When we talk about Seinen manga, only three names pop up in our minds. Berserk, Vagabond, and Vinland Saga. However, out of these three Vagabond’s name seems to disappearing because of its unending hiatus.
Vagabond manga is written and illustrated by Takehiko Inoue, who is also known for writing other popular manga like Slam Dunk and Real. Vagabond’s first chapter was serialized on September 3, 1998.
As of now, Vagabond has a total of 327 chapters, and its 327th chapter was released in May 2015. Since it has been a long time since chapter 327 of Vagabond was released, many fans have been wondering if the manga has ended or not.
So, if you are also wondering the same thing, then you don’t have to worry because, in this article, we are going to answer in detail whether Vagabond Manga has ended or not. But before discussing the status of Vagabond, let’s summarize with a short recap of its plot.
Vagabond Plot
The story takes place in 16th-century Japan and betrays the stories of various people, particularly a man named Miyamoto Musashi. As one of Japan’s most famous swordsmen. We watch Musashi journey through the country, taking on different opponents while improving the deadly art of the blade.
Starting from the first chapter, we’re introduced to two 17-year-old boys. The first is the slightly average Honiden Marahachi, and the second is the very capable Shinman Takazo. The two left their old village in order to join some battles and make names for themselves, but so far, they’ve been unable to make any real progress.
Some lady thieves find them collapsing and give them shelter for the time being. Fighting off some bandits earlier, the two men are forced to deal with the rest. Later on, thinking one of the women is in danger, Takezo rushes in to take on the group himself.
Takezo Gives up on Life!
Matahachi is left outside, where it turns out that the woman in question was hiding the whole time. Rather than helping, the new couple decides to split by leaving Takezo to decimate the bandits on his own.
Soon after Takezo comes back to his old village to report Matahachi’s whereabouts to his overbearing mother, she reports his appearance to some soldiers who are after him.
After fighting off many men, Takezo’s childhood friend, Otsu, manages to bring the exhausted warrior back. Takezo gets strung up by a rope for days, giving him time to reflect on his life.
Essentially, being abandoned by both of his parents, the young boy wants nothing more than to become strong enough not to need anyone’s help.
From Takezo to Miyamoto Musashi!
A traveling monk named Taco watches Takezo hang helplessly from the tree, constantly asking to be put out of his misery. Takuan responds by talking about the value of life and how it’s selfish of Takezo to choose when he dies himself being cut down by chance.
Later, Tacon brings the exhausted warrior to the top of the village. Takezo still wants to die, but the monk asks why he isn’t able to say it with satisfaction. He presses him to declare it out loud, but Takezo refuses.
Tacon convinces him that a violent life without honor is not for him, bringing Takzo to tears. Given another chance, Taco unfreezes the warrior by telling him to persevere. By doing this, he’ll eventually find what he’s looking for.
It’s at this point that the man’s former self is left behind, advancing towards a better future while carrying his origins, the swordsman is given a new name, Miyamoto Musashi.
Is Vagabond Manga Finished?
Even though it has been eight years since the last chapter of Vagabond was released, the manga is not finished yet. In May 2015, Vagabond Chapter 327 was released. After that, the mangaka announced a four-month hiatus, which turned out to be eight years long.
In a recent interview in December 2022, when Takehiko Inoue was interviewed for his Slam Dunk series, he told them that he would continue drawing Vagabond and would not let it end like that.
There is no news for when the manga will return as of now. Fans have also given up hope for its return. But I think we should not lose hope since we have endured these last eight years, we should wait a little longer and have faith in Takehiko Inoue.
