Graphic Novel Review – Vinland Saga Vol 13 by Makoto Yukimura (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Manga/Historical Fiction
Length: 384 pages
Publisher:‎ Kodansha Comics
Release Date: January 10, 2023
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1646513017
Stand Alone or Series: 13th volume in the Vinland Saga Omnibus collection
Source: Bought
Rating: 5/5 stars

“A DREAM COMES ASHORE

Thorfinn’s travels have taken him from Iceland to England, Denmark, the distant trading posts of the Byzantine Empire, and back home again. On the journey, he has amassed scars, losses, and sins to atone for, but also found strength in his friends, in his new wife, and in the dream that he’s never let go, of a new land free of brutality and slavery. At last, the moment has come to set foot on Vinland–not the misty ideal he has carried there, but the real thing–and to meet the people who have made it their home for generations before Thorfinn’s quest began…”

Series Info/Source: This is the 13th volume in the Vinland Saga Omnibus collection. I bought a copy of this book in hardback form.

Thoughts: I don’t have a ton to day about this volume. Vinland Saga remains one of my favorite manga series ever. These last few omnibus volumes have moved from action/adventure/politics to more of a “day in the life” type of story which isn’t quite as exciting.

This volume finds Thorfinn and crew finally traveling to Vinland. When they arrive there is a lot of work to do but one of the greatest challenges is communicating with the native people who live there already. You can tell the tension is building between the two parties, even though they are making a huge effort to live peacefully.

I love that Thorfinn and his family are getting some peace and joy; Thorfinn really deserves this. This transition shows the growth Thorfinn has gone through from a hot-headed youth to an adventurous father. However, these last few volumes have been a lot less engaging and exciting than the earlier books in the series.

I do continue to really enjoy the amazing illustration and the amount of time Yukimura spends delving into the history of the story. The inserts in between volumes showing a map of Thorfinn’s travels and descriptions about what was happening historically at that time are incredibly well done.

My Summary (5/5): Overall I really enjoyed this volume. This series has transitioned into more of a “day in the life of” type of story rather than a story driven by action and politics. I don’t enjoy this format quite as much but I do continue to love the illustration and the detail to the historical aspects of the story. Vinland Saga continues to remain a masterpiece in the manga world and I plan to continue with the series.