Created, written, and drawn by Makoto Yukimura, Vinland Saga is a historical epic and a work of true genius. While many series rely on high-stakes action to become massive names, Yukimura’s manga cements its status by making its readers appreciate the great storytelling and the emotional depth it features. At first glance, the manga will look like an action series, taking place in ancient Scandinavia of the Viking Age, showcasing how a young Thorfinn seeks revenge on a mercenary who killed his father.
However, once knee-deep in the series, the readers will find how the series features the theme of fatherhood, honor, and the consequences of violence. Though it will sound surprising, Yukimura was not exploring one of these themes in his manga, as he recalls how one of the key themes in his series was sheer accident.
Vinland Saga’s Mangaka Shares How One of The Series’ Important Themes Was Unintentional
Makoto Yukimura‘s Vinland Saga is a combination of a gripping storyline, well-written character, and a magnificent narrative, that perfectly captures the fictional event that takes place in ancient Scandinavia. Using medias res as his preference of storytelling method, Yukimura’s art instantly became a massive hit among readers, when it was released in the summer of 2005.
The series features the long and transpiring duel between Thorfinn and Askeladd, where the former character had a long and intense desire to avenge his father by killing Askeladd. However, several years before, Thorfinn was part of Askeladd’s band of mercenaries, making him his mentor. The series takes its readers on an epic journey of redemption and what a ‘father-son’ relationship means.
During an exclusive interview with Anime News Network at the San Diego Comic-Con, Yukimura was asked why he decided fatherhood would be the central theme of all its characters. The mangaka was surprised, as he did not focus particularly on “fatherhood,” and his attention was more on the violence featured in the story.
He said,
“Surprisingly, it’s all a coincidence. When I started to work on the series, I was mainly focused on the violence and not particularly about fatherhood. But when I realized and looked back on my story, I did realize there are so many types of relationships that represent what you said as ‘fatherhood.'”
The manga artist added that he had no clue how he subconsciously added the complex theme in his manga.
“I’m wondering why this is. Is it some kind of complex that I have or some kind of psychological reason for it? I have no idea.”
Well, subconsciously or not, Yukimura’s addition of fatherhood as a core theme in the manga series has skyrocketed its popularity among manga fans, making Vinland Saga one of the most popular manga and anime to be ever created.
Makoto Yukimura Shares Why People Would Not Enjoy Vinland Saga For Its Violence
In the same interview with Anime News Network at the San Diego Comic-Con, Makoto Yukimura opened up about how some manga readers would not enjoy Vinland Saga. If they are reading it only for its “violent aspect,” he asks them to read or watch other series like Attack on Titan. He said,
“If you’re into my story for the violent aspect of it, at some point, I might not be able to meet your expectations. If you really want to read about things like violence, you should consider Attack on Titan.”
He added how he hears some readers would often complain now and then how they used to like Thorfinn from the past, but now he has changed.
“I actually do hear comments from the fans saying that they like Thorfinn from back in the day. ‘What happened to him? He’s only farming!’ I hear their complaints, though, at the same time, I cannot help it. Sorry.”
Well, Vinland Saga has escalated from the ranks of ordinary anime or manga series, as it features greater themes than just mere violence from the beginning to the end. Hence, if you’re looking for a series that will hook you with its plot and flow of the story, then Makoto Yukimura’s Vinland Saga is indeed for you.
Vinland Saga can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
