Vinland Saga

There are very few series I've read or watched that I'd give a perfect 10, but trust me when I say this one is a masterpiece. At first glance, it seems like just another revenge story, but after a few chapters, you realize it's far more complex.

The story has everything—despair, anger, revenge, sadness, repentance, hope, and the struggle with sin. Few works compare in their portrayal of these dramatic emotions. The author takes his time developing the plot; the first half serves as a prologue, yet it never gets boring, remaining exciting and intense right up to the latest chapter. I can't delve too deeply into the story without spoiling it.

The art is beautifully drawn, capturing emotions effectively. The author excels at illustrating facial expressions, making every scene resonate with the reader.

The characters are portrayed flawlessly. You see quality character development, and the author does an excellent job of helping you understand why certain characters feel the way they do. He also makes you despise others convincingly.

I devoured the entire series (what's been released so far) in three days. It was so good that I could have stayed up all night and finished it in one sitting if I didn't have other responsibilities.

Overall, this is truly a masterpiece. The character development is flawless, and the heavy, sometimes heartbreaking scenes are depicted realistically. Some parts are brutal and hard to read, but that realism is what makes it a masterpiece. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a quality, realistic, and intense series. However, some scenes are very graphic, so it's not for the faint of heart. If you're seeking a happy, heartwarming story, look elsewhere.

I simply cannot find any flaws in this series.

Story 10/10
It somehow transforms the brutal concept of Vikings into a beautiful narrative filled with loss, revenge, discovery, and redemption. I won't spoil anything because experiencing this series firsthand is best. There's also some fantastic humor thanks to the more charismatic characters.

Art 9/10
The art only gets better as the series progresses, featuring a very consistent and somewhat cartoonish style that fits perfectly with its violent setting. The characters' expressions are wonderfully detailed, and the battles are both barbaric and beautifully brutal. Meanwhile, the peaceful moments are depicted with stunning attention to detail.

Characters 10/10
This is where I feel the story truly excels. Despite appearances, the series isn't just about endless fighting. Character development is highly prominent and masterfully executed, reminiscent of Meruem from Hunter x Hunter. You'll love the characters, then hate them, and then love them all over again. It's breathtakingly well done.

Enjoyment 10/10
Pretty clear given everything above. I should also mention the great 2-in-1 hardcovers included in the English release. They're a very nice addition to the package.

Overall 10/10
Just an outstanding series; I highly recommend picking it up.

After nearly two years, I resumed reading Vinland Saga after initially dropping it because it didn't meet my past standards. All it took was developing a significant interest in history, and BOOM! I gave it another chance, and I loved it.

The story captivated me from the very beginning and held my attention all the way through chapter 100. Incredible characters, relentless action, clever schemes, character development, and historically accurate world-building – yes, historically accurate. The fact that the author went to such lengths to ensure accuracy with dates, events, and characters speaks volumes about the effort and dedication poured into this manga. A true achievement indeed. However, these are my thoughts on the first 100 chapters. The subsequent 95 chapters (up until today) aren't nearly as good. Many people reportedly drop the manga due to a lack of action, changes in ideals, or the inclusion of potentially historically inaccurate ideas, but these aren't my reasons for disliking this part compared to the earlier one. I find the last 95 chapters inferior because the journey to the Byzantine Empire felt excessively prolonged by so many events that my interest started to wane. Most conflicts during that period seemed unnecessary, included merely to extend that segment, at least that's how I perceived it. After that concluded, it became slightly more interesting again, but I still feel it could be better. I'll need to see how it evolves in the upcoming chapters to determine if this lingering dissatisfaction fades away completely. That’s all regarding the story.

Art-wise, it's incredible. You can tell the author and his team of assistants are thorough artists. There's not much more to say about the art.

The characters are something special. First off, many characters are based on real people found in Norse sagas. For example, Thorfinn Karselfni, Thorkell the Tall, Gudrid, Canute, Sweyn, Leif Erikson, and others. Setting aside this intriguing fact, let's evaluate how the main characters evolve over time. The most notable is the protagonist, Thorfinn. He transforms from a merciless warrior into a man seeking redemption. Without delving too deeply, he experiences considerable character development. Despite being the protagonist, Thorfinn's spotlight is sometimes overshadowed by another character from the prologue: Askeladd. A cunning individual who uses his skills as a warrior, schemer, and diplomat to achieve his long-desired ambition. During the prologue, despite not being the main character, Askeladd constantly held the spotlight, showcasing what an exceptional character he is. Regardless of personal preference, generally, the characters are excellent.

