Vagabond Definitive Edition – Worth the Upgrade?

Summary

In this video, Kristen from Anime Collective reviews the Vagabond Definitive Editions, a premium hardcover release of the beloved manga. She compares them to the previous Viz Big editions, highlighting improvements in print quality, durability, and the overall reading experience. With larger format, better contrast, and finer details, these editions offer a more immersive experience, especially for fans of the series. Kristen discusses the design, extras, and the added value of this release, recommending it for collectors and newcomers alike. She concludes that these editions are worth the upgrade for true Vagabond enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vagabond is an epic Samurai manga series that follows the journey of Mio Mushi (Teo) to become the greatest swordsman.
• 😀 The series is often seen as brutal and violent, but it also offers a deep exploration of the protagonist's growth and complexity.
• 😀 Vagabond is a series I highly recommend for those looking for a thought-provoking story with breathtaking art.
• 😀 The Vagabond Definitive Edition aims to offer the ultimate way to experience the series, including new features, improved quality, and premium design.
• 😀 The Definitive Edition is hardcover and has a higher quality design compared to the Viz Big editions, featuring a split design cover with a slate cloth and red vinyl material.
• 😀 At a retail price of $55, the Definitive Edition is positioned as a premium release, compared to the $24.99 Viz Big editions.
• 😀 Despite Vagabond being on hiatus, the Definitive Edition continues to release volumes, with three volumes expected to be released quarterly.
• 😀 The new editions improve on the print quality, with better contrast, saturation, and detail in both black-and-white and color pages.
• 😀 The larger 7x10 format of the Definitive Edition enhances the art and reading experience, allowing for less gutter loss and showcasing the artwork better than the previous releases.
• 😀 The translation, lettering, and sound effects in the Definitive Edition appear to be the same as the Viz Big editions, with the English translation and right-to-left reading format retained.
• 😀 Aside from a few stunning full-color artworks and author commentaries, the new edition includes everything from the Viz Big editions, such as character sketches and full-color pages.
• 😀 The Definitive Editions are a must-have for collectors and fans who want a premium version of the series, offering the best combination of quality and design.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the Vagabond Definitive Edition review?

The review focuses on comparing the new Vagabond Definitive Editions to the previous VIZ Big Editions, particularly highlighting improvements in print quality, design, durability, and overall value as a premium collector's item.

Why does the reviewer recommend the Vagabond Definitive Edition despite the series being on hiatus?

The reviewer recommends the Definitive Edition because the content already released in the series is of such high quality that it remains a masterpiece worth experiencing, even though the series is technically unfinished.

How do the size and design of the Vagabond Definitive Editions differ from the VIZ Big Editions?

The Vagabond Definitive Editions are larger in size (7x10 inches) compared to the VIZ Big Editions (5.75x8.63 inches). The Definitive Editions also feature a premium hardcover design with a split cover, contrasting colors, and gold foil details, which gives them a more sophisticated and durable feel.

What improvements are made in the print quality of the Vagabond Definitive Editions?

The print quality is enhanced in the Definitive Editions with better contrast, saturation, and more detail, particularly in the midtones. The artwork looks more vivid and alive, with less gutter loss due to the sewn binding.

How does the durability of the Vagabond Definitive Edition compare to the VIZ Big Editions?

The Vagabond Definitive Editions are much more durable due to their hardcover construction and sewn binding, which ensures the books are more secure for long-term use. In contrast, the VIZ Big Editions, with their glued spines, are prone to wear over time.

What extras are included in the Vagabond Definitive Editions?

The Vagabond Definitive Editions include three full-color artworks, author commentaries, character sketches, and all the color pages from the VIZ Big Editions. They also come with a ribbon bookmark and a removable half sleeve featuring artwork.

What sets the design of the Vagabond Definitive Edition apart from other manga releases?

The design of the Vagabond Definitive Edition stands out due to its minimalist aesthetic, premium quality, and split design cover. The combination of cloth and vinyl materials, along with gold foil accents, creates a more refined look compared to other releases.

What is the price range of the Vagabond Definitive Editions compared to other premium manga releases?

The Vagabond Definitive Editions are priced at $55 each, which is comparable to other premium hardcover manga editions, such as those from Dark Horse, which typically retail around $50 to $55.

What is the expected release schedule for the Vagabond Definitive Editions?

The Vagabond Definitive Editions are being released in three volumes, with the first released on March 21st, the second on April 15th, and the third expected on July 15th. New volumes are expected to be released every three months.

Why is the reviewer particularly excited about the Vagabond Definitive Editions?

The reviewer is excited because the Definitive Editions provide a high-quality, durable, and visually stunning way to experience one of their all-time favorite manga series, making it a perfect collector's item and a significant step up from previous editions.