Vinland Saga: Prologue/War Arc by Makoto Yukimura Book Review & Reaction | A First-Time Readers Take

[@t3cchan]

Sorry to hear that your manga videos don't do as well, I think your channel is a great amalgam of all the reading I'm interested in. Hopefully this one does well because I'd love to see a spoiler-full review of this arc!

[@djcastus2291]

I really like booktubers takes on Manga and anime. Let's be honest the analysis of other channels who have more weeby backgrounds is really inconsistent. They Always try to make things funny and insert tons of memes, and their understanding of storytelling in general just isn't up to the same par most of the time. They put way too much emphasis on hype and so on.

[@GuardiansEnjoyer]

The first season of this anime is probably in my top 3 anime of all time. Can't wait for season 2 next year!

[@variancereviews5265]

Would love to see your thoughts on the Farm arc. Definitely a more nuanced story than the prologue and the character work soars to new heights.

[@Jimmy-dj4om]

Loved the review, can't wait for the Farmland Arc review next! I feel like the character work that's present in Vinland Saga is some of the best in manga. (Also the artwork is truly AMAZING!)

[@invaderzod8092]

Vinland is amazing and imho the next arc is even better than the prologue, as in I literally couldn’t put it down. It goes from chapter 55 to 99, I think. Also I would love to see a spoiler review for both arcs if you’ve got the time.

[@Archonsx]

i disagree, it only gets worse as the manga continues, the prologue is near perfect tho

[@6pathuser344]

Yeah the second arc is by far the greatest.

[@mrman696]

@@Archonsx L

[@The_Ajna]

Farmland arc is absolutely phenomenal

[@Claymorw]

They are reprinting in a bigger format with 2 volume per deluxe. I pre order the first 2 volume, very excited

[@turtleanton6539]

Cool😊

[@Billy_Bat1993]

Really excited for Monster review.

[@matthewgurski9232]

Anytime you cover Viking related content, no matter the medium, I am all about it! Thanks, I got to pick this up!

[@jamesg507]

I really loved Vinland Saga and Berserk. There's a handful of Manga that transcend the medium into something I would recommend to even non-manga fans and those are 2 of them. "Vagabond" is the 3rd, another great historical fiction and if there was ever manga art that could challenge Miura for #1 it's Vagabond. I like the pacing of Vinland saga more than Vagabond but both are amazing works and if your fans haven't been telling you already I think Vagabond makes the most sense to try after Berserk and Vinland Saga. That said, can't wait to hear your thoughts on the next parts of Vinland. It definitely shifts tone into something that seems to either make or break the series for some people. Also, I completely agree with your take on Vinland vs Berserk. Early Berserk while great had some rough corners that I think Vinland Saga was able to avoid. However I think Berserk overall hit some high points that I've never seen another manga or anime top.

[@djsuth7727]

Agreed ( about some of the Manga series transcending the medium to being something that everybody should read ). Other titles I'd throw in there would be Battle Angel Alita, Akira, Fullmetal Alchemist, Blade of the Immortal and Lone Wolf & Cub.

[@Revanchist]

The reason Vinland didn't have a rough start like Berserk is because the Vinland mangaka planned the first two arcs (for the most part) but then later on it's obvious he didn't know what to do with the story and it drops in quality if you ask me.

[@adi-qx8ls]

Personally, I think Berserk is more impressive to me than Vinland Saga.

[@Johanna_reads]

I share your love, Mike! I was immediately hooked and never realized manga could be so good!! I have the 5th volume coming in through my library soon, I hope!

[@DW221090]

Couldn't agree more. I still love Berserk more, but Vinland Saga is abolutely awesome! Btw, next arc is quite different, but very good none the less. I might even enjey it more in retrospect. At least that's the part of the story that has stuck the most with me.

[@linogandra3223]

Vinland is outstanding. Glad to see you keep giving manga a chance. I think people tend to mash all of it together, while in the end it's just a medium to tell a story, and there are great and different stories on it, and for me that's what matters, awesome experiences regardless of the medium it's in. Hope you someday put Kingdom on your manga TBR, I think it kinda ticks what you liked about Vinland despite not being a viking story.

[@bigbhag]

Nice! We knew you'd like this one !!!

[@NowImGonnaStarve]

So glad you checked this out! Are you planning on reading any more of the manga?

[@moominkomet]

I loooooove Vinland Saga! Farm arc is 🤌

[@klaymoon1]

I love it when you talk about mangas!

[@DeicideBlues]

Bro I just came here off a Wolves of the Calla review then I see Vinland!!! In my eyes that colours you a cultured individual and I’m deffo gonna subscribe

[@kykynestyf7742]

This manga sounds like Bernard Cornwell's "The last kingdom" saga.

[@TrafalgarL4wyer]

Just read book one now, really impressed! The art is top notch

[@djsuth7727]

Mike's Manga Reviews .... has a certain ring to it !

[@carlosdanielcalderonmontoy3723]

I am glad you got into Vinland Saga and that you loved it, I didn't expect less haha, honestly one of the absolutely very BEST works of fiction I have had the pleasure to read/watch, and since the beginning I fell in love in the deepest way. The Prologue is something else: "Haven't you given a though... to what you're going to live for... after I'm dead, Thorfinn?... Ha ha... you haven't, have you? You're hopeless, you know that? [...] Move on, Thorfinn. Don't hang on... to this petty bullshit your entire life... You've got to move on... Go further... You are the son of Thors... So venture beyond the world he saw. That... is your true battle. Be a true warrior... son of Thors..." Askeladd

[@norenfiery9057]

Awesome review!

[@6pathuser344]

Farmland Saga is even better. Looking forward to it

[@RekindledReader]

What an awesome review, I have the first 3 volumes and can't wait to try them soon! You got my Hyped!

[@RaabStephan]

Fantastic Manga, and they've done a great job with the anime too

[@tyronefrielinghaus3467]

Mike I'm watching the anime now....thanks to your recommendations. Wow! It's brutal...but good... Thanks for all your work on reviews

[@percybhere]

Here’s my recommendation for how you should read it: Arc 1 chapters 1-54 (about the first 4 thick volumes) Arc 2 chapters 55 - 100 (book 5-7) Arc 3 chapters 101- 123 (book 8-9)(this is more like a transition arc featuring mainly two side storylines) Arc 4 chapters 125 - 160 (book 9-11) Arc 5 chapters 160 - ongoing (another small container story that flows into the final saga and now we’re in the last destination)

[@knightrix21]

Do toplist of revenge plot books like count of monte cristo

[@IbbyMelbourne]

I would love to hear you talk about spoilers

[@KalleVilenius]

Yeah, it's good. Second arc is even better than the first, big character growth for Thorfinn. Some people don't like it because there's less action though, but those people are silly. Vinland Saga does have official arcs. In order: War Arc, Slave Arc, Eastern Expedition Arc and the currently ongoing Vinland Arc. Slave Arc ends at volume 7 and is called Farmland Saga as a joke. For a while people thought there was a trend in manga of action oriented historical fiction turning into farming series since it happened in both Vinland Saga and Vagabond. Still going to recommend Yukimura's other manga, Planetes. It's shorter, just two volumes in the English release. In outer space, bolt screws you!

[@terskatti4994]

Baltic sea war arc was when i dropped vinland saga. It changed completely to comedy manga with fart jokes, shonen esque villain, funny faces etc.

[@KalleVilenius]

@@terskatti4994 Garm is a cancer sore. Don't know if that whole thing was just editorial mandate or if Yukimura had a momentary lapse of insanity. It picks back up afterwards.

[@terskatti4994]

@@KalleVilenius ok good to know :)

[@wjamimah7772]

Omg Preacher has waaaaaaaaaaay too much text. When you were saying about way too much text Preacher instantly came to mind.

[@Isaiah_McIntosh]

One of the best first arcs in manga for sure. Vinland still gets considered on the tier right beneath the super heavyweight seinen authors but it's really quality stuff and I'm sure in some years it'll be acceptable to replace even stuff like vagabond in the "approved" top 3.

[@xJesterx777]

Quick search online, it seems Farmland Arc is chapters 55 to 99 and "Eastern Expedition" is 100 to 166

[@thorton1811]

Vinland is awesome, curious on your thoughts on the rest of the story.

[@simonsuarez7561]

I loved The Northman, I think I will like this

[@igorbranco5057]

You must read the next volumes! One of my favourite mangas ever, along with Vagabond (which I seriously recommend!). I'm already waiting for the 13th volume.

[@Nikogus]

where’s the farmland review!!

[@damiand1016]

Would love to hear a spoiler talk on this!

[@madworld-ul2tg]

Next arc 10x better 😉

[@terskatti4994]

Don't let this affect you, but my experience with Vinland Saga. Volumes 1-4 are one of the best manga i've ever read. Then it slowly goes down to good and then quality drops from volume 8 onwards sharply and i dropped it in the middle of volume 10. Too much of a tonal change compared to 1-4.

[@Slayereyez]

You have to do Vagabond. It's the only artwork that can remotely compare to Muria. Vagabond, Vinland Saga and Berserk are some of my very favorite stories.

