I Wish Vagabond Got an Anime Adaptation

Reading Vagabond (source)

You want to know the meaning of loyal and faithful? Ask Vagabond manga fans. Since 2015, we have all patiently waited for Sensei Takehiko Inoue to continue his work on this manga and finish it. Maybe ask Hunter x Hunter fans too, since Sensei Yoshihiro Togashi has also not yet finished it.

The patience of manga fans is slightly delusional. In the case of Vagabond, this patience has been stretched to god knows what limit. Vagabond has captivated readers with its intense narrative and stunning visuals. The hiatus has left a void. I am not anticipating seeing the story reach its conclusion (I can read Musashi, the novel, for that); it is about experiencing the journey that Inoue sensei has crafted over the years.

While not finished, Hunter x Hunter already has its anime adaptation. This adaptation has allowed a wider audience to experience the rich, detailed world created by Togashi, even if the story remains incomplete. The anime brings the characters to life, adding motion, voice, and color to the static manga panels. This expansion into another medium keeps the fans engaged during the long waits for a new manga chapter.

I really hope Vagabond can have an anime adaptation too. It would be super epic, story and action-wise. I can imagine the gory battles and bloody scenes depicted in an anime. Definitely not a show for kids. The intensity and realism that Inoue brings to the page could translate into a visually spectacular anime. The sword fights, the philosophical musings, and the raw emotion of the characters would gain new dimensions through animation. The medium could capture the fluidity of movement and the subtle expressions that make the manga so compelling.

In case you haven't heard of it, Vagabond is a manga written and illustrated by Takehiko Inoue. The story follows the journey of Takezo Shinmen, who later becomes Miyamoto Musashi, as he seeks to become the strongest samurai. It is based on Eiji Yoshikawa's novel "Musashi."

Vagabond’s art style is intense, and the violence is just… chef's kiss. It is a visually stunning work. Inoue’s depiction of Musashi’s journey is not just about the physical battles but also about the internal struggle, the quest for meaning and purpose in a violent world. The detailed realism in the artwork, from the landscapes to the armor and weaponry, brings the historical setting to life.

I knew Takehiko Inoue's work before; it was Slam Dunk, a sports comedy manga. I loved it so much. Hanamichi Sakuragi's comedic moments were always on point. So when I first picked up Vagabond, I couldn't believe it was written and illustrated by the same mangaka. It's so different! So realistic, so emotional.

Slam Dunk is known for its humor, dynamic basketball scenes, and relatable characters. In contrast, Vagabond is about bloody samurai, featuring graphic content and historical facts. Transitioning from the world of high school basketball to the brutal world of samurai is solid proof of Inoue sensei's versatility as a storyteller. He masterfully handles both the light-hearted moments of youth and the dark, contemplative journey of a warrior, all with great care.

An anime adaptation of Vagabond could do justice to the depth of the story. The animation could highlight the fluidity of the sword fights, the intense expressions of the characters, and the atmospheric settings. The voice acting could add another layer of emotional resonance, bringing Musashi and the other characters to life in a new way. The soundtrack could enhance the epic scale of the story, from the quiet moments of reflection to the climactic battles.

Imagine the iconic scenes of Vagabond animated: each scene should be rendered with the same care and attention to detail that Inoue brings to his illustrations. Not to mention that Inoue sensei use brush to draw this manga… Good luck, animators.

But anyway, an anime adaptation could also introduce Vagabond to a new audience. Many people prefer watching anime over reading manga, and an adaptation could attract viewers who might not have picked up the manga otherwise.

While I continue to wait for the manga to resume, the prospect of an anime adaptation of Vagabond remains a possibility. It would be a fitting tribute to Takehiko Inoue’s masterpiece, allowing a broader audience to experience the epic journey of Miyamoto Musashi. I can only hope that one day, this dream becomes a reality, and Vagabond gets the anime adaptation it deserves, without even thinking about the pain and struggles the animation studio would endure to make it happen.