@LordAkuna

Vinland Saga S1 was really, really good for a number of reasons. It annoyed me when I heard some morons say it was the best thing ever but that kind of talk most assuredly sends me into a gatsu rage post-haste. The reverence I hold for titular animes that are the gold standard of anime -- seldom reached into todays microwave age -- it is something I do not think a lot of otaku have.

I have not read the manga but I knew s2 would be different from s1 from the interweb, some fans on forums/reddit/twitter really did not seem to enjoy the pivot whilst others loved it. I think the animated version of these chapters will cause similar divisions. Personally I am not sure if I prefer s2, it is different. It offers up a different array of flavors that almost certainly cater to a different palate.

After watching s2 in its entirety I am here to say that while it might not be EXACTLY what people want it is exactly what I needed. The character development in this arc is absolutely remarkable and a true testament to the level of writing that Makoto Yukimaru has achieved. The range of emotions on display, the weight of themes that are front and centre such as slavery, redemption, war, love, are so palpable, it is awe inspiring. There are moments in this anime where I felt, true feels are conjured up and that may be the best compliment I can give this arc. This is a sienen in the truest sense of the word, there is no fan service, there are no chibis, this is an adult anime and as an adult I appreciate that so so much.

The sound design is on point with Yuuto Uemura reprising his role as Throfinn. He continues to flesh out his resume (side note he is great in Bongou) with a great tonal rage. I cant speak to the dub. Not the biggest fan of the openings songs being in English for pt1 and pt2, that might be my one small knock but I guess MAPPA knows best in terms of westernization, localization and marketing, probably made sense. Outside of that the effects and score in the show are well done, well placed, well mixed. The use of animals, wind, ambient noise, keys, all hit their mark and are interspersed with care.

The animation is crisp as a newly minted bill and while it is not pushing the art in ways that its contemporaries are, Demon Slayer / Chainsaw Man, it is more than serviceable. The movements are fluid and the colours pop. Stylistically, the understated character designs that seem more based in naturalism than fantasy are welcome for this setting. Some of the action sequences that take place in the later eps are stunning and the entire team really did excellent work.

There are no areas of this anime that fall flat or miss their mark. I think the only complaints that can be mustered up are minor. At times the interjection of comedy seemed a tad forced and perhaps jolted me from what otherwise is a completely immersive experience. Some of the