Kraft Lawrence, a traveling merchant looking for a beneficial trade to make, encounters a mysterious girl with the ears and tail of a wolf asleep in his cart. Later on, Lawrence finds out that that mysterious girl, Holo(Horo), is a harvest Goddess longing to return to her beloved homeland somewhere in northern lands, as she feels that the town has forgotten about her existence. The two make a deal leaving the village behind and start their new journey to the Horo’s birthplace.
-Story (10/10)-
Spice and Wolf (Ookami to Koushinryou) narrates a story about lonely traveling merchant, Kraft Lawrence, looking for a beneficial trade to make. On one of his journeys to the Pasloe village he encounters a mysterious girl with the ears and tail of a wolf asleep in his cart. Later on, the story reveals that that mysterious girl is the harvest Goddess called Holo(Horo) longing to return to her beloved home, since the Pasloe people have forgotten about the solicitous Goddess. The two make a deal leaving the village behind and start their new journey towards happiness and disappointment.
Spice and Wolf is a medieval fantasy and one of these anime proving that a journey can actually be catching. Spice and Wolf’s storyline mostly revolves around the day-to-day travels of a wandering merchant and his fascinating companion, Horo. The main problem of such anime is that it becomes boring after the first 2 or 3 episodes. By the way, Spice and Wolf has 2 seasons(25episodes), an OVA and two special episodes. It is quite long, isn’t it? Here comes the question, why do people like it that much? The answer is simple, Spice and Wolf is called a masterpiece, because it is able to not only show you some relaxing scenes, but also make you worry, and believe me, Spice and Wolf WILL surely make you worry about a thing or two.
-Animation (10/10)-
While Spice and Wolf doesn’t have a brand new animation to brag about, it still has its advantages: the animation perfectly displays the medieval setting (from landscapes to the ancient cities encircled with walls.) In addition to this, the attention paid to the colors can’t left anyone unsurprised. Spice and Wolf’s colors are simply bewitching. The series’ cast, as well as their cloth, are also very beautiful to look at.
-Sound (10/10)-
I appreciate both English and Japanese dubs. Alas, the quality of the English dubbed versions, in most cases, is far from being bearable. Spice and Wolf does have a bearable English cast; however, in the Japanese version the main characters are voiced by Fukuyama Jun(Lamperouge Lelouch, Lute Ryner, Okumura Yukio) and Koshimizu Ami(Stadtfeld Kallen, Matoi Ryuuko), who did one hell of a job voicing their characters. If you are familiar with these two, it may be a good idea to watch it in Japanese.
The music was also very pleasant. Tabi no Tochuu by Kiyoura Natsumi and Ringo Biyori by ROCKY CHACK, will surely be added to your music list. Never annoying, both themes fit the anime well, not saying that the OST is splendid, as well.
-Characters (10/10)-
It is, indeed, a very important criterion for every adventure-based series and I must say that Spice and Wolf has managed not to fail that important task. It is truly a very difficult thing to do: to please both males and females and, somehow, this anime does it simply brilliant leaving absolutely no flaws. As stated in the synopsis, Spice and Wolf revolves around the two characters: Horo and Lawrence.
Horo displays a dream of every man, she is the interpretation of beauty, she is fragile; yet, she is able to protect what is dear for her, she is wise, but sometimes she may make a mistake. It is truly captivating that Horo isn’t a human; nevertheless, she is the most humane creature you will ever find in this anime.
Kraft Lawrence is more a strategist than a person who can easily fight against a bunch of people barehanded. However, when it is time to fight, he is ready to fight even a battle that will be impossible to win. Kraft Lawrence is a person who lives for the others.
In result, both characters are lonely and don’t have a place to go to, but together they form a heartwarming duo, which will be surely interesting for both males and females, no matter how old you actually are.
-Enjoyment (10/10)-
I honestly can’t express my happiness, Spice and Wolf is one of these rare gems, which will leave a huge hole in your heart, as you, perhaps, will never find a show even a bit similar to what Spice and Wolf is.
The good:
1)Story-line.
2)Animation.
3)Characters.
4)Music.
5)Enjoyment.
The bad:
1)The anime adaptation is unfinished and the probability of S3 is almost zero. (For more information, please, read the overall part.)
-Overall (10/10)-
Spice and Wolf doesn’t have a brilliant story to offer to its viewers; yet, it, somehow, proves that even a plain adventure may become something you will never forget about. It is a gorgeous show with very likable characters. It is a very deep show, which talks on such topics as: religion and people’s nature. This anime is very calm; yet, it is also able to make you worry about the characters. Your heart will cry wanting to see the characters to be safe and sound, or being together. I guarantee you that you will never forget about this show.
If you have never heard anything about Spice and Wolf and you think that giving it a try would be a good idea, you should keep in mind that Spice and Wolf’s storyline is unfinished and the probability of S 3 is very low. But, don’t be upset, it shouldn’t prevent you from watching this splendid show. You can easily find a light novel on the internet, or if you are pressed for time, you can find a summary. Anyways, even being unfinished, Spice and Wolf is definitely a show, which deserves your attention.
*Recommended audience: All. (Spice and Wolf does show nakedness; yet,it is very difficult to call it erotic. It's there, though, for those who care about it.)
