Reviews

I wonder, what does it feel like to be able to travel all over the world and sit under the blue sky while making countless friends and acquaintances, and having a beautiful companion to witness all of it with you? Now, what exactly is Spice and wolf and how does this question relate to it? Spice and Wolf is an anime that depicts the life of Craft Lawrence and his fateful encounter with Holo, a wolf deity who takes the form of a young, beautiful woman. Together, they travel across the land as traveling merchants with their goal being to be able to reach Holo’s hometown, Yoitsu. So, what exactly is so special about this anime then? Well, to put it simply, Spice and Wolf is one of those rare gems that come along every couple of years or so. It is different from other animes in a way that it is of the romance genre, yet it shows it in a way that is quite different from others. That, along with a wonderfully written plot makes it a very unique anime that can both pique your interest and minds and at the same time give you the vibes that romance animes usually have.

You see, the plot is, as simple as it sounds like, is actually one of the most complex and unpredictable plots I’ve ever seen. The anime is subdivided into several arcs that each have their own separate story. Now, each of these arcs are seemingly simple and straightforward, but in reality, they can task your mind just by thinking about how things will end up. Each story has more twist and turns than a slum, like in one moment they are happy and smiling then suddenly one simple mistake and their entire situation turns upside down. it still manages to tie up everything perfectly though and is the way they solve these problems is what makes Spice and Wolf interesting. It makes use of economic principles(whether they are applicable in real life or just made up is beyond me) that can either amaze you or confuse you. Also, along with these events are the messages that make Spice and Wolf into the anime it is. These messages are subtle implications about things like how money corrupts men, how untrustworthy people become when faced with certain opportunities and other things which may sound a bit philosophical. Then there’s the romantic aspect of Spice and Wolf. I find it really entertaining yet very infuriating to watch the two main characters flirt with each other but their relationship seems to remain platonic. Sure, after a few episodes or so they start holding hands or so but other than that there really isn’t anything else. This kind of flirting though does have a certain charm that makes me crave for more.

Speaking of craving more, I just can never get enough of Holo. She is one unique character that never fails to amuse; a beautiful, wise and quick-witted woman who has a distinct love for alcohol and apples. Then there’s the traveling merchant Craft Lawrence, a bona fide gentleman who has a great way with words and is Holo’s love interest. Every time these two are on screen alone, you can just be sure that a wonderful exchange of words is about to ensue. Along with these two characters are a bunch of other side characters that they meet in every arc then leave as they venture out. Unfortunately though, since only Holo and Lawrence are given enough screen time, only they are the ones with solid and unique personalities. Don’t get me wrong though, the side characters are not entirely dull and boring or anything of the likes, you just can’t really grow to love them as they don’t really stick around for long. This kind of character development does kind of fit the story though as Lawrence and Holo are both traveling merchants so meeting a multitude of other characters does benefit the plot in some way or another.

Then throw in a bit of wonderful music and sceneries and you’ve got exactly what Spice and wolf looks like. The opening of this series, Tabi no Tochuu, is one of the most beautiful and emotional song I’ve heard from an anime. Then there’s also the ending, Ringo hiyori, which has a happy and energetic beat to it, and not to mention, it’s in English, something you don’t see everyday. The scenery is somewhat plain yet fitting to the theme of the storysSince the story of Spice and Wolf usually occur within cities. As such, most of the things you can expect to see are large brick buildings and markets cluttered by stalls with cloth roofs. When the occasion calls for it though, Spice and Wolf can surprise you with views ranging from vast wheat fields and rural sceneries that are based off medieval Europe to foggy, foreboding forests and quiet paths along the countryside.

All in all, Spice and Wolf has done a great job being unique and staying true to its concept. It never strayed from the story and had a very intricate and mind-boggling plot. Along with the romance going on between Holo and Lawrence, Spice and Wolf truly delivers type of entertainment that hasn’t been shown in any other anime. it tries to both tease the mind by putting the characters into complicated yet conceivable situations and charm the heart by slowly developing the relationship between Holo and Lawrence. It has been a fun watch for me and for everyone who is looking for an anime that has a well constructed plot and a sweet, mature love story, look no further because I am sure that Spice and Wolf will deliver.

Btw, don’t you just love apples?

~First and foremost, thanks for reading my review. If you have any comments regarding my review or just want to have a discussion, then leave a comment at my page. I will greatly appreciate it. =)~