Combining a story that shares many similarities with “Berserk“, with the recent TV series “Vikings” may sound like a very good idea in anime terms, but the implementation of such a concept could easily topple over. Thankfully, that is not the case with “Vinland Saga”, particularly due to the approach the storyline takes.
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The story begins in 1002 in Iceland, where Thors Snorresson, a seemingly peaceful man, spends his time with his wife, daughter and young son, Thorfiinn. However, it is soon revealed that Thors was the fearful leader of the Jomsviking, an elite military force, who deserted the group during a sea battle, tired of all the bloodshed. The past, nevertheless, soon comes knocking at his door, as Floki, the current leader of the Jomsviking, discovers Thors and blackmails him to follow the group in another military expedition. Unbeknownst to him, Thorfinn smuggles himself into his father boat, while a bit later, the true purpose of Floki is revealed, who plans to kill Thors and has hired the group of Askeladd, another elite force, to do so. Thorfinn soon finds himself following Askeladd to exact revenge, although their relationship soon grows into something much more complicated. A bit later, the protagonist of the story changes again to Askeladd, while the fight between the two sons of Danish King Sweyn, Harald and Canute, regarding the ascension to the throne of both Denmark and the conquered England, places another protagonist in the story. Thorkell, a brute Danish who has switched sides to the English, also plays a rather significant role in the story, while Thorfinn's obsession with revenge still rages on.
The same combination of historical facts with mythology that made “Vikings” so popular is once more here, although without the apocryphism of the live-action series. Instead, “Vinland Saga” features one of the main concepts of “Berserk” of a man who hurts a kid in the harshest way eventually becoming its mentor, with Askeladd functioning as something between Griffith and Gambino.
The series begins as an action-oriented one, as the focus remains on Thors and Thorfinn, occasionally through flashbacks, with this approach actually keeping up until the end, particularly through the presence of Thorkell, one of those excessive creatures that can only be found in anime (look at “Grappler Baki“). However, as the focus changes to Askeladd, the narrative changes completely, becoming more strategy than action, while the appearance of Prince Canute brings along elements of political machinations, that also add much depth to the title.
Lastly, the presentation of the lives of the Vikings, with their disregard for Christianity, their blood-thirsty nature and their omnipresent eagerness to feast, is also presented in all its glory.
The way Shuhei Yabuta presents all the aforementioned elements is excellent, with his directorial approach giving enough space to all the main characters, while taking full advantage of their rather different characteristics and the very interesting paths their interactions lead them to. In that regard, Kashiko Kimura's editing helps the most with its well-placed flashbacks, while the whole approach to the story allows the title to remain interesting for almost the whole of its 24 episodes, with very few moments of delaying or lack of intrigue.
Takahiko Abiru's character design is accomplished in general, but unfortunately, there are many individuals who look much alike, with Thorfinn's sketch being the blueprint for a plethora of them. The main characters, however, are quite distinguished, while the way Thorfinn grows up is quite realistic. Wit Studio's animation is artful, with the movement of the characters being realistic in the calm moments and extravagant as usual in the action. The colors fit the narrative, while the implementation of 3DCGI in the 2D setting, courtesy of Mayu Takehana, is one of the best we have seen during the latest years.
“Vinland Saga” is an excellent title that manages to stand out from the plethora of shonen titles, through a unique story and an overall excellent presentation.