[@turtleanton6539]

Agreed 😊

[@darrow74]

THOOOOOOORS!!

[@PuuberZ]

Would love to see a full spoiler review so we can get your thoughts on some of those "holy shit" moments.

[@ObiWann90]

I think you're also gonna like the anime Mike. 😉

[@goldenspiral6008]

This will probably be you favourite manga until you get to read Kingdom. Since you loved the War arc almost as much as Golden Age. The Farmland arc is the most legendary of this manga and some people say Baltic Sea is even better. I don't know since I'm anime only for this one rn.

[@adi-qx8ls]

Still imo, Golden Age is just way above the prologue of Vinland Saga.

[@goldenspiral6008]

@@adi-qx8ls I 100% agree. The Golden Age is a 10/10 arc and Vinland Saga's prologue is very good, but I only loved the last segment.

[@atom0191]

🤩🤩🤩

[@kaedence____]

Absolutely love the anime it's what I saw first and then I knew I had to read the manga and where I'm at so far is literal PEAK 🤌🔥

[@malachikearney8001]

would love to see a spoiler talk for this series.

[@Yesica1993]

I was interested, but now that I see it's about revenge, that is not for me.

[@xPromekx]

Only the first part of the story is about revenge and really is just there to setup the main theme. The rest of the series is far more nuanced and touching.

[@PuuberZ]

The G.O.A.T manga.

[@johanjoseph4802]

If it helps... Vinland Saga and Monster are the only 2 anime I've seen that do not have the perversion that's common in other Anime. Hopefully I do find more. Edit: Definitely had to add Attack on Titan & Another 💚

[@carlosdanielcalderonmontoy3723]

Which "perversion" are you talking about?

[@israaahmed7168]

I highly recommend checking out Another 😆😆😆!!!

[@johanjoseph4802]

@@carlosdanielcalderonmontoy3723 unnecessary moaning , ridiculously proportioned teenagers and a few more

[@johanjoseph4802]

@@israaahmed7168 oh yess. Watched it when it first aired. That's another solid choice for sure ✌️

[@bmn1326]

Also Attack On Titan. Those are the only 3 anime I've finished lol

[@PhilBrillant]

I know you've already punted One Piece without trying it BUT i've read Vinland and Berserk, One Piece still tops those on world building / characters / depth. Don't knock it until you try it. Love Vinland ! I grew up close to in world historical Vinland :)

[@QuantumtestGaming]

Nope only thing one piece is good is world building other that that berserk and Vinland sata are vastly superior than one piece in terms of themes and complexity and character. One piece is just shallow childish generic shounnen I have read until dressrossa)

[@PhilBrillant]

@@QuantumtestGaming brain dead take , but too each their own.

[@yuizaift8940]

16:57 Next Arc : Chapter 55 - Chapter 99, English Volume 4 (Omnibus) - English Volume 7 (Omnibus) In total 3 Volume (Omnibus) for this arc So you only have to buy 1 more English Volume (Omnibus)

[@cheminskywinsky]

you will read the farland arc in one sitting, it´s short and sweet and as good or better than the prologue. farmland is more calm but the character work makes it top tier

[@Evercatonthemoon]

Nice review! Vinland Saga really is great! For the names, I can't really help with the Japanese pronunciations, but if you want the Swedish ones, hit me up on the discord some time. ;) About the art: Manga art I view like prose in a book. Some people want it more flowery, or detailed, like Berserk. While others, like me, prefer it a tad more "simple", like Vinland. Next ark: Official name is "Slave Arc", but most fans call it "Farmland saga". it is chapters 55-99, or omnibus 4-7. About spoilers: I would always love more spoiler talks, but understandable if not.

[@neondemon5137]

It's interesting that manga doesn't do well on this channel, it's the most popular content on basically every other booktube channel. Guess we're a bunch of boomers here.

[@turtleanton6539]

Read HELLSING

[@juliusalbrechtsen1121]

The story only gets better!

[@brentsharp9072]

Took it on your advice and am truly hooked. Thanks for sharing the love!!

[@darKuchiki]

I just love Askeladd , he's cunning and charismatic but he's not a good guy by any stretch of the imagination. He's torn between his viking blood and his welsh roots and has to repeatedly make very tough decision , that makes him a very compelling character for me. Btw i know you said your manga videos dont perform so well so i wanted to give you some suggestions and feel free to ignore if thats not something you are comfortable doing: - Instead of naming your videos "Vinland Saga Review" , name them something like "Why you should read Vinland Saga" or 'Vinland Saga is Amazing" (or for berserk "The Eclipse Broke me") something that is short and grabs your attention , you can then explain at the beginning of the video that youre reviewing such and such arc and that youre new to manga etc... - Also most manga fans that will come to see the video have already read this and just want to hear your thoughts so it would be more engaging just to talk spoilers I know you've been following this structure for your videos for a long time so it's ok if you ignore this , i'm looking forward to more manga videos whenever they come.

