OP: “MUKANJYO” by Survive Said the Prophet
I have so much I want to say after this truly astounding premiere of Vinland Saga. But the first thing I have to say it that I have to face the reality of a triple-episode release on a work night – I would like to give this premiere the exhaustive analysis that it deserves, and normally for a triple episode I’d do a very long post. But life is life, and mine doesn’t have a pause button. It’ll still be a long one, but not as long as it really should be. The short answer is – wow.
I think another topic that should briefly be touched on is the decision to release three episodes at once. I mean, if the intention was to get the audience hooked in, well – it damn well worked in my case. But I think that would have been almost as true with a single episode, and as much as I loved having a movie length serving of anime this stupendously good, I worry about having a three-week break right after the start of the series. I don’t think they’ll lose the audience, but a hiatus right after the launch strikes me as a legit concern.
Setting that matter aside, in terms of content itself, this was – as I said – stupendously good. No question Vinland Saga was seriously hyped in my mind (and not just mine, given that it won the LiA preview poll and leads the Random Curiosity one), but this is that rare case of a hyped anime that blows the hype out of the water. Yes, it’s probably an unfair advantage to have three episodes to compare against shows that only had one, but this was as good a premiere as I’ve seen for a very long time. I haven’t read Yukimura Makoto’s manga and I suppose manga readers might find something to complain about (as incomprehensible as that seems to me) but from a new viewer perspective, this was a virtuoso performance.
I’ll tackle the production side of things first. I was a bit worried that director Yabuta Shuuhei has done so much of his work in CGI, but he’s also helmed some excellent shows (like Inuyashiki). Those worries were unfounded – the direction is masterful here, and while there’s certainly some CGI (this is a military epic after all) it’s judiciously applied and surrounded by gorgeous hand-drawn animation and art design. I’d also single out Yamada Yutaka’s very cinematic mostly-piano soundtrack, which is among the best of the year. The cast is uniformly excellent, and overall Vinland Saga just looks and sounds like a first-class affair.
None of that would matter (well, it would matter, but not nearly as much) if the story weren’t up on the same level. But wow, the writing here is pretty amazeballs. A beautifully set up historical premise, a layered and sophisticated story with both scope and intimacy, and a cast of fascinating and well-defined (with alarming speed) characters. Vinland Saga is one of those series where even though the story is clearly a big one with many details as yet unrevealed, you feel as if you know what’s happening right from the start. You get a sense of who these people are and why, and an absorptive feeling of the world in which they live. This is some very eloquent and intelligent writing, to say the least.
We tend to hear “Vikings” and just lump them all in one big group of hairy, bearded Norsemen raping and pillaging their way across Northern Europe. I knew there was more to the story than that, but Vinland really does let us in on the multiple layers involved. Norway under the cruel tyrant King Harald (850-932), Iceland and Greenland peopled by those who fled their home rather than live under his tyranny, Denmark in perpetual war with the English. And looming far across the sea, “Vinland” – the American continent which yes, Leif Erickson did “discover” five centuries before Columbus and Cabot.
There are characters too numerous to mention given my time constraints who already make a big impression in this premiere, but the main character is young Thorfinn (Ishigami Shizuka), the 6-year old son of Thors (Matsuda Kenichirou). Thors is the de facto head of the remote village in Iceland where most of the premiere is set, and in truth, at this point in the story he’s the protagonist. And what a memorable one he is, too – a complex and troubled man with a dark past which has followed him to this distant place. You could sell me on Thors being the main character of an entire series and I’ll be ecstatic at the prospect, but it’s clear that Vinland Saga is destined to be Thorfinn’s saga (and he’s great too, so no complaints from me).
Another crucial character here is the aforementioned Leif Erickson (Ueda Youji). As we meet him he’s already an old man by the standards of the time, viewed with affection but a little condescension by the village brats who half believe his stories of the new world are fairy tales. Leif comes across here as a man whose time has passed, yet remains formidable – an explorer at heart in a society of warriors. This is a theme we see repeating itself already, as Thors is likewise a misfit – he hates war and slavery with equal measure, though the youngsters (not least his own son) have a romanticized view of war Thors knows is a cruel lie. Thors’ wife Helga (Takahashi Ao) is quiet and frail but nevertheless strong, and teenage daughter Ylva (Nabatame Hitomi) is already a hard and tough young woman with a crowd of potential suitors.
There are so many wonderful moments in these three episodes that I wish I could talk about them all in detail. The sequence with the runaway slave who Thors briefly saves and buys from his cruel master at the huge price of eight ewes – despite knowing the man was dying – is heartbreaking and incredibly revealing about Thors. But the meat of the story here is Thors’ past, which finally finds him after 15 years of peace. He was a captain of the Jomsvikings – a powerful viking mercenary army of the time legendary for their prowess in battle. He grew to hate war (starting with the birth of his daughter) and seized the opportunity to fake his own death in battle and flee into obscurity.
