Ookami to Koushinryou II

Sep 24, 2009

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 8

KaminaKai (All reviews)

246 people found this review helpful

*A surprisingly successful sequel with emphasis on the romance between a man and a (cute) wolf.*

As foreshadowed by the prequel OVA, Spice and Wolf II focus heavily on the romance aspect between our protagonists. By and large, this second adaptation has been regarded as equally successful as its predecessor (if not more successful). In terms of the light novels adaptation, it has been widely accepted for its accurate following of the “actual” story, unlike most anime adaptation. While previous knowledge of the series is not absolutely required to enjoy the show, it is highly recommended for viewers to watch the first season as well as the OVA, which act as the prelude, before watching Spice and Wolf II. For those who wish to try this series with no previous background, here is a little summary of what to expect. Wordy. To be precise, the show is filled with dialogues from start to end, from episode one to episode twelve.

One common question people tend to have for this series often relates to the balance between romance and (merchant) trading. While there are still a decent dose of merchant-like business talks that may confuse viewers from time to time, the spotlight for this sequel seems to land on the character developments over anything else. Hence Horo and Lawrence fans will most likely enjoy the show much more than those who seek for nothing but story content (ie. business trades in medieval times).

The world of Spice and Wolf can often serve as a history textbook (that focuses on the medieval era in Europe). This is once again proven in the second season as viewers are exposed to the corrupted nature of the slave markets and the power of churches at the time. Although the inspiration of merchant trade has been greatly diminished, the believable surroundings of the medieval setting make this anime still interesting to watch even for those who are not too into the romance aspect of the show.

The character department, without doubt, is the selling point this season. Lawrence, for once, no longer seems like an undefeatable merchant. While viewers may remember him as a successful businessman, particularly when it comes to negotiation during trade, in season one. Many of us will be surprised to see that Lawrence, ultimately, is still a human being and thus he must also have his illogical and “stupid” moments especially when it comes to something he has no experience with. Something called love.

The animation this season is by Brains Base (as oppose to IMAGIN which was responsible for the previous season). There are some very minor changes in the character facial expressions and sometimes their looks at various angles, but overall the quality is similar to the first season and there is no reason for one to be disappointed with it. Re-using a quote from my review on the OVA, “For the most part, one can safely say Brains Base did a great job in taking over the series”.

Seiyu are the same as before with Jun Fukuyama being Kraft Lawrence and the lovely Ami Koshimizu acting as the equally lovable Horo (can’t get enough of that thick “Horo-only” accent). Other notable great seiyu that took part in this season include Romi Paku, and Saeko Chiba. In terms of music, the OP and ED are quite enjoyable and the BGM generally suit the particular scene in the question reasonably well. On the whole, this anime is still unique just like its predecessor. However, the big twist this season is the more intense character relationship developments rather than the merchant trading. In hindsight, there seems to be a certain lack of cleverness in plot development. But then again, the various Horo x Lawrence moments are enough to make up for that.

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Aug 6, 2015

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 4

Lot1ce (All reviews)

204 people found this review helpful

Perhaps I'm ranting about this, and with the score I'm giving I be expecting a lot of disagreements here. To be honest, I was sorely disappointed in Spice and Wolf (S&W), not because it was plain bad, but I cannot see anything worth remembering at all.

Character-wise Both Lawrence and Holo showed little to no development at all throughout the series, and watching the anime made me question what the hell is going on more than how interested in the anime I am. In the case of Lawrence, it seemed like he's lost in how he views his relationship with Holo and his job. Especially the 'Prioritise Profits' part, I cannot fathom why the anime needs to bring itself to mention that time and time again, and then act the opposite. Lawrence's relationship to Holo is even more confusing. In the start of Season 2, the Amarty-Pyrite Arc was the most captivating arc yet, and it ended so, so badly. It was when the tension was the greatest, and yet it was resolved so damn easily. The most disgusting part is that Lawrence seems to have learnt nothing from the ordeal. Slow pacing with the already awkward ending in Season 1 made this a turn-off.

