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Vagabond VIZBIG Omnibus Edition #9
Vagabond, Vol. 9
Onslaught
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.
It's been one year since Yoshioka Denshichirō granted Musashi a reprieve for a rematch. Denshichirō may have been a better swordsman back then, but with Musashi before him now, he realizes the truly incredible strides his opponent has made in such a short period of time. By sheer force of will, a reluctant Denshichirō moves forward into the fight. And what will the deadly repercussions be for Musashi after this duel that's all but already won?
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.
It's been one year since Yoshioka Denshichirō granted Musashi a reprieve for a rematch. Denshichirō may have been a better swordsman back then, but with Musashi before him now, he realizes the truly incredible strides his opponent has made in such a short period of time. By sheer force of will, a reluctant Denshichirō moves forward into the fight. And what will the deadly repercussions be for Musashi after this duel that's all but already won?
600 pages, Paperback
Published November 16, 2010
About the author
Takehiko Inoue
287 books1,279 followersTakehiko Inoue (井上雄彦) is a Japanese manga artist, best known for Slam Dunk and Vagabond.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 3, 2019
I’m creeping ever closer to the point where I have no more Vagabond to read, and I’m not looking forward to it. This was, as always, an absolutely amazing volume that I couldn’t put down until I finished it. Gorgeous, profound and masterful.
May 28, 2019
4 – 4.5 stars
The volume begins with the end of the match between Musashi and Denshichiro in which the wandering ronin dispatches the last of the Yoshioka siblings, much to the shock and amazement of the rest of the clan. With his feud apparently over Musashi leaves the temple grounds in which they fought only to run into Matahachi on the streets of Kyoto. Musashi manages to force the unwilling Matahachi to join him for a drink and, upon seeing the successes of his former friend, the latter jealously lashes out with the only weapon he has: Otsu. Accusing Musashi of not only stealing his former fiancee, but using her as his concubine, Matahachi perhaps destoys one of the only friendships he has ever known.
Meanwhile the Yoshioka plan to overwhelm Musashi with all seventy of their remaining warriors ready to ambush him in the guise of another duel. The majority of the volume follows this carnage as Musashi harnesses his preternatural prowess and flows through the battle cutting down all who stand against him. For most of the Yoshioka this is a moment of hatred and vengeance, though others come to see Musashi as something of a saviour: the greatest challenge they could ever face, and a swordsman able to teach them the greatest of lessons even as he destroys them. Musashi himself inwardly thanks the Yoshioka for providing him with this opportunity to learn in the only real way for a swordsman: at the edge of a blade with the threat of death looming on all sides. This dichotomy in the relationship between antagonists in bushido has been commented on before, but I always find it intriguing. One’s enemy is also one’s greatest friend. They represent both the greatest opportunity, as well as the most powerful danger a swordsman can face.
In the midst of the carnage of the battle, as Musashi mows down his enemies like chaff, we learn some of the backgrounds of the leading Yoshioka warriors and how they came into the fold. Chief among these is the ranking swordsman Ueda Ryohei, who was like a third brother to the vanquished Seijuro and Denshichiro. I like how Takehiko weaves in these personal flashbacks even in the midst of his action segments, adding depth to the characters with minimal effort. We never see a great amount of Ryohei, but what we do see helps to define him and we come to learn much in the few glimpses of his life we are given.
I was a little less enthused with this volume than with some of the previous ones given that ¾ of it was given over to a somewhat repetitive battle, but it is still an excellent comic that I highly recommend, especially to enthusiasts of the martial arts, Japanese history, or the story of Musashi (legendary as this version may be in many respects).
The volume begins with the end of the match between Musashi and Denshichiro in which the wandering ronin dispatches the last of the Yoshioka siblings, much to the shock and amazement of the rest of the clan. With his feud apparently over Musashi leaves the temple grounds in which they fought only to run into Matahachi on the streets of Kyoto. Musashi manages to force the unwilling Matahachi to join him for a drink and, upon seeing the successes of his former friend, the latter jealously lashes out with the only weapon he has: Otsu. Accusing Musashi of not only stealing his former fiancee, but using her as his concubine, Matahachi perhaps destoys one of the only friendships he has ever known.
Meanwhile the Yoshioka plan to overwhelm Musashi with all seventy of their remaining warriors ready to ambush him in the guise of another duel. The majority of the volume follows this carnage as Musashi harnesses his preternatural prowess and flows through the battle cutting down all who stand against him. For most of the Yoshioka this is a moment of hatred and vengeance, though others come to see Musashi as something of a saviour: the greatest challenge they could ever face, and a swordsman able to teach them the greatest of lessons even as he destroys them. Musashi himself inwardly thanks the Yoshioka for providing him with this opportunity to learn in the only real way for a swordsman: at the edge of a blade with the threat of death looming on all sides. This dichotomy in the relationship between antagonists in bushido has been commented on before, but I always find it intriguing. One’s enemy is also one’s greatest friend. They represent both the greatest opportunity, as well as the most powerful danger a swordsman can face.
In the midst of the carnage of the battle, as Musashi mows down his enemies like chaff, we learn some of the backgrounds of the leading Yoshioka warriors and how they came into the fold. Chief among these is the ranking swordsman Ueda Ryohei, who was like a third brother to the vanquished Seijuro and Denshichiro. I like how Takehiko weaves in these personal flashbacks even in the midst of his action segments, adding depth to the characters with minimal effort. We never see a great amount of Ryohei, but what we do see helps to define him and we come to learn much in the few glimpses of his life we are given.
I was a little less enthused with this volume than with some of the previous ones given that ¾ of it was given over to a somewhat repetitive battle, but it is still an excellent comic that I highly recommend, especially to enthusiasts of the martial arts, Japanese history, or the story of Musashi (legendary as this version may be in many respects).
December 25, 2021
An absolutely great volume. Takehiko Inoue let Mushashi loose, and man, he is a beast! No philosophical sweet talks, just violent swordfights and overly gruesome deaths. Eyes slashed, hands fly, heads cut vertically. I loved every detail in each page here in my personal best volume yet. Seriously, everything in the second Yoshioka arc is just perfect from the story execution to the art design.
May 19, 2020
Battle and carnage!! That's what this one was about. Lottt of action here and some very good one. Not the most plot evolving volume of the series but really good nonetheless. The duel again Kojiro will be insane, might not happen in vol. 10, I expect it to go on in vol. 11 but that should be something! A very good series that I'm equally sad that it's coming to the end and curious to see how everything will wrap up!
October 10, 2014
Takehiko Inoue has more talent than any other graphic novel author I've ever read, hands down. Reading this series is like glimpsing into his very profound soul. Every panel is exquisitely drawn. It's very graphic, very violent, but this is done so tastefully that any carnage is actually *beautiful.* There are no holds barred showing graphic content (be prepared not only for violence, but also sex, full nudity, swearing, even bodily functions like diarrhea and belching/farting haha). Yet you also really have to use your imagination. There is plenty that *isn't* shown and you just have to put the pieces together, looking beyond the shadows. I've never read anything this well-balanced. Beyond the art, the story itself is well-told: it's intricately detailed and follows a pace that gives the reader time and opportunity to gain a larger perspective. There are many different threads to the saga. They end up converging one way or another and it's all very thrilling and exciting. I couldn't help getting hooked. The story is deep and philosophy-heavy. But it does not get burdensome. Musashi will train you in the way of the sword as you follow his journey. It's not pretentious at all. You really have to marvel at what a genius Inoue is. The historical accuracy and great attention to detail will place the reader in feudal Japan. You will feel the tension. Though perhaps a little more attention paid to the role of samurai's would have been nice. There were a few times I thought, "how is this related to societal life? why is this so important?" when samurai's put their life on the line during duels with one another. Though I believe it may be because I'm reading an English translation and I am Western. It may be the same as someone who's only lived in Japan reading a translated story about a Crusader in medieval Europe and asking, "why's he doing that?" Different cultures, circumstances and definitely different belief systems/religions. Different historical context.
Raw, fecund, beautiful, powerful, even romantic. Please read it. Even if you don't have a stomach for violence, I promise this may just be something that will give you a new perspective. It's meaningful in every way.
p.s. For girls who want to read it: Miyamoto Musashi is so goddamn sexy... like, mmpph... Yeah, *he's* a man. Haha
Raw, fecund, beautiful, powerful, even romantic. Please read it. Even if you don't have a stomach for violence, I promise this may just be something that will give you a new perspective. It's meaningful in every way.
p.s. For girls who want to read it: Miyamoto Musashi is so goddamn sexy... like, mmpph... Yeah, *he's* a man. Haha
October 20, 2021
After reading this. Manga standards have been raised. This is the story I’ve been looking for my whole life ⚔️🌱🙏🏼
December 22, 2021
I think by this point I need to discuss both past volumes as well as this, so there will be some light spoilers. I mean it's not really a spoiler if I say Musashi goes into a duel and wins because at this point there's only one man who even has a chance at defeating him.
Something I'm loving in this series is how Musashi seems to slowly be transforming into Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune. Not in his looks by any means but he kind of has a similar animal magnetism with his scratching, yawning and hmph!ing.
Volume 25
"Musashi, you've become kind. That means you're stronger."
Musashi completes his duel with Denshichirō of the Yoshioka School in a fairly brutal display. He seems as surprised about how it all ends as the shocked crowd. The Yoshioka School react by doing away with the pagentry of "honour" and "the way of the sword" by sending seventy samurai after Musashi to kill him by any means necessary. It's refreshing to see such honesty from people who clearly just like to swagger about, lording over the peasants.
Once again Musashi questions the spiral of death he finds himself in. And even decides to run away rather than risk his life. At least for a little while.
"Oh come on! Seventy samurai! Single handed!? I must be an idiot!"
He and his childhood friend Matahachi finally reunite, but the warmness doesn't last long and poor, foolish Matahachi screws it all up, as is his way. I do feel sorry for the buffoon, but Musashi has outgrown him in every respect.
Otsu, the woman Musashi continues to pine for, witness the duel between Musashi and Denshichirō. They see each other but leave without speaking. Damn, will you two kiss already?! Also weird that little Jotaro, his (former?) student didn't immediately rush up to him.
Volume 26
"What in the world am I thinking? Why continue to create this heap of corpses?"
Musashi kills seventy samurai. That's it, that's the volume! You'd think by now I'd be bored with seeing fight after fight, but no, somehow it is still great to read. This in particular is something we haven't seen before. Musashi simply surviving against almost impossible odds. I haven't counted but it wouldn't surprise me if every single one of the seventy samurai is accounted for here.
This is really where the art becomes something else entirely. There are moments where it's just blurry, completely indistict. Other times where two bodies are colliding and it's impossible to tell where all the blood is coming from. One section is drawn in what seems to be watercolours, giving it an entirely etheral look to it, as if Musashi's very vision is blurred with blood and sweat. It's beautiful.
Volume 27
"He's stopped bringing girls over. But now 'Where's Musashi? Where's Musashi?' he asks at least three times a day. They must have struck a chord with each other."
Oh look it's Kojiro and he misses his new buddy Musashi. Look, I don't know if this is queer baiting or I just want it to be, but god damn Kojiro seems to be in love with Musashi.
It's probably deliberate to some extent. There can be something quite homoerotic about these samurai, the way they can only really show emotion when they're facing off, ready to kill each other, bodies intertwined, etc.
And I know Kojiro and Musashi are destined to face off eventually, so it does make a certain level of sense that two guys who end up as arch nemeses could have just as easily been lovers.
Anyway, the battle concludes and we're left with the idea that whatever comes next for Musashi, Kojiro is going to be involved.
Previous reviews:
Volume One
Volume Two
Volume Three
Volume Four
Volume Five
Volume Six
Volume Seven
Volume Eight
Something I'm loving in this series is how Musashi seems to slowly be transforming into Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune. Not in his looks by any means but he kind of has a similar animal magnetism with his scratching, yawning and hmph!ing.
Volume 25
"Musashi, you've become kind. That means you're stronger."