I think the essence of Thors comes when he tells Thorfinn “There are no enemies. There’s no one it’s OK to hurt.” The cruel part of this is that Thorfinn, small as he is and though he loves his father, is already enamored with the Viking ideal of winning glory (and dying) in battle, and going to Valhalla. We can see the path Thorfinn will follow, and so can Thors. When Thors’ old comrade Floki (Ono Atsushi) shows up in a warship and tells Thors’ that the Jomsvikings have signed on to support the Danes in their coming war with the English, it’s clear this is not an invitation but a threat. And indeed, Floki has hired a mercenary named Askeladd (Uchida Naoya) to assassinate Thors – something he appears to have done in defiance of his commander (Helga’s father) out of a personal grudge for Thors’ act of desertion.
There’s a strong sense of tragedy to all this. Thors’ intention is to leave the young men of the village who’ve naively followed him (and Leif) behind in Norway, safe from battle, but the group is ambushed by Askeladd’s mercenaries in the Faroe Islands. Worse, Thorfinn has stowed away and is now in harm’s way too. Even here Thors refuses for the moment to kill in battle, but with the life of the young men and his own son on the line, one suspects he may have to choose to kill or die (and in fact, both may happen). And Thorfinn may get his taste of blood here too, setting him down a path that Thors would have given anything to steer him away from. This was a cruel and violent time, and a cold and brutal place, and while nobility is always to be admired, it probably never had much a chance against enemies this strong.
Truly, that was a wonderful introduction to this series. It delivered on every level – smart, emotionally powerful, sweeping and personal in equal measure. Vinland Saga is the sort of show that shines like a beacon in the creatively dark tunnel in which anime currently exists, a reminder that there are still incredible stories out there to be told, and committed and talented people to tell them. Three weeks is going to feel like a very long time.
ED: “Torches” by Aimer
Jindujun93
July 8, 2019 at 11:02 pmAs a manga reader, as somebody who loves the material dearly (it’s in my top 25 as far as manga go, so while not as high as one might think at first glance, it’s still so damn good), I actually teared up multiple times throughout the first three episodes, because this is the kind of adaption I’ve always dreamed of it receiving. Imagine Spirit Circle or Vagabond getting a really good adaption one day? That’s how I feel about this here. (Though I love both of these even more than Vinland Saga, but they’re all great in their own right.)
They’ve clearly shown the material a lot of love here with the little touches they added. They shuffled around the material a little, not adapting the first two chapters yet and instead starting with chapter 3, which is a great decision in my opinion though because it makes it flow a lot better, and the very first scene of the first episode was something that was never in the manga, but often mentioned, so it was really nice to see that one moment of Thors (while also already giving me a sneak peek of somebody else much earlier than I thought).
But yes, they absolutely nailed it. The colors, the soundtrack, and especially the voice acting. Askeladd’s voice actor in particular killed it, but everyone else delivered great perfomances as well. This is the kind of stuff that I really want Wit to animate, and they’ve delivered. This adaption won’t get to the part that really set the manga apart for me, but who knows? The manga has currently enough material for two more seasons with two cours each, so maybe we’ll actually get to see more in the future. For now, I’ll sit back and enjoy the ride – it’s going to be a great one.
Guardian Enzo
July 9, 2019 at 12:01 amThis is where the somewhat surprising commercial success of the Golden Kamuy adaptation gives me a bit of hope. Sure, very different series to Vinland but there should be quite a bit of audience overlap.
Snowball
July 9, 2019 at 12:32 amYou should be hopeful because a season 3 of Golden Kamuy has been announced.
Derrick
July 8, 2019 at 11:20 pmthe key for enjoyable manganime is real distinctive characters not stock tropey caricatures, the plot will follow as long as the settings logic is obeyed.
this will produce a real world, as if we are seeing a real events. and Vinland Saga did just that.
it’s not complicated but it requires discipline and some thinking.
Yeni
July 8, 2019 at 11:58 pmIts going to feel like a long time indeed ;_;
I just had to delurk myself for this post, I’ve been refreshing this webpage since yesterday because I couldn’t wait to read your opinion.
Vinland Saga is one of my favorite manga EVER (its tied with Berserk and Hikaru no go and closely followed by Hunter x Hunter). I’ve been reading it for at least 10 years, so to say that I had high expectations for this adaptation is the understatement of the century (already re-read the manga at least twice since the moment I knew it was coming because I couldn’t wait).
To me these first 3 episodes were a grand slam, I have no complaints whatsoever. I think the changes made, mostly reordering of some events for them to be in chronological order in the beginning, make sense and help tell a more compelling story.
I love this characters to pieces because as you noticed, they are complex and the writing is so on point that you get to truly know them. Also, once this season ends I would recommend reading, if not the manga, at least Yukimura’s notes. He researched a lot for this series and his though process while creating it is really interesting.