The characterisation of Holo herself was a mess as well. I cannot fathom a centuries old demigod to be, of all things, a tsundere. Despite being the Wise Wolf, Holo has not shown her wisdom, using her instincts at best and failing to grasp the situation she is in all the time. In the last episode. One simple sentence from a person she barely knows can affect her that much? What the actual F*ck? If you want to showcase Holo's behaviour to be a result for her centuries in suffering solitude, at least make some effort to emphasise on it. Similar to Lawrence, its seems that Holo has learnt nothing from all the ordeals she faced, and her ever-changing mood made me question whether she is bipolar.

The music itself was extremely refreshing at first, with the Openings and Endings to be rather good. Then comes the OST... Is it me or several episodes start with the same music? the lack of variety itself was very obvious as well, and it was as though I was listening to a broken radio.

Overall, I acknowledge I might be 6 years late for this anime. But considering the fact this anime is so highly rated confuses me. To me, S&W is a mess, that tries to add the intelligent elements of trade and romance with a questionable storyline and extremely confusing and bipolar characters. It was as though the anime tried very very hard to seem intelligent, but backfired extremely hard. Then again, I might be wrong and have interpreted the storyline line wrongly, but for me to question almost every single segment of this anime? There should be a lot of questionable segments about Spice and Wolf we can agree on.

Verdict: Don't watch*

1. Still, watch Season 1
2. Move on to light novel
3. Pray Season 3 (If it ever comes out) can redeem this mess

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Feb 21, 2010

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 9

Ranivus (All reviews)

164 people found this review helpful

For those reading this review w/o finishing the first season will be spoiled so be forewarned

This anime continues where the last one left off, Horo and Lawrence slowly make their way to Horo's hometown. Along the way they happen upon various opportunities for profit and gain useful knowledge. All that while trying to keep a strong relationship between a human and a goddess. Some also might wonder if this can stand up against the hype from the fame of the last series. I can easily tell you it does, but with one Achilles heel....

Its definitely not story or the cast that brings this show down from a perfect 10, its the bad decision to use a completely different production companies to fill in place of the original greats Imagin (animation) and Studio Bihou (Background art). But at the very least keep Studio Bihou as this is what made Spicy Wolf 1 extra special. The animation in S&W2 would appear perfectly the same as before except you will notice many mistakes upon viewing, such as awkward angles, skinny limbs turn to fat limbs, back ground characters, and other minor/major details. Albeit not as exact as the original, it still provides that spice and wolf feel.

If the story of Horo and Lawerence are the heart of the show, the background art would have to be the soul of the show. Amazing amounts of detail were made in S&W1. If you rewatch it, you WILL see things that you haven't seen before. Sadly, the 'soul' of the show appears to be bland, lifeless, and uninhabited. So many angry feelings bubble up when i saw how many simple angles and lines are in one show. Towns don't look like towns. They more resemble a horrible copy paste job that does not fit any point of view angle at all. Small intricate details like wheat in wheat fields or cobblestones appear to be nonexistent. It indeed does hinder the experience considerably. But I am confident you will oversee all the faults once you realize that this story is after all, Spice and Wolf 2.

Lawrence is still very 'crafty' (heh) and Horo is still foxy as ever. Now that their feelings are more established, we will see more character progression this time around and this alone trumps anything a bad artist can draw up. Most of their emotions are still worn on their sleeves, but now they start to rely on each other implicitly. It's just a wonderful thing to see Lawrence and Horo interact with each other. Like a young boyfriend and girlfriend scheming to do things their way no matter how crazy it may seem. You will also notice how much these two characters have grown from before. For better or worse it does make the chemistry between them much more intense. The acting between the two is something of pure win as you will laugh, cry, and everything in between. Such a play on emotions is also a clever way of dissuading the viewer of thinking one way or another when a choice or problem arises for the fearless duo.

This will definitely lead the viewer to varying degrees of thinking about the outcome. Its a formula that definitely works great with a mercantile anime. These situations that they face definitely appear to be more difficult than before and it is apparent through the first story arc. It might be because the stronger relationship between the two or just the trading is more intense. Either way, it will leave you wanting for more. Not in a shounen anime sort of way but more like a good book you just can't put down.

Everything pertaining to the light novel appears as anime gold and everything pertaining to animation production (sans the seiyuu cast) seems to have slipped considerably. Do not let the downgrade fool you though, this is till a very solid iteration to Spice and Wolf.

As a side note: you will love Training With Horo (S&W2 special #2)

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Jul 22, 2014

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 9

Gonzo-lewd (All reviews)

84 people found this review helpful

Continuing a beloved series and making it greater or just as great can be a challenging task to take. This is not much of a problem for anime that are step-by-step adaptations of any type of original source medium. Spice and Wolf, if you don’t know, is one series that won me over from the previous season. Likewise, I was hoping that this 2nd season would have the same positive impact that the 1st season did for me. While it is not better than the first season in many aspects, it definitely possessed the same fascinating qualities that the 1st season had, with a few improvements to the original.

It is impossible to review a the sequel to a show you’ve already reviewed before without writing similar thoughts on certain aspects. For the sake of being thoughtful, it is important to note these aspects from the previous title and determine whether they improved overtime or not. These include how the character progression has matured over time and if the plot arcs are just as entertaining or thought-provoking as before.

To start out, our lovable duo, Kraft Lawrence and Holo, continue their journey in order to besting the world of mercantile and business ventures in order to survive the political landscape. In the beginning, we see these two start out their relationship as people who don’t immediately have one that is romantic. It was one that still had a sense of distrust, but they still wanted to have a friendship in order to work out each others’ problems they are having. Now with the 2nd season, with the amount of development both Kraft and Holo had together, they flourished into blossoming partners that have a great connection to one another. It all works because the pacing of their growth is logically slow and based on realistic expectations.

That connection seems inseparable in hindsight, due in part with the brilliant dialogue both Holo and Kraft share between one another. Then that connection soon fades when, in one plot arc, they go there their separate ways because of a fierce argument amidst each other. What makes this significant to bring up is the fact that the relationship is powerfully written that when you see these two break off from that connection, you can feel nothing but despair watching it fold through. Emotional investment from observing characters in a show growing into fleshed-out characters is important to achieve when you want the audience to care for them in the first place. Spice and Wolf did it brilliantly in the first season, and yet they managed to mold it into something riveting that pulls our emotions without the need of manipulating them.

As far as the plot is concerned, there is no sense of improvement or decline in quality in terms of writing. In season 2, there are definitely higher stakes in the amount of depth they put into the troubles of mercantile that Kraft has to face head-on. Kraft uses language that people, who are not necessarily experts in economic lingo, might have some trouble wrapping their heads around. It is here where we finally see some critical progress towards a romance in Holo and Kraft’s relationship. The only negative that came of this is how they executed it in a rather out-of-character moment that didn’t feel in line with the tone of the show as a whole.

Yes I know, this review ends on a rather short note, but that is only because of the fact that I reviewed the first season in great detail. So it would be pointless to rehash similar arguments I have on the art and music because they have no change in quality whatsoever. In other words, they are all magnificent to experience whether you started on the 1st season or not. However, you obviously have to start with the 1st season to gain any sort of preconceived notion of what is going on. That is, unless, if you want to watch it for the glorious Holo cuteness, which I can’t blame anyone who has that reason.

Grade: A

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Oct 16, 2016

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 8

lawlmartz (All reviews)

18 people found this review helpful

Vulnerability is the essence of romance. It's the art of being uncalculated, the willingness to look foolish, the courage to say, 'This is me, and I'm interested in you enough to show you my flaws with the hope that you may embrace me for all that I am but, more important, all that I am not.'

Nope, not a Tennyson quote. This one by Ashton Kutcher, of all people. I never would have guessed, myself.

What do we think of when we hear the word romance? A vision of a couple sitting in the sunset, fingers intertwined, lips together? A complex, irrevocable, inimitable bond formed between read more

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Mar 26, 2014

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 9

Truearagon (All reviews)

31 people found this review helpful

First of all, I must say this is my 1 review, so I lack of experience, and my English is not the best, but here are my appointments.

I don't find words to describe how good was this anime, was a totally new experience, never tought this anime will be like that, so emotional and funny in the same time, so deep when we talk about simple things, that happens in my life everyday, for example, the story of the wagon when is lock on a rock in a road, when we have to thing all the bad things and read more

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Nov 24, 2017

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 3

Lady_Day (All reviews)

10 people found this review helpful

I just need to preface this review with the fact that I have an intense love in my heart for analytical, deep thinking and outside of the box "anything". I had such, such high hopes for this show. I mean, I poured through the reviews, and I was so freaking PUMPED. I was that kid who was obsessed with games on building, trading...empires...history... By the end of the 2nd season I was just F***** PISSED. The first season was sheer dent of will...this was a crucibal.

I really had to sit back an question the tastes of people and their anime, and really could not read more

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Oct 24, 2014

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 8

Thisvthattv (All reviews)

24 people found this review helpful

*This is a non-spoiler review of both seasons of Spice and Wolf

When I first found out about Spice and Wolf I was skeptical. I had heard that the series revolved around monetary and economic principles, and wondered how entertaining a like that could be. I’d also heard that there was a lot of dialog in this this series. I feared that I would be bored by discussions about economics that I’m not particularly interested in. I’m very glad to say that I was dead wrong about this series. Spice and Wolf managed to take topics I cared nothing about, and make them very entertaining and read more

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Mar 21, 2017

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 6

Hotak (All reviews)

10 people found this review helpful

Compared to the first season i was very disappointed. I was hoping for a second season that flowed the same as the first season and it simply did not. I wont go into too much detail but literally half of the season they are in one town, just one town! And just trying to make one deal!

I was hoping for alot more on the road travel and scenery. Not a lot of romance, dragged out scenarios, over drama in my opinion. If a season 3 comes out maybe i will feel better but at the moment i am sorely disappointed.

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Mar 24, 2018

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 8

GodOfWolves (All reviews)

7 people found this review helpful

To start things off, I loved the first season... Howevvveeerrrrrr.......

Season 2 Is nothing like the first.

First off the story...

Horrible, In the first season it was great, we see many many new towns and have a good few trades and exciting moments with a diverse cast of characters and actual thinking involved.

In the second season, we have one town, mainly one trade, a extremely smaller cast of characters and almost no progression besides mostly dribble, cut towards the end and they rush everything because they did not have the source material for another season. Making anyone who does another season either redo season 2, please god read more

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Nov 10, 2014

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 10

BanjoTheBear (All reviews)

19 people found this review helpful

(This has been adapted from my reddit thread)

Thinking back to the different relationships that I've formed over the years, it's pretty easy to tell when I'm truly close to someone. Whether this be my younger brother, my best friend, or my greatest lover, there is a distinct connection that I share with them that is incredibly hard to emulate and even describe. Instead, people have to experience this feeling for himself or herself. It's not something that is gained by resting on one's laurels; like everything else, developing this relationship takes considerable time, effort, and a smidgen of luck. In Spice and Wolf 2, we read more

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Jan 7, 2010

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 10

ravenrage (All reviews)

19 people found this review helpful

After an epic final in the first season which left me stunned. I was expecting the second season to slow down and turn more romantic. Found out i am right, but the mercantile stuff is still going strong and there is even a merchant duel on par with death note quality. Backstabbing and market values etc. It all returns in its great glory!

At start, the first episode gave me an impression of "Hmm... it's turned soft." But at the same time it was nice too see the cute side of our heroes. But it doesn't take long before they leave the town in episode 2 and move out. That is when i got the magic feeling as i had when watching season 1! The gorgeous nature scenery returns as does the merchant drama. But this season also focuses on the relationship between our heroes, there are more frequent blushes and silly episodes. Towards the end it was all going out of hand and i litteraly begged for a good ending!

