What is amazing about this manga is how well the action scenes are drawn. Normally I have a hard time following manga action scenes that are too crowded or just a character in a pose with lots of "action lines" all over the place. With Vagabond you really get a sense of how the characters move--the speed, the timing, just how close the near misses are--you can see it all.

In addition the characters' eyes jump off the page. You really feel like they are looking you right in the eyes. The faces are so unique in how they are wrinkled or have blemishes and scars which make the characters distinct.

The artist really is a great director. The "camera," if you will, is well placed to capture the action and drama--often with cutaways where you feel like you can still hear the swords ringing but the camera is facing a peaceful scene nearby. The scenery always adds to the mood whether it's a cloudy day in a dense forest, a bright morning in a small village, or the deep night at the beach under a bright moon.

The story is excellent and now with 166 chapters read all the various characters are becoming interconnected in the larger story. The characters are seeking to be strong and they live their lives by the sword, but they often ask themselves what exactly does it mean to be strong, and they sometimes question whether living by the sword is a good idea.

Again, the artwork really does it for me. I wouldn't say it's particularly beautiful, but it's so effective. It really feels like I'm watching more than reading. I can almost hear what's going on and see the action taking place. Definitely worth reading.