Manga Review: Vinland Saga, Book Threeby Makoto Yukimura
Note: This review will contain SPOILERS for the first two volumes. If you do not want to be spoiled, see the reviews for those volumes instead.
It is the Twelfth Century C.E., the age of the Vikings. Thorfinn Thorsson serves as a Viking warrior in the band of Askeladd. But he does so only for the eventual chance to kill the treacherous murderer of his father in an honorable duel. Askeladd himself holds secrets about his heritage and true loyalties.
In Volume Two, Sweyn Forkbeard invaded England. His son, Prince Canute, has fallen into the custody of Askeladd’s band, who are trying to get him back to his father’s camp in the middle of a harsh winter. They are pursued by the English warriors under the command of Thorkell the Tall, a near-superhuman fighter who switched sides to get better battles.
In this volume, Thorkell and his men catch up with Askeladd’s band. An epic battle between Thorfinn and Thorkell is the centerpiece, with Thorkell revealing some things about Thors that Thorfinn was unaware with. Meanwhile, Prince Canute comes to a realization about his fate and makes a decision that may change the course of history.
As with previous volumes, the author’s research really shows (and he talks a bit about it in an interview at the back of the book.) The art is detailed and dynamic, and the writing is layered. Thorfinn remains something of a one-note character, but we can see the chips being made in his monomania, and ask what will become of him if he ever achieves his goal.
On the cautionary side, there’s a lot of over-the-top violence, so it’s for older teens and up. There’s also some theological discussion as to what “love” is that may be uncomfortable for some readers.
If you enjoyed the previous volumes of Vinland Saga, this one continues to be worth reading.
I’m not at all familiar with these magazines, so it’s good to get to know about something new. One of the things I really like about your reviews is how you always seem to mention if there’s violence, or any other topic that might be uncomfortable for readers.
Yes, that’s deliberate. I know some people who are very easily triggered by depictions of violence or rape or abuse. They don’t like it when the book or movie or fanfic hides that it’s going to have those things and then springs it on them.
And because of my tastes, I do consume a lot of media with heavy violence and other issues that some readers will have difficulty with. It’s important to me that I don’t steer people wrong just because *I* think it’s a fun experience.