the ‘elder brother’ often nonplussed and irritated at the seemingly childish actions of Kojiro. As the Yoshioka disciples, upon learning of Seijuro’s death, search relentlessly (though fruitlessly) for Musashi and hatch a plan to have a stand-in replace Denshichiro in the coming conflict in the fear that they will lose all, Musashi learns about himself from both his host and the child-like Kojiro and suddenly appreciates the need to let go of the seemingly limitless rage that has fueled him to this point in order to regain the natural affinity he had with the sword as a child; an affinity that Kojiro shows in spades.

Meanwhile both Matahatchi, Otsu and Jotaro come to Kyoto without knowing that they are once again fortuitously crossing paths with Musashi on the eve of his great duel. Matahatchi becomes embroiled in this when the Yoshioka, having heard rumours of his superlative skill, attempt to recruit Kojiro as their stand-in for the duel and Matahatchi happens to once again be in the right place at the right time (or is it the wrong place at the wrong time?) in order to try and manipulate circumstances to take advantage of the situation.

In the last few pages we finally come to the duel with Denshichiro which shows Musashi evaluating several attacks in his mind as the two face off in silence, appearing to the impatient crowd to be doing nothing. In the end we have a cliffhanger with Musashi making an almost fatal error as he finally runs forward to attack his foe. Has his new sense of ease and naturalness cost him his killing edge? Only time, and the next volume, will tell.

[Etienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again a very good volume in the Vagabond series. I was expecting the big confrontation to happen in this one but it looks like we’ll to wait a bit more for it to happen. I love how the author merge all the plot and storyline we have follow so far in the series and now seeing all come together it just very fun. Love it!

[Olivier Pols]

And so it begins

[Omar Villafane · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the skill and spirit increases the game gets easier and the challenges become fun no matter the danger. ⚔️

[Kat Galvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now is where the story truly begins

[Justin Agosto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume was so good. It’s the build up of the entire series. The ending cliff hanger, I need the next one

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes it feels like this is just an endlessly repetitive cycle of killing. Musashi challenges someone, kills them, feels like he's evolved as a person, has some kind of personal epiphany and then goes on to the next person to kill.

It's a credit to Takehiko Inoue as both author and artist that my interest hasn't waned. He seems to know when to pull back and add to Musashi as a character, when to focus on other characters, when to expand upon this universe so when we go back to Musashi killing his next opponent it does feel like something has changed, even if it's arguable nothing has.

Once again this volume feels like Musashi really has changed, but in a way it feels like he's embraced a part of himself he cut off long ago. He seems to have become more carefree and actually funny.

Musashi politely (at first) trying to push through a crowd as they force him away, unaware that he's the one they've gathered to watch had me laughing out loud.

Also, he builds a snowman. If that's not showing growth I don't know what will.

I do love that in this volume we're shown that Musashi and his future nemesis Kojiro could have so easily been friends in different circumstances. It manages to add a touch of sadness to an otherwise fairly funny conclusion to this story.

Particularly as they have no idea who the other is at this point so they kind of just play around in the snow, which is ridiculously cute. I mean, if they weren't going to end up as rivals this volume would have me convinced they were going to end up as lovers. Enough with the unintentional queer baiting, Inoue!

[SAVINA · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Volume 22 - 4 Stars
I don't care what anyone says, Musashi is invincible - I just loved seeing him in this volume, I've missed being immersed in his journey and seeing how much he's grown as a swordsman and man in general. I'm interested to see where this drama is going, Matahachi has finally been captured and Sasaki is being used. Will Musashi remember their encounter, will he know who he's fighting ? - and vice versa. I'm so intrigued to see where these both their journeys are taking them !
The exploration of consciousness is so great in Vagabond, both the last volume and this one really delve into the realm of soulfulness and it's so well done, it's as if you need to be shrouded in this conscious atmosphere to understand the complexity, density and funnily enough the simplicity of the dimensions Musashi is exploring. I love Takehiko, he's present in every page and illustration, his soul is one of the reasons I'm so captivated by not only Musashi but this series as a whole ! Love love love - now let's get back to the drama !

Volume 23 - 4 Stars
Another great volume :) Matahachi's scheming was grand, seriously it was interesting to see a con man at work, and his mindset - so bloody strange to experience !
The segment on sword sharpening was really insightful, the beauty of a sword is only apparent when it ceases to be anything but a weapon - that's profound, something I will have to keep thinking over to completely grasp. I really appreciated Hon'ami's talk about the depth of one's unique colour and seeking out that one hue rather then tackling all types of hues - another piece of information I want to dwell on and understand at its full potential...
I'm really intrigued to see who will fight Denshichiro, Ueda (who's just been banished :O), Sasaki ?? Really intrigued let's find out :D

Volume 24 - 4.5 Stars
Definitely a volume I want to revisit, the conscious philosophy was astounding, so profound that i didn't completely grasp the essence of what Takehiko was conveying - so I'm making it a goal to revisit and learn until I understand the density of the message. I really like the fact that Sasaki has a quality Musashi once had and has lost, I think being one with nature is something that Musashi will need to become what he once was, I do feel like a minuscule amount of him has been tarnished - however in saying that, this part of him has proceeded anything he ever was so it's strange to comprehend. Again something I want to revisit in the future along my journey :) I really enjoyed the part where Matahachi faces up to the Yoshioka samurai, it was so brave and reminded me of the first few chapters he was in - back before he was a traitor, thief, cheat, liar and arson... Although I do despise him it was really nice too see :)
Now for the fight - OMG I can't believe it's come to it finally, and Wth was that with Musashi forgetting to draw his sword, he's such a goof but so amazing - I'm scared for him but I know he will move forward ! Yay lets read the next volume ! Omg and Otsū and Jōtarō and Matahachi's Mama and Takuan :OOO everyone's back !

[Craig Schorling · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main focus of this book is the duel between Denshichiro and Musashi. However, there are so many little moments in this book that are absolutely superb. We get apperances by almost all the characters that have been in the story up to this point and that is a huge plus. The family that takes in Musashi is great and the chapters with Kojiro and Musashi playing with the snowman are wonderful. The clan is trying to get Denshichiro to back out of the duel but his pride and honor won't let him. Then the final chapter brilliantly displays a game patience and analysis at the start of our duel. All of this is accentuated by Inoue's masterclass art and line work.

[Blake the Book Eater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another phenomenal volume in this epic series. The emotions are high, the action is beautiful, and the philosophy is just breathtaking. I could write multiple essays about how skilled Inoue is as a writer.

[Perusing Panels · Rating 5 out of 5]

These last two omnibuses have been fantastic! Need the next one ASAP!

[Ben M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHY I CHOSE THIS BOOK

I believe that I have become addicted to the Vagabond series by Takehiko Inoue, seriously. I have just specifically finished up the Vagabond (Vizbig Edition) Volume 8. I cannot get rough of the beautiful artwork, incredible plot/story lines, and in depth exploration of philosophy and the study of the inner self, all being told in an action-packed samurai story.

SUMMARY

This period of the story primarily follows Musashi Miyamoto coming back to Kyoto, home of the Yoshioka School, after training abroad all across Japan for almost over a year. He has come for a rematch against the school from his previous challenge against them, where it was abruptly interrupted by Musashi’s friend Matahachi, unknown to Musashi’s knowledge. The Yoshioka elders of the school begin to worry. They fear that Denshichiro, the school’s head swordmaster/leader, would be unable to go against Musashi in a one on one battle. They come to a consensus to use shady and backhanded tactics to eliminate Musashi, ordered to do so by by Ueda Ryohei, the ‘brains’ of the Yoshioka School, and by any means necessary.

Seijuro Yoshioka, the eldest son of the Yoshioka school and the true leader by default over Denshichiro, went on his own in order to assassinate Musashi. He wanted to protect his brother, but to no avail. Musashi used Seijuro’s anger against him by taunting him over his laid back attitude towards running the school, and finishes him in a swift fashion. The school is shocked, and rumor begins to spread. The elders try to cover it up, saying Seijuro died of sickness, but the consensus still stood across the village. They then tried to catch Musashi off guard in the street, deploying their once banished disciple, Gion Toji, who was swiftly cut down by Musashi without much struggle.

Musashi is shown to have gained incredible growth, not only combatively but also on the mental side. This point laid out in the plot brings us closer to the impending battle between Musashi and the Yoshioka School. But there is a battle that must be fought first, one between Musashi and Denshichiro. The school is still searching for a way to save their leader, and a solution happens to stumble in. The secondary plot is all about Matahachi and his new friend, aka Sasaki Kojiro, and their scheme, more being Matahachi’s scheme, to extort the Yoshioka School for food and a place to stay, and in return, Kojiro will fight in Denshichiro’s place against Musashi. Matahachi lies to the school, saying he is an interpreter for Kojiro, due to him being deaf. Kojiro has no clue what is going on, and the Yoshioka see no other option but to let them stay.

Matahachi eventually has to escape after being found out, and of course take Kojiro with him. The Yoshioka Clan has no where else to run. The story ends on a cliffhanger, Musashi finally getting his rematch from Denshichiro after so long. The next book will tell us how this tale will unfold, with either Musashi cutting down Denshichiro, or Denshichiro getting to see his wife and daughter again.

