Makoto Yukimura Shares Struggles Of Writing Perfect Ending For Vinland Saga As Manga Nears Conclusion

Vinland Saga creator Makoto Yukimura opened up about his creative struggles as the manga approaches its conclusion.

Taking to X on Dec 20, 2024, Yukimura reflected on the difficulty of crafting an ending that resonates with readers, admitting that it’s a daunting task.

“Vinland Saga is nearing its conclusion. But! (Though, to be honest, I’m complaining after taking breaks…) Ending a story is so hard!,” he admitted noting that this is only the second time in his career that he’s written a series finale.

He then expressed deep admiration for veteran creators who have successfully wrapped up long-running series, calling their achievements truly impressive and worthy of respect.

Yukimura said he too is determined to deliver a conclusion for his manga, Vinland Saga, that feels fitting for both the narrative and its fandom.

However, he acknowledged the inherent challenge of pleasing everyone, noting that it’s impossible to create an ending that pleases everyone.

“I’m aiming for an ending where every reader can close the book thinking, ‘That was worth reading.’ However, I suppose it’s impossible to create an ending that satisfies everyone. After all, people have different perspectives.

Still, I’ll think it through as much as I can and strive to craft an ending worthy of this story. I’ll do my best.“

Yukimura had recently revealed that there are only a few more chapters left for Vinland Saga manga, confirming that he had guided the story to its final arc as planned. However, the exact details of its ending remain uncertain even to him.

In a tweet from April 2024, he reflected on his initial underestimation of the story’s length. Originally intended to span around ten years, the manga extended well beyond this timeline.

Vinland Saga is a Japanese historical manga series written and illustrated by Makoto Yukimura. The series is published by Kodansha, and was first serialized in the boys-targeted manga magazine Weekly Shonen Magazine before moving to the monthly manga magazine Monthly Afternoon, aimed at young adult men. As of June 2023, its chapters have been collected in 27 tankobon volumes.

By August 2022, Vinland Saga had over 7 million copies in circulation. The series won the Grand Prize of the 13th Japan Media Arts Festival in 2009 and the 36th Kodansha Manga Award for Best General Manga in 2012.

A 24-episode anime television series adaptation, animated by Wit Studio, aired on NHK General TV from July to December 2019. A second season, animated by MAPPA, aired from January to June 2023.

Source: Makoto Yukimura’s X account