Unveiling the Ultimate Manga to Flip Your World Upside Down: Vinland Saga Season 2 Alternatives!

Vinland Saga season 2 has concluded, and while the third season is likely in the works, it has not been confirmed yet. Fans of the series may have to wait a while for more of this highly-rated manga/anime. However, there are other options to explore in the meantime.

Many other series, particularly manga, also feature significant changes in tone, storyline, or characters between arcs, similar to Vinland Saga's transition from season 1 to season 2. These changes can involve shifts in the protagonist's objectives, the story's atmosphere, the plot's direction, or even the genre of the manga itself. Let's now explore some of the top examples of manga that shake things up midway through.

8 Berserk

One of the most iconic manga of all time is Berserk. The story revolves around Guts, also known as the Black Swordsman, and is considered one of the darkest yet hopeful stories ever told. However, those who have only seen the Berserk: The Golden Age Arc film series might not fully understand this description. They may think that while it is undeniably violent, it lacks the depth of darkness. Without giving anything away, it can be said that the Golden Age arc serves as a mere introduction to the larger story of Berserk.

The Black Swordsman arc, which precedes the Golden Age arc in the manga, provides a glimpse of what lies ahead. And that's not even taking into account the significant shifts that occur after the events of the Millenium Falcon arc. Overall, the series constantly changes its focus, message, rules of the setting, and much more over its extensive 40+ volume run.

7 Vagabond

When discussing the most notable manga series of recent decades (excluding Shonen series), three names consistently come up: Berserk, Vinland Saga, and Vagabond. Interestingly, all three narratives revolve around the transformation of their main characters from a path characterized by violence (motivated by either the pursuit of power or vengeance) to a more compassionate, understanding, and mature individual.

Adding to these uncanny resemblances, Vagabond also features a farming storyline that significantly alters the tone of the series, much like Vinland Saga. While the specific events differ greatly between the two arcs, the overarching message remains the same: both Mushashi and Thorfinn gradually come to realize that it requires immense strength to create and preserve life, in contrast to the ease of mindless killing.

6 Fire Punch

Nowadays, almost every anime/manga enthusiast is familiar with Chainsaw Man. However, how many of these fans are aware that Tatsuki Fujimoto, the author of Chainsaw Man, had a previous action series titled Fire Punch that had a long run?

Although both series revolve around protagonists who are naive about the ways of the world, possess superhuman abilities, and find hope in the midst of overwhelming despair, they are fundamentally different stories. From the very first chapter, readers will notice that Fire Punch takes a completely distinct approach from Chainsaw Man, holding nothing back. Warning: this story is relentlessly brutal in every sense imaginable. Despite this, Fire Punch constantly shifts its focus, objectives, and even the overall atmosphere to align with Fujimoto's desired narrative.

5 Reborn

Reborn, also known as Katekyo Hitman Reborn, is more recommended to watch as an anime rather than read as a manga. However, if people choose to read it, they can quickly overcome the initially controversial 'slow start' of the series. Initially, Reborn gives off the impression of being a shallow and predictable shonen/gag comedy with cute mascot characters and a formulaic plot structure. Yet, after about 20 episodes or 63 chapters, the series fully embraces its shonen nature and experiences significant improvement. It should be noted that the series revolves around a middle-schooler who becomes the boss of a mafia family and receives supernatural powers training from the world's best hitman...who happens to be a baby, making it a ridiculously absurd concept. However, despite this, once the story establishes its power system, the expansive world, and the main characters, the fights and storyline become quite enjoyable.

4 Promised Neverland

In the present era, there are few individuals unfamiliar with the renowned Promised Neverland and its initial major plot twist. However, for those who remain unaware, this captivating read offers multiple significant deviations from the norm, making it highly recommended.

Promised Neverland excels in its portrayal of dramatic tension, astute characters outwitting one another, and the striking horror that engulfs them upon discovering they have been deceived. This manga stands out among others in the same genre, making it a commendable choice for all.

3 Delicious In Dungeon

The manga Dungeon Meshi, currently in production for a Netflix anime adaptation, is worth discussing due to its unique art style, imaginative fantasy world, and abundant humor. While initially focused on cooking and comedy, the series gradually delves deeper into dungeon exploration, introducing new characters and concepts while uncovering the mystery surrounding the dungeon and its enigmatic circumstances.

2 Helck

Helck, a manga, serves as a darker adaptation of One-Punch Man. Both series revolve around a comical protagonist who possesses overwhelming power, constantly facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles. However, Helck takes a significantly bleaker turn, introducing deeply disturbing elements into its storyline in a rather abrupt manner. These moments of darkness surpass even the darkest moments in One-Punch Man, as they delve into the horrors of individual human cruelty, which can often be more chilling than widespread destruction. Although it is not a competition between the two series, Helck is remarkable in its ability to seamlessly incorporate heavy concepts and story developments, while maintaining its comedic essence.

1 The World After The End

Wrapping up with a manhwa inclusion, we have The World After the End. It is an adaptation of Sing Shong's fantasy web novel, known for their renowned series Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint. Adding to the credibility, Redice Studios, the creators of Solo Leveling and Overgeared, have contributed to this series.

The World After the End takes an unexpected turn early on. Initially, it appears to be a lone journey up a deserted tower. However, in a surprising twist, the story undergoes a significant transformation in every aspect. Following this pivotal switch, there are numerous small shifts in the narrative, tone, and setting, constantly challenging the reader's understanding of this world.