WHAT WORKS

The pacing of this book is some of the best out the Vagabond series. It moves quickly, but not in a way that overstimulates the reader. It also takes time to slow down as well. In one part of the story, we get to see a more human side of Denshichiro. It was the night before his battle with Musashi, and he was shown to be a loving father and husband. We got to see the man behind the sword. The action never disappoints in this book either. It goes hand in hand with the the beautiful illustrations by Takehiko Inoue, showing not only the brutality of sword fighting, but also the twisted beauty held within combat itself. The dual between Seijuro and Musashi was a spectacle to behold, feeling like you go out and grab the drawings themselves with how fluid with life they are. Their is more than just blood as well. Their is substance in these duals, a story within itself. The combat shows the personality and skill of the fighter, while the fight itself representing the emotions being driven out through their blades. Discipline, anger, tranquility, all wrapped into a fight between two.

A person who loves to look but also understand a book would enjoy this highly in my opinion. Musashi’s personal growth is once again further developed in this part of the story. Musashi has been shown to have been a stone cold, quite, and unstoppable force sweeping through feudal Japan. Here, it is emphasized that he is having thoughts of doubt, not only in himself but of the world. He is controlled, and shows restraint. His doubt stems from his further heightened self awareness. Is death all he sees? What does it mean to have true peace? Musashi’s mind expands with thoughts similar to this. The theme of this story if very much tied to the Yoshioka school. Honor versus reputation. They would let Denshichiro dual anyone but Musashi.

They know in their hearts Denshichiro doesn’t stand a chance. If this fate concedes, the Yoshioka school’s reputation will plummet, not to mention it already dwindling from Seijuro's ‘mysterious death’. Tension is what brings this story together, like salt to a steak. Will Denshichiro die? Will Musashi die? Is Matahachi safe? What will happen next? The reader will be hooked through all of the nail biting questions sprouted from the masterful storytelling from this book.

WHAT DOESN’T WORK

As much as my bias is trying tell myself to say that this book is flawless, their are some minor issues with some parts of the book. The main members of the Yoshioka school are somewhat pushed to the side in order to build up Denshichiro’s story by sacrificing their character development in the process. The Yoshioka re also shown to be somewhat symbolizing decay in a sense, the samurai way is dying and it is reflected in them. Sometimes this can be seen as the characters being hollow or empty, which relates to the theme but can often be drowning at times. Musashi could be described as dramatically distant during the story as well. His relatability with the reader definitely takes a hit, the price being Musashi exploring his own emotions while ignoring the reader. The lack of raw emotion from Musashi could not engage the reader as much as it did in previous books from the series.

Many events that were built up through the course of this story were often left unresolved or anti climactic. Like when Matahachi and Kojiro easily slipped away from a school filled with around seventy highly trained swordsmen. It seemed to not make sense and just an excuse for them to be removed from the main plot. Overall, there isn’t a lot to pick apart with this story, for it is quite good to say the least. I would recommend to anyone who is into a classic yet nuanced samurai tale. I can’t wait to see what is next in store with the next edition of the Vagabond series.

[The_Mad_Swede · Rating 4 out of 5]

The previous volume ended with Yoshioka Seijūrō picking a fight with Miyamoto Musashi, in order to save his brother Denshichirō from having to fight him, and the opening of this volume sees the end of that duel: with the head of Yoshioka clan losing to Musashi. This in turn causes a lot of upheaval in the clan, leading Ueda Ryōhei, Denshichirō's right hand man, to seek ways of stopping the planned duel between Denshichirō and Musashi.

Meanwhile, Musashi takes shelter at Hon'ami Kōetsu, a famous, albeit retired, sword sharpener; with whom, incidentally, unknown to Musashi, Sasaki Kojirō is also staying. In the midst of all this, the narrative furthermore reconnects with Hon'iden Matahachi, who still uses the papers and identity of Sasaki Kojirō, although the sudden realisation that the latter is supposedly deaf and thus very likely not at all the dead man from whom he got the papers. The latter leads to the creation of a new alias: Sasaki Koujirō, a name only slightly sounding like Kojirō's. And of course, Matahachi's mother, Hon'iden Osugi, is still on his tracks.

Takehiko Inoue continues to further interlink the two narrative strands of Kojirō and Musashi respectively, as the volume deals with the time and events between Musashi's respective duels with the Yoshioka brothers.

[Kaleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as I love the moments of visceral action, when the book is teeming with blood and gore, this series truly shines during its more tranquil moments when the characters take the time to ponder their place in this great, big world. Gazing at Inoue's breathtaking depiction of nature never fails to put me at ease. It's difficult to articulate the feelings I experience whenever I read it. Suffice to say, it's something you must read if you're ever feeling lost. I'm still perplexed at how a manga about battles between bloodthirsty men can be so damn relaxing. I think this might be my favorite volume yet.

