Welcome to the weekly review of Spice and Wolf (2024)! Here, we’ll recap the latest episode, explain some of the economic talk in layman’s terms, and discuss the differences between anime, manga, and light novels. Let’s get started with Spice and Wolf episode 14!
"New Town and Nostalgic Feeling"
With Ruvinheigen behind them, Lawrence and Holo make their way to Kumerson, just in time for the town’s winter festival. Along the way, they banter, discuss food and lodgings, then Holo catches sight of a caravan of fishmongers. Lawrence asks if they could purchase some fish, but the trader, named Fermi Amati, explains they’ve already been spoken for. Instead, he offers to arrange their lodgings and dinner that night, partially because of his infatuation with Holo.
Holo indulges in the food, drink, and awakes horribly hungover the next day. Lawrence visits a merchant friend in town to offload goods and catch up. Later that night, Lawrence asks Holo if she remembers the way to Yoitsu, her home. She replies she doesn’t, but she does remember that Nyohhira, a town famous for its hot springs, is nearby. After some tense and embarrassing words, the two fall asleep.
Lawrence’s dealings with his friend, Marc, is another excellent example of leveraging supply and demand. Knowing what your product’s worth is outside its monetary value can affect its true value and how much people are willing to pay. For example, Lawrence’s nails may not be worth much, as Marc tactfully points out, because there’s sure to be an abundance of raw iron from which to make nails. Lawrence counters with his knowledge of the region. He surmises that as it gets colder, blacksmiths will most likely use fuel for keeping warm, not forging, thus making ready-made nails more appealing. After haggling, the two settle on a price, but once again, Lawrence buys on credit, knowing raw goods are more valuable than coinage.
Review of "Spice and Wolf" Episode 14
As of episode 14, the 2024 version of Spice and Wolf has staked its claim. It will, in fact, be following the order of events laid out in the light novels, using the 2008 anime and manga as reference material where it can. That said, it has once again taken some liberties that make it stand out against those versions. Some of the smaller events, like Holo not being able to read and Lawrence gathering info from Marc, have been shifted around or omitted so the story feels fresher. Also, some key design changes like Amati and the town are a nice change for fans who have seen the 2008 anime. In fact, the environments and music seem to have improved; they feel livelier and distinctly set in the world.
The animation as a whole has also seen small but notable improvements. Given what the new opening shows and using the novels as a road map, it seems the anime will cover the next two arcs and stop just short of a big shift in the story. Who knows if a season 2 is coming, but given the current pace, it’s safe to say it’s very likely.
Stream Spice and Wolf on Crunchyroll.
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