18 Best Manga Like Vagabond
Vagabond, written by Takehiko Inoue, is one of the most iconic and celebrated manga series ever created. It masterfully blends historical accuracy with artistic brilliance, all while telling the powerful story of Miyamoto Musashi’s journey to become the greatest swordsman in Japan. The themes of self-discovery, honor, martial arts, and philosophical introspection in Vagabond resonate deeply with readers. However, when you’ve devoured Vagabond and yearn for more, there are several manga that explore similar themes, aesthetics, and depth.
Here’s a curated list of the 18 best manga that capture the essence of Vagabond—whether it’s through their art style, deep philosophical themes, or intense character development.
1. Berserk by Kentaro Miura
Arguably one of the most influential and dark fantasy mangas, Berserk is a must-read for fans of Vagabond. While it ventures into supernatural realms more often than Vagabond, the story’s focus on human nature, the consequences of ambition, and the struggle for self-identity draws a strong parallel. Guts, much like Musashi, is a warrior plagued by his past, constantly seeking a purpose while wrestling with his inner demons. Both works feature some of the most breathtaking and detailed art in the manga industry.
2. Vinland Saga by Makoto Yukimura
For fans of historical epics, Vinland Saga is an excellent follow-up to Vagabond. Set during the Viking Age, it follows the young warrior Thorfinn as he embarks on a journey of revenge and self-discovery. The series, much like Vagabond, questions the meaning of violence, honor, and the warrior’s path. Over time, Vinland Saga shifts from action to focus more on introspective themes, as Thorfinn seeks a life beyond the cycle of bloodshed, akin to Musashi’s philosophical evolution.
3. Blade of the Immortal by Hiroaki Samura
Set in feudal Japan, Blade of the Immortal tells the story of Manji, an immortal samurai cursed with the burden of killing evil men to atone for his past sins. Much like Vagabond, this series dives deep into the ethics of violence, redemption, and personal growth. The art style in Blade of the Immortal is incredibly expressive, often employing rough, sketch-like strokes that evoke a sense of rawness akin to Vagabond’s early chapters.
4. Shigurui by Norio Nanjo (Author) and Takayuki Yamaguchi (Artist)
Shigurui is a brutal, yet poetically beautiful tale of samurai set during Japan’s feudal era. The story begins with a brutal sword-fighting tournament and delves deep into the psyche of its characters. Its art is meticulously detailed, and the way it captures both the beauty and brutality of martial arts is reminiscent of Vagabond. The philosophical musings on honor, survival, and what it means to be a true warrior parallel Musashi’s journey.
5. The Climber (Kokou no Hito) by Shinichi Sakamoto
Though it’s about mountaineering instead of swordsmanship, The Climber shares many thematic similarities with Vagabond. It’s the story of a young man, Buntarou Mori, who finds solace in the extreme challenge of solo mountain climbing. His journey is as much about conquering the inner demons and struggles as it is about conquering the mountain. Much like Vagabond, it’s a story of self-discovery, and the stunningly detailed art brings out the raw intensity of Mori’s experiences.
6. Historie by Hitoshi Iwaaki
A more historically oriented series, Historie is a recount of the life of Eumenes, an actual figure from ancient history who served under Alexander the Great. The series focuses on Eumenes’ rise from a humble background to becoming a key player in the politics of the ancient world. The protagonist’s sharp mind, strategic thinking, and internal moral struggles are reminiscent of Musashi’s contemplative approach to battle and life in Vagabond.
7. Lone Wolf and Cub by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima
A classic in the samurai genre, Lone Wolf and Cub tells the tale of Ogami Ittō, a former executioner for the Shogun, and his young son, Daigoro. The father-son duo travel across feudal Japan, seeking vengeance. The series is filled with philosophical musings, intense action, and a focus on the code of the samurai, much like Vagabond. The themes of vengeance, redemption, and self-discovery echo throughout both works.
8. Real by Takehiko Inoue
Takehiko Inoue’s other acclaimed work, Real, while focused on wheelchair basketball, delves into similar emotional and philosophical territories as Vagabond. It tells the story of people overcoming physical and emotional struggles, and like Musashi, the characters are on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. Inoue’s art is once again a standout, capturing the raw emotion and intensity of the human experience.
9. Kingdom by Yasuhisa Hara
For fans of historical warfare and intense battle sequences, Kingdom is a solid pick. Set in China during the Warring States period, it follows the rise of the young war orphan, Xin, as he strives to become the greatest general under the heavens. Like Musashi, Xin is a character driven by his ambition and the brutal reality of war. While Kingdom focuses more on large-scale battles than personal duels, the intricate tactics and character development are just as compelling.