[Keiran Thegreat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, the eighth, Vizbig Vagabond collection is one of the best so far in a superb range. If you have not read the first seven volumes this is far from the ideal place to start - many established characters appear briefly and their significance relies upon having read earlier volumes.
This volume deals with the build up to the duel mentioned in volume 7 and focuses on the characters and relationships of the duellists to those around them and in their past.
A masterpiece creation of a great storyteller and artist.

[Jedi JC Daquis · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the aftermath of a big, unexpected fight, Vagabond Vizbig volume 8 explores character interactions more than the actual swordfights (in fact, I cannot recall any actual swordfight in this volume). While the humor is toned down a bit from the previous volume, this collected edition has one, if not the most heartfelt moments in the series. The moments are light and cute, thanks to Takehiko Inoue's genius in story execution.

After eight volumes, I am so glad I have Vagabond in my collection. This is a must, must-read to manga readers.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

The artwork in this series seems to get better and better and that says alot. The details in the drawings and Inoue's ability to draw faces and express emotions is amazing. I also enjoy the storylines converging. The different personalities and physical statures of the main characters reflecting their own unique personalities.

[Tobey Spriggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly beautiful book.

The fight between musashi and seijuro was incredible, the fluidity of the swords in each panel create a vivid image in my mind of his both characters handle their swords.

A proper meeting for musashi and kojiro and further development for both in their sword skills. Incredible how so much can be gathered even if virtually no words are spoken between the two characters, and the text being mainly in musashi's head. Very wholesome.

The development for musashi is amazing watching him become less animalistic and more fluid thinking more than just relying on instinct and becoming more carefree.

Can't wait to read the next chapters and see where musashi heads next after this duel at the end of the volume. The artwork on the front panel of chapter 208 especially stands out to me. I think I was staring at it for about 20 minutes before moving on with the volume. Definitely one of my favourite panels of the series so far.

[Rakesh Unnithan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its the Denshichiro - Musashi encounter finally from the second book or so!!.. the gruesome path of blood that had let the readers to this fight is not just one highlight of this episode... its the sweet and funny encounter between Musashi and Kojiro that makes this one of the most exciting additions to the series....Apart from that, otsu, jotaru and a lot of characters converge in this book at one place and the Yoshioka clans grant finale!..
Still i feel the form factor of the book is not doing justice to the reader .. there is so much good spreads lost in the middle :(, but the story makes up for it

[Gergő Esze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elképesztő még milyen mélységekbe tud menni ez a történet.

Musashi vs. Senjichiro WOW!
Matahachi továbbra is küzd, hogy fontos legyen valami szempontból.
Musashi-Kojiro találkozás fantasztikus, ahogy előrevetít mindent miközben két faággal küzdenek.
Denshichiro készülése a csatára
A Yoshioka tanítványok, ahogy szeretnék megmenteni Dent a haláltól.

Gyakorlatilag kiemelkedő pillanatról kiemelkedő pillantra váltunk végig.

[Brady Kokitus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeing Musashi and Kojuro meet in such a wholesome and friendly way makes me think the final fight won’t resort to death. It was also nice seeing musashi not only reflect on his previous combat experiences, but to also realize that he’s been fighting for the wrong reasons from the beginning. I’m excited to continue this series.

[Tinashe Makuve · Rating 5 out of 5]

It feels like everything from the first book to now has been leading up to this rematch, every single character that’s been out on their own journeys all ending up in Kyoto for Musashi’s duel is incredible and I’m not even mad that the book ended with the duel just starting because the build up to it has been perfect

[Jesus Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

El final de la batalla del libro anterior Luego una pausa, pero llena de acción, pues el clan Yoshioka tiene que lidiar con el duelo que paso, y el que va a ocurrir en varios días. Y aparte Kojiro se mezcla lateralmente en la historia. Nuevamente cliffhanger al final, inicio del duelo.

[flowers for vases · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great build-up of Denshichiro and Musashi's duel. Several scenes I physically reacted. 👏🏻👏🏻

The first 5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, could not stop reading when I started. The fight scenes are chef's kiss.

[Filozofifi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume had the worst beginning in whole manga and so good ending.
Really that way he made this fight at first pages Iam disapointed. I needed some time of tension but i got nothing.
But then i got amazing realtionships beatween characters

[Reyne Derrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only real problem with this book is that I hate matahachi’s character and his role in the story. It seems unnecessary to include him as often as the author does as he makes it a dreadful read whenever he’s around.

[Tommie Diloreto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume contains some of the best panels and arcs of the series

[Iman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Musashi mengalahkan Yoshioka dengan membelah tubuhnya secara diagonal. Omg.

[Arun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just another amazing volume, like the one before, and I'm sure like the one to follow. We are still journeying with Musashi on his quest to be invincible under the sun.