Rating: 7.8/10

Impressions:

So apparently episode 7 will only be released on DVD or something. I have no idea what it even entails, but oh well. Again, the value of the story of Ookami to Koushinryou is quite high, while character development continues at a nice pace. Hopefully, it won’t be long before Horo and Lawrence become much more intimate than they are now. It seems like they only view each other as travel partners—perhaps inseparable ones, but only that at most. The animation quality recently hasn’t been as high, but definitely at tolerable levels. Quality has little effect on a show like this anyway.

Rating: 8/10

Impressions:

Is this first major arc completed? I think it’s been handled rather well. Again, the development between Horo and Lawrence continues, with fairly high quality and an excellent execution of the underground scenes where Horo goes ‘wolf-form’. xD What surprises me is that no one has decided to come after Horo in the aftermath of the escape. And it seems her identity is no real secret anymore, which means there should be plenty more people like Chloe who will want to hunt her down. There’s also the church, which should be well aware of the situation now. I wonder how things will progress from this point, and what kind of plot the show will take on.

Rating: 8.5/10

Impressions:

Things are heating up, and it’s what’s going on between Horo and Lawrence I’m talking about. Awwwww Horo is so cute. I want one. =D The plot has solidified itself somewhat, creating some distinct enemies and overall goals for the protagonists, so while things should have settled down somewhat now, the real story probably begins now. I really interested in seeing what kind of villain Chloe might make, and the things that would go down if she met with Lawrence. I always saw her as some side character and soon forgot about her after a few episodes without an appearance by her, but it looks like her introduction in episode one actually does have a purpose.

Rating: 8.2/10

Impressions:

Horo sure surprised me this time with her sudden submissiveness, or probably better put as mild heartbreak? And Lawrence also seems pretty inexperienced with the whole thing, since he looks like a 15 year old in a harem after staring at Horo like that…I would’ve laughed if they made him blush. In any case, their relationship has deepened, though Lawrence seems pretty unmindful of leaving Horo in the beginning, so I don’t know how much it’s advanced. Oh well, perhaps we’ll get some romance later on in the show. Right now though, I’m interested in the person who faces Horo in the end of the episode, who seems to be an acquaintance…

Rating: 7.8/10

Impressions:

The art quality seems to be dropping somewhat, but it’s not too noticeable. The story is picking up, but I doubt they’ll be a strong plot to direct the flow of the series, as I mentioned in my last post. The character development is more than enough for now, and judging by the preview, perhaps something will happen between Horo and Lawrence? I sure hope so, since they really make an interesting couple. Horo seems incredibly unbound, while Lawrence still has his morals to work with. It makes me wonder what kind of relationship they will develop, and the kinds of things they’ll do in the future (I’m sure Lawrence isn’t used to having such company).

Rating: 7.5/10

Impressions:

In my opinion, one of the better shows of the current season—Ookami to Koushinryou manages to hold my attention and with minimal quality drop, which was expected anyway. This second episode makes me think that the show doesn’t really need any concrete goal to work towards, or some outlandish plot to keep suspense, as it functions more like a comedy and/or feel-good show. The random happenings or character development itself is supposed to hold the audience’s attention. I find it highly enjoyable just listening to Horo and Lawrence converse, and the growth of their personalities. Horo herself would keep me watching the show though.

So that means I believe that this show isn’t really going to feature an engaging storyline, nor present many gory action scenes, so if you’re looking for this show to become ‘better’, I would advise you to look elsewhere. Of course, there’s still the supposed ‘trouble with the church’ that has yet to be introduced, which could make for some drastic changes in the show’s style, but I doubt it. As for me though, I really like it the way it is now. Horo especially entertains me, due to her playful and light nature, but with a fragile and perhaps more serious side to her as well, which will account for any interesting mishaps that will surely happen to her in the future.

A lot of people are saying they see Lelouch and CC in Lawrence and Horo, which is likely to happen, though for me, I can only really identify Lelouch in Lawrence, and not CC. She never really talks enough in Code Geass—well, not enough for me to have a clear recording of her voice, and the peculiar way Horo speaks makes it harder to make a connection as well. But anyway, what I’m getting at is that it’s no problem for me, hearing the two together like that. I actually like Lawrence’s voice quite a bit, finding it suiting for his character. On the other hand, while the same voice suits Zero greatly, it doesn’t really fit the high school image of Lelouch very much.

Rating: 7.3/10

Japanese Title: 狼と香辛料
Genres: Fantasy
Episodes: 12
OP: “Tabi no Tochū” by Natsumi Kiyoura
ED: “Ringo Hiyori” by Rocky Chack
Producers: IMAGIN
Source Material: Manga/Game(?)
Official Site: http://www.spicy-wolf.com/

Impressions:

I’m not sure whether I want to blog this show or not, but I like the premise, and I really like Horo’s character design. Her unique way of speaking is also quite attractive. Everything builds on her interesting character, and I’m hoping that that’s what’s going to make this show good. Anyway, Ookami to Koushinryou (Wolf and Spice) is about a travelling merchant who comes across a resident wolf-god that brings about good wheat harvests (or, maybe it’s spice harvests?), who ends up travelling with him and supposedly increases his profits. From summaries I’ve read, it seems they’ll be getting trouble from the church soon enough though.

High quality, a good cast and an interesting setting—I really hope the second episode won’t be the result of some large budget collapse. This show has a lot of potential, and the first episode is definitely one of the better starts to the season. Lawrence, the male lead, also seems to be quite a likeable character, without the naivety of your usual shounen lead. I was worried about the outward age of Horo matching with the ‘middle-age-ness’ of Lawrence, but the two make a surprisingly good couple IMO, so there’s nothing for me to worry about in terms of compatibility.

What worries me is the possibility of a heavily episodic series that might result, due to the type of goal that is set in the episode. Horo and Lawrence are to journey to Horo’s birthplace, which may or may not span the entire series, but nevertheless creates a large opportunity for episodic events, which would end up blocky and disjointed. Or they could make use of an interesting storyline, but I find that this is what usually causes an anime’s undoing. Shows with manga bases aren’t free from this either, especially when there’s an episode limit while the manga hasn’t finished.