Vinland Saga Eastern Expedition

[@merphynapier42]

Hild is gonna kill me huh 🏹

[@Ben786]

Hild is one of my favorites!

[@felixowen2693]

Hild is probably in my top 5 female characters in fiction. Her design alone is just awesome

[@marocat4749]

She is great. Also pretty complex and still a softie?!. OPk his whole party is great but i love her as foil and character, and realistically, his right hand. And his riza, holding him acountable. Thts such a great relationship even more as yes, she would kill him. And how he is thrown in to face his past , its, surprisingly fun. And is way harder than in th prologue. And siegurt ha ha, another fool. i love his miniarc haha And the humor, i really lik the humor too with him returning with a baby and the panic Haha. Ok i liked it more becaue of the humor whil having serious themes I think that "werewolf" is supposed to be a troll?! Iike a real race, like that daughter that wa one to avoid the, she is clearly not human, and that was eithe a bersrker or troll?! Gigant? Ehen halfdan was so proud and welcome him and siegurt exiles himself haha, its groth too but very funny in "how dare he defy me" ut in a good way this time by taking responsibility he hadnt to.

[@kodytiffany5686]

Maybe One Piece trained me to well; but I think that Greece is meant for Backstory or Anime fodder. ...where was this thing or skill learned; Dun-da-dun... Greece. I have not heard of Greece being brought up again but my future knowledge is current arc so who knows.

[@carlosdanielcalderonmontoy3723]

@@kodytiffany5686 yeah, I think Greece's trip could be brought in the future

[@alextaylor1425]

I think this arc is really underrated and doesn't get the respect it deserves. Seeing Thorfinn stick to his guns and find non-violent solutions to the various conflicts he goes through, and rejecting absolute power when it's given to him is so satisfying, especially when the world around him keeps demanding that he fight. Yukimura said he wanted to create a story where the main character actively avoided violence and still be engaging to read, and I think he nailed it in this arc

[@carlosdanielcalderonmontoy3723]

The Baltic War is a masterpiece!

[@wshumb]

Out of all the chapters I've read of vinland saga, 154 was the one that stood out to me the most. Watching that soldier die and in the end begging for his comrades to stop fighting was one of the most chilling and saddest chapters I've ever read. That chapter was my favorite until recently (if you know you know) and I'm really glad that you mentioned it.

[@generalyousif3640]

I agree, I literally got so sad.

[@juliansanchezharris5773]

That chapter left me stunned

[@TylerClear]

The Greece stuff was supposedly skipped because Yukimura couldn't travel to that area to do research because of it being dangerous at the time. It's a shame but it probably wouldn't have been a long arc, the most recent stuff is golden.

[@kris1123259]

That''s so interesting. It puts into perspective how much harder it can be to do graphic novels and visual storytelling in general compared to plain writing is.

[@nerevarchthn6860]

@@kris1123259 i think its more about historical accuracy

[@Bionickpunk]

It could be expanded in the anime when they eventually come to this arc.

[@pantasticlaire3966]

Having read up to the most recent volume, I reallly like what the time skip did for the characters. It’s awesome having a bit of a perspective shift to show how much Thorfinn has grown.

[@ivanr6203]

The thing I love about thorfinns development is he still struggles with his ideals and his resolve is constantly tested. Hild being the physical reminder. There is no loop holes. No scapegoat. The authors writing puts thorfinn is circumstances that he genuinely has to use his past experiences and knowledge to find the first option. Amazing story amazing characters just amazing

[@turfypuppy277]

My favorite part during this arc was during the battle when Thorkell was looking for Floki, Yukimura made a reference to the shining when Thorkell burst through the wall to find Floki. Such a great moment from such a great character.

[@mizza8126]

Yeah haha, that was definitely super funny 😂

[@deadsoon]

When I read Yukimura's notes at the end of the volumes and found out he's a father of three made me realize how often parenthood is explored as a theme in the story, especially father-son bonds. And it shows when Thorfinn immediately takes charge of Karli. Which you'd think he would be hesitant of given he doesn't know how babies work, but he's a champ at it. That panel of him rocking Karli until he falls asleep is one of my favorites til this day. It's so sweet.

[@Gusbusbus]

Merphy calls this the Eastern Expedition arc, but I jokingly call it the One Piece arc. Thorfinn and his crew set sail, meeting new 'nakama' along the way, resolving turmoils of the new lands, and there is payoff to the past events (world building). Plus, Merphy likes Siggy who resembles Buggy (it rhymes). Both are very haughty yet goofy.

[@inspektical2393]

A lot of people like to say Vinland "falls off" after Farmland and it's mostly because of that weaker plot of this arc that you mentioned, which I agree with along with the more prominent comedy as the story goes along. But even though it's hard to compete with both the Prologue and Farmland, one of if not my favorite chapter of the entire series was released rather recently and that just goes to show how despite the tonal shift (once again) Yukimura has no problem being a phenomenal writer.

[@kristoffer2250]

This arc is so underated. Since the author loves to explore different themes with different tones, the whiplash kind of disturbs other readers who were late to adapt to it. It's a problem, but it's also something I adore. The author, in my eyes, is brave for this creative decision and I will forever appreciate that.

[@julioalvarado7308]

There are so many moments that are burned into my memory from this arc. I have no idea why people say that’s it goes downhill after the slave arc

[@ivatio]

@@julioalvarado7308 because the slave arc is a masterpiece, the authir dropped the ball in the baltic sea war

[@TryingExtraHard]

I really love the way that Yukimura tells stories through comparing and contrasting similar characters. I love the parallel between Gudrid, Baldr, and maybe even Sigurd, but I think there's an even more interesting character that parallels Baldr. To me, Baldr is just like a young Canute. They're both kind-hearted boys that were being maneuvered onto a throne that they weren't particularly interested in, but Baldr refused to be pushed into the violence and plotting that would have gotten him there.

[@gravenewworld6521]

I love Hild. This ghost of Christmas past who represents the probably countless people who’s lives were directly destroyed by thorfinn. Also, I think Garm represents the Viking outlook on life taken to its logical conclusion. That line at the end of their fight where he almost looks childlike in his response that they are friends. There’s a tragedy to his character in that he is exactly the ideal of a Viking’s love of combat and because of that he spent his childhood alone and can only meaningfully connect through violence. It’s a perfect arch-type of a culture producing a monster by its nature.

[@maxmahusayjr7258]

Garm backstory as far as I remember,he was an orphan that wants to a great warrior so when Floki assign him as his personal Assasin that's where his skill grows. Hell he was too prideful that he fearlessly challenge Thorkell on a one on one,by which Thorkell's right man comments that he feels that Garm is Thorkell's bastard son🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@gravenewworld6521]

@@maxmahusayjr7258 yeah man garm is crazy like that😂 the thing about him being alone is a reference to the flashback when he was a kid and hurt all the other kids when they were playing war so they stopped playing with him.

[@maxmahusayjr7258]

@@gravenewworld6521 yeah by which adds to his crazyness believing to himself that his far superior than them😒😒😒

[@gravenewworld6521]

@@maxmahusayjr7258 exactly combined with a deep sense of searching for somebody whose on his level and then he runs into thorfinn which is why he loves thorfinn so much and also why thorfinn is so bemused by him.

[@ziggymcdougal]

while this is definitely a step short of the previous 2 arcs i still really love Baltic Sea War for testing Thorfinn to see if he can go further than Thors did. The arc is all about seeing if he won't fail where Thors did and let his past catch up to his dream and I think that was both necessary and welcome. There's also the obvious part of him taking on Askeladd's role for Hild, but testing Thorfinn's ability to resist relapsing into that comfortable and viscous behavior. I do agree that the plotting and tone isn't totally on that same level as what came before and Vinland is a bit trigger happy with timeskips, but it's still one I look fondly on.

[@britneynicole8903]

I had a video idea: you could make a video detailing your entire journey through Vinland Saga, talking about how you first discovered it, your favorite/least favorite moments, things you wished were done differently, etc.

[@Dougeb7]

I'd watch that!

[@britneynicole8903]

@@Dougeb7 😊😊

[@proto_carl8404]

Hild is my favourite character, glad you finally meet her!

[@seastranger_]

The way it incorporates several distinctive women characters is one of the reasons I really love this series, especially Arnheid, Gudrid, and Hilde. The areas of activities and authority were extremely limited for women at this time, and they could be easily a victim depending on men's actions although they did nothing wrong. The life and death of Arnheid and the struggle and anger of Hilde seem to be reflecting a lot of women's realities in this era. At the same time, the frustration of Gudrid like not being able to sail out and go on an adventure only because she's a woman is another women's reality back in the day. I appreciate the series sometimes focuses on these women's detailed emotions and feelings, I can definitely feel their pain.

[@Dell-ol6hb]

I also like some of the women side characters that understand what Gudrid feels like Halfdan's wife, Leif's sister, etc.

[@tkdsaints5738]

Welcome to the Baltic war arc I say it’s another high part of the series which we get character development for thorfinn and gudrid in the later part of the arc and you see hilde start to let go in the later arcs and her transformation was phenomenal

[@maxmahusayjr7258]

Yeah I feels like the reactor of this video don't really appreciate this arc😒but for me this a good arc becoz this where Thorfinn tested if he can really forgive Floki for not only to tried to take his life but also for knowing that his the mastermind behind his father's death😤?!! And good thing he did not killed Floki because if he did,Hild who right there behind him really loves to KILLED him without any hesitation🤣🤣🤣,making the journey of Thorfinn to Vinland will only be dream😱😱😱?!!

[@leakypeach6250]

23:00 Uh oh. Merphy has begun to powerscale 😆

[@vincentshen5035]

This arc held up so well on a reread I did recently, and I think it does an amazing job tying up the first two arcs as well. I love all the small details here, like how Thorfinn uses the same technique Askeladd did in their final duel, or how Yukimura contrasts Thorfinn and Canutes ways of trying to eliminate the Jomsvikings to continue that idea from their confrontation in arc 2. But the line that has stood out to me the most is definitely Sigurds line near the end: "Father, this country has not waged war with another in over a hundred years. What wealth could be greater than that?" Beautiful quote.

[@vincentshen5035]

Also dogland sagas an adorable side chapter

[@rasslafa8709]

Amazing review as always. This arc was also for me a step down from the previous two but still better than most manga arcs, that tells a lot about the quality and the consistency of yukimura through the series. There are 2 things i think are missing in your review Merphy : 1) Canute was the one who orchestrated the whole conflict between thorkel and the yomsvikings. There were a chapter of him and Wulf where he subtly told him to make the woolfs eat each others. 2) that scene of thorfin where he felt guilty after letting his anger get the best of him for a moment, he said "i want to become a kinder and a stronger person" that scene was top notch.

[@masaheimoi]

Ahh Askeladd continuing his proud tradition of killing every dad that comes his way.

[@alexvaughan1013]

SPOILERS. FINAL ARC. . . . . Lucky for Thorkell, Askeladd never found out that he has an estranged son who he abandoned!

[@Eel_man]

Very excited for this video. Eastern expedition is my favorite ark in the series in spite of its flaws. To me it has the highest peaks in the series including my favorite chapter chapter 154. The slave arc really developed Thorinn but I think this arc really cements and challenges his development this development which to me was even more impactful. Also Hild is my 2nd favorite character in the series Although the reasons for that are just as much because of the next arc

[@maxmahusayjr7258]

Yeah because on the next arc is all about there inter-action on American Natives🥰🥰🥰by which spoilers ahead : "Was on the brink of War cause some idiotic brute that Thorfinn recruited😤😤😤"?!!

[@avataraarow]

I definitely agree that there are issues with this like the timeskip, but Gudrid and Hilde are two of my favorite characters ever. Also, seeing Thorfinn finally find love and start accepting himself in large part through accepting his role as a foster father of Karli and then husband of Gudrid. Gudrid is such a great character and her relationship with Thorfinn is so sweet. I think for me the highs are higher than the other two arcs for me but the lows are definitely lower too. Idk, it’s a weird one, but I love it and while reading it and not analyzing it, I think it was my favorite

[@sythrin144]

You should still give us your opinions on the current running arc. It has my absolute favourite moment of the whole sereis. For those who are up to date chapter 191.

[@Ben786]

One of the most satisfying emotional payoffs in all of manga imo

[@LordofChaos42]

tears just reading the chapter number

[@merphynapier42]

I’ll still be giving them on my second channel through reading vlogs and the discussions with Philip!

[@nevergonnagiveupuntilibeco5690]

Chapter of the Year

[@bornfromflames1729]

191 is a masterpiece

[@kris1123259]

I think the werewolf was the silliest thing Yukimura ever did, and I'm convinced it was partially a reference to Hajime Isayama's Ymir character from Attack on Titan. Oh, and the Shining reference with Thorkell made me laugh so hard.

[@alexvaughan1013]

Ymir was Yukimura pulling a Crab People. He probably couldn't think of a final fight for Thorkell, so he pulled a giant inbred ape chimera thing out of his ass!

[@SkiBat64]

ymir in the manga is actually ymir from norse mythology. Ymir from attack on titan (as well as other parts of attack on titan) is a reference to norse mythology.

[@LilNagetto]

Been loving these videos on Vinland Saga and the discussions you've had with Philip! I didn't expect to come out of them appreciating the manga more than I already did but here we are! 😂 The only downside to being caught up on Vinland is that the monthly wait between chapters becomes painful. If you're looking for something else to fill the seinen itch, I cannot recommend Urasawa's 'Monster' enough (which I also notice is on your TBR!)

[@britneynicole8903]

I am excited about tomorrow’s discussion with Merphy and Philip! 😁😁

[@Dell-ol6hb]

Monster is so good, an absolute masterpiece

[@maxojavierrojasurzua5746]

Hild's character in Vinland Saga is the result represented in a person of all the horrible acts that Thorfinn committed in his childhood for his search for revenge, she witnessed the monster that this boy was who did not know how to value the lives of innocent people. The person who was a victim can become a victimizer and that is what happens in this case between Hild and Thorfinn, but again Yukimura says: If I kill the one who did so much damage I will be free of my traumas and this anger that I have. Wrong, it will be worse.

[@MrPhilsterable]

The moment where we see the perspective of the dying man is probably my favorite moment in the entire story.

[@lilypoo2222]

Thorfinn's got to have the best character development in fiction

[@TheTrueRandomGamer]

I am once again begging a VS fan to read more.

[@ISHYRAGE]

Hild is my favourite character and I’m not entirely sure why

[@TheKnizzine]

By the time I got around to the wedding Sigurd was my favorite charater. That fight he has with Halfdan and the back and forth conversation and Halfdan just flat being proud of him but not letting him know and valueing his sons advice. I get that dynamic like a lot

[@Thatdutchfellow]

Well done Merphy, a lovely review once again. Glad you enjoyed Siggy character development and Thorfinn problems in this arc. Also I think chapter 154, the death scene of the soldier.. Was the most hardest scene i've ever read in a manga. I had to walk outside for a hour late at night. Just to go have happy feelings again before going to bed. (Yes it was for me harder then reading Berserk E....se scenes)

[@rnb8220]

YAY!!! You’ve finally met my favorite supporting character in the series Hild. Her backstory and motivations were incredible to read about.

[@VinnieSajan]

While it's been a long time since I read this arc. I remember feeling it was so similar to reading a general One Piece arc where lots of characters are off doing their own thing in one environment constantly threading in and out of each others events and then it all just tying into a nice little knot at the end. Also yes, the werewolf man is random and Garm is a Shounen character that I feel Yukimura is using to show his readers the difference in maturity levels. That might be a surface level interpretation but hey ho.

[@alibekkulimbetov3120]

I feel like Siggy is like Olmar from the last arc. Starts as an unlikeab;e characted, but then grows throughout the arc.

[@rand0mplayer26]

I love Hild. She's my second favorite character besides Thorfinn

[@Dell-ol6hb]

They call the dog "Karli's Mama" because of how much she protects Karli and I just love that it's so sweet. I also I love how Halfdan is the one who throws a wedding for Gudrid and Thorfinn it's a nice character detail and gives more depth to him and that's he not just a super stern angry person. Ymir was a random weird addition to the plot, made no sense and felt out of place

[@stanislavzoldak2198]

What Ymir? There was no Ymir.

[@Dell-ol6hb]

@@stanislavzoldak2198 yes of course

[@simaikitagaya7900]

I was pleased to find that Thorfinn remembered Holzaland when he told Halfdan's slave to go near the fireplace. I also like the conversation between Halfdan and his wife. He said to his wife, ``Shut up, woman,'' but as soon as he recognized the logic of her words, he accepted it. Also, when he first appeared, he told Thors to trade eight sheep for slaves. At this time everyone thought he was a bad person. However, we now know that he increased the number of sheep he traded in order to force Thors to abandon the trade and prioritize a rich life for his wife and children. The second half is not very good because it develops rapidly and seems to be opportunistic, but considering that the previous work "Planetes" ended in the middle of the journey, I think it would have been better if it just continued.

[@Crafty_Spirit]

"Damn it all, any more peace could be fatal" 😂 Hilarious 16:29

[@britneynicole8903]

About three weeks left until I finally start VS! Who else watches the anime and reads the manga at the same time? That is what I will be doing with this series. Only I will be starting the anime sooner!

[@noshei21]

Merphy has a vendetta against cutting watermelon properly!

[@rhouse4174]

Great job on the video, really enjoyed it! They still haven’t announced season 3 😭😭 I hope it happens 🤞🤞

[@michaelhaumberger]

The Thorkell Floki Moment was the most hilarious thing i´ve ever read in manga

[@UnoriginallyChrisLPs]

Videos on Vinland Saga s2 would be great! Or a season 2 overview at least if the view count sucks for them individually

[@OnABedOfStice]

Goodness I am late to the party - I just binged Vinland Saga this last week after putting it off forever. SO GLAD to be here. Regarding Garm being more Shōnen-esque: I think he’s the first person I can recall who shouted a “move name” when he attacked someone? It only happened once from what I remember, when he gets his spear back and is attacking Thorfinn while they’re surrounded by guards and winds up sticking one of them in the face. I was so taken aback by that and said out loud, “Wait, we’re naming our attacks now?” Of course that pales in comparison to the literal 20 minutes I spent doing searches online when the big furry guy showed up to make sure other people felt that was as out of place as I did. Quite *literally* took me out of the story for a bit, especially so soon after a Shining reference. To be clear, though, oh my goodness do I love this series. I’m both thrilled to be caught up and devastated that there’s nothing else to read now.

[@ahyes9904]

I love how Thorkell is one of the first characters to notice that the whole conflict is King Canutes doing (it shows he isnt as simple minded as he sometimes seems). And i also like how Thorfinn gets entangled in Canutes political strategies, bc he caused the main conflict of this arc by poisoning the leader of the joms vikings as a way to get rid of them as an influential „political party“.

[@a3-radio]

"you gonna save your werewolf for later?" I don't know why but i couldn't stop laughing xD I personally always use my werewolf in my first turn

[@SamTheGumMan117]

Hild is a great character and remainder for Thorfinn also to help him grow further but this expedition is pretty wylin

[@JasperAyeee]

i really feel your mixed feelings about this arc -- the whole (narwhal+Greece) thing, and Siggy chasing after them -- it felt *very* harried(?) but at the same time, we meet Hild!Thorfinn returns home, with Gudrid+Karli 🥰 and the scene where Thorfinn realizes after aaaaalll this time Askeladd is still taking him to school.. 😌 it isn't perfect but there are some sweet payoffs~

[@nathancarter8239]

"He ends up with his very scary wife who loves him." Ah, we should all be so lucky.

[@beastvicious8672]

I agree the 2 previous arcs were better. This arc is still very good but there's 2 issues i have with it. 1. The tone feels off a lot of the time. It switches between serious and comedy way too much. There's a war going on and we're supposed to see the horrors and the damage it creates. While our main cast is acting casual about their surroundings. I think the moment of Thorfinn as a child, burning down the village with the woman who combed his hair. Was way more effective, than anything that happened here. 2. Floki is a terrible antagonist. He is the one who set everything in motion from the beginning of the story. Yet at the same time, he's the most uninteresting character. He's not theathening, strong or that smart. He's not even that hateable either. You can make analysis for several characters in the story but it'd be hard to do that with Floki. I feel he should've been much better written, for this arc to reach the level of the previous ones.

[@simaikitagaya7900]

I agree that Floki is a boring enemy. However, Vinland Saga is a manga with a lot of comedy from the beginning. When Thors sails away, the little Viking Bicke sees him off on the pier, Thorkell's comrades goof off behind him, Bjorn imitating a variety show host as he walks into Anne's house, and Askeladd goes online. Tweet memes. Someone was always joking around in serious situations. Since entering this chapter, Thorfinn has been relaxing among his companions. Finally he started to care and communicate with the strange people around him. that makes me happy

[@beastvicious8672]

@@simaikitagaya7900 The problem is this arc was very centered around ending hatred/war. Despite that this arc feels very casual compared to previous arcs. There's much higher stakes in this arc, than there was in the slave arc. Yet the slave arc feels much more serious and grounded in reality. It's much more tragic and emotional, than the baltic sea arc. What could've helped this arc more, would be seeing a tragic character like Arnheid admist the chaos. Like the guy we saw die, regretting his choices. We could've gotten a bit more on his everyday life and build up to this point, to really hit home how sad war can be. It's hard to emphasize with Balter crying on one side, while Sigurd is running around in a barrel on the other. Also people are dying left and right, while Thorfinn's companions just walk through it all nonchalantly. The tone is just off, considering what's happening. Especially considering how much the show used to empathize the seriousness of it in previous arcs. I mostly like the comedy in Vinland Saga, but there's a time and place. A lot of it was just misplaced here imo.

[@simaikitagaya7900]

@@beastvicious8672 That while it is very good to learn from history and think about ways to prevent tragedies, we should not become emotionally absorbed in tragedies and be trapped by sadness.

[@OGking831]

"There shouldn't be comedy during wars" fun fact wars back during this time is a hobby which MAKES sense for comedy to be there not some serious tone every time

[@OGking831]

@@beastvicious8672 the whole "stake" is bigger but thorfinns ability to understand what his ideology is reflects on that part and it's being challenged even more. Because in slave arc he isn't facing people who loves war and forces him to fight. The guy who was killed in the middle of the war showing flashbacks of his life is a mistake in a writing stand point and it'd be a dragging out.

[@Dougeb7]

I'd definitely love to see videos on the anime!

[@britneynicole8903]

Me too!

[@kylewhelan23]

Yes on the Vinland anime videos!

[@Purple.mind...Honored.one.]

"Back to the water dance"

[@Mylifestoriesmaybe]

Hild and Thorfin's arc is SO good that I srly hope u make a video solely over one moment she has with him

[@Rob-rr4yp]

I think this is where Yukimura definitely 'ran out of story' so to speak. It's definitely less polished than the first two arcs, but I think it's more a lack of time than ability. The current arc is definitely among the best- I'd actually rate it above the prologue right now. The reason I say it was a lack of story or inspiration is that, as you said, the arc relies a *lot* on classical manga tropes of humour and action to keep going while Yukimura sets his pieces in play. I guess it can best be compared to the prologue in that it's main purpose was to set up pieces for payoffs later, but unlike the prologue Yukimura didn't have a clear plan for how to get there. Now that the pieces are set though, the payoffs in the current arc are immense. I will say my absolute favourite scene in the manga, which usurped the scene of Einar and Thorfinn walking into the sunset after their fight, is set up by the interactions with Hild in this arc.

[@Killerqueen2000]

Meh Vinland is a character journey to begin with.

[@britneynicole8903]

Another video idea: A video discussing both the manga and anime together!

[@alibekkulimbetov3120]

Let's goo, more videos on vinland when anime airs plz

[@ChillBro_18]

I Too Have An Obsession For Adventure In My Library...

[@lancegustafson763]

The characters carry the arc for me as well

[@SKULLKR3W]

farmland arc is like one of the best manga arcs in history no surprise this is a step down

[@Ragnaclaws]

6:54 dont ever say that i have fo4 ptsd

[@KittSpiken]

This arc seemed less than the sum of its parts. It was the last arc of Vinland Saga that I read before it became a series I thought I might let build up and read in chunks, but at this point considered honestly, I doubt that I will ever return to. The expansion of the main cast worked, tying up many of the threads with the Jom Viking’s worked; I was onboard for all it, despite all the chatter that the series had fallen off. The two points that lost me were the death of the unknown Viking and skip over their time in Greece. I had forgotten the use of the Unknown Viking set against Garm and Thorfinn. While that is a nice bit of scene direction, the writing of the scene was heavy-handed. Yukimura abandoned asking metaphysical questions and simply given his ‘answer.’ It was jarringly modern and stripped value from some of the best scenes and themes from the earlier parts of the story. Thorfinn being dragged to hell by those he slaughtered; the monk, isolated and traumatized, spiritually deluded to believe heresy and passing those notions on to Canute. All of that got stripped away when that unknown Viking entered the story and breathed his last. Followed by the skipping of their journey to Greece, which perhaps it was something in the translation I was reading or just getting my wires crossed, I was so sure it was Constantinople specifically, but I am not going to hunt that down. It didn’t need to be as involved as the first leg of their journey was; gathering their menagerie, dismantling the Jom Vikings, but I am supposed to believe that the rest of the trip and reaching their destination was so uneventful and so untransformative that we can skip right on to arriving back in Iceland. Putting aside the character stuff, I wanted to see it. He’s a great artist and putting the mirage of the two-page spread of their humble ship entering a great harbor into my head and then just never showing it, such a let down. If any is still reading and read all of that ^, I would be a joy to read your pitch on how the current arc picks back up and why it is worth getting back into.

[@angela_merkeI]

As much as I like this arc (and Garmr. Big love for this fellow spear connoisseur and maybe-extra-marital son of Þorkell), I was really disappointed the Yukimura skipped the trip to the Roman Empire. As a byzantophile I was laughing maniacally and rolling on my bed when I thought I was going to see the whole beauty of Great Constantinopole - Miklagarðr - dilivered by Yukimura's attention to historic detail and beautiful artstyle. I also hoped to see them navigate the lands of the Rus and Pechenegs, visiting Kiev and Novgorod. But, well. I hope we at least get a movie with help by Yukimura which will show all these things and show us how Þhorfinns and Guðrið's relationship developed... 😕

[@tulip5210]

As someone descendants and culture were part of Byzantium that indirectly means a lot that someone feels that way 🥺

[@vvsJefe]

Definitely make videos on the anime! Love your content!!

[@nowaz]

That scene where that viking dies and pleads with his other norsemen not to die senselessly because there is no Valhalla is probably my favorite in the entire series, primarily because I never thought a mangaka would address something thats beyond the grave (especially in a story about norsemen where the afterlife dictates what you do while youre alive). Also, can you just imagine how proud Thors and Askeladd could be of the current Thorfinn. I imagine this is what life must have been like for Thors after he left the Joms vikings, running into people from his past.

[@nikgokuhil]

I wish we had more of their merchant days too, it would've shown us some growth in Thorfinn as a diplomat, which would be essential as a peacekeeper My fav char would be strangely Halfdan. We got to see that he isnt just a bad guy but quite human too Anyway, please do watch Mushishi too

[@joesoq]

honestly, floki's "end" was so much more brutal than death. he wanted everything, but he ended up with nothing. if the first two arcs are 10/10, baltic was 9-9.5/10. also, is it gudrid? or gurdid? eitherways, yeah she is #2 best girl behind thorkell.

[@alexvaughan1013]

Floki has the exact same face as Ketil at the end of Farmland. He doesn't look like a happy grandfather enjoying quality time with his grandson, but an empty shell of a man who's lost everything.

[@alexvaughan1013]

And I've got some news for you about Thorkell 🤣

[@abidyo]

Hild is AMAZING, not gonna lie knowing what we know I wish she could find peace with Einar or someone in the crew (Yes I treat these seinen like a shoujo manga).Everyone in the story who's been through evolution and revelation deserve at least some happiness in their struggles and even though Baltic War Arc shows a lot more action it does depicts deep down how people actually yearn for peace but only camouflaged by their 'manly pride' to battle

[@bruno23567]

Since you loved Vinland Saga, i strongly recommend you check out "Planetes", the previous work of Makoto Yukimura, it's a hard sci-fi story mixed with slice of life, it's one of the most emotionally beautiful story i've ever seen Plus: It's has only 4 volumes (I think the most recent american edition has compiled in 2 omnibus)

[@WR_Hart]

I get what your complaint is but it is still pretty funny to hear, "I think that the plot we started out with is really boring but I annoyed we never saw anything with it" it was passed by in a time skip for that exact reason lol

[@Batrstad]

Garm would've won because Thorkell is strong. He's never had to rely on Cunning, hes survived as an Instinct brute. But Garm is covered in tricks; Askladd & Thorfin showed Thorkells weakness a few times before. Look at Hilde - the age of Vikings is drawing closed- Garms the Future.

[@753Elliott]

Great video! Once your current on Vinland Saga you should check out Yukimura’s other manga “Planetes”. It is super fascinating read and also fairly short.

[@Bigrips94]

Lol I love this Anime so much. I actually live where vindland was so It really makes me appreciate the real Thorfin

[@Adhokshaja]

Merphy please read 📖 Ascendence of bookworm Maybe you can relate and it's fun

[@sharnicaxd5321]

I love the anime for AOB so much but I think she should read the light novel over the manga

[@sharnicaxd5321]

I love the anime for AOB so much but I think she should read the light novel over the manga

[@Adhokshaja]

Yeah and the light novel is detailed As the manga tends to skip content

[@maxmahusayjr7258]

This is the arc that I really loved to be animated perfectly because this is where Thorfinn finds out that Floki was the one who's the mastermind of killing his father🤩🤩🤩...,hopefully MAPPA delivers it well after the season 2 ends🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@yuizaift8940]

I'm wondering what's the next manga you're gonna read after Vinland Saga and FMA 🤔 I'm looking forward to that!

[@notrixamoris3318]

Wait Merphy what is the schedule with Philip again is it part 6 or 7...sorry to ask but I watch your discussion on Friday not Tuesday.

[@britneynicole8903]

I believe that is tomorrow. It is on the calendar. Update: Yes, her discussion with Philip is tomorrow! I just checked!

[@jacobsion5516]

Hafdan's wife is awesome too, I loved her😄

[@keravnos2231]

Hilds like my all time favourite character. Only cuz I'm up to date with the latest chapter 😉

[@sandilemlambo5701]

You can for sure make videos on the second season

[@GreatTeacherMotu]

"don't fall in love with her , don't fall in love with her , don't fall in love with her"

[@fullmetal_faqih6446]

I just wanna say I absolutely love garm he's my personal favorite

[@shepardthemailman]

Thorkell vs the Werewolf: kinda stupid but also SIGN ME THE FUCK UP

[@kranberryjones1449]

Reppin for Siggy!!!! Hild doesn't get good until a little ways in. She starts off flat and a bit forced, but she grows and becomes a favorite of mine. First 10 chapters of her though, mehh

[@britneynicole8903]

What has been y’all’s favorite arcs so far? 🤔📚

[@jamesa862]

I hated the time skip. Felt I missed out on so much. Discovering/meeting the more eastern lands and cultures of that time. Challenges such as culture clash, language barriers and trading for the group. More small development between baby Karli and the group. The degradation and challenges of Leifs health.

[@jonathanwhitfield4561]

Hey merphy I'm sorry that I can't get on your Patreon just yet but I love these reviews I wanna know whats on your reading lists and l would like to recommend a few that after hearing your reviews I believe that you will love them

[@luken7959]

15:27 amongus eye

[@moonman8450]

I just wanted to see Greece 😢

[@NovaLance]

Is this arc already animated? I want to know before watching so I’m not spoiled

[@ozren8917]

Only prologue is animated, second one is coming out in anime in january and this one will be season 3

[@buzzscreen8365]

We're not here to talk about your feelings and emotion. I am sorry.

[@TylerClear]

We don't talk about Ymir

[@dannavanessa6153]

Yesss make videos about the anime

[@linkgamer256]

pls review witch hat atelier next 🥺

[@bornfromflames1729]

Hild is one of the best female character of all time

[@rafaelb.m.4756]

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEERE'S FLOKI?!

[@nickzake2624]

I think garm would’ve ended up winning that fight he’s a new character so we’re obviously gonna be biased to thorkell who we’ve seen do superhuman stuff throughout the story but he’s also like 50 years old💀 a long fight definitely favors garm

[@alexvaughan1013]

I'm guessing Garm is written like a shōnen character because he's supposed to be childish. He's a man-child who sees fighting as a game. To contrast with Thorfinn. Hence why Thorfinn takes what he learned from Thors and Askeladd, his two father figures, to defeat him. Overall, I enjoyed Garm's chaotic and rebellious ways. And who doesn't love when he shit-talks Floki?

[@Tae-Kwon-Dovahkiin]

Ymirs reveal was one of the weirdest whiplash sequence of events I've read in a while. I love the shining reference but everything involving ymir was way too weird and out of place for me especially right after some pretty heavy material like thorfinn confronting floki, I was just waiting for a reveal that thorkell was just knocked out or something and having an amazing dream of having the ultimate opponent. It has the same vibe of a non canon side gag chapter at the end of a volume that some stories do