Vagabond
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Vagabond

Alternative Titles

Japanese: バガボンド
English: Vagabond
More titles

Information

Type: Manga
Volumes: 37
Chapters: 327
Status: On Hiatus
Published: Sep 3, 1998 to May 21, 2015
Genres: Action Action, Adventure Adventure, Award Winning Award Winning
Themes: Historical Historical, Samurai Samurai
Demographic: Seinen Seinen
Serialization: Morning
Authors: Inoue, Takehiko (Story & Art), Yoshikawa, Eiji (Story)

Statistics

Score: 9.271 (scored by 159683159,683 users)
1 indicates a weighted score.
Ranked: #32
2 based on the top manga page. Please note that 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity: #13
Members: 417,952
Favorites: 45,494

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Resources

Recommendations

Both focus on an antihero of sorts with extreme proficiency in slicing dudes. Beautiful artwork, complex and mature themes, and a (while not yet present in Vagabond) hostile rivalry between the two main characters. Berserk is set in a high-fantasy setting while Vagabond is set in medieval Japan and on historical events.  
reportRecommended by Veronin
Both are historical mangas with a great focus on the details to each titles respective eras, the detail is so good that sometimes it will make you wonder if these titles were produced and or directed by members of the history channel, discovery channel or national geographic. Both titles show considerable amount of action and violence and both titles don't make use of super powers or special moves but rather focus on technique to keep the action going (although vinland saga has some characters that posses super human strength)  
reportRecommended by kuglefang
Make me feel similarly. Vagabond - about great samurai. Kokou no Hito - about great mountain climber. Both are loosely based on real people/story. Both arts are interesting and enjoyable. Though, Vagabond has more fine details (and is the best what I've seen in manga). Don't let Koko no Hito to let you think that it is a typical shounen sport manga if you start reading the first couple of chapters. It will become a real seinen story later. Closer to the end of the story: Both main characters are looking deep within themselves. They are trying to find why did they come to this almost perfection in what they do.  read more 
reportRecommended by GDL-URAHARA
Both feature a story about a swordsman in Feudal Japan. these titles boast spectacular art, a riveting story and epic samurai action. Arguably the 2 of the best seinen manga today. 
reportRecommended by avrc
Main characters of both mangas are similiar like 2 sides of the same coin. They both want to become stronger at all costs, tackling impossible challenges and overcoming them, developing and changing their character along the way. The difference is that Ryou from Shamo is a vile sociopath hated by everyone, like stereotypical villain from kung-fu movie. Other than that I think the Toma Takahara character from Shamo is very similiar to the Sasaki Kojiro from Vagabond, which is what motivated me to write this recommendation in the first place. They are both martial arts prodigies mastering their craft against all odds and they both have  read more 
reportRecommended by celebes
If you enjoyed Kenshin, Vagabond should be up your alley. Main character is a swordsman, takes place in Japan, historical fiction, great story and great characters. 
reportRecommended by Serg
Both series have amazing art and the fights are very detailed. The main characters of each series goes through a lot of inner turmoil on their journey to become the strongest. 
reportRecommended by G_Spark233
This two stories are from the same artist. They both got a really good story. Only the genres are different. Vagabond is a samurai/historical manga when Real is a sports (basketball) manga, but I bet you'll like this one too! 
reportRecommended by guishexd
There are many instances in these series that are quite similar such as characters, especially samurai, who aspire to be stronger in terms of their skills in swordsmanship, or same desires of individuals who want to conquer their obstacles (i.e. enemies or hardships). Also, numerous historical events and people had been mentioned, although in different circumstances. Both art are marvelously realistic, but Shigurui takes the gore level higher than Vagabond.  
reportRecommended by Liquidize
Both stories is about a samurai trying to become the number one swordsman in all of the land. 
reportRecommended by AfterGlow
One may wonder as to how two tales cut from different cloths can be so similar...And yet they are. These two are both beautifully drawn, laboriously at that. If you're one who's easily taken in by detail-oriented awesome artworks, then this one's for you. The two leads, in their journey to find their destiny, discover themselves instead. These tales don't simply show the protagonists doing 'things' but they also draw you in with their struggles, frustrations and successes. Blood, sword fights and revenge. Vagabond may not be an outright revenge story and yet it is, albeit in a very different form.  read more 
reportRecommended by nvravee
They both have outstanding art and realism as well as outstanding battle scenes. Vagabond has fewer characters, more of a seinen. BaS has more fight scenes, characters and styles introduced. 
reportRecommended by zybactik
Both feature gory sword/melee combat scenes and journeys of warriors who grow mentally and physically strong yet must make sacrifices to survive. While Claymore's art suits its fantasy setting, Vagabond uses a hyper-realistic art that reinforces its historical context. 
reportRecommended by Deagle_zero
