Vinland Saga vs Vikings
Vinland Saga is an action-adventure drama anime. It’s an adaptation of the manga of the same name and made its debut in 2019. It is loosely based on historical events and figures, and the story follows the exploits and explorations of the Vikings. The show has firmly established its stakes among popular and high-rated anime. And the upcoming sequel is one of the most anticipated anime for 2023.
This Read is about:
- Is Vinland Saga your must story?
- Vinland Saga vs Vikings?
- Are there any flaws?
Average viewer ratings across platforms.
Is Vinland Saga your must story?
It’s a must-watch
- If you’re looking for a more grounded style of shounen, less over-the-top.
- If you enjoy historical fiction with some depth in the story.
- If you prefer gore in anime.
Vinland Saga vs Vikings
- Story
The concept, premise, and possible potential for both shows are relatively similar, at least at the beginning of the narration, leaving us with two key factors.
Scale: The magnitude of the story depicted in the first season of the Vinland Saga is no match for the Vikings. But was it really necessary? Indeed not an obligation. However, it certainly added to the story.
It’s a bold move to showcase the best of your world in the early stages of the narration. It deprives the anticipation and leaves nothing for the imagination. Even so, it significantly broadens the scope and diversifies the plot.
Plot: From overcoming enemies to self-actualization journeys, the first season of Vinland Saga has a lot to offer. It lays the groundwork for the rest of the story to unfold. Vikings, on the other hand, had a different approach to narrative. However, credit where credit’s due. Vinland Saga clearly takes the lead here.
- Characters
Vinland Saga is more about the story, whereas Vikings is straightaway character-driven from the start.
Surprisingly, despite its massive scale and the number of characters, Vinland Saga was able to establish just one character, the central character of Askeladd.
Askeladd switched from the main character to the protagonist. And supposedly, the protagonist, Thorfinn, is still underdeveloped. It doesn’t make a significant difference in the grand scheme of things. Although, there is no character to root for in the upcoming season, and there is a lack of character anticipation.
Vikings, by contrast, introduced characters like Ragnar, Floki, Lagertha, and a few others. Undeniably, the characters have not been fully developed in the first season, yet still, they are the ones to look forward to, especially Ragnar. We know very well how remarkable Ragnar’s role turned out to be.
- Storytelling
Storytelling or execution can make or break the show. Essentially, execution quality relies on order, timing, and pace.
Vinland Saga has a compelling order of events and descent timing, but the narration takes a toll with its pacing. Given the first season, most of the plots could’ve been on point or progressed a little faster.
In comparison, Vikings tell a linear narrative with adequate timing and pacing, which is a decent pick for the story’s opening. In addition, Vikings paid attention to details in the language, interactions, and mannerisms of the characters complimenting that era.
- Events
The quality of any plot is influenced by the events they feature. On a primitive level, events control the plot’s engagement. Vinland Saga is unmatched by Vikings, with fight scenes, battle sequences, strategic interactions, and backstories. On the contrary, Vikings place more emphasis on the establishment of characters. Both approaches have their advantages, but Vinland Saga is a victor for the efforts to diversify the plots.
- Emotions
Both series have a different vision in mind for their audience. Anime generally drive emotions while being over the top, whereas a western TV series focuses on authenticity and details. However, whether it is emotional or realistic is entirely subjective to the viewer.
Vinland Saga takes you on an emotional roller coaster merely in its prologue. For that matter, Vikings transport you to the world of Vikings with its realistic feel. And, of course, there is added benefit of live-action for Vikings.
The story and events favor Vinland Saga. Vikings, on the other hand, draw its strength from the characters. In matters of storytelling, Vinland Saga lacks in pace. Even though emotions are a personal choice, Vinland Saga certainly holds its own against a live-action series. For its prologue, Vinland Saga is better and outshines in many areas.
Flaws
- In certain parts, the level of build-up didn’t match the resolution or the payoff. For example, the build-up for the fight between Thorfinn and Thorkell.
- Hasty character arcs or volatile characters. The characters changed way faster than they should’ve. At times, the main characters of Askeladd and Canute abruptly shifted from their dispositions without adequate time or context.