Vinland Saga: Finding FREEDOM

[@BonsaiPop]

👀 finally popping my head in here. Thanks for watching and being kind guys, and happy Juneteenth! It’s always a little nerve wracking to go personal with videos. Working on KZbin, living an alternative lifestyle is a coping mechanism for me. Because of my ups and downs being at a certain place at a certain time and being stuck there is painful, holding down a “””””””reeeaalll jahhhbb”””””””” is really hard for me. But when we nail down an editor we’ll be able to do two big long videos a month and I’m super excited about that! I’m willing to take the financial hit to get better. Thanks for all your support, and I guess, lol, don’t forget you can use code Bpop for 10% off gfuel products, link in description 😅

[@jamesquinn4158]

You keep saying and doing what you believe in and is right and just, it's good people like you that gives me hope that real change can happen. Take care of yourself and keep it up..alot of us appreciate you bro!

[@shanihawes5569]

Yes I am so happy you guys did Vinland Saga. Thanks for all you do this is literally one of my favorite KZbin channels!!!💙💙💙

[@Joshpower57]

Great video, love the breakdown and I'll continue to watch because I like your views on anime. I don't always agree, like Beastars was way off to me on your political viewpoint, but still a good video. Literally even bought the G fuel hydration because of the input and I'm finally getting off preworkout because of it. My constructive criticism (take it if you want it). My guy, I've heard the afro samurai complaint for about a year now. You need to move on, it is literally the chains that you mentioned in this breakdown holding you back. I widely disagreed with you from the viewpoint expressed on systemic racism, I got over it and moved on an kept watching you(when in some ways I was really annoyed at the time because I just dealt with the riots destroying where I worked an threatening my coworkers of all races while yelling BLM an killing people where I lived, my wife's work had people trying to break in through the back door during the day, an I had a bunch of people state it wasn't BLMs fault, but the police who arrested these assholes were still cussed out by the BLM groups in my area). I moved on and still very much enjoy your content an I even enjoyed that video in a lot of points. Idk if that's why KZbin knocked you down, but even if it is, you won't improve if you keep bringing it up(because it doesn't help you move forward). I mainly saw praise in that video for your viewpoint, the top comment is one of praise and you obviously were happy with the video. To be blunt, idk what you're talking about on racist comments in it. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough, but everyone in that comment section that I saw offered praise an said they truly felt you cared(an some of them pointed out even tho you were white they felt you actually cared). Idk for me, I don't see what you're talking about, it really sounds like someone looking for the negatives. You created it, you believe it, and you got praise for it to an overwhelming degree in the comment section. Why hang on the negative? Enjoy your day, you don't even have to listen to me, just my two cents.

[@haileymoore1359]

Hi! I thought this video was great! Vinland Saga has been one my favorite animes I've watched in a long time and I was glad to watch you're take on what the story was conveying. I always get excited when one you're videos drop, especially when you made the bold decision to make less videos and spend more time crafting a single video essay with the Claymore piece. Anyhow, I've been a fan of you're content since you convinced me to watch Beastars back in 2019. I love how you always thoroughly deconstruct every anime you tackle and aren't afraid to real life issues in you're analysis. Moreover, I'm pretty experienced with editing and if you guys need someone to help out in that area I'd be interested. Thanks for he video and have a great day!

[@Viscount]

You have a real job, if not a harder job than most of us.

[@thats4thebirds]

Loved this shit. “End of Prologue” is one of the hypest chapters I’ve ever read. The next arc was such an evolution of the prologues themes. Love this shit.

