Vinland Saga creator Makoto Yukimura jokes that fans who want violence 'should consider Attack on Titan,' amidst a serious talk on war and pacifism.
Vinland Saga comes to a cathartic end with Season 2, dubbed "Farmland Saga" by many. Firing a shot at his friend and colleague - Attack on Titan's Hajime Isayama, Makoto Yukimura recommends fans who want pure violence should consider that instead.
Anime News Network asked Yukimura if he had any words for readers only interested in the violence. "If you're into my story for the violent aspect of it, at some point, I might not be able to meet your expectations," he said. "If you really want to read about things like violence, you should consider Attack on Titan [laughs]. I actually do hear comments from the fans saying that they like Thorfinn from back in the day. 'What happened to him? He's only farming!' I hear their complaints, though, at the same time, I cannot help it. Sorry."
Outlining his staunch pacifism, Yukimura refused to be conscripted even under the threat of imprisonment. "My hope is to have the younger generation share this kind of value in the future, so there wouldn't be war in this entire world. This is the one wish that I have. As an optimistic person, this is the only hope I want to express in my story."
Eren Yeager's gradual pursuit of freedom through violence establishes him among anime's most iconic characters. Starting out similar to Thorfinn, Eren lives a mostly peaceful life in Shiganshina, ignorant of the extent of the conflicts happening around him. Attack on Titan's existential themes may dwarf the stakes of Vinland Saga on paper but cycles of war, rage, and reconciliation are themes common to both. The difference lies in how both protagonists are changed by their circumstances.
Thorfinn Criticism Has Grown
Criticisms of Thorfinn continued to grow after the airing of the anime. Now lacking the will to live, many fans hoped Thorfinn's departure from the rough-speaking, heavy-handed character of old was only temporary, but Season 2 was contrary to this. Askeladd's death left a profound mark on Thorfinn. His later return in a dream was a final indication that the show had truly shifted from the first saga. While many felt this was a bait-and-switch from Yukimura, others maintained that the words of Thorfinn's father, Thors, were always core to the show. Going as far as to hope Season 2 is the finale, commemorating Vinland Saga as a perfect tale of two halves, some fans hope Thorfinn's televised journey ends here.