The return of the anime adaptation of “Spice and Wolf (Ookami to Koushinryou)” in the form of a remake was something fans of the franchise had been waiting for years. This represents hopes that more of the story not covered in the original 2000s series will finally be animated, and new fans should prepare themselves for what’s to come. It should be noted that “Spice and Wolf” is not like other anime; and it does not have the typical elements designed to attract the masses.
Despite this, it has maintained its popularity as a cult classic among its devoted fans. Mixing romance with economics lessons and many other things, there’s a subtle charm to this low-fantasy franchise. Many aspects of its narrative and presentation have fans really looking forward to the remake released this week, and it seems they have not been disappointed with the result.
Although the original franchise had an anime adaptation of two seasons of twelve episodes broadcast between 2008 and 2009, fans claim that an unforgivable mistake was made in the second season; the omission of the fourth volume of the original light novels. This volume ended up being crucial to understanding the events of the coming volumes, so this omission caused the adaptation to have to be given an original ending, given that there were no plans to produce a sequel.
So “Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf“, the title of this new adaptation by the studios PassionIt represents a new opportunity not only to fix the mistakes that were made in the past, but to present the franchise to new generationsevaluate the reception and, taking into account the results, decide whether to continue the Holo story in the future.
So far the feedback has been positive, will it stay that way for the next six months?
- «Man, after all these years, Spice and Wolf is back in its glory. The opening song has a melancholic tone but fits for this series. Lawrence makes an appearance; his personality is relatively the same as I remember from the previous season. The introduction of Holo this season seems surreal. An obvious surprise for Lawrence but still a very important moment for the main story. I love the soundtrack they used for that moment. I also love the tone of his voice. The character designs seem more colorful and vibrant than in the previous series, but the frames work well».
- «It’s unreal that Spice and Wolf is back, as it’s always been regarded as an unfortunate series that stopped midway and never saw the face of a sequel, and then over time we literally got used to that reputation. Although it may not be the third season, which would have been more appreciated, but a complete remake… a complete makeover is also welcome. It started exactly the same as it did all those years ago, I believe and hope lol, since I mean it was that promise that started the ritual in that town to begin with, and then with the arrival of Lawrencence during the harvest festival. People are people, of course they would stop believing in a god as time went by, but one can’t do much when suddenly a girl with a tail, naked (something important) jumps out from under the piles of wheat with which some poor guy was charging».
- «We have been waiting SO long for a reboot of one of anime’s most famous classics: Spice and Wolf, by novelist Isuna Hasekura, AFTER 15 YEARS, in celebration of the LN’s 15th anniversary. It will be a full-fledged adaptation. The classic cast and crew return: Ami Koshimizu as Holo, Jun Fukuyama as Kraft Lawrence, and Takeo Takahashi as the reboot’s chief director, so the nostalgia in us knows the reboot will be in good hands. Hana Hope’s OP captures the reboot very well. Kevin Penkin’s OST HITS you hard, and it’s going to be great. And the ClariS ED is the perfect sweet spot for this».
- «It’s been over a decade since Hasekura’s classic Spice and Wolf graced our television screens. Now, 13 years later, instead of the long-awaited third season that fans have been waiting for for so long, we get a modern reboot of the series. And to head it up, none other than Passione, the GOATS of ecchi».
- «This is a perfect start for the Holo anime and for the world to be united by Holo. Rewatching the Holo anime is nostalgic but also a welcome to a new era of Holo. When Holo gets up from the car, HOLO IS SO BEAUTIFUL! To the enemies of the Holoist State who rated 1 and 2. The Holo secret police is on the way».
- «I can’t believe this masterpiece has been rebooted. I wish a good discovery to the newcomers and a lot of nostalgia to everyone else. Frieren just finished 2 weeks ago and here we are again with a slow paced but majestic story. I hope that this year Spice and Wolf also makes it to the top 10. I can’t hide my satisfaction with the illustrations and music. I’m also glad they tweaked the intro. Once again, I am ready to give my afternoons to Holo and Lawrence knowing that this time too the trip will be unforgettable».
- «My most anticipated series of the season is finally here and with 25 episodes! It looks good and the change in artistic style doesn’t bother me in the least. I look forward to the economics lessons and the banter between Lawrence and Holo».
- «I loved every minute, I waited 15 years for this moment».
- «That opening scene with Holo telling the story to her daughter and Ami Koshimizu’s voice, so good. I was skeptical about it, but it’s definitely been a good first episode and I don’t seem to mind Holo’s new design like I thought and I’ll get used to it. The iconic scene of Holo meeting Laurence was very good. I love the fact that Ami Koshimizu was recast as her, perfection. Passione animated Holo naked with great effort, his body movements and so on. I really liked the OP, ED was good too. Good start, pretty excited for the next episodes now».
Fountain: MyAnimeList