Musashi completes his duel with Denshichirō of the Yoshioka School in a fairly brutal display. He seems as surprised about how it all ends as the shocked crowd. The Yoshioka School react by doing away with the pagentry of "honour" and "the way of the sword" by sending seventy samurai after Musashi to kill him by any means necessary. It's refreshing to see such honesty from people who clearly just like to swagger about, lording over the peasants.
Once again Musashi questions the spiral of death he finds himself in. And even decides to run away rather than risk his life. At least for a little while.
"Oh come on! Seventy samurai! Single handed!? I must be an idiot!"
He and his childhood friend Matahachi finally reunite, but the warmness doesn't last long and poor, foolish Matahachi screws it all up, as is his way. I do feel sorry for the buffoon, but Musashi has outgrown him in every respect.
Otsu, the woman Musashi continues to pine for, witness the duel between Musashi and Denshichirō. They see each other but leave without speaking. Damn, will you two kiss already?! Also weird that little Jotaro, his (former?) student didn't immediately rush up to him.
Volume 26
"What in the world am I thinking? Why continue to create this heap of corpses?"
Musashi kills seventy samurai. That's it, that's the volume! You'd think by now I'd be bored with seeing fight after fight, but no, somehow it is still great to read. This in particular is something we haven't seen before. Musashi simply surviving against almost impossible odds. I haven't counted but it wouldn't surprise me if every single one of the seventy samurai is accounted for here.
This is really where the art becomes something else entirely. There are moments where it's just blurry, completely indistict. Other times where two bodies are colliding and it's impossible to tell where all the blood is coming from. One section is drawn in what seems to be watercolours, giving it an entirely etheral look to it, as if Musashi's very vision is blurred with blood and sweat. It's beautiful.
Volume 27
"He's stopped bringing girls over. But now 'Where's Musashi? Where's Musashi?' he asks at least three times a day. They must have struck a chord with each other."
Oh look it's Kojiro and he misses his new buddy Musashi. Look, I don't know if this is queer baiting or I just want it to be, but god damn Kojiro seems to be in love with Musashi.
It's probably deliberate to some extent. There can be something quite homoerotic about these samurai, the way they can only really show emotion when they're facing off, ready to kill each other, bodies intertwined, etc.
And I know Kojiro and Musashi are destined to face off eventually, so it does make a certain level of sense that two guys who end up as arch nemeses could have just as easily been lovers.
Anyway, the battle concludes and we're left with the idea that whatever comes next for Musashi, Kojiro is going to be involved.
Previous reviews:
Volume One
Volume Two
Volume Three
Volume Four
Volume Five
Volume Six
Volume Seven
Volume Eight
December 14, 2021
Peak fiction, the art is great and you really get a good luck at the effects ones actions can have on themselves
July 2, 2023
HAPPY ENDING PLEASE!
June 12, 2024
I wish it was possible to give 6 stars. This was the best volume so far.
June 14, 2023
One man takes on 70. Insane
April 5, 2024
70 VS 1? Holy shit!
May 20, 2023
All truly strong people are kind.
March 18, 2017
Volume 25 - 4 Stars, Volume 26 - 5 Stars, Volume 27 - 5 Stars
Vagabond, wow I'm lost for words, I cannot express my love and gratitude for this manga series. Musashi - invincible, he's soul and wind and rain and the sun, grass, movement - All.
This series just keeps becoming more profound and beautiful, it's funny because it's a series cemented in the death of human individuals, human beings, yet it captivates my heart because although death is completely present, it's as if it's not really there because it's laced in consciousness, everything Musashi does is meditated upon, both consciously and subconsciously, and I was so proud too see his successors beaming in his triumph. I'm so proud for this series existence - I love it so much ! Takehiko was born for this mastery, the emotion in each character's eyes, the movement and soul apparent in the art, every single intricacy is flawlessly magnificent.
So much happened throughout these three volumes, it was a whirlwind. I cannot wait to continue. Like wtf 70 samurai... You thought, Yoshioka. You thought.