The story in this one is a continuation, there is no episodic feel to this series. Each episode flows nicely and the plot twists never stop to surprise you. Although it's not as epic as the first season, it's a good one which manages to keep the same magic feeling you had during season 1.

Art is even more polished in this so this can only be better than season 1. Nature scenery is gorgeous and characters are drawn well. They have managed to keep the unique personalities and showing us new sides of them which we didn't get in season 1.

Sound effects is improved. Furious door bashing that made me turn my head around to see if it was my door. The music in this one borrows many of the same songs from first season, but some new ones are there which is nice for a change. The opening is slow paced like the first one but more beautifull than epic. Ending song is also good.

As for characters. They have the same voice actors which is a big relief. Unlike other animes where the cast and studio is changed which ruins everything. The characters turn to their soft sides more often now and even the wolf girl seems weak sometimes. Characters are deep and lovable. And the male protagonist is still an idiot sometimes.

I enjoyed this almost as much as season 1. I felt like i was watching the same anime but in season 2 there is many changes, but those are changes done in a way that it felt just like season 1. Something you RARELY find in anime sequels, which tend to turn worse than the first season.

The characters returns to themselves and seing a cute relationship unfold is always nice. The merchant drama, marked values, mercantile stuff also returns, although it's relationship that is the big focus this time. All in all this was an excellent sequel which didn't dissapoint! The first episode was a letdown as i watched this in a marathon. I was still pumped and excited from the ending of season 1. But don't let the first episode fool you, season 2 turns great already on the next episode!

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Aug 14, 2018

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 9

food_booth (All reviews)

5 people found this review helpful

Great show, great story line, characters and visuals <3. The music is amazing, the voice actors are great as well. Looks pretty nice, especially since it came out in 2009.

They somehow made economics fun.

I'd recommend to anyone (as long as they've watched the first season). Both the JPN and the ENG dub are great (I personally prefer the Eng dub because the voice of Lawrence is the same as Okabe in Steins;gate and Jin from Tokyo Ravens (I like the voice actor :d).

Still wishing for a third season. It's been so long but I can dream <3

Storyline: 9 / 10 - Great story line keeps read more

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Feb 12, 2018

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 5

angry_cactus (All reviews)

5 people found this review helpful

I had very high expectations for this anime since I had heard nothing but praise for it. And while I was watching it I was waiting for something to blow me away, but even after two seasons nothing did. If I had to describe this show in one word, it would be boring. I can't just chalk the pace of this show up as a deliberate one like I would with an anime like "Monster". Instead I have to say that it was uneventful and forgettable, and that was my biggest problem with it. Problems aside for a moment, this anime read more

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Sep 21, 2018

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 10

ChrisDuong (All reviews)

4 people found this review helpful

This like some other reviews, are for both seasons, though since I like season 2 more I will put my review here.
After watching a lot of fan service stuffs, I finally be able to touch an anime about romance that actually (or almost actually) make romance close to real life. The story is good, stick together and does not have too obvious hole. The 2 main characters is lovely, though sometimes have questionable action/reaction since their thinking arent shown in the anime.

And that, that is exactly what I enjoy so so much about this anime. The way Lawrence and Holo just became closer read more

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Oct 27, 2014

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 10

TheContractor (All reviews)

13 people found this review helpful

Well, im simply saying this to strengthen my next sentence, but i have watched nearly 500 anime series... And this is by far the best romance anime among them and one of the best among all genres. Even though the Light Novels ended and even fully translated by now, they should animate all of Light Novels,not for the profit from it or to advertise Light Novels, but to leave an example of pinnacle for all japanese animation made from Light Novels and the pinnacle for Light Novels alike. It would not be far fetched to say that this is the pinnacle of them all, by read more

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Jan 15, 2015

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 10

Hubbz (All reviews)

13 people found this review helpful

This is the first review I have ever written on anime, however, that is only testament to the fact that I have never been so moved by one. Spice and Wolf's greatness stems from the fact that they do not pander to the lowest common denominator. Spice and Wolf does not intend to be an extremely popular anime, what it intends to, and succeeds in doing is being the very best anime for a niche audience.

Story: 9.5/10
The creators obviously spent countless hours studying and researching the economics, politics, culture, religion, and ethics of the time, not to mention the setting and society. Their work shines through brilliantly throughout the story. Even those who consider themselves knowledgeable in history will be delighted to learn some things themselves throughout the story. The sole reason the score is not 10 is because it is overshadowed by the character development.

Art: 10/10
The art style throughout the series is brilliantly subtle, to say the least. Slight blushes by characters, single frame hints, and even body movement, the attention to detail and subtlety in this is simply incredible. They certainly did not cut corners here, they went above and beyond. The art subtly tells the viewer entire stories within of itself. The artists respect the viewer and consider them perceptive and smart enough to pick up on the slightest movements or actions of the characters, which manages to add to the story and fit in perfectly, as, in the merchant world, the characters must be perceptive of those that they are working with.

Sound: 10/10
Period-appropriate sound was a big gamble, but it paid off incredibly, the BGM nearly always fits in with the scene, and contributes to the story. It both scares you and consoles you throughout the series and it is very rarely done so masterfully. The reason this is not 11/10 is because a select few scenes, I felt the music was not appropriate for the situation, however, I very might well be mistaken.

Character: 11/10
This is simply the best character development I've ever seen, and it will be disappointing return to other anime. This is the real substance of the anime, and if you ignored the entire story, the character development alone would still be brilliant. The romance of this story does not pander to the common tropes, it does not develop overnight, it grows slowly and realistically. The hard work in the Sound and Art departments pays off as it manages to not be overshadowed by the impeccable character development, it even contributes to the development. The development has highs and lows that will leave you always wanting more and never disappointed.

Enjoyment: 10/10
This anime is not for everyone, because it was not made for everyone. It is a rather mature anime and younger audiences may not get nearly as much enjoyment out of it. However, if you have the right interests, this anime will forever hold the spot as your favorite, as it does mine.

Overall: 10/10
Carefully constructed entertaining story, Art style that tells a story all on its own, Sound that can drop and lift emotions as if feathers, and, perhaps, the best character development to date all contribute to make this anime a masterpiece.

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Nov 7, 2017

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 9

SovietWeeb (All reviews)

5 people found this review helpful

Spice and Wolf 2 is an improvement over the first season by a good bit. But still keeps some of the main issues of the first season.

When i finished the 1st season i had two major complaints.

1. How the story talks way to much about the economy and the coin value with also tons of talk about how to make more money.

2. Unneeded evil schemes that fill forced and made me keep delaying watching the next episode.

All of these together were annoying cause instead of us spending time with the two MC's spending time together and building a better relationship. We are read more

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Oct 2, 2014

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 10

Terri-Chan (All reviews)

12 people found this review helpful

Fuck that beautiful just beautiful end, this anime pretty surprised me ah never thought an anime of 2009 in terms of Animation, ambience and soundtrack far exceed Anime Anime 2014 This was just a masterpiece with very uan style ambience of the time where cities bestimentas funds occurs, all very style of the time, the plot is just very well thought makes me think the phrase "are pure business" and again, the characters are also maravollosos (protruding Horo) the more secondary side may have a past or a story that makes you get more desire to know (A what Space Dandy), the animation is exemplary read more

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Apr 2, 2015

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 10

AkiyamaHayate (All reviews)

11 people found this review helpful

What I mostly love about this anime is the setting it is put in. Middleages, Austria (kinda Austria, a kingdom based on Austria back in that day). Even though it sounds quite generic, you will be surprised how nicely is the whole setting executed. I was satisfied with the middleagy setting more than in any other anime out there. All the people, the taverns, festivals, markets, roads. Everything was made with a thought of middleages, and it felt like middleages all the way through.
I could say that this story is about love. To be specific about a love that can't exists, not because of personal read more

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Ookami to Koushinryou II

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