10. Rurouni Kenshin by Nobuhiro Watsuki
While Rurouni Kenshin may lean more toward shonen with its action-packed sequences and youthful energy, it shares the samurai spirit of Vagabond. Kenshin, the wandering swordsman, has sworn never to kill again after a bloody past. Like Musashi, Kenshin grapples with the morality of violence and the meaning of strength. The series, while lighter in tone, still delves into deeper themes of redemption, honor, and self-forgiveness.
11. Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo
While not a historical or samurai epic, Akira shares Vagabond’s deep philosophical undertones. Set in a dystopian future, the story explores power, responsibility, and the potential of the human spirit, much like Musashi’s search for meaning. The art is highly detailed, capturing the chaos of Neo-Tokyo, much like how Inoue brings feudal Japan to life. Both works challenge readers to think deeply about the nature of humanity.
12. Fist of the North Star (Hokuto no Ken) by Buronson and Tetsuo Hara
Fist of the North Star is a post-apocalyptic martial arts epic that revolves around Kenshiro, a warrior with unparalleled strength and fighting ability. Similar to Musashi, Kenshiro embarks on a journey through a violent world where he must constantly confront powerful enemies. While it focuses more on the action, its depiction of inner strength, self-control, and personal code resonate with Vagabond’s core themes.
13. Slam Dunk by Takehiko Inoue
Vagabond’s creator, Takehiko Inoue, first rose to fame with Slam Dunk, a basketball manga. While its focus is sports, Slam Dunk shares Inoue’s skill for character development, emotional depth, and introspective storytelling. Hanamichi Sakuragi, the protagonist, undergoes significant growth throughout the series, learning about perseverance, teamwork, and self-belief, much like Musashi’s personal journey.
14. Usagi Yojimbo by Stan Sakai
This series might seem lighter at first, but Usagi Yojimbo is a deeply philosophical samurai manga featuring anthropomorphic characters. The protagonist, Miyamoto Usagi, is a wandering ronin whose adventures are full of moral dilemmas, self-reflection, and swordsmanship. Like Musashi, Usagi follows a strict code of honor and is constantly faced with challenges that test his resolve and understanding of the world.
15. Shin Angyo Onshi (Blade of the Phantom Master) by Youn In-Wan and Yang Kyung-Il
This Korean manhwa draws on historical and mythological themes to tell the story of Munsu, a wandering warrior tasked with maintaining order in a world full of corruption and chaos. The gritty tone, complex characters, and moral ambiguity make this series a perfect follow-up for Vagabond fans. Both Munsu and Musashi are warriors shaped by the tragedies around them, constantly searching for their place in the world.
16. Azumi by Yuu Koyama
Azumi follows the life of a young female assassin raised in a secluded village to kill political targets. Set during the turbulent times of Japan’s history, it’s an action-packed series that also delves into themes of duty, identity, and morality. Like Vagabond, Azumi captures the beauty and brutality of martial arts and showcases the protagonist’s internal conflicts.
17. Ad Astra: Scipio to Hannibal by Mihachi Kagano
Ad Astra is a historical epic that details the legendary rivalry between Roman general Scipio Africanus and Carthaginian commander Hannibal Barca. This series captures the strategic depth of warfare, much like Vagabond delves into the philosophical aspects of swordsmanship. Both series focus on powerful historical figures who reshape the world through their intellect and combat prowess.
18. Wolfsmund by Mitsuhisa Kuji
Wolfsmund is set in medieval Switzerland and is a dark and harrowing tale of rebellion against a tyrannical ruler. The series is brutal, both in its depiction of violence and its exploration of the human spirit. Like Vagabond, it doesn’t shy away from showing the harsh realities of its era, and the characters are constantly tested in their resolve and survival instincts.
Conclusion
Vagabond stands out as a masterclass in combining breathtaking art, deep philosophical questions, and a compelling narrative of self-discovery. The 18 manga listed here offer various perspectives on similar themes of honor, warfare, personal growth, and the human condition. Whether you’re seeking more samurai epics, tales of personal evolution, or deeply philosophical stories, these manga will satisfy your cravings for something akin to the Vagabond experience.
Each of these series shares the essence of what makes Vagabond so special: the journey of individuals as they seek to understand their place in the world, confront their inner demons, and navigate the complex paths of life. Whether set in feudal Japan, ancient Rome, or a dystopian future, the core human struggles remain the same—making these manga timeless and relatable in their exploration of the human spirit
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