On another note, both the OP and ED make me very emotional **sobs**
I’m beside myself with happiness. If we could get an eventual announcement for another two cour season after this one ends I’ll probably die XD.
So thank you Enzo for this post, the only thing I can say now is prepare for this ride 😉
Guardian Enzo
July 9, 2019 at 12:04 amThanks for de-cloaking! It’s nice to hear the perspective of a manga reader and I’m glad your reaction was likewise positive.
Only disagreement I have is the OP – the song doesn’t fit IMO. Loved Aimer’s ED though – and the BGM is fantastic.
Yeni
July 9, 2019 at 12:28 amThanks Enzo, I also loved that you loved it!
Hahahaha fair enough. In my case it’s because I like the song itself (it pumps me up XD), and to me it fits Thorfinn a lot. The ED is downright beautiful.
Guardian Enzo
July 9, 2019 at 6:16 amWell, you’d know better than me if it fits, that’s true.
A.Sade
July 9, 2019 at 1:31 amI’ve been refreshing all day to see your opinion too, and as a manga reader who only read it once but thinks very highly of it all the same, I’m so happy to see the universal celebration of this premiere. It’s truly rare to see widespread approval, even from die-hard fans of the manga. Makes me a little sad to think of the reception its fellow war epic anime, Kingdom and Shoukoku no Altair, received though.
Snowball
July 9, 2019 at 2:11 amJust to reiterate your points, it is truly a blessing that Vinland Saga, a manga with an excellent premise and compelling character writing, is executed brilliantly. Kingdom and SnA certainly deserved better treatment.
Guardian Enzo
July 9, 2019 at 6:17 amIn Kingdom’s defense, I felt that the problem there (huge as it was) came down almost entirely to the awful visuals. The narrative side seemed fine to me.
Miyu Fan
July 9, 2019 at 1:41 amDamn it all the comments here already expressed my thoughts as a manga reader haha. I cried too because all the poignant scenes in the manga were accurately captured in the anime and remembering what happened down the road teared me up. The great thing about Yukimura Makoto’s writing is that not a single character or line in the manga is just a throwaway – each of them has their own weight and impact in the story. While I don’t expect the fight scenes will be animated to next level like Bones and ufotable, I’m happy that Vinland Saga got a great adaptation by Studio Wit.
The only complaint is who do I need to shake to get an epic orchestral instrumental for the OP lol. The OP song is still great, but really we need more fitting OP songs for historical fiction anime.
Khalid
July 9, 2019 at 4:04 amI started reading the manga 8-9 years ago and have been wishing for an anime ever since. These 3 first episodes have been absolutely outstanding. The only thing I wasn’t a big fan of is the opening theme, which is a matter of taste, otherwise I’m thoroughly satisfied with the work Wit Studio has done. I look forward to your upcoming impressions!
ibtachi
July 9, 2019 at 4:09 amHonestly, as a fan of the manga I was a bit shook by how great of a start this was. I remember thinking the beginning was good but not quite the best part while reading volume 1 and it wasnt till the halfway point where it really got going but… damn this adaptation really hit the ground running with the energy you find in Vinland Saga’s highest points.
Credit where its due: the original story, characterization and writing set up a very, very solid framework for a great 90 minute premiere (only a debacle on the scale of Berserk 2016 would have made it “bad” premiere relative to the seasons offerings) but its the direction, pacing, voice acting and sound design that elevated it. Kudos, WIT Studio.
Ronbb
July 9, 2019 at 10:59 amVinland Sage is truly the high tide of the season!
I’m always grateful when the writers treat the characters like real people — they don’t undermine gender, race, abilities or experience to fit a plot or pander to a targeted group. This is the kind of writing that I cherish, and in all honesty, I felt like I was transported to their world. Besides, to based the story on the Vikings in such a dramatic time in history is big and rare (or please enlighten me here, as I haven’t come across similar stories during that era). This show is the GK for me this season…so totally gonna stick around.
Guardian Enzo
July 9, 2019 at 11:05 amWell, there is the Vikings TV series (which is Showtime, I think?), but TBH that strikes me more as a Viking soap opera. In manga or anime? Nothing springs immediately to mind for me.
Ronbb
July 9, 2019 at 11:51 amThanks!
Jindujun93
July 9, 2019 at 2:08 pmHonestly, the only other anime I could think of that features vikings at all is Vicky the Little Viking, and the only reason I even remember that is because it’s for children and actually aired where I lived when I was still that age (so I grew up with it). So yeah, having vikings at all is already super rare in anime/manga.
