10 Essential Manga You Need To Read Before You Die
8. Vinland Saga (Makoto Yukimura)
When you think about manga, it's easy to assume you'll receive bouts of magic, sci-fi or superpowers. But Vinland Saga is there to prove that history is just as exciting, and boy howdy, the Vikings sure do pack a punch.
The humble beginnings of this manga explore the revenge ploys of Thorfinn, a young man who has been taken in by the mercenary crew who killed his father. He seeks vengeance against the crew's leader Askeladd, all whilst fighting for them as a warrior. From there, the series expands into a variety of different arcs, exploring many facets of Norse history.
There's a lot to love about this series, with the first being its protagonist. The simplicity of his goal makes it easy to become invested, and his hot-headedness is a fascinating way to keep his conflict moving forward.
Plus, there's a surprising amount of good humour, some striking battle illustrations, delicious historical context and a slew of fun characters who will make you want to grab your nearest battle axe and live the Viking life. Although, that is not recommended.