In conclusion, I give it a temporary rating of 9/10 for being an incredible manga that suffered a quality drop after chapter 100. From now on, I will only see it reach excellence or hit a plateau.

I am reading the hardcover editions, so my review ends after the War in the Baltic. I don't know how much longer I can claim to be "new to manga," but here it goes – I'm new to manga.

I've realized that my frustration with what I call "the turn" is something I need to either accept or give up on manga altogether. For those unfamiliar, like me – "the turn" (my term) happens when manga introduces you to characters and a premise, gets you deeply involved, then suddenly shifts direction. The story might change its focus or character emphasis drastically. Tokyo Ghoul is a perfect example: Volume 1 was great, immersing you in the world of ghouls, but then the turn happened, and the story became all about police infrastructure and sting operations. It was jarring.

Anyway, this book manages to survive the turn. I definitely prefer the first part, which might be considered a prologue since the book's title clearly reflects the "turn." Regardless, I enjoyed it. I like the characters. Despite its brutality, the story has its cute and charming moments. The art is excellent, and the action sequences are top-notch. I'm glad they're being written again!

If you enjoy historical fiction, check out this work by Makoto Yukimura. He seems to genuinely care about the details, which enhances the enjoyment. The broad panel scenes are impressive too, with excellent attention to detail.

Yes, this manga is incredible, and anything I could say would only underscore its brilliance. The narrative is dark, brutal, and exceptionally well-crafted. Since the first chapter, the characters in Vinland Saga have been outstanding. However, in recent chapters, the quality of character development has started to decline. This seems to be because the author is introducing too many characters without adequately fleshing them out or giving them distinct personalities; some feel like mere cardboard cutouts, especially those in Thorfinn's group, with a few exceptions. Despite this, I still believe everyone should read this manga.

That is a good manga, but I think the progress in the story has been too slow lately. The art is really cool and has a lot of realism. The story is truly unique, and I believe the end is near, so I will add some details to the review after I see the conclusion, hoping it turns out great. The characters and their development throughout the story are excellent.

Some good points that make this manga stand out:

There are very few manga that don't focus on Japan and its culture. This one features many types of characters with unique backgrounds, thinking styles, and appearances. The development of both the story and characters is remarkable; you'll witness numerous changes as the narrative progresses – the theme, style, character mindset, and events you'd never predict.

Historical fiction often poses a significant challenge, particularly within the realm of anime and manga. The inherent tendency to cater to specific audience preferences can restrict the range of interpretations of historical events in fictional retellings, typically resulting in comedy parodies or action-packed shonen genres. Vinland Saga defies these conventions, embodying everything that historical fiction should be: it's engaging, poignant, epic, and thoughtful. This series brims with high adventure, fast-paced action, and political intrigue, all balanced by profound philosophical introspection and deep character development. In every aspect, it stands as an exceptional masterpiece.

Vinland Saga is indeed historical fiction, set in a rarely explored era for this medium, especially in anime/manga. Beginning during the Danish invasion of England in 1013, we follow Askeladd, a mercenary leader, and Thorfinn, a youth driven by vengeance who serves under Askeladd solely to exact revenge for his father's death. The story of Vinland Saga radiates a remarkable sense of grandeur and epic scale in its conflicts, ensuring each chapter feels fresh and exhilarating. For every episode of adventuring and warfare, there’s another filled with plotting, contemplation, and reflection. Triumphs are counterbalanced by bitter defeats and deaths, making it an enthralling journey that continues to captivate.

In terms of characters, Vinland Saga excels impressively. The cast includes both fictional characters inspired by Nordic legends and real historical figures. Thorfinn initially seems like a typical vengeful shonen protagonist, but he quickly evolves into a more complex character. His development accelerates as the narrative progresses. Askeladd stands out as one of my favorite anti-heroes in manga; he's ruthless and bitter yet possesses an intriguing charm. His motivations remain mysterious, adding depth to his character. However, the pinnacle of character development belongs to Cnut, a real historical figure whose transformations are accompanied by profound philosophical musings. These segments are immensely enjoyable to read. Surrounding these pivotal characters is a diverse ensemble of supporting roles, from the real-life Thorkell the Tall to the fictional members of Askeladd’s company. Each character retains unique qualities that make them memorable and likable, enhancing the already fantastic plot—an additional layer of excellence.

