'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAFAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAb/xAAjEAABAgQHAQEAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMABBESBQYHEyFBUSNx/8QAFAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP/EABQRAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/ALrWJEzNZwwsbzIlWZRaw0pi4qWpwIuKq9Amgp2fYj06MrmwJlvNeJNIe+iW9sG0HmlQQOK+D8EIQH//2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Takehiko Inoue's Vagabond is a manga that is considered to be a masterpiece of a story. The story is based on one of the most legendary swordsmen, Musashi Miyamoto, and it focuses on the psyche of a warrior. The mangaka has done a phenomenal job with the artwork, as this manga has some of the best line art of all time.
Unfortunately, the story never got a chance to reach a conclusion, as Takehiko Inoue stopped the series in 2015 and did not wish to continue working on it. Although fans wish to read other manga with a similar vibe to Vagabond, this article will talk about 10 such series that will provide a similar reading experience.
List of 10 manga to read if you like Vagabond
1. Berserk
The story is about Guts and his journey of surviving against all odds. His story is rather tragic because he is betrayed by his friend, who ultimately becomes the major antagonist of the story. Guts is left to embark on a dangerous quest and get vengeance against demonic apostles. The manga is known for having detailed artwork. Berserk is similar to Vagabond because the protagonists are lone warriors.
2. Kingdom
The story of the Kingdom is about Xin, who is an orphan. But just because he does not have any parents does not stop him from dreaming big. Xin wants to be the strongest and the greatest general under the heavens. The creator has ensured to give justice to characters by delivering some of the most intense character arcs and attention to detail towards the tactics of war. This manga is similar to Vagabond, as the protagonist of Kingdom is also on a journey to seek greatness in a world that is focused on war.
3. Vinland Saga
Vinland Saga is about Thorfinn and his life's journey of finding meaning in life. His story starts with a quest for revenge, as his father was assassinated in front of him. As a child, he was not able to forgive himself or Askeladd and became a bloodthirsty and ruthless person. But then, as he grows up, he significantly mellows down and tries to live a life just like how his father would have wanted. As all the rage within him calms down, he can finally see that there is no point in violence. The shift from vengeance to redemption mirrors Musashi’s arc in Vagabond.
4. Tokyo Ghoul
Tokyo Ghoul is about Kaneki Ken, who was a shy kid, but one day he decided to ask a girl on a date. Unfortunately, that girl was a ghoul, and with a twist of fate, he ended up becoming a half-ghoul himself. He had to now live fighting against his monstrous urge to eat humans, against his humanity that kept on telling him that it was against his morals. In the middle of all the chaos in his mind, Kaneki also has to find a way to live with this new reality, which is similar to how Musashi’s existential journey took place in Vagabond.
5. Dororo
The story of Dororo is set in a time in Japan when everyone was constantly at war, and having power and resources meant everything. The main character in this series is Hyakkimaru, who had to fight to survive from the second he was born because his father used him as a sacrifice to gain power. Little did the father know that his son survived even after being sacrificed. Hyakkimaru had to fight against the demons to take parts they had taken from him. One of the common traits it shares with Vagabond is that both stories have philosophical undertones and a feudal setting.
6. Claymore
Claymore is set in a world where monsters known as Yoma have taken over, and they prey on humans. To fight against these threats, an organization is formed that makes a team of female warriors. These fights themselves are part human and part Yoma. The protagonist of this series is Clare, and her mission is to seek revenge. This manga is similar to Vagabond because it has similar themes like inner struggle, revenge, and the blurred line between monster and human.
7. Lone Wolf and Cub
This series is said to be one of the most legendary manga of all time, just like Vagabond. The story is about Ogami Itto, who was an executioner but was forced to be an assassin. One day, his family was brutally murdered, and the only survivor was his infant son. The balance of intense swordplay and emotional father-son moments makes this manga a timeless classic.
8. Gamaran
Gamaran introduces a world where martial arts is seen as a serious business. In this story, martial arts schools are known to take part in a deadly competition to prove themselves to be the strongest of them all. Gama Kurogane, the son of a legendary swordsman, enters a brutal competition known as the Grand Tournament of Unabara. He is constantly pushed to his limits, and the only way to survive in this environment is to win. While it is not as philosophical as Vagabond, this series offers one of the best fighting sequences and realistic martial arts choreography.
9. The Climber (Kokou no Hito)
The main character of The Climber starts his story as an introvert who discovers his passion and works hard to perfect it. Buntaro Mori becomes a free solo mountain climber, and as he ascends through some dangerous peaks, the story shows readers some of the best scenic panels. The story is slow, introspective, and beautifully drawn, with vast scenic panels that rival Inoue’s in scale and emotion. Though the setting is different, it shares Vagabond’s meditative pacing and existential introspection.
10. Shigurui
Shigurui is set during the Edo period in Japan and tells the story of two samurai. Fujiki Gennosuke and Irako Seigen are rivals and must fight each other in a battle where there can be only one winner. The manga is known for its realistic depiction of samurai culture, grotesque violence, and intense moral ambiguity.
Trending
Final thoughts
The manga of Vagabond might never be completed, but it does not mean that the fans of the show cannot experience a philosophical manga. While we can wait for it to resume, these titles have equally earned their spot as legendary titles and offer an interesting plot. If given a shot, there is a high chance that one of these could end up becoming the next favorite story of all time.
Reply
