Slave

This is such a great introduction back into Vinland saga, even if thorfinn is barely in it. Following Einer, who we don't know, is such an intriguing decision that hooked me from the first moment. You see his life change from peaceful village to warzone just like Thorfinn's arc in season 1. But where it gets interesting is how differently both of them turned out. We'll get to see much more of that through the season, but for now, this episode stands tall as a great introduction to a superb character.

It's also worth mentioning that the music and animation is gorgeous. The writing is what makes this show as incredible as it is, but honestly, there's very few areas where it fails. In many ways, this is a perfect episode of television.

This is a stunning, heart-wrenching, thought-provoking start to season 2 of Vinland Saga. Meeting a new character and spending 24/25 minutes with him was certainly a risk, but it paid off in spades. We learn so much about Einar in just over 20 minutes and become fully absorbed in his struggle to survive and will to live. From a harrowing experience with his family and village, to being sold off as a slave, we are left to wonder where his journey may lead. All signs point to Thorfinn by episodes end. This was the best possible start to this arc that I could have imagined! Strap in, it's going to be top tier!

What can I say, this is the beginning of one of what will be one of the best seasons of anything, ever. The music, the cinematography, everything was top notch and also the opening is one of the best I've seen. The song is extremly catchy and rhythmic and the visuals are very unique, I like that they didn't just use scenes from the episodes. Other than that the voice acting was superb and the characters show so much enotion. I guess we're in for a treat for the next 24 weeks Honestly, MAPPA I think is the best studio in the business right now and deserve all the praise. With l the projects they've got going on right now they are doing a fantastic job so props to the animators.

A brilliant way to launch fans back into the brutal and unforgiving world of Vinland Saga. Right from the very beginning of the episode the animation is truly incredible to view. From the designs of the characters to the beautiful sceneries. The introduction of the newest character, Einar, was excellently handled in letting us understand and sympathise with him by being shown his backstory. The soundtrack throughout this episode was also terrific, from its new opening 'River', to the more somber moments such as Einar arriving at the new farm. Great episode all around and leaves you wanting to see what will happen next.

This is how you start another season. I'll admit I was a little leery when I heard another studio was doing it this time, but I was also so glad to hear that the same people were working on it. And now that the second season is finally here, everything that shined the past season arguably shines even more here. The breathtaking animation, the wonderful musical score, the incredible new characters who bring so much to the table, the deeply emotional narrative from the first one, the staunch realism, and so much more. It even brings back two beloved characters and takes a different approach to the story, one outside of war and about a time of peace and character growth instead. I positively cannot wait for what's to come, even if I had already read a great deal of the manga storyline.