Spice and Wolf
Historical-themed series aren’t an overly common sight within the realm of Anime. But they are just as important as any other series due to the same reasons people study History. The subject can be fascinating, and there is much we can learn from it and alluring customs and practices that we can take away from it. While most of these anime focus on Japan’s history, there are ones set outside too, and whenever the Supernatural factor is added, they can become all the more entertaining.
“Spice and Wolf,” also known as “Ookami to Koushinryou,” is a 13 episode TV Anime series that aired from the 9th of January until the 26th of March, in Winter 2008. It was produced by Victor Entertainment, Pony Canyon, Movic, and Kadokawa Pictures Japan, licensed by Funimation and Kadokawa Pictures USA, and brought to life by Studio Imagin.
The central staff behind its creation were Clinkenbeard Colleen as Producer, Takakuwa Hajime as Sound Director, Shishido Jun as Episode Director, and Takahashi Takeo as Director, Episode Director and on Storyboard. It features the genres of Adventure, Fantasy, and Romance, while boasting a central Historical theme. It received a rating of PG-13 for teenagers 13 years or older.
Spice and Wolf is based on the Light Novel of the same title. It is still in publication since it began on the 10th of February 2006, featuring the genres of Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Romance, and Supernatural. It is the work of Author Hasekura Isuna and Artist Ayakura Juu, which placed first in the “Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi!” rankings under the Best Light Novel category back in 2007.
This series was also published in English by Yen Press from the 15th of December 2009 until the 19th of April 2016. A sequel was also released in the form of a single OVA episode titled “Ookami to Koushinryou II: Ookami to Kohakuiro no Yuuutsu” (“Ookami to Koushinryou 2 OVA Episode 0” or “Spice and Wolf II: The Wolf and the Amber Melancholy”).
Studios Brain's Base and Marvy Jack released it on the 20th of April 2009. This was followed by the 12 episode TV anime sequel “Ookami to Koushinryou II” (Ookami to Koushinryou 2nd Season) in Summer 2009. An alternative version was released in a four-episode ONA series titled “Ookami to Koushinryou VR” on the 3rd of June 2019.
The series revolves around protagonist Holo, a powerful wolf deity both celebrated and revered within a small town called Pasloe for blessing their annual harvest over the years. Yet after many decades pass by, the village folk grow more self-sufficient, reducing Holo, who had stylized herself as the "Wise Wolf of Yoitsu," into nothing more than a mere folk tale. Her fate takes a turn when co-protagonist and traveling merchant Kraft Lawrence makes a destined stop at Pasloe.
The haughty Holo seizes the opportunity and makes an offer to him: to become his business partner in return for him eventually taking her back to her northern homeland of Yoitsu. The savvy Kraft recognizes Holo's unique and valuable ability to evaluate people’s characters and thus accepts her proposition. Henceforth, he is armed with both sharp business skills and an intelligent, charismatic negotiator, allowing him to come much closer to his goal of one day opening his own shop. Regardless, as he continues to travel the countryside alongside Holo in search of favorable economic opportunities, he starts to realize that his initial aspirations are slowly but surely morphing into something entirely unexpected.
Their story is full of economics and romance beautifully fused, creating an enthralling tale that is abundant with elaborate schemes, sharp humor, and witty dialogue. As they continue down their bartering path, it will progressively transform into a journey in search of a lost identity within a dynamic world.
Spice and Wolf features a lot of dialogue in a good way. In medieval times, one word from the Catholic church was considered far more important than anything else, and anyone who went against it was deemed a Witch or Heretic. These archaic times are, in fact, a perfect fit for an Anime about merchant trading. With the main goal of making money, Lawrence Kraft travels around and meets Holo, who just wants to return home. Most of the dialogue appears when the duo is trading goods, bartering, negotiating, and trading information. This is also where the excellent chemistry between Holo and Lawrence lies.
The dialogue is intelligent, makes sense, and fits nicely with the show. All the duo’s thoughts and ideas are exchanged directly, and nothing is left out. While minor details were left out in this adaptation, the Anime is structured so that viewers can understand most of the unmentioned side stories, as long as they remain open-minded. It is highly recommended that this series is watched with Subtitles that include side notes on these. The fact that this series takes time to explain things to viewers without boring them, convincing them to believe each situation is genuinely refreshing and praiseworthy.
Holo and Krust are the most pivotal characters of the show, and they have such good chemistry between them. Their emotions are made evident from their words, and they seem to thrive off each other’s energies, so much so that viewers feel they are arguing right beside Holo. The dynamic between the duo is incredible; they are fun, intelligent, and never compromise for the sake of the plot.
Their respective motivations and flaws make each event relevant and significant. Both strengths and weaknesses are well written, making it a joy to see them experience joy, fear, exhilaration, jealousy, and rage. All of this is accomplished in a complex, unique but believable manner. The supporting characters are easily forgettable though, they serve their purpose and then disappear, but this is not a bad thing.
As for Art and Animation, Spice and Wolf is best experienced in high resolution. The detailing on all the backgrounds of medieval towns, guild halls, and Churches, be it in the form of cobblestones or stained glass, are absolutely incredible. The Animation is neither extravagant nor groundbreaking but is still well thought out and beautiful. There are a lot of static animations, but it is still pretty decent in this department.
The Sounds and Music of Spice and Wolf are well done. The voice actors did a marvelous job portraying the main duo’s emotions perfectly, and the OSTs make the series seem elegant. The OST creators had gone to great lengths to specifically use historically accurate instruments and techniques, and the result is praiseworthy. The sound effects remain high quality and on point, all while never disrupting the dialogue.
Spice and Wolf is definitely not for everyone, as it crams so much information and dialogue into its limited episodes. Regardless, it is a brilliant, beautiful, and intriguing series that simply must be understood to enjoy to the maximum. It leaves just enough facts for you to think and analyze the events of each passing episode, which is a rare treat. Accompanied by decent visuals, excellent audio, and incredible character chemistry, this show is highly recommended for Historical themes fans. Again Spice and Wolf is not your typical anime, but it is highly refreshing!