I really love Musashi's connection to nature, I feel like the last few volumes he's become aware of everything around him and is in tune with it again - Much like the beginning of the Vagabond series, he's become one with the mountains again and I loved watching him use the flow of the river as his guide to cutting down the 70 samurai in Kyoto. He did me proud, as did Takehiko for creating this masterpiece. :)
Vagabond, wow I'm lost for words, I cannot express my love and gratitude for this manga series. Musashi - invincible, he's soul and wind and rain and the sun, grass, movement - All.
This series just keeps becoming more profound and beautiful, it's funny because it's a series cemented in the death of human individuals, human beings, yet it captivates my heart because although death is completely present, it's as if it's not really there because it's laced in consciousness, everything Musashi does is meditated upon, both consciously and subconsciously, and I was so proud too see his successors beaming in his triumph. I'm so proud for this series existence - I love it so much ! Takehiko was born for this mastery, the emotion in each character's eyes, the movement and soul apparent in the art, every single intricacy is flawlessly magnificent.
So much happened throughout these three volumes, it was a whirlwind. I cannot wait to continue. Like wtf 70 samurai... You thought, Yoshioka. You thought.
I really love Musashi's connection to nature, I feel like the last few volumes he's become aware of everything around him and is in tune with it again - Much like the beginning of the Vagabond series, he's become one with the mountains again and I loved watching him use the flow of the river as his guide to cutting down the 70 samurai in Kyoto. He did me proud, as did Takehiko for creating this masterpiece. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2020
We all knew what happens in vol 25
since vol 21, it was only a matter of how soon. That out of the way vol 26 onwards the book takes off. Probably the most action packed till now and I don't know if it can be topped. Musashi against 70 of the Yoshioka, the description suffices, the mere idea, baffling. The most violent and bloody encounter for our protagonist.
After a certain level of chaos it all becomes fluid. Clarity, thats the word. I do not know if this sequence was a fever pitched dream or real because it is not something someone could comprehend. Thoroughly enjoying this spiritual journey of Musashi and Inoue's amazing rendition of the story.
On a side note as we inch ever so close to the 12th volume, with 13 no where in sight, a choking feeling engulfs me. This journeys end is sadly within reach.
since vol 21, it was only a matter of how soon. That out of the way vol 26 onwards the book takes off. Probably the most action packed till now and I don't know if it can be topped. Musashi against 70 of the Yoshioka, the description suffices, the mere idea, baffling. The most violent and bloody encounter for our protagonist.
After a certain level of chaos it all becomes fluid. Clarity, thats the word. I do not know if this sequence was a fever pitched dream or real because it is not something someone could comprehend. Thoroughly enjoying this spiritual journey of Musashi and Inoue's amazing rendition of the story.
On a side note as we inch ever so close to the 12th volume, with 13 no where in sight, a choking feeling engulfs me. This journeys end is sadly within reach.
November 14, 2021
While the previous volume was book-ended the end of Miyamoto Musashi's duel with Yoshioka Seijūrō and the beginning of his duel with the latter's brother, Denshichirō, this volume opens with the end of that second duel, and its result sets Musashi on a dangerous path towards his greatest challenge yet: a fight against all seventy samurai of the Yoshioka school.
But before then, Musashi also has time to reconnect with Hon'iden Matahachi, and perhaps also affect his further trajectory in the narrative.
Takehiko Inoue clearly focuses on Musashi in this volume, and presents what might be his most fabled feat, the battle with the seventy samurai of the Yoshioka school, while simultaneously driving his narrative ever onward.
But before then, Musashi also has time to reconnect with Hon'iden Matahachi, and perhaps also affect his further trajectory in the narrative.
Takehiko Inoue clearly focuses on Musashi in this volume, and presents what might be his most fabled feat, the battle with the seventy samurai of the Yoshioka school, while simultaneously driving his narrative ever onward.
October 29, 2012
The 9th VizBig volume(vol 25,26,27) will conclude the Yoshioka Arc. Arguably the best arc so far,it continues from the previous volume where Musashi is up against the head of the Yoshioka,Denshichiro.
And of course,Denshichiro lose. We all know Musashi will win. Then it comes to the ultimate part,Musashi vs 70 Yoshioka samurais. I will not elaborate much on this part,but it is good to know that I re-read this part times & times again. Masterclass.
