Welcome to the weekly review of Spice and Wolf (2024). Here, we’ll recap what happened in the latest episode, break down some of the economic talk, and discuss the differences between the anime, manga, and light novel. Let’s get started with episode 11.
Forest of Wolves and Frigid Rain
In Spice and Wolf episode 11, the gold smuggling plot has begun. Lawrence, Holo, and Norah meet with a representative of Remerio Trading, Marten. The group set off, eventually entering the wolf-ridden woods. They have a tense night time standoff and Norah remarks how strange it is that the wolves rarely attack or howl.
The next day, they reach Lamtra and Marten enters the city alone to purchase the gold. Norah strikes up a conversation with Holo and the two talk about the nature of men, at Lawrence’s expense. When Marten returns with the gold, they begin the return journey. As the rain pours, wolves chase the party, but thanks to Norah’s expert handling, they stay at a distance. Holo remarks there’s another wolf like her leading the pack.
After Lawrence sends off Marten and Norah, Holo enters the woods to confront this cheeky youngster. While he waits for her return, Lawrence is accosted by Remerio employees, hoping to silence any attempts of blackmail or theft. They leave him, bound and beaten, at the mercy of the wolves.
Spice and Wolf Episode 11 Review
With episode 11, we are closing in on what would be considered a full season of anime, and Spice and Wolf (2024) has not disappointed. Despite this version’s shortcomings, it is still very much Spice and Wolf. These characters have plenty of charm and the banter has been very well executed. There is still a lot holding it back from being a truly great reboot, but if Studio Passione can deliver on a complete story, it will be worth it.
By the end of the next episode, the anime will have covered partway through volume 7 of the manga and through the end of volume 2 of the light novel. At this point, the 2008 version deviated ever so slightly with its second season, choosing to omit a whole arc of Lawrence and Holo’s journey. It will be interesting to see what the 2024 version will do. Perhaps it will continue the pacing laid out by its anime predecessor, or maybe it will adhere strictly to the events of the light novel from here on out. Maybe it will take more notes from the manga, but for pity’s sake don’t let it end with just 12 episodes. Barring that last outcome, fans are waiting with baited breath to see what direction the story will go in.
Stream Spice and Wolf (2024) on Crunchyroll.
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