Initially, Vinland Saga featured a relatively simplistic art style, which was good but lacked detailed facial expressions or notable visual elements. Over time, however, the artwork evolved, becoming darker, more refined, and significantly more detailed. Facial wrinkles became pronounced, creating striking panels of intense masculinity. The action sequences are fluid and visually exciting, while panoramic scenes are equally impressive. Currently, the art is highly commendable, serving as a superb complement to the compelling premise.

At the time of writing, Vinland Saga appears to be gearing up for its main act, which is astonishing given the quality of its prologue. It’s a tale of adventure, war, politics, and the quest for paradise. Do yourself a favor and dive into this series; I assure you won’t be disappointed. Vinland Saga truly is—

10/10
Masterpiece.

If you look at the ratings I've given this manga series, you might think I'm either an overly enthusiastic fan or that this manga is exceptionally good. To sum it up: it truly is fantastic!

Story (10): Vinland Saga is set during the Viking invasion of Great Britain. It's a historical manga, so there won't be any magic, dragons, or superpowers involved. Most of the time, VS is entirely realistic, which is impressive because such authenticity has become quite rare. Yet, the author still manages to keep things engaging without resorting to typical "eye-catchers."

The story is packed with surprising plot twists that I don't want to spoil, so I'll refrain from revealing more. However, let me just say this: the story is incredibly unpredictable in an amazing way. If you expect this manga to focus solely on action and Thorfinn battling increasingly powerful enemies, you might be surprised. The story is much more intelligent than that.

Art (9): Why not a 10? Well, the drawings are highly detailed when it comes to battle scenes and main characters. The style perfectly matches the atmosphere. However, some minor characters look somewhat similar, which is why the art is great but not outstanding.

Character (10): I should give an extra two points for this because the character development here sets a new standard for manga series. Consider this rating as a 12 for being godlike. The best part about this: you won't find many stereotypes among the characters, and they will surprise you often. Also, Yukimura isn't shy about killing off major characters, so get ready for some George R.R. Martin moments.

I can't describe it further without spoiling the fun, so just experience it yourself.

Enjoyment (10): What can I say? This is by far the best manga I've ever read. To me, it's the Game of Thrones of manga. I devour the story, love the main character, and it contains almost no manga/anime stereotypes. At no point did I feel like I'd seen it all before, making it a completely fresh experience. I can't wait for the next issue to be released.

Currently, the entire manga can be divided into three major arcs. However, in my opinion, the latest two are vastly different from the first one. In some ways, I find them inferior and even disappointing. [No spoilers and very rushed.]

The first arc (54 chapters) serves as a prologue but is nearly perfect. It features great dialogue, characters, and character development. The story itself is almost flawless. We get to see some of the adventures of our main character, Thorfinn. This part of the manga showcases the horrors of war while also presenting the idea of pacifism.

What truly makes it stand out is the incredibly well-written characters. Even minor characters shine brightly, and I believe no one would disagree when I say that this arc contains one of the greatest antagonists ever: Askeladd, whom Thorfinn follows to eventually defeat him in a duel to avenge his father.

The only aspect of this specific arc that I found lacking was the character development for Prince Canute, one of the more important characters, and where the story took him. It felt slightly rushed. Now, this could have been intentional, but to me, it didn't feel all that realistic or interesting.

However, the first arc ended with an unexpected bang, making me really excited about where the manga would go next. (10/10 arc)

Unfortunately, after the prologue, the entirety of the manga starts to revolve too much around pacifism and moving away from war. The writing and characters begin to feel a bit dull and lazy overall. This is where the manga loses most of its charm for me, but make no mistake: it's still worth reading. Just don't expect any epic fights, as that is no longer the focus of the manga at all.

