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4.58 AVERAGE
4.58 AVERAGE
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A pretty good conclusion to something probably too-long coming. It does not really depict indigenous peoples that well, nor is it outright caricature. One of the weird problems with the volume is it is, at the same time, trying to bring a resolution to a character that doesn’t want physical conflict, while also trying to maintain narrative tension across an entire omnibus. It… kind of doesn’t work, for about half of it.
It implies that there’s some tension where there actually isn’t at multiple times. Some guys brought swords. The indigenous people, of course, can see visions of the future… but nothing happens with that. They make friends with them… but nothing really happens with that.
What it does nail, I think, is the overall, macro resolution concerning a couple characters. It was genuinely moving—hence the three stars. Otherwise, it sort of feels like one really, really long epilogue anime filler episode. And that spear kid never came back from last volume, what’s up with that?
Now, looking back on the entire series, was it worth the read? I think so. Someone who is much more invested in battle sequences will have enjoyed it more. Also, people who don’t mind the tonal shifts that come with manga, again, will help immensely.
But the larger story is unusual and interesting, as well as subversive of the genre. You would never have expected the story to be about what it is in the entire 7 first omnibuses, which is wild, and quite bold. It initially reads as just another manga marketed toward male teens, just with a different historical context applied to it. It then something far more nuanced, though not at all to be conflated with a really well rounded or literary take, on forgiveness, war, peace, religion, enslavement, and found family. It’s definitely trying, and sometimes succeeding, at a lot more than is typical, and I appreciated that about it.
It implies that there’s some tension where there actually isn’t at multiple times. Some guys brought swords. The indigenous people, of course, can see visions of the future… but nothing happens with that. They make friends with them… but nothing really happens with that.
What it does nail, I think, is the overall, macro resolution concerning a couple characters. It was genuinely moving—hence the three stars. Otherwise, it sort of feels like one really, really long epilogue anime filler episode. And that spear kid never came back from last volume, what’s up with that?
Now, looking back on the entire series, was it worth the read? I think so. Someone who is much more invested in battle sequences will have enjoyed it more. Also, people who don’t mind the tonal shifts that come with manga, again, will help immensely.
But the larger story is unusual and interesting, as well as subversive of the genre. You would never have expected the story to be about what it is in the entire 7 first omnibuses, which is wild, and quite bold. It initially reads as just another manga marketed toward male teens, just with a different historical context applied to it. It then something far more nuanced, though not at all to be conflated with a really well rounded or literary take, on forgiveness, war, peace, religion, enslavement, and found family. It’s definitely trying, and sometimes succeeding, at a lot more than is typical, and I appreciated that about it.
Been too long since I got to read my Vinland Saga but man this one blew me away by the end.
Basically this volume covers Thorfin and group finally getting to vinland and beginning their quest to start a civilization free of war and death. This is pretty great change of pace, and watching Thorfin learn to trade with Indians while also building up his people's homes is great. There's some really great stuff in here, lots of thoughtful planning is put into how they began building up their villages work well.
But the final chapter is one of the best in the entire manga, if not my favorite. It shows a woman who is finally ready to let go of the past. That anger and revenge can only fuel you for so long. And the last few pages brought my grown ass to tears in moments. What an excellent send off for the book.
A 5 out of 5.
Basically this volume covers Thorfin and group finally getting to vinland and beginning their quest to start a civilization free of war and death. This is pretty great change of pace, and watching Thorfin learn to trade with Indians while also building up his people's homes is great. There's some really great stuff in here, lots of thoughtful planning is put into how they began building up their villages work well.
But the final chapter is one of the best in the entire manga, if not my favorite. It shows a woman who is finally ready to let go of the past. That anger and revenge can only fuel you for so long. And the last few pages brought my grown ass to tears in moments. What an excellent send off for the book.
A 5 out of 5.
I can’t explain how much I absolutely love this manga. The author has done such an incredible job of creating a driven main character with a unique viewpoint (a warrior who now seeks peace) while also offering supporting characters that have very different viewpoints, but aren’t “bad guys” or enemies. Yukimura-san is so talented.
Based on the cover I honestly thought this would be the final volume. Turns out there is still more to go, which is perfectly ok with me! This one was just as great as the others, I am really enjoying seeing Thorfinn's plans paying off.
I think the interactions with the Native Americans, which could have been really poorly done, were actually really great. They are given diverse goals and personalities. The depiction of their culture and language felt really well handled too. In the afterword, the author mentioned how he consulted with scholars and tribe leaders for the tribe depicted, which really paid off.
Overall, just more amazing Vinland Saga!
I think the interactions with the Native Americans, which could have been really poorly done, were actually really great. They are given diverse goals and personalities. The depiction of their culture and language felt really well handled too. In the afterword, the author mentioned how he consulted with scholars and tribe leaders for the tribe depicted, which really paid off.
Overall, just more amazing Vinland Saga!
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The blissful and ethereal calm before the absolute hellfire storm that's about to unfold. It was pretty cool and heartwarming on its own but after having read the next few chapters...gosh.
4.5 stars
I cannot believe this is not a completed series yet. I would have to wait at least 2 years so I can binge read the next chapters
I cannot believe this is not a completed series yet. I would have to wait at least 2 years so I can binge read the next chapters
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated