Anime: Ookami to Koushinryou II

Spice and Wolf is a hard act to follow, the perfect blend of serious historical economics and beautiful character interactions. And with the jarring shift we initially see in the leads' relationship, this sequel series looks set to disappoint. Horo and Lawrence are perhaps closer, than they were at the end of the first series; perhaps a matter of spending more time together (though there is nothing to imply any gap between the two series). But with this comes a distinct change in the character of their actions. They're more directly affectionate, in marked contrast to their evasive, almost tsundere behaviour (on both sides) in the first series. After the first few episodes, the fear is raised that Horo may have derailed into a featureless moeblob.

Happily, though, the series finds its feet after that. While the lead couple's interactions may be warmer on the surface than previously, there's still plenty of spice simmering underneath. The teasing is friendlier and surrounded by giggles, but our leads' original personalities gradually emerge. By the end of this series, not only are Horo and Lawrence fully faithful to their earlier selves; they also seem to have grown and matured in a realistic, very human way. Voice acting is consistently very good (though made easier by the series only having two main characters), with the actors portraying these emotions very convincingly. In fact all the sound is very good; the background music is well chosen and the opening theme in particular is wonderfully fitting.

There's nothing to object to in the plot half of Spice and Wolf II either. While possibly slightly slower paced than the first series, we have a set of suitably enlightening merchantry arcs. The middle section on futures trading and short selling is particularly interesting, but while it tantalises with these plotlines, Spice and Wolf is frustratingly vague on the actual history of such things. The fantasy setting can at times seem like a lazy way of avoiding the need for accurate research, particularly with this series' emphasis on the actions of what is explicitly the Christian church. This is a story that is clearly set in medieval Europe, and often feels genuinely educational (and I mean that in the best possible sense), so the lack of an outright historical setting is a real waste.

Overall, then, this is a sequel that sticks very closely to the original, which is both its strength and its weakness. Nothing is quite as magic when seen the second time around, so Spice and Wolf II lacks a certain edge. This is particularly apparent in the visuals; while the animation would be stunning by the standards of a few years ago, it's nothing special now. Still, this is a good looking series (in absolute if not relative terms), it sounds wonderful, and it portrays both some beautiful character interaction and an interesting (if slightly light) plot. It doesn't quite have that little extra that makes a truly great show, but this is a very good series, and one I would recommend watching.

this is my second review. Im going through and putting up reviews for shows with only a few reviews or ones i find interesting.. in this case its both. There's only one half hearted review up, and I really enjoyed spice and wolf so here goes

A word about my rating scale. I use the 10 point scale just as that, an actual 10 point scale with 5 being average/mediocre. It is not like a lot of sites where if somethings lower than 7 its junk.
scale is as follows:

10:Masterpiece, amazing! 9:excellent 8: very good 7: good 6: fair 5: average 4: bad/sub par 3: very bad 2: horrible 1: unwatchable, dear god, why??

Overview
Spice and wolf II is the second season to Spice and Wolf. There is also an 'episode 00' OAV you should definitely watch that is kinda like the start for this season. This picks up right after the first season with episode 00 providing a transition. If you haven't seen the first season go watch that first. Basically the story follows the travels of a merchant named Lawrence and a wolf god named Horo. Its a bit hard to categorize. It has a tiny bit of action, but the vast majority of it is just dialog. I guess you could call it a love story but thats even kind of toned down. Its not a very fast paced show, although this season has a lot bigger twists than the first. Picture dialog almost as extensive as death note but swap the thriller/horror aspect out with just following 2 characters and watching them grow and that kinda describes the show.

Plot/Story: Story? What story? Its just a framework for the characters[/b]
You dont really watch SW for some great story. There is a plot here but its really just a framework for the characters to do their thing. Lawrence promised Horo to help her find her homeland and the entire show follows their journey there. Thats the plot in a nut shell. This story is not really about the destination, but the journey. The plots there to develop Lawrence and Horo as characters and show how their relationship deepens. This season does touch on her town more than the first though. There are several twists that i cant get too into without spoilers. You find out what happened to her town and there's a VERY powerful scene between the two when Horo finds out. Its probably the most moving scene in the season. The season reveals a few key plot points but doesn't advance too much. Actually, the ending is probably the weakest part. Theres a very interesting story arc with a new character named Eve near the end, and a serious possibility that Horo and Lawrence might go their separate ways.. and it doesn't really get resolved. That being said, the story serves its purpose of providing a vehicle for the character development I give it a 6

Characters: This is where the show shines[/b]
As mentioned above this show is not about the destination, it's about the journey. The characters are what you should be watching this show for. This season advances Horo and Lawrence s relationship a lot, and has them both grow quite a bit as characters. I cant really go into too much detail without spoiling anything but there is a serious reveal a few episodes in which launches a nail biting arc with Lawrence believing Horo will be leaving him. There are some moving scenes there and it was a great start to the season. You also get introduced to several interesting new characters, such as Mark, a town merchant who grows to be a true friend to Lawrence. I really liked this guy and i hope we see more of him in season III if it ever gets made. We also meet an interesting loremaster named Deanna who is more than she appears, and a cute bar maid who briefly flirts with Lawrence for affection. Without spoiling anything, the season wraps up with Lawrence and Horo having a much clearer view of their relationship and where they stand with each other. However one of the new characters, Eve is horribly developed. She is very mysterious when first introduced and you learn a good deal about her past.. but her actions near the end make absolutely no sense and really sour the last episode and the wrap up to the series. Overall though, like i said, the characters are why i watch this show and most were interesting and well done, with the protagonists being developed quite well this season. I give it an 8

Animation: spikes up and down[/b]
This is kind of a sore spot. Overall the character designs are quite good. Horo and Deanna are quite hot, the characters look unique and the backgrounds especially are detailed and fantastic. They really add to the atmosphere of the story. It has a very organic look and feel to it. All in all a good change of pace from the usual 'every chick looks the same just swap out the hair color' style im so sick of seeing. The problem is the animation quality seems to spike up and down randomly. Sometimes characters faces look way off, and a certain scene near the end is botched by poor animation. Im really surprised since there isn't too much action in the series. you'd think they could have maintained a consistent level of quality. I would give it a high score if it wasn't for these distracting dips. With them factored in i'll have to give it a 5

Voice acting/Music: Unique and well done[/b]
The voice acting is very well done. Horo's voice actress gets to stretch her range here with a wide array of mean teasing/playful flirting/embarrassment/and serious emotional breakdowns this season. The other characters all do a great job as well. The real standout for me though is the music. Its a nice change of pace from most of the stuff out there. Its got a lot of flute and violin/string based music that goes very well with the action onscreen. The OP is very catchy. Its an odd old school folksy song with a modern twist.. its hard to describe, give it a listen, its distinctive and fun. One of the highpoint of the show I give it a 9

Enjoyment: Very good watch if you can handle slow pacing[/b]
The most important factor in any review. Is the show enjoyable? A persons enjoyment of this show will depend very much on their tastes. This isn't your run of the mill show. It doesn't have much action, the pace is plodding, and the plot is just a framework for the characters. If you really enjoy watching good character development it will be worth your time. The only downer is the ending leaves some things seriously hanging. There were some very powerful scenes with Horo and Lawrence and i enjoyed all the new characters so i found this season quite enjoyable. Fans of the first season who liked watching Horo and Lawrence go back and forth will probably enjoy this season. Theres a payoff at the end a lot of people have been probably waiting for I give it an 8

Final word/Recommended?
Spice and Wolf Is an enjoyable series for those looking for something a little different and slower paced. This is not a show for your average Naruto/Bleach fan. I think people who enjoyed the first season and wanted to see Horos more vulnerable side will be happy with this season. Those who thought the first season was too slow should just skip this season, there's no action at all really in this season. Its all character development. If you like shows that are are a bit different and don't mind slower pacing for good character development you should enjoy this show

*please leave feedback with what you thought worked and what didn't, reviewers cant learn and improve without it*

Why has no one written a review for this yet??? ....

Overview
It finally came by, and passed by as well. Before this Spice and Wolf S2 started, it was on the top of my to watch list for things last season. After the wait and anticipation I can say that for better or worse it was more of what we expected, but at the same time I felt a bit robbed. Not to give out any big spoilers, but DO expect another season coming up fairly soon after this one.

As this is a second season I hope that anyone reading this review has ALREADY seen the first season and the OVA before they watch this. If not then why are you reading this? Obviously, as I have mentioned they don't stray far from the rest of the series so if you already enjoyed the rest then this will be good as well. If you didn't like what came before then don't bother watching this either.

The story basically continues after the OVA except that they are no longer with the sheep girl anymore. Even though the focus on the anime is still on conversations and dialogue, this time they put a much more heavy emphasis on the relationship between Horo and Lawrence. Most of the arcs either directly or indirectly involve making or breaking the bond of the two.

Detailed Look

Animation
It isn't a feast to the eyes, but the quality hasn't changed much from before. To be perfectly honest I would be fine with even worse animation since the anime really feels more like a book then a tv show. Either way it was nice all around.

Sound
They use the same voice actors, similar BG music and sound effects. The only change is the opening and ending. The opening was a boring and slow piece that didn't really get me into the anime at all. The ending was cute and I liked it almost as much as the Ringo ending in the first season.

Story
Again the story is an ongoing one where Lawrence is trying to succeed as a merchant and Horo wants to find her homeland. The situations this time around at first seem very similar to before but they all panned out differently so that was good. It just felt a bit flat by the end, I didn't know in what direction the anime was heading. The robbed feeling I mentioned before is from the lack of any sort of close, it just stops. Either way its definitely not bad enough to NOT watch, just I want a more clear direction.

Character
Love has struck the hearts of both characters and there actions are filled with this awesome feeling!! Well sort of, I mean even from the OVA they were hinting at this quite heavily but it really showed in this season. They don't really have much other kind of developments aside from Lawrence and Horo understanding themselves and each other better. I actually didn't quite enjoy this new focus, I wanted more of the merchant/trade side, but oh well what can you do.

Value and Enjoyment
So can you still find meaning in this? Yeah of course, they still have very interesting scenarios and intelligent solutions for most of them. I'm not sure if I would re-watch this season though, perhaps if the next one is really good I might think about it. I did enjoy this season for the most part even with some of my dissatisfactions. It is what it is and hopefully it continues to be entertaining.

A final thought: In all honesty I have lost some hope in this anime, I'm not entirely sure why but its gone.