VINLAND SAGA is a JOURNEY

I appreciate the development that the main character Thorfinn undergoes throughout the series. It's different from what you'd expect from a Shounen protagonist, and the author takes his time to show Thorfinn's metamorphosis in a way that feels natural and not forced. Take all the great things the author does with Thorfinn's transformation, throw them in a trash bin, and we're left with Canute, the other main character of the series. The Canute at the beginning of the series is a completely different person than the one he eventually becomes, but in this case, the author forsakes taking a gradual approach, which he took with Thorfinn. This left a very bad taste in my mouth.

The first two arcs are really good, notwithstanding the Canute development, mostly due to Askeladd's presence, who instills a sense of intrigue and subtlety in the narrative that no other character manages to pull off. After the Farm arc, the story feels a bit lighter in tone, despite the continued existence of war and grief, which coincides with Thorfinn's personality change. But I can see a lot of people getting turned off by the antics of Sigurd's friends/henchmen. Some characters that appear in the latter part of the story feel out of place compared to the prologue of Vinland Saga. What's worse is that the author tries to fit in comedy amidst a supposed serious battle, which might really take out the immersion for many readers.

Overall, I think Vinland Saga is worth a read for everyone despite some huge flaws, and the characters, for the most part, are really good. Don't go into it thinking that you won't find Shounen elements in the series.

Looking for an intelligent manga that combines intense violence, gripping action, and deep character development with a touch of Viking lore? If yes, then this epic manga is a must-read.

The story unfolds during the golden age of the Vikings (11th century), specifically during their invasion of England. The central plot revolves around Thorfinn's quest to avenge his father’s death by defeating Askeladd, his father's murderer, in an honorable duel. To achieve this, Thorfinn works for Askeladd, carrying out whatever tasks he demands, all while waiting for his chance at revenge. However, the narrative isn't solely focused on Thorfinn; significant attention is given to other characters, particularly Askeladd, who might be the real protagonist. Historical figures like Thorkell and Canute also play crucial roles, showcasing their involvement in the era's conflicts.

I personally adored how the blend of historical and fictional characters seamlessly integrates into the Viking age. Let’s face it, there are already plenty of samurai and knight-themed mangas, but this one stands out with its bloodthirsty Vikings who revel in killing their enemies, enjoying their women, and selling defeated foes into slavery. It's absolutely fresh!

The artwork is exceptionally crafted, with meticulous attention to detail. Every character, not just the main ones, is intricately designed, making them easily distinguishable. Weapons, environments, clothing, and items all look remarkably accurate based on what I've seen on documentaries. The battles vividly depict the gruesome nature of medieval times, presenting the horrors of war in a way I haven’t encountered in any other manga. Often, the fight scenes have an exaggerated flair, similar to the Battle Royale manga adaptation.

The characters left me astounded. I’ve never read a manga with such profound character development. Each character feels uniquely human and unpredictable. Major characters each have detailed backgrounds that drive the story forward and keep things engaging. I especially appreciated how strategy plays as crucial a role as brute strength in the characters' actions.

Overall, Vinland Saga is an intelligent, epic manga packed with intense action and a vast array of complex characters, making it one of the best mangas I've ever read. However, the excessive violence and antagonistic nature of the characters might be overwhelming for some readers.

Story
The narrative unfolds in England and Denmark during the 11th century, focusing on the notorious Vikings. Author Makoto Yukimura excels at depicting the daily lives of the Viking people, showcasing their mundane activities like trimming nails, cutting hair, and gathering food. The plot revolves around Thorfinn's relentless pursuit to avenge his father's murder by killing Askeladd. This tale is profoundly dark, unflinchingly portraying the brutal realities of Viking life, driven by their obsession with combat and glory.

Characters
The central characters are intricately crafted, each possessing distinct traits that add depth to the story. Their three-dimensional nature, complete with clear motivations, goals, and flaws, captivated me most. Even minor characters feel real, despite limited screen time. Initially, Thorfinn seemed poorly written, overshadowed by others, leading me to doubt his role. However, as the story progressed, I realized his transformation elevated an already great narrative into something magnificent.

Art
The artwork is exceptional, continually improving throughout the series. Makoto Yukimura's meticulous attention to detail showcases the immense effort invested in its creation. There were moments when I found myself revisiting pages purely to admire the stunning visuals after finishing the text.

Enjoyment
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and know my appreciation for it will only deepen. Despite its focus on violence and killing, patient readers will uncover numerous relatable themes embedded within.