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Having read the entire arc of the manga (and well after that), and having watched 3 episodes, I believe I am qualified to write a review of season 2 of Vinland Saga. The second arc of the manga (farm arc) is a masterpiece and IMO one of the best arcs of the manga (probably the best arc in fact). It's very unconventional and less about fighting, and more about psychological themes such as PTSD or the depiction of Norse slavery (in addition to the implications of being a slave), and also destroying the myth of the warrior and showing the impact of killing. This arc will FOR SURE get bad reviews from the crowds, simply because it's a U turn from the previous arc which was all about fighting, with a pretty shonen style hero in the dual blade using Thorfinn. This arc shows Thorfinn in the worst state possible (slavery) but also is an amazing story about gaining your life purpose back. It's simply a masterpiece with great characters such as Snake, Einar (Thorfinn's best friend), Arnheid (a female slave), and Olmar/Thorgil.
From watching the three episodes, you know it's a 9/10. The animation is equal to the first season, and the opening & ending themes are beautiful. Knowing (without spoiling viewers) how the arc escalates to a crescendo of things happening, I can say this will be a definitive masterpiece, and probably the real fan's anime of the year. Just like when Vinland Saga season 1 came out.
This anime/manga is a gem amongst the medium, because it's very rare that we get anime from this genre.
This is psychological & coming of age drama set in the Viking age. It's not an action anime.
It's also very relevant to the current generation of young men and women living in the world. Many themes will hit hard.
I strongly recommend watching this.