As much as I like strong female characters (who aren't overly sexualized!), I can't say that I like this series. I find Azumi to be rather flat especially when it comes to plot and characther depth. There's a whole lot of bloodshed and character death, but there is no real significance behind the killings because there is absolutely no character development. After a while you get numb to any and all death in this series and learn to not get attached to anyone besides the MC. If you're looking for something more profound, I highly recommend Vagabond. Like Azumi, the plot is set in feudal  read more 
reportRecommended by gbenz
Fantastic artwork, incredible fights, awesome characters and a nice story. Dangu is the korean Vagabond. Both are masterpieces! 
reportRecommended by LazyMan
Both series focus around a wanderer moving from town to town. Although the concepts and objectives are different (Vagabond has a lot of action while Mushishi has essentially none, and Musashi aims to become the strongest swordsman in the land while Ginko aims for no such thing), both series are heavily meditative, both feature stunning art which puts the focus on atmosphere rather than literacy and feature themes of self-discovery. 
reportRecommended by Vinum_Sabbathi
It too is about trying to become strong. If you also like swordsmanship like in Vagabond you will also like Sidooh. The fighting is similar. Both antagonist roam around trying to become stronger, but the situations are different. Both have a similar style. 
reportRecommended by Bendero
The main character in Shin Angyo Onshi is somehow very similar to the main character in Vagabond. Also both mangas are very detailed and realistic drawn. Another resemblance is that in Vagabond is described the path of the samurai - the elite and the most powerful warriors of their time, and in Shin Angyo Onshi there are secret warriors, that are respected for their skills. 
reportRecommended by maniac-chan
Lone Wolf and Cub is also a samurai story with great atmosphere and a gripping story. 
reportRecommended by alex138
Story aside, if you're into Vagabond primarily for the art, I think you'd like Oldman too, as both art styles are on the realistic side and there is something similar about the way they draw the female faces. As a bonus, Oldman is also set in a period setting, except it's European rather than Japanese. 
reportRecommended by s4dcl0wn
A search for the way of the warrior, both main characters of both manga are similar in that regard, however, Kenji is a lighter series and occasionally has some comedy into it (not much tho), you follow the growth of the mc both technically and mentally. If you enjoy martial arts and/or Vagabond, Kenji is definitely the way to go. Also, the first few volumes aren't as good and the series becomes better as you read it (at least to me) 
reportRecommended by OfficialRage
Both manga series are based on Japan's Sengoku era. Vagabond focuses on Miyamoto while Hana no Keiji focuses on Keiji Maeda. Vagabond has a more serious tone than HNK, however. Both series' protagonists share the same idea of justice and friendship. 
reportRecommended by DiogoAttitude
Both are set in the samurai world (Edo period), but while Gintama goes for more of a Sci-Fi/Comedy style, Vagabond is a more Seinen/Historical oriented. The two main characters have a lot of similarities, they fight with wooden swords, they are former soldiers at a war and are surprisingly strong fighters. On the other hand, Gintama goes for a "Sazae-san" story style, where there isn't a lineal story line, Vagabond seems to have a clear story line. Also, Vagabond is an adaptation of the novel "Musashi", which is based on a real life samurai, Gintama is an original work. 
reportRecommended by Fran
similar in the sense that's it's another awesome manga about samurais/ninjas in medieval japan 
reportRecommended by bristou
A swordsman leaves his home to embark on a journey across historical Japan with his mind set on a single goal. There are interesting characters and duels along the way and the protagonist grows with each encounter. Even the titles of each work are interchangeable to an extent (they are both sword-tales where the protagonist is a vagabond). The main difference is that one is a light novel while the other is a manga. 
reportRecommended by Eziprez
Both Mangas are based around the main character and arc by arc you can see how they change and grow, also unlike some mangas that are only seinen thanks to the gore and nudity found in them, both of these two mangas have actual maturity.  
reportRecommended by Asosohrab
Both are very introspective and philosophical, Loved every page of both.  
reportRecommended by Swagmaster13
Swords and badass characters 
reportRecommended by Vansh_Senpai
Great Story paired with philosophical themes. 
reportRecommended by Badrik
Samurai manga filled with blood, dirt, and steel. Lots of violent sword fighting to be found, as well as concepts such as fighting spirit and bloodlust. They are set around the same time in historical Japan, and they feature dramatized versions of real historical figures. Because of all that and the fact that they have a similar sketch-like art style, I imagine that Ichigeki was inspired by Vagabond to some extent. 
reportRecommended by Eziprez
Not only they belongs to the same genres (i.e. Samurai, Historical, Seinen), but they also share a special attention to visuals. Consequently both are graphically extrêmely violent titles, but with beautiful imagery and great aesthetics. However, be aware that Lady Snowblood is more excplicit in sexual depictions than Vagabond. 
reportRecommended by hubertpivert
Both series have a very psychological/philosophical focus, and lead you to contemplate on topics and themes that deal with the heavy side of human existence. 
reportRecommended by Benitobandito
Both stories feature different protagonists that sometimes do not share the same occasion or even story. Thus you will often have one arc dedicated to one character and then one arc to another; and finally they will cross each other! 
reportRecommended by Ebobab
Samurai-centric manga that focus on fighting spirit and warriors' philosophy as well as action. The protagonists in both are compared to wild beasts by people who are in their prescence when they fight. 
