The anime and manga industry is growing ever so rapidly, which also means that the older series eventually get forgotten over time, especially if they don’t return with new releases. However, there’s always an exception to the rule, especially if the story is well-received by fans. One such example is Takehiko Inoue’s Vagabond, one of the most acclaimed manga of all time. Inoue is also famous for his acclaimed sports manga Slam Dunk and Real. Vagabond began serialization in 1998 and entered an indefinite hiatus on May 21st, 2015, due to Inoue’s severe creative and emotional burnout. He decided to take a step back since he felt he couldn’t do the story at the moment and decided to work on other projects. Vagabond tells an exceptional story within more than 300 chapters that have been compiled into 37 volumes.
However, despite the story’s popularity, it has yet to confirm its return. On the bright side, while Inoue isn’t working on a lot of projects, he is actively releasing new chapters of his sports series Real. The manga also entered an indefinite hiatus in 2014 and returned five years later. Real has been releasing new chapters on an irregular schedule. Considering Vagabond‘s popularity, there’s still hope Inoue will decide to return eventually.
What Is Vagabond About?
Image Courtesy of VIZ Media
Set in 16th-century Japan, the story follows Takezu Shinmen, a fierce and violent young warrior. After surviving the brutal Battle of Sekigahara, he sets out to become the strongest under the heavens. The man was captured after the war and reformed himself by adopting the name Musashi Miyamoto and beginning a long and solitary journey to understand the true meaning of strength. Throughout his journey, he duels several rival swordsmen, including the deaf prodigy Sasaki Kojirō, and confronts not just enemies, but his own fears, ego, and emotional wounds.
The manga portrays the philosophical exploration of growth, discipline, and self-discovery. Not only that, but Vagabond remains one of the best historical series with stunning art and a captivating main character that deserves its story to be told among a global audience by bringing it to life in an anime version. Unfortunately, an anime adaptation is next to impossible considering how difficult it will be for any studio to do justice to Inoue’s intricate art style.
Not to mention that Inoue is very particular about his work being adapted into another medium, which makes it difficult for any studio to meet his expectations. Even during Slam Dunk, he was heavily involved with the production, and the results clearly show how his decision positively affected the anime.
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