[Top 10] Best Viking Anime and Comics

Updated:

27 Nov 2020

Ah yes, the Viking bug has bitten us again thanks to shows like History’s Vikings and Netflix’s Norsemen and the Last Kingdom. Images of Vikings yelling Odin from their longboats like in the 13th Warrior, running around Skyrim’s streets fighting the Imperials (or Stormcloaks), to Movies and Cartoons like Conan the Barbarian, Kull The Conqueror, and Thundar The Barbarian that hint at a Barbic and Viking lifestyle. These misunderstood underdogs of History are so much more than a fat lady singing her heart out in a horned helmet. Viking Culture is rich in history, mystery, and epic adventures. Yet rarely do we talk about the Anime and Comics inspired by the Norse. So here’s my top 10 list of the Best Viking Anime and Comics.

# 10 Hagar the Horrible:

(Hagar and his men doing what Vikings do best)

How can we forget this lovable yet stereotypical depiction of Vikings in horned helmets? Published in 1973, Hagar the Horrible has been gracing Sunday morning funny pages for nearly 50 years and has published over 6,700 comic strips. The series based around Hagar's family and longboat crew shows a comical side to life as a Viking.

# 9 Viking:

(Bringing blood brothers to a whole new level)

Viking by Ivan Brandon and distributed by Image Series is about two brothers named Eril and Finn. Revenge is their game, and getting what one wants no matter the cost is their gain. Violence and mayhem seem to follow them, ok, more like caused by the pair no matter where they go. Unlike Norhtlander, there is no redemption for these two brothers

# 8 Oglaf:

(These Vikings are definitely NSFW)

If NSFW is what you're looking for, then look no further than Oglaf. This comic web series by Trudy Cooper and Doug Bayne started as your typical gag of the week, but with its popularity booming, they began to develop more severe and more prolonged story arcs. Though still highly pornographic with a lot, and I mean many innuendoes, this comic is not safe for anyone thinking they’re just going to ready a funny fantasy comic.

# 7 The Master of Ragnarok & Blesser of Einherjar:

(Charging through to the battle on my horse with spear and saddle, going to impale you)

A mixture of Norse Mythology inspires this anime sprinkled with a little modern fantasy plus some Japanese urban legends that get rolled into one excellent package. This Viking style manga by Seiichi Takayama with an anime adaptation by Studio EMT Squad. is an action-packed harem anime sure to be a favorite of both Heathens and fanboys alike. Like most anime’s, this story involves a High School student who finds himself transported to another world. This time our hero is sent to Yggdrasil, the tree of life in Norse mythology that connects the nine realms. Hijinx and heroics is the name of the game, and our champions will save the day to ensure the nine realms stay in balance.

# 6 Erik Le Rouge:

(So much ice to break)

This French comic by Jean – Francois Di Giorgio and Laurent Sieurac is based on the history and sagas of Erik the Red and sits in my number six spot. Although there are no English translations yet, the beautifully designed artwork helps tell Erik’s story and adventures.

# 5 Head Lopper:

(I finally got the old bat to shut up)

If you love Samurai Jack but wondered what it would be like Viking style, then look no further than Head Lopper. This wonderfully gory comic by Andrew MaClean follows the main character Norgal, who travels the world with a cantankerous witch's head who is no help to him whatsoever. If you’re into small bits of comedy with bloody action, Head Lopper is a great choice.

# 4 Sword Daughter

(I need no man to protect me)

Another gripping tale by Brian Woods (creator of DMZ, The Massive, and Norhtlander) Elsbeth, the mute daughter of Dag, survives a raid on her village by the 40 Swords. Her father was left catatonic for ten years after the attack. During that time, Elsbeth had to forge and take care of Dag. Once her father could break out of his catatonic state, the duo seeks out to find the Forty Swords to exact their revenge.

# 3 Gods of Asgard:

(Loki stop transforming every five seconds. We're trying to take a serious picture here)

Indie comic writer Erik Evensen is the 2007 Xeric award winner for his graphic novel God of Asgard, which dives into the Norse Gods’ myths and folklore. Masterfully illustrated with great storytelling and dialog, this Viking comic is sure to be a page-turner that you won’t put down.

# 2 Northlanders:

(I'm only posing like this to show that I need to see a dentist)

If you love a good redemption and revenge story, then Northlanders is it. In this comic by Brian Wood, Published by DC Comics under their Vertigo Imprint label, Sven is an exiled Viking prince. He leaves his village to travel the world only to return home to find his late father’s brother, Sven’s villainous uncle, taken over the small kingdom he was supposed to rule. Together with a loyal group of friends, Sven fights to take back what is rightfully his and free his people from his uncle’s tyranny.

# 1 Vinland Saga:

(Leeeroyyyyyy Jenkins)

This action-adventure manga turned anime is based on 11th-century stories and sagas about the war between the English and the Danes. Both the Anime (distributed by Wit Studio) and the Manga (by Makoto Yukimura) follow Canute the Great and explorer Thorfinn’s story. This anime and the manga also features many well known Vikings of the time such as Lief Erikson, King Harold, while touches on prominent Viking Sagas like The Saga of the Greenlanders, Flateyjarbok, and The Saga of Erik the Red. The characters portrayed are well-rounded, while the story sucks you into the world of Norse settlers. The fight sequences are amazingly realistic and captivate the imagination—the number one choice for anyone who loves Norse history and Sagas.

Ipad Top Ads

[Top 10] Best Viking Anime and Comics

# 10 Hagar the Horrible:

# 9 Viking:

# 8 Oglaf:

# 7 The Master of Ragnarok & Blesser of Einherjar:

Also, Be Sure To Read:

You May Also Be Interested In: