Vagabond, Vol. 1 (VIZBIG Edition) [Paperback]

Takehiko Inoue (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 16, 2008

Nominated for 2003 Eisner Award in the category for Best Writer/Artist.

Each VIZBIG Edition collects three volumes of the original series in a larger format with superior paper and bonus full-color pages.

Striving for enlightenment by way of the sword, Miyamoto Musashi is prepared to cut down anyone who stands in his way. Vagabond is an action-packed portrayal of the life and times of the quintessential warrior-philosopher--the most celebrated samurai of all time!

 

Shinmen Takezo is destined to become the legendary sword-saint, Miyamoto Musashi--perhaps the most renowned samurai of all time. For now, Takezo is a cold-hearted kiler, who will take on anyone in mortal combat to make a name for himself. This is the journey of a wild young brute who strives to reach enlightenment by way of the sword--fighting on the edge of death.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Takehiko Inoue was born in Kagoshima prefecture in 1967. His first major success -- the hugely popular 31-volume long basketball manga SLAM DUNK -- sold over 100 million copies worldwide and catapulted him into the top ranks of Japanese manga artists. Besides manga, Inoue also worked on character design for the Playstation basketball game ONE ON ONE.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (September 16, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1421520540
• ISBN-13: 978-1421520544
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #80,822 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Big fat BRICK of a book, September 25, 2008

By 

Abe Vigoda "part-time inventor" (Vermont, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Vagabond, Vol. 1 (VIZBIG Edition) (Paperback)

This one book is actually 3 of the regular VAGABOND comics put together. The only difference is that this book is about an inch taller, which makes no noticable difference to the drawings.
The only people who should buy this are new Vagabond fans just starting out with collecting the comics, since it will be less expensive to buy these 3-in-one big books. But to all long-time Vagabond fans out there who already have volumes 1-27 and growing... I say there is no need to buy this big series just for the extra inch. It is far better to sit down in a comfortable chair or sofa with the normal-sized comic which can be opened wider and is 3 times lighter.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars for newcomers, January 3, 2009

By 

Shogo - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vagabond, Vol. 1 (VIZBIG Edition) (Paperback)

Those who are interested in starting Vagabond have no reason not to buy this version, considering it's got 3 books in one and costs half the price of buying them separately. Besides being thicker, the book is also a bit bigger both horizontally and vertically so you get bigger pages-and believe me this is a series where you will want big spreads in order to admire the art.

As for the series itself, it's based off of the life of the world-renowned swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, and is a seinen manga (meaning it's aimed at adults). Be aware that it's not extremely historically accurate though, as it is meant to be entertainment and the actual details of Musashi's life are too vague to really piece together. That said, Takehiko Inoue does a great job adapting the man's life into a truly intense and interesting storyline, both thanks to his storytelling skills and his gorgeous artwork. Also as a note-it is a violent manga but not mindlessly so. Basically, if you're interested enough to have read this far then I say definitely go for it. You won't be disappointed.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, October 23, 2010

By 

setlib (Nashville, TN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vagabond, Vol. 1 (VIZBIG Edition) (Paperback)

Two friends wake up after a battle, injured, disoriented, and apparently the sole survivors. Takezo and Matahachi grew up in a small village in medieval Japan and wanted to make names for themselves, but now can barely stay alive. Rescued by a devious, seductive thief and her daughter, the two quickly become entangled with a gang of bandits and have an opportunity to find out whether or not they have any skill as warriors. In this combined volume 1-3, we see the beginnings of Takezo's wildly confident style of fighting, as well as Matahachi's cowardice and betrayal. When Takezo's violence attracts the attention of the law, he returns to their village of Miyamoto steeped in blood, shunned by the villagers as a "demon". Two characters try to reach out to him - Takuan the blind monk and Otsu, the fiancee of his friend Matahachi. After reaching the depths of despair, he changes his name and sets out to defeat a master swordsman to make a name for himself.

Amazing historical detail, rousing action, intriguing plot, and complex characterization combine with jaw-dropping artwork to make this an absolutely outstanding manga series. Highly recommended!