The creative team behind Vinland Saga Part 2 discusses the themes of the anime and tackles the lack of action.
Takahiko Abiru, Yusuke Takeda, and Naokado Fujiyama, respectively the character designer, art director and producer behind Vinland Saga, recently participated in an exclusive panel event recorded by Anime News Network. In this interview, they covered the “timeless” concepts behind the season and offered insight into the creative process. “With Season 2, I think there’s a kind of timeless concept like what fighting means. What is living? What is it like to be a war slave?” Fujiyama said. He further explained by stating that although Japan is not currently facing war, these topics are something that people still “need to consider” in modern times.
Vinland Saga’s Creative Team Compare Two Seasons
The creators also discussed the season’s notable lack of action, which has resulted in equal praise and disappointment in the fan base. Takeda, the anime’s art director, stated that there are still many fight scenes even though there is no physical violence. “Even if it’s not a battle or a war scene, it’s still an emotional battle between the characters,” he said, before going on to say that “the battle of wills or the battle of the spirit of different characters, for me, it’s fun to watch.” The “Slave” arc, adapted in Season 2, moves from the violence-heavy Season 1 to an exploration of slavery, farming, and what it means to be a true warrior. This slowed down the previously tense pace of the show, providing a more character-driven experience.
Fujiyama, the season’s producer, extended this sentiment by discussing what he thinks makes Season 2 so compelling, stating that the characters’ journeys are central. “I think one of the appeals of Season 2 is the flow of the characters Thorfinn, Einar and Ketil,” he said before claiming that the enjoyment comes from seeing these characters react to the test. Challenge in a way you never expected.
Vinland Saga is getting better and better
Besides the themes, according to character designer Abiru, Season 2 has also been enhanced in terms of animation quality. “I feel like one of the appeals of Season 2 is that the picture quality is getting better and better than before, and it continues to improve,” Abiru stated, praising the work. of his team for the influential series.
Vinland Saga, adapted from the manga of the same name by author Makoto Yukimura, is a historical series inspired by the Viking era of medieval Europe. It features many characters from real-life history, including Prince Canute and Leif Erikson, the legendary adventurer. Studio MAPPA, who took over the series after Wit Studio produced the first season, is currently producing the anime.
The next episode of Vinland Saga will premiere on June 19, 2023 and will be the final part of Season 2.
Source: Anime News Network
