STORY: 9/10
I will be honest, it took me A YEAR AND A HALF to get through about the first twelve episodes. In no way is it because the show was "bad," I was just preoccupied. Yet, when I came back to watch it, I was just as quickly dragged in to the story that is of this show. Thorfinn, crumbled from the death of Askelaad in season one has little purpose in his life. His whole life he has only known the savage Vikings and war, so when he becomes a slave on a farm, he begins a journey of finding his new purpose. Despite the major change that helped make the first season so enjoyable (fights), Vinland Saga does not get any worse then it was. The pacing is flipped upside down, the flashy shonen-like excitement turns into a dark, depressing, yet delightful show. Strangely enough, even if the pace is dramatically slowed down, every time I've sat down to watch, it feels like it only takes five or ten minutes of my day rather than twenty-five.
CHARACTERS: 10/10
Vinland Saga has just turned probably one of their weakest aspects into one of their best. This entire season heavily develops the characters, ESPECIALLY Thorfinn into a solid, unique main character. The show introduces Einar, a slave just like Thorfinn who turns to be a valuable ally and friend and eventually, a "brother." There is not a single character who feels dull, boring, and most importantly has little to no purpose to advance the story. Thorfinn's change from a young boy who is plagued with the virus of violence and death turns around and becomes a pacifist who will never resort to fighting, even if it means getting seriously hurt. On the other hand, King Canute who we see in the first season as hating violence, turns into a man thirsty for power across his empire setting the story with a juxtaposition. All in all, Vinland Saga did an amazing job with making the characters feel extraordinary.
ART: 9.5/10
While I prefer WIT Studios and what they've done with anime, I cannot deny MAPPA's dominance. In this case, I believe the switch to MAPPA was perfect for what this show needed. As in Attack on Titan, WIT Studio and their clean animated ODM Gear fight scenes translated flawlessly to the fight scenes of Vinland Saga. Having said that, with the second season less relying on fight scenes and actions, MAPPA made a beautiful showcase of art and really nailed it. Literally, I couldn't count how many times I ignored parts of the show and focused on a dazzling sunset or mysterious clouds. I'd say it would be only a level down from the masterpieces Studio Ghibli constructs. The only real problem that I have with the art is MAPPA's acceptance of some lackluster CGI, even so, they don't use as much as in other shows they have animated.
SOUND: 8/10
In shows, the soundtrack doesn't matter too much compared to other parts of the show. But I like to say a sensational soundtrack can make a good show become a great show. The OP and ED were not very catch but had very stunning visuals. I've taken note of the melodic pieces that shine through during some parts of the show. The peaceful harmony adds a lot to dialogue that doesn't have much happening and adds so much to the show.
ENJOYMENT: 9/10
Two seasons in and I have to say Vinland Saga has a very bright future ahead of it. The historical genre is not seen much in Japanese anime, so it is interesting to see it in effect here. The last five episodes of Vinland Saga might just be near perfection, but personally it took a little time to adjust from the first season with the slow-paced episodes of the farm. Anyone who reads this, please watch this show, it is impeccable.
