Vinland Saga is an anime I didn't expect to like as much as I did. It started off well, but I had already seen many forms of media that were set in this time period. Therefore I wasn't as curious about this anime as some of my friends who may be new to the whole British vs Danes/Vikings feud. The thing is, Vinland Saga is so much more than a period piece. This anime is build on its characters and their motivations. It will give you some awesome fights to enjoy, but the story is what will keep you hooked. The show knows how to represent things like political drama and battle tactics in a way that is clear and easy to understand. That's where this show shines, yes there are awesome scenes that can be very gory. However, its everything that is happening around them or leading up to them that you'll love. Every important character is unique and all their motivations are so different. Some can be selfish and some can be selfish, yet all of their decisions affect each other in some way. They can motivate an other character to get stronger, change a characters perspective, or help a character achieve greater political power.
I'll go into a brief discussion of all of MALs review categories below:
1. Story:
The story is much more than you would expect. Its starts of as Thorfinns (MC) search to become the true warrior his father described. This story line remains throughout. However, as more characters are introduced more story lines are added. Such as who will be the king/leader of the Dane and how it will be achieved? Where is Vinland and how will we get there? How can the world be a better place and what sacrifices need to be made to achieve it? How do you define right or wrong and good or evil? These are all questions the characters must face throughout the show.
2. Art/Sound
The animation is very detailed/crisp and drawn in a way that makes these characters feel real. The sound is appropriate for the era and aligns with Norse themes.
3. Characters
As I've already stated many time the Characters are what make this show so good. I will highlight a few.
Thorfinn: The young boy who we watch grow from innocent happy child to fierce warrior tempered by pain and anger.
Thors: Thorfinns father, possibly the greatest warrior who ever lived. However, even though he could kill anyone with ease at some point he realized that is not what defines a true warrior.
Askeladd: A mighty warrior and even better tactician. In my opinion, the best character in the show. He pushes the narative and has a deep and fulfilling story arc.
Some other characters to look out for are Canute and Thorkell.
Enjoyment:
Clearly I loved this anime, but can't really go into the details without spoilers. I love it for its exhilarating battles, its political drama, and its characters.
Finally I gave this anime a 10/10. I have given out 10s that could arguably be 9s, but this is a solid 10 without a doubt. One of the best anime's I've seen in a while. Wouldn't be surprised if once it gets a few seasons under its belt it is regarded as one of the best.
