Vagabond, Vol. 3 (VIZBIG Edition) (Vagabond Vizbig Edition) [Paperback]

Takehiko Inoue (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Vagabond Vizbig Edition | Publication Date: April 21, 2009

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

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

R to L (Japanese Style)

Enlightenment by Way of the SwordReal-life figure Miyamoto Musashi was the most celebrated samurai of all time. The quintessential warrior philosopher, Musashi authored A Book of Five Rings, a theoretical guide to military strategy still used today. 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.

One with Heaven and EarthMusashi suffers a humiliating defeat against Inshun, the second-generation master of Hôzôin Temple. To prepare for a rematch, Musashi undertakes an intense spiritual and physical training regimen with a most unlikely teacher--Inshun's predecessor, the founder of the Hôzôin Spear Technique. To attain the focus necessary to take on the most technically proficient and deadliest fighter he has ever faced, Musashi will first have to confront his own deep-seated personal demons.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Takehiko Inoue is the creator of one of the most popular manga of all time, Slam Dunk, which has sold over 100 million copies worldwide. He followed that series up with two titles lauded by critics and fans alike--Vagabond, a fictional account of the life of Miyamoto Musashi, and Real, a manga about wheelchair basketball. Inoue is the recipient of numerous awards, including the prestigious Tezuka Osamu Culture award and the Media Arts Festival Award. In addition to his work on manga, Inoue has worked on television commercials, character designs for video games, and is the founder of a scholarship to foster Japanese basketball talent.

Product Details

• Paperback: 616 pages
• Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (April 21, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1421522454
• ISBN-13: 978-1421522456
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #77,212 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning, October 23, 2010

By 

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

This review is from: Vagabond, Vol. 3 (VIZBIG Edition) (Vagabond Vizbig Edition) (Paperback)

Miyamoto Musashi (formerly known as Takezo) has spent months in training and self-reflection in the mountains, and is ready to face Inshun again. He has matured mentally and is no longer the "graceless bloodthirst" we met in volume 1. Their duel is largely one of the spirit, and yet the sequences showing their silent face-off are rendered with amazing tension and vibrancy. We also get to see more of Inshun's backstory and his further development as a character. Musashi then heads to face down the master swordsman of the Yagyu clan -- who also happens to be Otsu's current employer. Musashi is finally using his mind rather than just his muscle to plan his strategy. Numerous characters *almost* converge in the end (Musashi, Otsu, Yagyu's grandson, and Matahachi/Sasaki Kojiro) setting us up for the events in volume 4.

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!

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bigger the Better, May 30, 2009

By 

Ogulcan Sahin (Istanbul,Turkey) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Vagabond, Vol. 3 (VIZBIG Edition) (Vagabond Vizbig Edition) (Paperback)

This is the 3rd volume in the series which includes 7th,8th,9th volumes in it. It is slightly bigger than the regular manga version. If you are a fan of the series or starting to read it this version is better for you (cost efficient). Story line is very good based on a real character (Miyamoto Musashi) , drawings are very elaborate and action packed. Samurai Trilogy Box Set - Criterion Collection this set is also about the same story line thought manga is much more detailed movies are classics and acting is top notch.