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Vagabond Definitive Edition Review: Worth the Upgrade?

Vagabond Definitive Edition Review: Worth the Upgrade?

A comprehensive review of the Vagabond Definitive Edition. Find out if its worth the upgrade and how it stacks up to the previously released Vizbigs.

Kristin
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Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue, also the creator of Slam Dunk and Real, is one of the best manga of all-time. The story follows Miyamoto Musashi aka Takezō on his journey to become the greatest swordsman. He is often seen as a demon because of his violent and brutal ways, but as readers, we get to see so much more of him. His growth throughout the story is incredible, and it’s what makes his journey so unforgettable. While rooted in the life of the real-life swordsman, Vagabond feels larger-than-life—an epic samurai tale that stands apart from anything else.

It goes without saying that it’s a series I recommend, especially if you’re looking for a thought-provoking story or want to be blown away by some of the most stunning artwork manga has to offer. But what’s the best way to collect the series, especially with the new Vagabond Definitive Editions releasing?

In this post, I’ll be reviewing the new Vagabond Definitive Edition to find out whether or not its worth the upgrade. I’ll take a look at the quality, what’s new, and any notable changes from the previously released Vagabond Vizbig Editions, and how it compares to other premium manga hardcovers, to see whether this edition is the ultimate way to experience Vagabond.

If you’d like an inside and all-around look at the first Definitive Edition, be sure to check out my review on YouTube below.

Vagabond Definitive Edition Review Video

First off, before we get into the review, there is something I need to note if you are new to Vagabond. Vagabond is currently on hiatus. There was a special final chapter released during The LAST Manga Exhibition in Japan, an event dedicated to the series, but the story has never been concluded in its published form. To date, 37 individual volumes have been released. The original singles by Viz collect the 37 volumes, but the Vizbigs only collect up through 36.

The new Definitive Editions are 3-in-1s, just like the Vizbig Editions, meaning they’ll collect the series the same way, but I’m hoping we might actually get volume 37 in this release, which the Vizbigs don’t include. But for the Definitive Editions, while it’s not confirmed yet, I’d expect around 12 volumes to cover everything that’s been released so far.

Now, if the hiatus or the fact that Vagabond isn’t technically complete is holding you back, please don’t let it stop you from experiencing this masterpiece. When a series is this good, it honestly doesn’t matter to me. I get it—I’m usually cautious about picking up something that isn’t finished too. But man, what’s already been released makes Vagabond one of the all-time greats. For me, that’s more than enough.

Now let’s take a look at these editions and go over everything you need to know!

Vagabond Definitive Edition vs Vizbigs
Image Credit: Anime Collective

Size

When it comes to size, the new Definitive Editions are 7 x2 x 10in, same height and width on the shelf as the Berserk Deluxe Editions by Dark Horse. For comparison, the Vagabond Vizbigs are 5.75 x 1.6 x 8.63, so these are larger editions all-around.

Price

When it comes to price, the Definitive Editions are retailing at $55. For comparison, the paperback Vizbigs retail for $24.99 now a piece, while other hardcover editions that are more premium releases retail for around 50-55, so these are similarly priced to those hardcover deluxe releases.

Release Frame

Since these are new, I want to touch on the release time frame for these. Volume 1 just came out on the 21st with the second expected on April 15 and the third on July 15, so these are expected to come out about every 3 months or so.

Vagabond Definitive Edition Review: Worth the Upgrade?
Image Credit: Anime Collective

Design

As for design, the Definitive Edition stands apart from other Vagabond releases. Unlike the singles and Vizbigs, which are paperback, the Definitive Edition is hardcover. It’s similar in size and feel to Dark Horse’s Deluxe Editions but without the pleather covers. Instead, it features a striking split-design cover: the top half is bound in a slate-colored cloth with a pleasing texture and red details included. At the top, we have an inset gold foil Vagabond logo that pops beautifully against the cloth.

The lower half contrasts nicely with a red vinyl-wrapped material. While it feels durable, I will say that it doesn’t sit flush with the cloth, creating a slight height difference in the middle. This minor flaw caused some indentation in the gorgeous color pages at the front, but it’s not a deal-breaker for me.

The spine continues the split design and gold foil, which extends to the back, and it’s complemented by this half sleeve featuring Musashi, which is removable. It’s not quite the quality of the dust jackets we’ve seen on the Japanese editions of Vagabond, more like a paper sleeve of sorts, but it is an added bonus nonetheless. This first half sleeve features Musashi, while the second Definitive Edition, based on photos will be featuring Inshun.

Compared to the Vizbigs, the Definitive Edition feels far more premium and minimal—fitting the tone of the series perfectly. The Vizbigs have bold graphic artwork and an interconnecting spine design featuring characters, which I appreciate, but the Definitive Edition wins for me in overall design and quality.

Where the Definitive Edition truly shines is durability. With its hardcover and sewn binding, it’s built to last, while the Vizbigs, which have glued spines are prone to wear over time, with creasing and durability issues possible. While I haven’t had issues with mine, I’ve heard reports of Vizbigs pages falling apart from the spine, and I’ve personally experienced this with a similar volume of Evangelion also released by Viz. The Definitive Edition, with its premium construction and larger format, feels much sturdier and more secure for reading and is made more so to last for the long-term and it stands toe to toe with other high-quality manga releases from other publishers.

Vagabond Definitive Edition Print Quality
Image Credit: Anime Collective

Print and Page Quality, Readability

As for the print and page quality, when I first opened the Definitive Editions, I was oddly greeted with that familiar smell you get from a Dark Horse Deluxe Edition—leading me to believe they might even be using the same paper. Flipping through, it’s clear these editions align closely with premium releases like the Berserk or Blade of the Immortal Deluxes from Dark Horse, Vagabond Deluxes from Kodansha, or even the Ubel Blatt Deluxe from Yen Press.

Viz aren’t new to hardcovers, but seeing Viz step into the premium 7×10 hardcover format is exciting, and I couldn’t think of a better series than Vagabond for a release like this. The larger format truly benefits the series, particularly the art. The panels look incredible thanks to the Definitive’s high-quality print and page materials, which are a step up even from the Vizbigs, which have good print quality. There’s more detail, especially in the mid-tones, the contrast, the saturation of the blacks, and the artwork feels more alive in this new format.

Vagabond Definitive Edition Quality
Image Credit: Anime Collective

The black and white pages in the Definitive Edition are an improvement over the Vizbigs, but so are the color pages. The saturation in the Definitive is way better than the Vizbigs. The Definitive Editions also enhances the reading experience with less gutter loss thanks to the sewn binding. You can see more of the artwork in the panels—a must for a series like this, where the art is as much a standout as the story.

While the Vizbigs are great in print quality, there’s just something about experiencing Vagabond in this premium, larger format that feels right after reading the editions and they’ve made major improvements in the print quality after reading them side-by-side. After comparing the editions, the page and print quality in the Definitives, for me, is indecipherable to the Dark Horse Deluxes, which I consider the gold standard in this department—so this is a huge plus for these editions.

Vagabond Definitive Edition Lettering
Image Credit: Anime Collective

Translation, Sound Effects, Lettering

What about the translation, sound effects, and lettering? After reading the first Definitive Edition side-by-side with the Vizbig, I didn’t notice any differences. The translation, lettering, and sound effects seem to be the same in both editions, with English-translated sound effects and the original right-to-left reading format.

Vagabond Definitive Edition Extras
Image Credit: Anime Collective

Extras

Aside from the Definitive Editions being a premium hardcover format, is there any new material? The only new additions are three stunning full-color artworks at the front. Takehiko Inoue has so much incredible artwork from Vagabond, showcased in exhibitions and artbooks, so it’s great to see these included. These are also the artworks that are featured on the singles of Vagabond Volumes 1-3, so I’m hoping we get the artworks for future volumes in the remaining Definitive Editions.

Beyond that, everything from the Vizbig Edition is included too, including the author commentaries from the Japanese dust jackets, character sketches, and all the full-color pages. The Definitive Editions also come with a ribbon bookmark, which is a nice touch.

Vagabond Definitive Edition on shelf
Image Credit: Anime Collective

Final Verdict

So, now that we’ve gone over everything, are the Vagabond Definitive Editions worth the upgrade, especially if, like me, you already own all the Vizbigs? Short answer: yes.

For me, Vagabond—alongside Berserk—has always been a series that deserved this premium treatment. I wanted it to truly stand out on my shelf as one of my all-time favorites, and now it finally does. If Vagabond is one of your favorites too, or if you’re a huge fan of the series, these are a collector’s item worth owning.

I’d also recommend this edition to newcomers because the artwork looks phenomenal, the print quality is improved, and the overall quality is a clear step above the Vizbigs. That said, if you’re looking for the most affordable way to collect the series, the Vizbigs are still a great option with good print quality. But for sheer quality and the way these look on the shelf, the Vagabond Definitive Editions are now my go-to way to collect the series in 2025 and beyond.

You can shop the Vagabond Definitive Editions now at a trusted manga retailer!

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