The Seinen Masterpiece That Eats One Piece, Naruto, Bleach for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

If you think classics like One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach are all the anime genre has to offer, then simply think again! While these Shonen epics do hold their ground for plenty of solid reasons, it’s always the Seinen genre that finally takes the crown.

The more grounded storytelling approach in the Seinen genre easily leaves Shonen in the dust, offering complex characters, with ambiguous themes, and a depth that’s hard to find anywhere else.

Canute from Vinland Saga | Credits: WIT Studio

And one such series among the few is the historical epic, Vinland Saga! It is an anime adaptation of Makoto Yukimura’s one of the most beloved manga which has certainly left its indelible mark on the entire entertainment media, and there are a bucketload of reasons for why it’s so popular.

What sets Vinland Saga apart so high up?

Askeladd | Credits: Mappa Studio

First and foremost, Makoto Yukimura was so genius for setting the plot of Vinland Saga in the epic Viking era, as the harsh realities of that time served as a perfect narrative base for all the ideas he tried to convey through his story. And exactly those ideas are what make Vinland Saga so different from any other anime.

Unlike series like One Piece, Naruto, or even Bleach, where the action sometimes gets out of proportion and almost everything feels overly surreal and unbelievable, Vinland Saga focuses on bringing the characters’ development and complexity through mere dialogues. Thorfinn’s storyline is a wonderful example of this because his transformation from Season 1 to Season 2 was nothing short of phenomenal.

One of the more interesting things about Vinland Saga is that it makes you feel like anyone in the series can be a main character. By having different perspectives and storylines, the series pulls you in to become invested in every single character’s journey. And then, of course, the absolutely stunning visuals are also there, as both Wit Studio (Season 1) and MAPPA Studio (Season 2) did a great animation, to say the least.

The genius behind the shift in Vinland Saga’s storytelling from Season 1 to Season 2

Thorfinn from season 2 ending | Credits: Mappa Studio

Season 1 of Vinland Saga was already a masterpiece putting together a gripping revenge story set against the brutal Viking elements. The way it presented its themes like the consequences of war, the meaning of love, and the all-consuming nature of revenge was simply one-of-a-kind. It gives a haunting, thought-provoking ride that leaves viewers wanting more.

After Season 1’s insane cliffhanger, fans had to wait a criminally long period of time to finally get to see further story progression in the next season. However, Season 2 was a complete departure from what we had seen in the first season.

A more introspective and character-oriented narrative took its place which might make one feel quite bored after coming from Season 1’s epic actions. Yet somehow, it surprised everyone for it felt completely synchronized with the new tone evolving through Thorfinn’s perspective.

However, with the conclusion of Season 2, Vinland Saga this time permanently sealed its place as a modern anime classic. And according to manga readers, the best is yet to come! Season 3 promises to be even more epic, and so the future of Vinland Saga anime looks bright. Fans can’t wait to see where the journey takes us next.

The power of a perfect anime adaptation of a Seinen series

Arnheid and Gardar | Credits: Mappa Studio

When it comes to anime, the Shonen genre always tends to gain the spotlight, with popular series like My Hero Academia, Naruto, and One Piece dominating the popularity charts. However, the Seinen genre, which specifically targets young-adult and older audiences, often flies under the radar. Although this genre has some of the most incredible manga series ever to be made, like Berserk and Vagabond.

Vinland Saga is a prime example of such a Seinen masterpiece, thanks to the brilliant work of Makoto Yukimura-sensei. This historical epic is solid proof of this genre’s ability to craft complex, thought-provoking stories that deeply resonate with audiences. With its gripping narrative, rich characters, and historical depth, Vinland Saga stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best of the TV series of all time.

Both Season 1 & 2 of Vinland Saga are available to watch on Crunchyroll.