Will Vagabond Ever Finish?
The manga series Vagabond, written and illustrated by Takehiko Inoue, has been a beloved favorite among fans for decades. With its unique blend of historical fiction, action, and drama, the series has captivated readers worldwide. However, one question has been on everyone’s mind: will Vagabond ever finish? In this article, we’ll delve into the current status of the series, explore the reasons behind the hiatus, and discuss the possibilities of its completion.
Current Status
As of December 2022, Inoue has confirmed that he will continue to draw Vagabond, putting an end to the long hiatus. The series has been on an indefinite hiatus since May 2015, with only a few chapters released over the years. The last chapter, The One Named Tadaoki (), was published in 2015, leaving fans wondering if the series would ever be completed.
Reasons Behind the Hiatus
Inoue has been open about the challenges he faced during the hiatus. In an interview, he mentioned that creating Vagabond put a huge strain on his mental well-being, leading to burnout. He also cited the complexity of the story, the need for thorough research, and the pressure to meet the expectations of his fans as reasons for the hiatus.
Possibilities of Completion
Given Inoue’s recent confirmation to continue the series, it’s likely that Vagabond will eventually be completed. Here are some reasons to be optimistic:
- Inoue’s passion for the series: Inoue has stated that he is passionate about telling the story of Miyamoto Musashi and the historical events that inspired the manga. His dedication to the series is evident in the meticulous research and attention to detail he brings to each chapter.
- Funding and resources: With the success of other series, such as Slam Dunk and Real, Inoue has likely secured the necessary funding and resources to complete Vagabond.
- Fan support: The fans of Vagabond have been patient and supportive throughout the hiatus, showing their enthusiasm for the series through fan art, cosplay, and online discussions.
Potential Timeline
While there is no official timeline for the completion of Vagabond, we can make an educated estimate based on Inoue’s past work and the complexity of the story. Here’s a possible timeline:
- 2023-2024: Inoue begins working on new chapters, with a focus on wrapping up the story arcs and resolving the ongoing plot threads.
- 2025-2026: The series reaches its climax, with the final chapters being published over the next two years.
- 2027: The completion of Vagabond is celebrated, with a possible collector’s edition or omnibus release.
Conclusion
While the journey to completing Vagabond may be long and arduous, it’s clear that Inoue is committed to finishing the series. With his passion, dedication, and the support of fans worldwide, it’s likely that Vagabond will eventually be completed. Until then, fans can continue to eagerly await new chapters and speculate about the series’ future.