Vagabond #17

Volume 17 of Takehiko Inoue's Vagabond presents a striking cover image of a lone swordsman — rendered in flowing blue robes, sword lowered at his side — captured in a moment of quiet intensity that balances stillness with the constant suggestion of violence. Published by Delcourt/Tonkam in 2004, this French edition of Inoue's acclaimed series continues the story inspired by Eiji Yoshikawa's Miyamoto Musashi. The painterly, minimalist composition says everything about the series' signature blend of brutal swordsmanship and introspective atmosphere.