reportRecommended by Eziprez
In spite of the temporal difference and the theme of demons, Dororo has many details of Japanese culture (samurai more specifically) also present in Vagabond that become interesting to repair and to realize the inspiration that the mangas of Tezuka and other older ones influence in the most current 
reportRecommended by Yozo999
Both are historically based manga with well-drawn fighting scenes that take place in feudal Japan. They are set in approximately the same time period and both are enjoyable to read, although Vagabond is the better one in my opinion. 
reportRecommended by KaamosWolf
Both are beautifully drawn historical manga with great attention to detail. Both also have a similar action sequence where the characters while being very strong are not godlike beings with intense super powers, instead both are very strong but very vulnerable characters who often kill other characters with a single strike be it a gunshot or stabbing and slashing but they themselves are also very susceptible to the same punishment  
reportRecommended by kuglefang
If you liked Shinobi no kuni, chances are you'd like Vagabond and vice versa. They both have a more subdued type of humor mixed in with unabashed violence. Both also contain characters which are, thankfully, not black and white. They both have excellent pacing, with "Shinobi no Kuni" being the shortest and more fast pace one. Strongly recommend both of them! 
reportRecommended by Ughgetatan
If you are searching for a mature manga based in historical Japan that features fantastic illustrations and details, then look no further. This is one of the must read for every adult manga reader. 
reportRecommended by arimakenshin
If you enjoy historical mangas that depict a very detailed, accurate and often times brutal setting based on historical facts then these two titles are for you. Both have great attention to detail particularly with the artwork everything looks like the mangakas of both titles have done their research very well and the customs and way of life of the characters are very believable. The fight scenes are very smart as well each panel is drawn carefully and you can easily follow what is going on despite the chaotic nature of a battle with dozens if not hundreds or even thousands of people involved. The fight  read more 
reportRecommended by kuglefang
1. Both are set in the Samurai era Japan and involves plenty of death at the hands of either ninjas or samurai. 2. Both title also has a fair amount of adult scenes. 3. Both have very detailed art, the attention to detail is very impressive indeed 4. Both have very good fight scenes 
reportRecommended by kuglefang
Both are semi historical titles about people who where real Samurai. They both have a lot of sword fighting with some intense moments, and often asks what is the real meaning of being a Samurai and being powerful.  
reportRecommended by Brand
Both samurai sword tales but set for different audiences. Bleach features more colorful characters, more humor, and supernatural powers to add to the sword figting. Vagabond has a more adult storyline, richer character development, and much more detailed artwork. If you like Bleach but find it to be a little young for you, Vagabond is definitely where you should go. Note that Vagabond is a monthly manga, though. So the storyline may move slower than the weekly chapters for Bleach. 
reportRecommended by nx6
At first I though that the art of Burning Hell was similar to Vagabond on some sorts. And I guess that the feeling you get reading it is pretty similar as well. :) The two series have a freaking brute unbeatable samurai, great fights scenes and a nice amount of blood, haha. I guess that if you liked Burning Hell, you probably like Vagabond too. :D 
reportRecommended by Senz0w
both stories play out in japan of medieval times and center around a young warrior and his struggles. also, the feel of reality is high, though it's not gore the violent and insecure circumstances of living at that time are still depicted more accurately than in other historical manga the art styles are kinda similar, too - i liked it a lot 
reportRecommended by Shiharu
Dramatical tale of a samurai with amazingly drawn art. If you liked one of those, consider trying the other one too. 
reportRecommended by abystoma2
Vagabond and Innocent follows the story of historical figures with great importance, both has beautifully depiction of their stories and Epic artwork by the mangakas. 
reportRecommended by blazingraz36
Both are amazing samurai manga where the protagonist had extreme potential, went vigorous training, fought hordes of enemies, and became masters of their own league. 
reportRecommended by ExplodingGirl
Both historical fiction manga revolve around a young warrior aiming to become either "invincible under the heavens" or "a great general under the heavens" both manga follow a youth who sets out for a path of glory at a young age. Both series revolve around its characters and are illustrated by some of the best artists in Japan. Both show how gruesome a battle can be, with no side necessarily being the "good guys". 
reportRecommended by TurtleHermit
Both of these tales are somewhat romanticised renditions of the lives of historical figures, but their similarities run much deeper than this: both series are more concerned with the growth of their protagonist than any epic overarching storyline. Character development is arguably the entire point of both manga (with brilliantly drawn and minutely researched exposition of course). 
reportRecommended by masamvne
i didn't finish this manga , but you will like it it has war and samurai fight and seeking power 
reportRecommended by yamiayoub
I like to think of Ubel Blatt as a Germanic counterpart to Vagabond - both series have a similar tone most of the time. However, Vagabond has more of a historic element than Ubel Blatt, and Ubel Blatt has a lot more sex than Vagabond. 
reportRecommended by RoarkTenjouin