This volume culminates what a swordsman Musashi had become. It also showed the author's meticulosattention to his art,especially the ink brushing. I am aptly pleased.
And of course,Denshichiro lose. We all know Musashi will win. Then it comes to the ultimate part,Musashi vs 70 Yoshioka samurais. I will not elaborate much on this part,but it is good to know that I re-read this part times & times again. Masterclass.
This volume culminates what a swordsman Musashi had become. It also showed the author's meticulosattention to his art,especially the ink brushing. I am aptly pleased.
November 29, 2010
If you want a samurai manga to have a few fight scenes then finally Volume 9 packs them in, as Musashi battles his way out of Kyoto. Every time I finish one of these I say that'll be the last one I buy....until the next one comes out that is. I like the way it's drawn, I like the pace of the story.
August 12, 2014
Superb. Vagabond keeps getting better and this volume could be the best so far. The main focus of this story is showing how far Tazeko has come since the start of his journey. A major element of this story is a fight scene that takes up a large portion of the book, possibly the best fight I have seen in any Manga since Lone Wolf & Cub - amazing in flow, drama and detail.
May 5, 2019
9/10
Musashi has taken on his biggest challenge yet. But in order to win, he had to become like a beast once again. Did he really do any growing at all? As he’s swinging his blade in this book, he’s thinking deep thoughts and trying to learn. This volume made me love Musashi because he really reminded me of me (vain much?).
Musashi has taken on his biggest challenge yet. But in order to win, he had to become like a beast once again. Did he really do any growing at all? As he’s swinging his blade in this book, he’s thinking deep thoughts and trying to learn. This volume made me love Musashi because he really reminded me of me (vain much?).
November 15, 2021
"Must keep calm. Make the ego fade. It doesn't matter how many I cut down... Whether I win or lose... Have no aspirations for the future. Lean neither forward nor backwards. Repeat this moment of the present over and over again."
April 3, 2018
Musashi vs the Yoshioka School will stand the test of time as the best samurai battle known to man.
October 23, 2023
Its its the finale to the Denshichiro - Musashi fight and around 400 pages of fight sequences where he takes on 70 of the Yoshioka Academy!.. you will just fly through the pages as its more action sequences than things to read!!.. some amazing art here but sadly the foam factor of the book does not do justice to the art ( i had this issue with all the volumes till now), You almost feel bad at times for the Yoshioka, i guess even our protagonist too feels that!, Perhaps setting up the stage for whats to come
May 24, 2024
This one left me somewhat confused at the end, but I'm sure I'll find out what was real and what were thoughts in the next volume.
At the same time this volume had me awed by the sheer art again. The panels where different techniques with brush and pen were deliberately varied across or even used within the same panel. The sheer spiritual journey of Musashi combined with the raw reality of battle and earthly things like love and the sword itself. They are wonders and beautiful to read.
At the same time this volume had me awed by the sheer art again. The panels where different techniques with brush and pen were deliberately varied across or even used within the same panel. The sheer spiritual journey of Musashi combined with the raw reality of battle and earthly things like love and the sword itself. They are wonders and beautiful to read.
March 31, 2023
Honestly I didn’t expect the battle that ensued in this book. Musashi has been more adverse to taking others lives but I guess progress isn’t always linear. Regardless, the battle was really cool, seeing Udea try to kill Musashi in one last ditch attempt was a nice touch. As always, this manga only gets better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2024
This is my favorite part of Vagabond when finally Musashi turns from a rage filled killer just trying to fight with literally everyone and is becoming a wise Buddhist sage...
...who then kills 70 people in a row.
The art work, as always, incredible and some of the best. Hopefully one day Inoue decides to finish Vagabond
...who then kills 70 people in a row.
The art work, as always, incredible and some of the best. Hopefully one day Inoue decides to finish Vagabond
May 14, 2024
And just when you thought Vagabond couldn’t get wilder they pull out a one-v-70 fight, that becomes realistic and believable by sticking to Vagabond’s philosophical approach to storytelling and fights.
December 17, 2020
Musashi fights 70 dudes. Really cool. More to come later.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews