“Maybe I’m biased”: Vinland Saga Editor is Against the Idea of Letting Mangas Cater to Audiences Outside of Japan Specifically
Makoto Yukimura’s Vinland Saga is probably one of the most well-written mangas in terms of story and illustration. Currently, in its 211th chapter, Vinland Saga has been around for almost two decades and its fanbase just keeps on growing. But Makoto Yukimura’s manga is a little different from most Japanese mangas as the story revolves around the story of Danish Vikings, which is more Western-themed than most mangas out there.
During an interview with Manga Passion, Akira Kanai, who is the Editor-in-Chief of Kodansha’s Weekly Afternoon manga magazine, gave his views on whether they should lean more towards the sociopolitical views of Western audiences. And Kanai definitely made sure to get his point across to manga fans.
Editor of Vinland Saga, Akira Kanai gives his take on making manga cater to the foreign audience
Suppose there is a norm for Japanese Mangas, we can make an argument that Makoto Yukimura’s Vinland Saga doesn’t really fit into that category as Vikings and anime don’t generally go together. However, Yukimura’s incredible storytelling and illustration somehow managed to make the Vinland Saga series one of the more popular manga and anime series out there.
The story revolves around Thorfinn, who is the son of the strongest warrior in the Danish empire. The story features incredible aspects of the Middle Ages European landscapes, with a distinct art style which somehow works for the Nordic cast of characters in the series. The growth you notice in some of the characters in Vinland Saga is, without a doubt, a masterpiece in itself.
Considering how popular the series got, Akira Kanai was asked during an interview if the trajectory of mangas in the future should cater to or be more accessible to foreign audiences. However, Kanai seemed to believe otherwise. During the interview, he stated;
“I think people all over the world will certainly understand her feeling of insecurity in the same way. That’s why such works tend to appeal to an international audience. In this respect, I really don’t think that works need to be adapted for audiences outside Japan. Although I’m not sure how it is for people from countries where there are no rural areas or no cities. I have no idea what it’s like in Dubai. Maybe I’m biased.”
Makoto Yukimura’s Vinland Saga now has two seasons of anime adaptation and it was incredibly well received by the viewers. Though there is still no update on the franchise being renewed for a third season, the fans of the manga are waiting with real eagerness. But for those who haven’t watched the anime yet, here is why you should jump onto the Vinland Saga Wagon.
Reasons why you shouldn’t miss out on Vinland Saga
A Breath of Fresh Air: For anime fans who are tired of the typical shonen tropes, Vinland Saga offers a completely different experience with its characters and setting. Vinland Saga is set in a brutal Viking era, where the action is incredibly intense. However, unlike most graphic anime, we can confidently say that the brutality in the series has meaning. It brings justice to portraying the harsh visuals and realities of the medieval Scandinavian era. Makoto Yukimura’s work delves into various themes of war, revenge, and the search for meaning, making it more worthwhile than most of your average anime.
Complex Characters You Can Root For (or Against): Vinland Saga boasts a wide cast of characters who defy easy categorization. The perfect example of that would be Thorfinn as at the start of the series he is portrayed as a warrior fueled by revenge, but as the story progresses, we get to witness his emotional growth and the toll his past takes on him. There are also other characters, like the cunning Askeladd and the wise King Canute, who add layers of intrigue and complexity to the narrative.
Stunning Visuals That Transport You: The animation in Vinland Saga is top-notch. From the breathtaking landscapes of Scandinavia to the detailed brutality of battles, the visuals bring the world to life. And if that isn’t enough, the character designs for the show are all distinct and expressive. The animators at Wit and MAPPA studios certainly did an incredible job capturing the emotions of the characters in the series.
You can stream Vinland Saga on Netflix, Prime Video and Crunchyroll.