[@larsnyman2455]

Hold up You’re saying that after 3 ~450 page volumes, I’m still in the prologue? I gotta save this video for a while

[@yulimartorrealba5851]

What mean hypest

[@Altezza447]

@@yulimartorrealba5851 i was going to ask the same question. The Anime is Ok a not all that special

[@yulimartorrealba5851]

@@Altezza447 I'm going to finish the manga It's amazing

[@essb5019]

​@@Altezza447 not everyone has good taste, sorry you're dealing with that

[@RiverdudeCovers]

Vinland Saga will always be the greatest Manga of all time for me, and the fact that the anime adapted the Manga almost perfectly makes me extremely happy. I love this series so much. Fantastic video you guys! I really loved it

[@eliasmagus5086]

should i read or watch vinland saga

[@RiverdudeCovers]

@@eliasmagus5086 both lol

[@marisoto7442]

And it adds more back story to thorfins past

[@big3fanboy19]

@@eliasmagus5086 I’ve watched the anime and I really enjoyed it was so good that I read the manga.

[@esavalila576]

@@josiahjacinto4156 Has the message of Vinland Saga taught you to be a hateful prick? Huh?? Makoto Yukimura and Kohei Horikoshi are both heroes to so many people, including me, for doing the demanding work they do.

[@mtbms99]

It's okay, Mike. This channel exists because you guys work your butts off to make it happen. You deserve everything you have (otherwise, you wouldn't have it). Thank you for everything, and please, take care yourself :3

[@joshwright4799]

Manuel sabino what's your favorite vinland saga character?

[@mtbms99]

@@joshwright4799 I don't have one, I never watched Vinland Saga. I will thought :3

[@HextorDarko]

My father died in august 2019 and left nothing but debt. I lost almost everything and had to move coubtries as a result, just to lose whatever little I had left in 2020. Survived by coachsurfing, jumping bedrooms, working in whatever I could find and still im trying to find a way out of all this. Giving up sounds so tempting, but I still think that maybe I'll end finding a place to call my home and trully rest at the end of the day. I completely understand looking for nothing but peace, is all I trully want.

[@Accune]

🙏 May Jesus help you.

[@Omniseed]

Keep struggling friend, you'll find good ground soon I hope

[@benmetler872]

I hope things look up, bud 🙏🏼 people care about you, out there... even if you haven't met them or they don't know yet

[@buferoto6912]

You can do it. It might take time, but someone with your will to keep going can make it in the end, no matter where you go.

[@Ez.bake_evan]

Hope you find your Vinland my man

[@MA-yu2ss]

Thorfinn went from cutting down people to cutting down trees and it’s beautiful to see

[@mattchildress7631]

As somebody who worked threw covid at kroger and still do i can't tell you how many times I clicked on the bonsai pop Playlist and spent 16 hour shifts just listening while I worked thank you guys you helped me make it threw all those hard shifts

[@BonsaiPop]

You're the real MVP dude

[@Arklust]

Vinlandsaga is one of the best historical manga of all time PERIOD specially after the slave arc

[@joshwright4799]

Ark what's your favorite vinland saga character?

[@Arklust]

@@joshwright4799 slave arc because thats the arc where thorfinn truly evolved into a man

[@hitagisenjougahara2651]

For me is Vinland a 10/10 but the baltic arc was a little downhill because i dont liked the comedy aspect so much

[@Arklust]

@@hitagisenjougahara2651 yeah in that arc they tried to make vinland saga something that it wasn't

[@hitagisenjougahara2651]

@@Arklust but with the current last arc it gets very good imo

[@Germania9]

What fascinating about this manga is how the Vikings are almost a reflection of Japan's samurai culture: Both cultures have a strong sense of loyalty, family and honor, though one is a bit more unhinged than the other.

[@Skaroosh]

Considering how many ambitious civil wars Japan has had, I'm not sure which one is more unhinged!

[@GundamGokuTV]

Yeah and you can look at Askeladd as a bit of an outsider here. A descendent of King Arthur. Knowledgeable of Roman and Saxon combat tactics. He uses information and espionage as much as he does brute force. Cunning and deadly. I know the show isn't historically accurate, more of mythology then anything but it kinda bums me out that Askeladd wasn't the main character and that he didn't push his claim as the legitimate heir to the English throne. I would have loved to see the last living Heir of King Arthur become a true third party in the war. The story we have is great. I just loved how interesting Askeladd was.

[@raioh4747]

There are also some cool similarities between Vinland and Vagabond, the manga about Musashi, both reflect upon these same themes

[@fictionarch]

@@GundamGokuTV if Askeladd tried to take the throne and become king then he wouldn't be Askeladd.

[@alexwagner9674]

@@raioh4747 I hope Vagabond gets an anime adaptation. Also, it's kinda sad that no one talks about Kingdom, the animation looks terrible but once you get used to it, it's actually pretty good. The manga's artstyle is godly so I can't help but feel disappointed from time to time. We also need a new berserk anime, the 90s was the only valid adaptation, it was really good.

[@mythopoetic3510]

Take care of yourself, Mike! This channel is more than a quarantine distraction - it's a meaty, substantive and highly enjoyable take on different stories, and each video offers a fabulous perspective that is tied to so many potent RL themes. I promise we'll be with you while y'all figure out the new format for this channel! Keep fighting the good fight! 🙌

[@maxfordgaming9278]

Thorfinn is such a good character.

[@Arklust]

Initially I hated the character of thorfinn, a stubborn, stupid and kid trying to get revenge for his father who he know died because of him but it too scared to accept. But it was only after Askeladd's death that his character started to change because he had no more lies to hide behind and no more goel to achieve, his life's purpose was lost and then came the slave arc where he thorfinn accepts himself and his situation and learns from his past self and that where I started to love thorfinn and his character

[@joshwright4799]

Max ford gaming what's your favorite vinland saga character?

[@maxfordgaming9278]

@@joshwright4799 after the farm arc, it's thorfinn hands down. I love the development he has gone through. Before it was Askeladd.

[@nafeeahnaf6296]

He had one of the best character developments in any work of fiction.

[@askeladd6115]

@@Arklust bruh Thors would have died with or without thorfinn there

[@rdparty1984]

Can we just appreciate the use of music from Bastion when Mike’s building the story. You guys don’t miss 👌🏼

[@realkingofantarctica]

I read the rest of the manga this year and I finally understand why everyone holds the Farm Arc in such high regards. It's a brilliant series.

[@DragonballBlack]

This was a great review. Vinland Saga was by far one of the best anime I’ve watched recently. Hope they animate the rest of the manga. Fuck the haters bro. Keep doing what you doing. Definitely feel what you’re opening up to at the end of the video. KZbin ain’t easy and sometimes you need help. Keep it up bro.

[@trinfamous5639]

"There is no one in this world who it is okay to hurt... there never was" - Thors There is so many quotes I love from Vinland Saga and this one is up there for me.

[@larsnyman2455]

You have no enemies No one has enemies

[@monsaemon]

Vinland Saga is so amazing. Draws you in with the flash of the fighting, and then leaves you with some real life lessons. And this was an amazing video! I’m definitely going to check out Patreon after watching this video. This is some quality content my guy!

[@TenebraeUbr]

Something I've always appreciated is that you guys always have music to match the tone of the script. It lends so much more emotional weight to the words being said. Even when the subject gets heavy, the sound helps alleviate us, that we can carry on through the pain we relate to and have.

[@akramgimmini8165]

When Bonsai Pop uploads a video about Vinland Saga: *ODIN IS WITH US!*

[@Wicked061]

I cant wait for season 2. Seeing the "farm arc" getting animated will be a treat. Also, thorkell is best waifu. Also, Bonus points for chrono cross music. Good video BP.

[@Nkanyiso_K]

If you're enjoying the hell out of a creators content, I don't think you have a right to hate on them for showing gratitude for their patrons

[@turtle_combat]

Depressive introverts in the pandemic: hey, not bad Depressive extroverts: my life is over

[@CaedenV]

Yeah, no kidding. As stressful as the past year+ has been, this has been one of the best and healthiest times of my life. Dont get me wrong, it was extremely stressful, and I have never worked that hard for that long in my life. But not having to dress up every day, and worry about being perfectly socially acceptable, and the phone limiting my interactions to 1-2 people at a time instead of the constant parade of people who barge into my area at work expecting something at the same time... hard as it was, it was easier than things are now that they are back to normal. On the flip side to that, I know 5 people who attempted suiscide through the pandemic. Thankfully all of them are doing OK and are getting what they need; but only 1 of them is someone who I know struggled before the pandemic. The other 4 are really well-rounded outgoing people who just kinda snapped when the regularity of the daily routine, and constant interaction with others was cut off. Everyone has different needs. Everyone has their own personal hell. Being sequestered away from the world was awesome for me, and I should probably look for a job that will allow for that again even in normal times. But for others it was absolutely awful, and they will do everything they can to prevent it from happening again. Super important that both kinds of people realize that the other type exist, and at least try to not throw eachother off.

[@larsnyman2455]

The next 6 volumes finally came in at my library, Farmland Saga is one of the best story arcs I’ve ever read, it reminded me of Naoki Urasawa’s MONSTER

[@joshakins4923]

Talk about patreon all I want. U got this guys

[@willisassounga1963]

🐐LAND SAGA. i can't wait for the 2nd season of this epic series, things are just getting started!!!

[@joshwright4799]

Willis assounga what's your vinland saga character?

[@willisassounga1963]

@@joshwright4799 probably askeladd. he was an incredible leader and set up the boi thorfinn on his gradual path to strength. he also went out in legendary style. the scene when he beheaded the king was absolutely insane, both in the manga and the anime.

[@Revealingstorm.]

2nd season might be announced at the end of July.

[@smokinpumpkin3173]

A video about Vinland Saga from Bonsai pop? Yeah this is going to be a good one.

[@Tvmasterj]

I always appreciate the real parts of yourself you put into these. Shoutout to the editor, he did great and so did you.

[@shadow111d]

hey man, ive said it before , but as a sufferer of depression also i feel you man, i see your soul, and its beautiful, we all see it , i wish you could see it more also, got your back mike, guy ill never meet . but thank you for makeing these vids, they have helped me through alot

[@crowley-crow]

Lets goooo(also just noticed that VA-11 Hall-A song, i saw what you did there)

[@SpectreMkTwo]

Who ever the editor is did an amazing job with including Bravely Default OST. Man overwhelmed me with nostalgia

[@victorkain3500]

Hey, man. We love you. Please take care of yourself. And love yourself. You're awesome and you deserve it.

[@JoseMartinez-yr2wq]

You sir are a big respetable person. For not only being true to your vision but also being humble enuff to admit you need help and having the drive to get that help. Thank you for all you and your team do.

[@RinusBurke]

I freaking love the dragon quest music in the background

[@RayzeCruxis]

The path of freedom can mean anything. My freedom is recovery. Having been abused by my family and kicked out when I had no value, I did all I could to survive. But I look back and saw myself as a monster. In the art community I'm in, I do what I can to prevent that for ppl. I cant forgive myself for what I did but i will help to prevent the worst case scenario.

[@ShahjahanMasood]

This may seem wierd but certain events in life can make you believe that you are 30 even if you are 21, I also escaped my extended family (not my direct family I made them move out with me). I look back at that life as a lesson to not abuse those close to you and to take care of them even if you are ostracised for that. I feel you brother, Have a nice day and dont stop being you 👍👍

[@Jindomess]

I've been a patron supporter for over half a year now. And I wish I could support more. You're great and I am happy you've been working so hard on everything. You deserve the best and am happy you're finding more ways to find help and be happy in your own way.

[@statesminds]

Hell yeah always stoked when there's a new Bonsai Pop video! I love Vinland Saga so much. The fact that the 1st season was just a prologue blew my mind. This series actually got me studying up on the actual historical viking stuff to learn more and see how he adapted it.

[@DjSkyfaze]

You're channel means a lot to me. I suffer from depression and anime, video games, comics, stories, movies, and manga have been my outlet my whole life. This channel makes me feel calm when I'm at my worst because I know you know what it feels like to feel alone and helpless and I see the impact that these stories have had on you and I can relate. Vinland saga feels like my life sometimes. I feel like Thorfinn before the Farm Arc even still. Its hard man. Anyway youre doing amazing work!

[@seanstroman6087]

LET'S GOOOOOOO Farmland arc was FANTASTIC

[@natedawgsup]

Excellent video, guys. Know that this was a difficult episode to get done, for many reasons, and just want to say that for all the setbacks, it was still very much an enjoyable one, and one I'll probably re-watch a time or two. Also, props to the substitute editor. Well done work, man. Hope you continue to get work in the future.

[@massivegat5087]

This is my favorite manga of all time. Utterly beautiful in such a human way

[@cervidae3291]

person who grew up waiting for new prologue arc chapters here!! does anyone else remember waiting for releases that early? 💀 this series has stuck with me for a loooong time. the 1000's in nordic history is a big special interest of mine, so when i found VS, i was thrilled. i think my favourite part about the whole story has always been that the main character fails his initial goal. that isnt to say that that kind of plot twist doesnt happen often in seinen or shounen, but it hit INCREDIBLY hard and good in this particular case. it felt absolutely gut wrenching when i first read it, and it hit just as hard when i saw it animated. the characters are written and portrayed so wonderfully in the prologue and also in the farm arc after it. i think the writing for Thorfinn, Canute, and Askeladd is honestly very comparable to bits of FMA:B and ATLA in terms of complexity and moral struggle. thinking about Scar and Zuko for that comparison, mostly, but there are lots of others that are comparable in those series too. all three are very close to my heart and had a pretty big presence in my formative years, and all three have amazingly written, very human characters, so thats why my mind went there. this is late-game recent manga stuff, but lately its felt like VS has slowed down in terms of depth and gut-punchyness, so i haven't been following it as closely as before. though we're also at the very start of whats probably the last arc, so hopefully it'll start to pick up again soon! [edit] adding this bc im autistic af, but at 25:43, the shoulder Thorfinn is holding in that page is the same shoulder he had to reset himself all the way back in the prologue! dont know if it was intentional, but the thought of Mr Yukimura remembering that and then giving Thorfinn trouble with that arm years later is really cool!

[@antonbalane9140]

I feel your pain, man. Do what you gotta do to take care of yourself.

[@alexevanspoppsychedelicren4158]

I am bipolar. I've struggled with my mental health and drug addiction since my teens. Feel your pain there. Much love!

[@ItsJesMe]

Just wanted to say that I always appreciate the honesty and openness on this channel, as well as the commitment to covering IPs you want. My tastes don't always coincide, particularly with the tendency toward ultraviolent stories (mostly since the art styles usually aren't my jam), but it's good that there's a place for anime fans looking for quality examples of pieces. I'm not in a place for patreon right now, but I try to at least contribute views, even for IPs I'm generally not interested in, partly to support but also because I know the insights, analysis, and Mike's personal relatings will be interesting. I love when our tastes overlap, but even apart from that, I appreciate what you do and the space you've worked to create in anitube. And I'm glad you work hard to work within the parameters of the platform/financial model to put out earnest content you want in a manner to live off of. I just wanted to share that.

[@BonsaiPop]

Thank you man, that’s very sweet 🥰

[@nigelcox-hagan6820]

Just a quick note to say how much I appreciate Bonsai Pop and all the energy and creativity you’ve put into it. Please take care of yourself. I love these videos but your health is much more important.

[@parkermaisterra8532]

Love ya guys, love literally everything that comes out on the channel and it’s great to hear you guys are easing up on any burdens.

[@auroraborrealis4852]

I love that you honour your Patrons & Editors! You Are amazeballs and please do continue praising them, what you do is brilliant.

[@kingofgames1220]

Thank you for all your hard work, you guys helped me make it through while I worked during the pandemic.

[@DANEMAN5]

Man you’re a really talented writer. Some of your quips summing up characters / themes. Also as somebody whom has always been depressed, I get by, by living in this moment (the one you’re reading this in, if you ever do lol) and going to the next moment. Sounds dumb, is dumb, but eventually it seriously helps. Thanks for your videos / talent / time. Keep on keeping on yo.

[@DavefromWork]

Askeladden (Ash-lad) was pretty much a term used for bastard children. But yeah, it's also the name of a recurring character in norse mythology and tales.

[@fernandocruz6135]

That entire interpretation of what it means to be free and what you choose to tie to you, it's gonna stick with me man, thankyou for showing it to me

[@paperboy1116]

Goddamn another absolute banger of a video Mike! Vinland Saga flat out needs to be talked about more!

[@MrShiftyCapwn]

I absolutely can relate to struggling with depression. You are not alone and your not weak if you ask for help. I love your channel and am not going anywhere. Thank you.

[@anyan72]

excellent work as usual! all the talk of being slaves to different things reminds me of the sleeping slaves theme in jojos. breaking free of the chains of fate or whatever holds you. chains, ties, things that bind, connections are all around us whether we want them or not. it's how we choose to use them that makes the difference. you can bind yourself to a moral code, a person, an idea, and those things can enslave you if you become complacent. but they can also be used to tie together a network, a community, a life. I feel like life is about navigating these threads, choosing which ones to weave together or untangle. idk at this point i'm just rambling but it's fun to think about

[@j.o8707]

Wow, thanks for sharing your feelings. It’s incredible how anime can help us reflect on our own lives. Incredible video man

[@joejaboy]

Deep themes here. I really like the exploration of the theme of Freedom. It's something that comes up in a lot of my favorite shows, and it's something that I value very highly. I hope you find the freedom you are looking for in life, and that your journey inspires others to pursue their own freedom.

[@timothyomotojeah2830]

As a norwegian i am honored that you took time to research our history, giving accurate depiction of our history, and what it was like to be a viking at that time to further make your point is lovely. Vinland saga is a great story, but i love that people can get a deeper understanding in these characters and world by getting to know the true history to what it was like at that time and what folktales this story uses as insperation. I have never heard anyone mention askeladden in their review/analysis and even teaching about trolls, which is even taught til this day to norwegian kids

[@psyliws]

I’ve been going through my own journey of freedom and even though I’m just now obtaining it on a lower end of things, I rather do what I do now than something I would not like to be tied too. Thank you so much for all the videos you’ve posted up until now. They gave me insight into a different perspective onto how I should approach my own life and stories I’d love to tell. Please keep this up for all of us who’re on this path to obtain freedom

[@theaudreygriffineffect4227]

anyone giving you hate comments for talking about patreon is ridiculous. I like when you talk about it. you guys are doing a great job, you always do.

[@xandrewcfc7905]

TRULY a Masterpiece of a manga and anime

[@mateomagnus8482]

One of those channels where youre surprised they dont have a mil yet

[@chrisconwright1210]

You guys are so awesome, it’s dope af to have a channel that caters to your viewers giving us what we want to see, but you guys putting your own twist and really just enjoying your work with us, I’m so excited that this is a 40 minute video, one of my favorite manga/anime of all time already lets gooooo

[@AdamBaugh]

Keep on doing your thing man, take care of yourself. Nothing but love

[@OGking831]

Coming back to this vid, you need to do Baltic sea War arc. It's VERY misunderstood by the community of the series and I would even argue to say it's the most important of Thorfinns journey. Slave arc is more so about finding the right moment to set a goal by learning new things. The next arc is more about implementing that and how you can adapt it to actual thing without it being a theory or just mere ideology.

[@tonymerino3945]

we love ya dude! Thank you for your efforts and showing me so many mangas and animes I wouldent have known of. I am one of the people you have made his life better

[@TheDownestOfFoos]

I have so much respect for this channel, even though I don’t see consistent uploads this channel shows that it has humanity and is not just chasing quotas.

[@peacockgphoto395]

Asclad is In my top 5 for anime characters Such a badass He'll have you root for him the whole show

[@ashe1317]

Dude, I do not know how you manage to be this profound time and again, but damn. All this stuff about purpose and freedom is blowing my mind over here. Keep serving up the wisdom, but when you're ready. We'll be here when you are

[@Arklust]

Initially I hated the character of thorfinn, a stubborn, stupid and kid trying to get revenge for his father who he know died because of him but it too scared to accept that fact. But it was only after Askeladd's death that his character started to change because he had no more lies to hide behind and no more goals to achieve, his life's purpose was lost and then came the slave arc where he thorfinn accepts himself and his situation and learns from his past self and that where I started to love thorfinn

[@MA-yu2ss]

Thors didn’t die because of him

[@Arklust]

@@MA-yu2ss Thor died because he wanted to protect thorfinn, if thorfinn wasn't there that day thor may have lived

[@MA-yu2ss]

@@Arklust If Thorfinn wasn’t there then Leif, Ari or one of the others would get taken hostage. Then it’s a question of wether or not Thors would sacrifice himself for them. Which I believe he would. The idea that Thorfinn wants revenge for a death he caused isn’t what makes Thorfinn stupid.

[@bighex5340]

I know man, I fucking hated Thorfinn watching the anime... I understood him but I didn't like him at all. Then I started reading the manga and I realized something. He started out so low, so that he could grow even more. Now one of my favorite characters, like holy shit.

[@lilpurpskurp]

i don’t remember an anime moving me to tears like vinland saga….ever

[@Darrel_B]

All the power to you. I personally enjoyed the Afro Samurai video, and am disappointed and disgusted that people attacked you for it. Anime and representation in like media is empowering and your work is always positive and quality. It's cheap of me to say "you do YOU! Keep going" knowing that the battles you face are huge and difficult, but it's all I got haha. Well done and thank you thank you, THANK YOU for the quality messages, open-ness and content! OSU

[@devangreen4445]

I know this video was posted awhile ago, but I just now found it. I've been a fan of your channel for some time now, and I absolutely love the way you break things down. The way you deconstruct a story and find a way to make all the themes digestible to your audience is a gift. But seeing you talk about your struggles with depression, anxiety, and other things going on in your life is just as important. You can only do what you can do, man. Keep up the good work, but don't work too hard and make sure to take time for yourself. Your fans are definitely gonna be here and hope for your well being to be as good as possible 🤙

[@aaronball4700]

I always took Thor’s line “a true master doesn’t need a sword” to be an allusion to the teachings of Sun Tzu in regards to winning wars without having to fight.

[@Icynova]

How have I missed on this YT channel?! Awesome content. Can’t wait to watch it all.

[@zadiah13]

I recently discovered Vinland Saga after like you and Tyler was at the apex of the worst time of my life. And all I could do was rewatch it over and over over again and recommend it to all my friends as the best anime since FMAB. I can’t say how hyped I was when I learned you were covering it Your take on how Vinland Saga was interesting in that it was about finding Freedom. I took the message as finding what each of us would call “Paradise” or a better place or even simply somewhere better that is not here. Keep up with the awesome content guys your doing amazing work

[@FB-ch5yz]

Just discovered your channel. Started with Yuyu which is one of my favorite shows and fell asleep. Had to miss work cause my feet are really bothering me. Compression socks are helping but I may have a possible fracture. Woke up to this Viking anime and it’s great how you tell the story. I’d like to watch it now where I probably wouldn’t. I’m sorry that you are depressed and can see how this show of being stuck is relatable or may be relatable to your situation and getting to the point of enlightenment or a better place. God bless you. I wish you the best. Live to the fullest and to the best. Don’t let happiness elude you ever. Most things aren’t really perfect and life offers us the positive and negative but it’s the choices we make especially the ones which we know make us or happiness in achieving something even if they are only temporary. In reality all is temporary but not the pursuit of happiness. That is bountiful. I’m writing as you’re speaking and am glad to hear what you are saying about your situation. Peace

[@erzlinthewatcher]

The love I feel for this channel is indescribable. I really appreciate the existence of this channel.

[@rafaferreira6937]

Lots of love, my man! You're not alone♥️ Just do whatever works for you, whatever feels well. To everyone else: try to exercise, drink water, eat and sleep well, see a therapist. It helps a great deal. Speaking from my own experience. Hope you all have a great life Regards from Brazil👊🏼

[@watchforever1724]

Vinland saga one of the best manga to read

[@don_shoti804]

I love the transparency you always bring to your videos

[@palmpsest]

Im really glad that you are around to do what you do. I always look forward to it every month

[@ulriktnnesen5987]

Came to the channel for the content, but stayed for the vibe of the channel and the great people behind the scenes of the channel. I feel like I can relate and know you after watching the channel for a while. Thanks for making these videos, it is like therapy to me :D

[@TorrentOfTrash]

Thanks for all your hard work guys. As someone who works in the grocery industry during covid (usually 60+ hour weeks) I don't have the time to enjoy Anime / Manga like I used to, and this channel has been an amazing way to get my fix!

[@jakescanlon4411]

Man i was diagnosed with depression in high school and I lost my dad and ended up being homeless within the same year. I’m glad to see you stayed strong 💪🏼 love your videos

[@chloukscolor7905]

Noticing and appreciating the Bravely Default ost used ; this game’s music is fantastic. And you got me interested in the show. I’m adding it to my watch list !

[@williammayton9732]

Thank you for opening up. 🙏 I for one appreciate your work. It helps me through my work day.

[@heberrodriguez3310]

Vinland Saga had its beatiful turn. Now its the turn of Kingdom. Pd. Thanks for the content Bonsai Pop!!!

[@joebudden556]

WE APPRECIATE YOU!!! THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT QUALITY CONTENT YOU ARE NEEEDED

[@Lcirex]

#proudpateon Good job on the vid guys thanks for putting so much hard work. Love the manga coloring that really made the video pop! Mike: we love ya man find the best path to being the best you.

[@robfox6103]

gotta respect this mans grind for doing what he loves. he struggling but hes not given up. I support what your doing man. god bless 🙏

[@onemanzerosquad5591]

Afro samurai music in the beginning of video. I love how you mostly use video game music on anime videos. Creative af lmao.

[@petersherman2187]

Wow man. I just finished Vinland Saga on Amazon and was looking forward to hearing your review and synopsis. You nailed it's themes man. Well done! It's always great to hear stories like these strike a cord with people, especially when it drives them to better themselves. Onwards and upwards!

[@parseghian2]

Thank you for the video, and thanks for opening up at the end, Mike

[@Maddogg2001]

I like the earthbound music towards the end. Sing a melody

[@Ekklo]

We are here witcha' Mike. Dont try to be too strong.

[@BaneDane_JB]

Even if we never get a season 2 S1 is such a good succinct story even of itself

[@trenthobson2756]

First time I'm seeing your channel, and gotta say, I love it! Vinland Saga is definitely one of the greatest pieces of art I have ever seen, and recommend it to everyone. You've done an insane job commenting on it.

[@FlaskDad]

Just got off work 45 mins ago, see bonsai pop video, what a good way to start my work weekend~

[@jayfiggs4656]

Dude, Vineland Saga is one of my favorite mangas their books are stylized like an actual freaking book. Worth collecting in the future.

[@220JLowe]

Really appreciate you opening up and sharing. Means a lot, know what its like. really reminds us we arent alone

[@portalmanHUN]

"We are poor" He said while standing in front of a Nintendo Switch, anime statues and hundreds of manga.