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A review by frasersimons
Vinland Saga, Volume 12 by Makoto Yukimura
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Almost a five star read. Finally, the story actually progresses. A time skip is employed to have the actual work of recruiting new people and seeing the beliefs of the crew continue, as they almost embark to Vinland. There is actual character growth and some heartwarming moments, some of which actually employ good comedic timing, for once. There is some small, albeit heavy handed inclusion for a character who is not gender typical. Nice to see, regardless.
The strange thing is the skip also including Gurid and Thorfinn having a relationship we never get to see. It implies his answer was ‘yes’ to her question—but I actually felt that work wasn’t ever done in the story? I never really got the feeling they were overly romantic, let alone anything more than that, so that aspect feels strange. Hild, though still cool, also feels slightly redundant, and so continues to be a one trick pony, narratively, acting the spectre of death should, somehow, Thorfinn suddenly change his mind, or whatever.
Overall, the reframe was much needed. The slog of that 23 issue battle thing was completely forgettable. If there wasn’t the development with Gurid and some development of chain boy, you could completely skip the entire arc and be better for it. As is, there is some -slight- payoff at the end with chain bow, and slightly more with Gurid, respectively.
The strange thing is the skip also including Gurid and Thorfinn having a relationship we never get to see. It implies his answer was ‘yes’ to her question—but I actually felt that work wasn’t ever done in the story? I never really got the feeling they were overly romantic, let alone anything more than that, so that aspect feels strange. Hild, though still cool, also feels slightly redundant, and so continues to be a one trick pony, narratively, acting the spectre of death should, somehow, Thorfinn suddenly change his mind, or whatever.
Overall, the reframe was much needed. The slog of that 23 issue battle thing was completely forgettable. If there wasn’t the development with Gurid and some development of chain boy, you could completely skip the entire arc and be better for it. As is, there is some -slight- payoff at the end with chain bow, and slightly more with Gurid, respectively.