Vinland Saga

Vinland Saga is a truly phenomenal piece of media both in manga form and this adaptation.

I first watched season 1 of this show during the absolutely miserable year of my life that was 2020. And to say it was one of the highlights of that year would be massively underselling it. At one point I was recommending the show to any of my anime enthusiast friends, Fantasy lovers and even some who were less familiar with anime (Which others in that timeframe told me wasn't the greatest idea. But when we're all locked inside our houses for 6 to 8 months or longer in some cases, A change of scenery is definitely a nice touch.)

I should also mention, During both my original and repeat viewing of the show I watched the dub so all comments (And any spoilers.) will be with the dub in mind. Not that it changes much, The voice acting is top notch in the sub so I have been told.

Taking place primarily across 10th and 11th century England and Denmark, The setting is perfect for the breathtaking visual style that hooks you into the scenes and landscapes as well as the characters. I could waste years if not decades analyzing every individual frame of the show but I still would find myself coming up short of finding anything that is less than superb. One of the things Vinland Saga does exceptionally well. When you have a group of talented animators pouring blood, sweat and tears into making every action scene pop, Every tense moment have that much extra nuance. It means so much to me as someone who values that creative vision so much.

The OST checks every box. As a musician who overanalyzes music in just about every way possible. That alone is an achievement.

The first opening is Mukanjyo by the band Survive Said the Prophet. A piece that has grown on me over the years. Especially during my recent rewatch. I'd like more anime with these darker, grittier atmospheres and stories to get rock and metal intros within reason. (https://youtu.be/ZQE6aj5DhYk?si=h-9FDSrtTkIkrX59)

This is a 9/10 opening choice and I don't have much else to say about it.

The first ending on the other hand is Torches by Aimer. I absolutely adore Aimers voice and have no issues admitting how much of a Fanboy I am for her music. But in all seriousness the delicate nature of the arrangement with Aimers honey like warmth is the perfect ending. Doubly so with how some of the episodes end leading into it. (https://youtu.be/USb3Ttul1Oc?si=GUyYh6ZJfhaiwpgH)

10/10 and do I really need to say anything more.

The second Opening and Ending are fine. I won't knock score for them being less Kickass so to say than the others but they get the job done.

Dark Crow by Man With a Mission (Opening 2) (https://youtu.be/kDRKDDpsjdo?si=Brx2K6ZyhBtas1qv)

Drown by Milet (Ending 2) (https://youtu.be/QuXBo4_prB0?si=EtgD8nYGyCh1w_-c)

Another thing this show (And the manga for that matter) Does so well are the characters. Something so many anime tend to downplay are the characters which I've always viewed as the most idiotic thing. These people, Demons, Xenomorph creatures or what have you are the reason we give a shit about the setting or the story being told.

Vinland Saga doesn't waste any character. Even if they aren't showed on screen for very long. They aren't one dimensional. Every character is humanized and grounded in some form or fashion. These are people living in the late 10th and early 11th century. A time of war, political turmoil, slavery, religious persecution and discrimination. A lot of these themes are either directly shown or implied and not toned down for modern audiences.

While this is a fictional universe I've got to give Vinland Saga bonus points for not shying away from the unpleasant facts that these were things we as humanity have caused or had to deal with. You'll find yourself intrigued by the entire cast and that is an achievement.

All and all I'll stop gushing and ranting. This show is one of very few I'll give a perfect rating. There are very few things negative I can think of to say. And all of it are nitpicks about how certain material is adapted from the manga. But in this case even that nitpicking wouldn't change my opinion of this being a must watch masterpiece.

You'll never forget it that is for damn certain.