Have you ever wondered how long the popular manga series, Vagabond, has been on hiatus? Created by the talented manga artist Takehiko Inoue, Vagabond first went on hiatus in August 2010 due to Inoue’s health issues. Surprisingly, even after recovering, Inoue continued to keep Vagabond on hold while working on his other ongoing series, Real. It wasn’t until March 2012 that Vagabond finally resumed, but with a monthly release schedule instead of the previous weekly or biweekly release frequency.

Behind the Scenes with Takehiko Inoue

Let’s take a closer look at some snippets of interviews with Inoue during that 19-month gap. Inoue revealed that the idea of Musashi staying at the carver’s house and carving buddhas were influenced by his conversation with a real Buddhist sculptor. He saw the sculptor as a great character to help Musashi reach some kind of realization.

When discussing the differences between Vagabond and his previous work, Slam Dunk, Inoue highlighted that Vagabond is not divided into main stories and substories. Instead, he sees Vagabond as the journey of Musashi as a person, with every interaction and moment being an important part of the story.

The Journey of Musashi the Person

Inoue mentioned that life is not just about duels and fights, but also about moments of being stuck, unable to move forward. He believes that these moments, along with the connections and interactions with others, are crucial to the storytelling in Vagabond. In contrast, Slam Dunk, which focused solely on basketball matches, didn’t have as many substories because basketball games don’t represent everyday life for most people.

Taking Advice and Changing Styles

Inoue admitted that he was initially hesitant to take advice from others, fearing that it would compromise his artistic vision. However, during the hiatus, he realized the benefits of incorporating other people’s ideas into his work. By doing so, Inoue gained a new perspective and was able to see the bigger picture. This shift allowed him to create scenes like Kojiro plopping into the water and being followed by a cheering crowd in Kokura.

Vagabond’s Evolution

As Inoue continued to work on Real, he mentioned that both series had different purposes. While Vagabond pushed the boundaries of art and aimed to create something extraordinary, Real allowed him to work within his normal capabilities as a professional manga artist.

In discussing the future of Vagabond, Inoue expressed the desire to distance himself from the series until he felt a genuine urge to work on it again. He believed that by doing so, he could shed the baggage that had accumulated over time and ultimately create manga that surpassed his current abilities.

The Health Break and Reflection

In October 2010, Vagabond went on hiatus due to Inoue’s health issues. Although there was no medical diagnosis, Inoue experienced headaches and difficulty concentrating. During this time, he realized that he had lost sight of his original intentions and had been solely focused on external factors. The hiatus allowed him to take a step back, rest, and rediscover his passion for manga.

The Uncertain Return

Despite the hiatus, Inoue’s creative juices started flowing once again. Ideas for Vagabond would come to him sporadically, but he refrained from recording them. He simply acknowledged these thoughts and believed that they would resurface when the time was right.

As the hiatus continued, Inoue experienced a mix of pressure and anticipation for Vagabond’s eventual return. He met with a new editor monthly to discuss the series, but he made it clear that he didn’t want to rush the process. Instead, Inoue wished to wait until he felt a genuine desire to draw Vagabond again.

Accepting Change and Embracing the Unknown

Inoue shared that he had come to accept the fact that Vagabond might not be as popular or trendy as it once was. He no longer felt the need to prove himself as the most popular artist or create something that fit into a specific mold. Inoue was ready to embrace the joy of drawing manga without being confined by external expectations.

The Journey Continues

As the interview came to a close, Inoue expressed his desire to mature as an artist and find new ways to express himself through manga. Despite the uncertainties, he remained optimistic about the path ahead and drew inspiration from other artists who pushed the boundaries of their respective mediums.

Inoue viewed his hiatus as a chance to shed the weight he had been carrying for so long and return to a state of innocence as an artist. He acknowledged that his manga might not be as exceptional as before, but he was eager to rediscover the joy of drawing without external influences.

The Return Awaits

Although Vagabond remained on hiatus for an extended period, Inoue’s dedication to Real continued. The two series offered distinct experiences, with Real allowing Inoue to work within his comfort zone as a professional manga artist.

While Inoue didn’t provide a definitive timeline for Vagabond’s return, he hinted at the urge to draw slowly resurfacing. With a new editor and pressures from the industry, Inoue remained focused on waiting until he felt genuinely motivated to continue Musashi’s journey.

As fans eagerly await the revival of Vagabond, Takehiko Inoue’s words resonate with a sense of self-discovery and artistic growth. The path of an artist is often filled with uncertainties and challenges, but it is through these experiences that true creativity flourishes.

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