Miyamoto Musashi is a legendary Samurai who was believed to be one of the greatest that ever lived. Vagabond is the ongoing fictionalized saga of this famed swordsman. Volume 30 has Musashi injured and pondering his own existence and the direction of his path. Will he turn to love or will he turn back to the sword? Has he found the enlightenment he sought or is his understanding just a fleeting dream?

Highlight

The most entertaining part of volume 30 is the relationship and connection between Otsu, a love interest of Musashi, and the ghost (or specter) of one of Musashi's victims. There is a love/hate relationship that plays out and the ghost is sometimes mean and others very tender and kind. This interplay provides a great look at some of the complexities of the writing and philosophical issues being brought up in this story. 

The other real highlight for me is the struggle that Musashi is going through dealing with his injury and the questioning of his existence. He still wants to hang onto the blind faith of the life dedicated to the sword but also is coming to realize that the point of his idealized self is nothing more that a mirage. This is very poignant, but at the same time rather self indulgent. It is rather nice to come across a manga that questions the old values of a life dedicated to the sword and place a rather cynical and existential viewpoint toward it.

Overall

I found Vagabond Volume 30, to be a solid work with wonderful graphics. The art stylings are over the top. The only issue I really have, is that the main characters look too western, where the minor or secondary characters have a Japanese appearance. Also, I found Musashi to look more like a Pirate than a Japanese Samurai. He was ready for the high seas with his scrubby beard and long Johnny Depp/Captain Jack stylings. It almost became a distraction for me. I also found Otsu to be very western too, but everyone around her looked to be Edo period Japanese. 

Once I got past the beautiful graphics, I was able to really get into the story and found it to be strong enough to carry me through it with a genuine wanting to know more. I do find the plot to be rather indulgent, but at the same time it falls right in line with the thousand of other stories about the super Samurai who questions his existence. Contradiction is something that always makes for a good drama.

I would not recommend starting the series with Volume 30, but would suggest to go back to the beginning. The characters do have some grounding in reality and are known to have lived a long time ago. As in any tale with historical roots there is a lot of idealism here. If you are a big fan of heavy idealism then this series if for you. I do not see how this volume would disappoint anyone who is already familiar with the series, and I feel as though it will add another layer of depth to the complex story of the famous Samurai Musashi.

ComicsOnline gives Vagabond: Volume 30, 4 out of 5 reluctant killers.