Ronbb
July 9, 2019 at 2:31 pmThanks!
hito
July 9, 2019 at 11:20 amI’m also following Vinland Saga blind, but I saw a tweet that shared an afterword from the author and it gives me really high hopes for the series. (I’ll link the direct image and not the tweet, because the afterword doesn’t have any spoilers but it’s in a Twitter thread that looks like it probably does have some.)
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DjdJJjdW0AA5hM9.jpg:large
Guardian Enzo
July 9, 2019 at 11:37 amWell, I have to admit that made me LOL.
ObahhabO
July 9, 2019 at 1:54 pmI am a sucker for a story well rooted in a historical setting. Vinland Saga certainly fits the bill. These first three episodes were a joy to watch. I enjoyed your review as well.
When it comes to Vinland Saga, I give a lot of praise to Makoto Yukimura. He is not Scandinavian. He did not grow up with Scandinavian lore or history. He researched it. He learned it. He traveled there, spent the time, and did the research. Not only did he learn the lore and history, he learned the architecture and how to properly represent the historical setting visually. All to make a wonderful story in an accurate history setting. He did not take an easy route.
Guardian Enzo
July 9, 2019 at 2:31 pmI agree about Yukimura deserving a lot of credit.
I mentioned Golden Kamuy in the post, and coincidentally (though not really, truth be told) there’s a joint interview with Yukimura Makoto and Noda-sensei of Golden Kamuy. This is in Japanese but the Golden Kamuy Central twitter account has a rough synopsis in English.
https://mainichi.jp/articles/20190705/dyo/00m/200/022000c
I would say Noda did very much what Yukimura did – all the heavy lifting to learn about a culture different from his own, so he could get the details right. The main difference (as Yukimura-sensei ruefully notes in the interview) is that the places Yukimura had to research for Vinland Saga are a lot further away and more expensive to get to.
Artur M.
July 10, 2019 at 4:28 amAs a history buff, I absolutely adore Vinland Saga. There is so much to unpack even in this first two episodes. For example, the event that was shown at the beginning of the second episode – the St. Brice’s Day massacre of 13 November 1002, ordered be king Aethelred the Unready (which btw originally meant something more like “ill-advised”). Or that when Leif casually mentions being an acquaintance of the previous king of Norway he means Olaf Tryggvason, a great-grandson of Harald Fairhair (the king from Leif’s tale in the first episode) and truly fascinating figure if even half of the stories about him are true. Leif also mentions Jomsvikings being independent of the “King of Wendland”, despite that Jomsborg is technically situated on the shores of his domain. There is a bit of a disagreement among the scholars about who that mysterious ruler, appearing in the Icelandic Sagas as Burislav or Burisleif, was supposed to be. Personally, I like the theory that he’s a combination of the first two Polish rulers; Mieszko and his son Bolesław the Brave. Admittedly I’m biased here being Polish myself, as you might tell from my less-than-perfect English.
For anyone interested in delving into the historical setting of Vinland Saga I recommend an amazing video on The History Time YouTube channel “1000 AD: A Tour of the Viking World”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3_iLTpTYhY
Fair warning though, there might be something there that someone might consider a bit of a spoiler but only in a way that knowing who won WWII possibly “spoils” a piece of fiction set during it, also many illustrations used are from later periods, so take the look of armor, clothing and so one with a grain of salt (I think that the author of the video assumed this to be obvious).
Speaking about the look of armor, clothing and so one, as far as I can tell Vinland saga does this aspect very well, definitely better than the TV shows ‘Vikings” and “The Last Kingdom”. There are some minor nitpicks, like how all the young volunteers from Thorfinn’s village are exceptionally well equipped and someone more knowledgable than I would probably find more. The one thing clearly out of place is the Askelad’s armor, but there is a meaning behind it. I won’t say anything more 😉
Simone
July 11, 2019 at 5:42 amWell, that and the chest compression Thors performs in episode 1. I doubt Vikings knew about that :D!
Artur M.
July 11, 2019 at 6:28 amI haven’t thought about that. Clearly, Thors is so awesome he must’ve figured it out somehow.
bnbros
July 11, 2019 at 6:38 pmHe’s the man, the myth, the legend among his fellow Jomsvikings. Of course he’ll figure it out lol 😛
Passa
July 13, 2019 at 11:13 amI have nothing new to add as Enzo has done a good job speaking about this one. Just wanted to add that this manga has a special place in my heart because it helped me through I bad break up years ago lol.
ljflint
July 23, 2019 at 4:03 amTo me Vinland Saga and 7Seeds were manga I never thought I’d see adapted, for various reasons. Somehow, we got both this year. Both these stories could be amazing if done right and I was crossing my fingers for both.
As a manga reader, I loved this Vinland anime a lot. To me an adaptation has to be reasonably faithful but also, most importantly, it has to bring the work alive in a way the manga cannot. This anime has done it and I look forward to more!
Sadly, the 7seeds adaptation was a mediocre monstrosity – in every way possible. Please do not judge it based on that.