carmen caracol's Reviews > Vagabond, Vol. 9

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