[@carlosdanielcalderonmontoy3723]

Askeladd is one of the best greatest characters I have seen.

[@n815e]

Your Berserk videos helped me decide to check the series out.

[@malachikearney8001]

So excited for you to read through this series! only gets better from here! You have no Enemies!

[@bart6821]

Vinland Saga Arcs: 1-54: War Arc 55-99: Slave Arc 100-166: ??? 167-Present: ????

[@terrelljohnson5811]

I watch the anime it came out in Summer of 2019 here in the states and I loved it!!! I can't wait for season 2 this year or the beginning of next year. If you like the books try the anime Mike. You will enjoy it. I will be doing the reverse now reading it too.

[@nityamjain1561]

I read the Farmland Arc in one sitting and was completely satisfied

[@FKDotFitzgerald]

@@nityamjain1561 Same. It’s really powerful stuff.

[@dinocollins720]

Vinland is one of the only anime that I have ever watched! I really loved it!

[@turtleanton6539]

Try gantz hellsing😊

[@wormengine]

In japanese their names are pronounced tors and torfinn but I have no idea how accurate that is to scandinavian pronunciation

[@mdp-pro7119]

I absolutely love that you decided to read this! I watched the anime first myself and fell in love with it so much so, that I bought the manga for it, which I've never done before. I've watched other anime, but non of them made me want to get the manga and read past the anime. I only recently finished the first arc where the anime ends just as you did and now I can finally read beyond the anime and experience new content from this amazing story. (this is only my second manga as well. Berserk being the first, so I have the same take as you do with the art) Looking forward to reading this alongside you... though I need money to get more.

[@SirTacoify]

I know you don’t watch anime but the anime is amazing .

[@jcwoodman5285]

Japanese Viking Adventure Stories... I'm in!🤗

[@rains-zi4ey]

The next arc is covered in volumes 5-7 and I consider it to be better than the prologue

[@Wildcarde1]

VIKINGS! SKOL!

[@KingRaffael]

Vinland Saga started off strong! Then it took a sharp turn that I didn't like too much. Had to drop it, wasn't for me. But it's beloved my many tho, so keep reading. I would suggest picking up Vagabond after this one. Vagabond just might be one of the greatest mangas all time in my opinion.

[@collegestreetkolkata9669]

Hey Mike sorry for being off-topic, but would you consider readin the Mahabharat, preferably the one translated by author, economist Bibek Debroy? It's a 10-book series. Would love to hear your views, as a fantasy fan, on an epic written in (compiled in) 300 BCE.

[@gabriellbraga7732]

Another series that transcends the medium and people liking manga/anime or not, is *March Comes in Like a Lion.* Not a surprise Miura was a huge fan of it, and made several artworks for it. He was friends with the author Chica Umino and would often ask her advices on how to write good females. Just the fact Miura respected her to this level says a lot. I do recommend the animated version first, it is a perfect adaptation of the source material, and the audiovisual medium adds a layer to an already great story (the manga is only being published next year) - also because it is a drama/coming of age, and doesn't have battles (except of psychological battles), so the music, animation and voice acting add value to it.

[@wheelchazeal8089]

I watched this on a whim on Prime. Had never heard of it. I watched the entire first season in two days. I’m going to need the manga. I couldn’t agree more about the perfect start. I was stunned at how fantastic the story was.

[@erickguichardcustodio9315]

Hope you talk spoilers 🤞

[@PnutButtaJllyMan]

Well I'm sold

[@Technodragon9513]

I would love to see a spoiler talk/stream to know your opinion about certain characters and plot points more in depth. I like Vinland Saga a lot and it's nice seeing you enjoying it since I appreciate your reviews for book recommendations.

[@bigbangattack97]

Best story

[@xPromekx]

Vinland Sage is fantastic, and as a lot of others have said, I consider the next arc to be even better than the first. Unfortunately I found the most recent volume (Volume 12) to be quite disappointing and I realy hope Volume 13 can bring the series back because up until that point it has been amazing! Definitely a top 5 manga.

[@richurro20]

Whoah glad you decided to read it. Vinland Saga is one my fav mangas. I can't wait to see when you review the next arc, its the best in the series imo.

[@mikeptheoldbookworm.4751]

You sold it to me :)

[@ChaptersWeLove]

Loved vol. 1-2 still need to pick up the rest.

[@swolechihuahua4905]

Bruh finished reading it today. Really enjoyed it overall. Prologue is fantastic, Slave arc is a masterpiece, Expedition arc has a lot of great moments and mini arcs but i got some problems with it, and have been really enjoying the current arc as well 👍

[@israaahmed7168]

I’m currently at Vikings season 4 and I am loving it!!! I plan to read Vinland Saga after I’m done with the show in addition to Vikings: Valhalla (and maybe after The Northman lol). 4 manga videos a year is a great start and I will be looking forward to each of these videos!!!! I am still waiting & anticipating your review on Death Note vols. 7-12!!!

[@poodlemuffin]

I’m more of a slice of life manga reader, but would definitely be interested in a spoiler video for this series!

[@Dwish305]

Excellent review Mike, glad you loved it!

[@mythrium]

Indeed a very good series, really love the first arc. At the beginning I really hated Askalad but by the end of the arc I started to like him especially knowing his background story. I've read only vol 5-6 for the 2nd arc and it's definitely a change of pace compare to the 1st arc. Also if you enjoyed historical fiction you might want to take a look at Vagabond for a samurai setting.

[@BlakeHops]

Vinland saga is my favorite manga series! I can’t wait to see your opinion on the next arc and hear your thoughts when you’re fully caught up! *mini spoiler* there’s a Stephen King reference that you’ll laugh at. I dig your content and you’ve inspired me to read more! Keep up the awesome work!

[@goldenspiral6008]

I'm an anime only follower for Vinland Saga for now. After season 2 I'll probably jump on the manga. Maybe you cound dona spoiler talk for the series as a whole. I would really like you to talk spoilers for each manga arc you review though. At least as a last segment to the review. Your Vinland Saga reviews will probably do bqd on the channel since it has a smaller fandom. So, whenever you want some more views to keep yourself motivated, You can do Shingeki no Kyojin. Ir will probably have even more succes than Berserk did, since most of SnK is animated. Please keep doing the manga content at your own pace, Mike. It's really interesting to see you get into the medium.

[@ryanfebrianto8973]

Yeah I just finished the first arc also. And of course, Askeladd will remind me to Gambino. An abusive figure but less asshole compare to Gambino. But the on finale, MY made a great payoff for a hateable character by making Askeladd calling his true name. That's the great payoff though

[@jwcarlson]

Why do you have to do this to me, Mike? I bought the first volume some time ago to be delivered tomorrow and I just ordered the second for Saturday. Dangit. I suppose I might as well buy the other two as well. 🤣

[@lloydirving6209]

people have been telling me to check this out for years now, guess now is the time

[@speedwagon6-e1b]

My man is on an absolute tear with the mangas and I’m all for it

[@pranjaydass6240]

Hey if you want try watching a anime called "Attack on Titan". It's plot is really great you can also read the manga but it's better in anime form

[@dinocollins720]

You should do a full-spoiler review on The Count of Monte Cristo! It's in my top 3 all-time books!!!

[@War_Maker]

I would’ve liked to hear your thoughts on the final twist at the end :D the anime is solid, and season 2 is coming in 2023, but you should at least give the soundtrack a chance (it’s really good). Glad you liked the prologue, it was a 10/10 for me as well. I liked Farmland just as much even though it took a bit more time to get into, but in the end I loved it just as much! Great review, would’ve liked spoilers!

[@moonbot7613]

Woohoo, Vinland Saga is the best ever! It’s my only aime and manga I’ve experienced (besides a few episodes of AOT) I’ve watched season one on Amazon 4 times already and read books 1-4 twice. I’m waiting til the 15th to get the next 5 books. Great review

[@carlosdanielcalderonmontoy3723]

If SNK and Vinland Saga are the only manga/anime you have consumed then you are missing A LOT.

[@moonbot7613]

@@carlosdanielcalderonmontoy3723 I bet i am. I’ve only recently started reading the fantasy genre so I have a lot to catch upon with that as well.

[@carlosdanielcalderonmontoy3723]

@@moonbot7613 I see🤔, take your time👌🏼

[@SlayronReads]

Hey Mike you should check out kingdom! I know the written word is priority, but promise you won’t regret starting kingdom!

[@xPromekx]

I highly doubt Kingdom would appeal to Mike, it's a bit too long and "shounen-y". I personally think it's fantastic, but it follows a lot of tropes that I think would put mike off it.

[@SlayronReads]

@@xPromekx oh okay I see..