vagabond

Vagabond is a graphic novel written and drawn by by Inoue Takehiko. It depicts the story of Miyamoto Musashi, and is an adaptation of the novel Musashi by Yoshikawa Eiji. In its English version, it is being published by Viz Comics.

Graphically, I'd put this manga above average, although the art actually ranges from excellent to mediocre. The fact remains that the guy can certainly draw: very good anatomy, great physiognomy, and excellent crosshatching. Where it usually falls apart is in the more manga-esque scenes, which appear really out of place in this comic book adaptation of the kensei's life.

Story-wise, I find it so-so. For most people, it's probably very interesting, but I own the Samurai Trilogy, a movie trilogy that is based on the same novel, and up to now there haven't been any difference between the movies and the manga.

Vagabond has been compared to Blade Of The Immortal, and while it is true that they have the same audience, the latter is much better, both artwise and storywise. IMHO, of course.

Vag"a*bond (?), a. [F., fr. L. vagabundus, from vagari to stroll about, from vagus strolling. See Vague.]

1.

Moving from place to place without a settled habitation; wandering.

Shak.

2.

Floating about without any certain direction; driven to and fro.

To heaven their prayers Flew up, nor missed the way, by envious winds Blown vagabond or frustrate. Milton.

3.

Being a vagabond; strolling and idle or vicious.

© Webster 1913.

Vag"a*bond, n.

One who wanders from place to place, having no fixed dwelling, or not abiding in it, and usually without the means of honest livelihood; a vagrant; a tramp; hence, a worthless person; a rascal.

A fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be. Gen. iv. 12.

⇒ In English and American law, vagabond is used in bad sense, denoting one who is without a home; a strolling, idle, worthless person. Vagabonds are described in old English statutes as "such as wake on the night and sleep on the day, and haunt customable taverns and alehouses, and routs about; and no man wot from whence they came, nor whither they go." In American law, the term vagrant is employed in the same sense. Cf Rogue, n., 1.

Burrill. Bouvier.

© Webster 1913.

Vag"a*bond, v. i.

To play the vagabond; to wander like a vagabond; to stroll.

On every part my vagabonding sight Did cast, and drown mine eyes in sweet delight. Drummond.

© Webster 1913.