Spice and Wolf’s just released eighth manga volume reflects a pinnacle in inumimi moe, as well as a significant shift in story as the adventures of man and cute, spicy wolf girl face the latest challenges in their path.
This book concludes the affairs which were ongoing throughout the seventh text – the hero Lawrence and his attractive canine companion are aiding a pair of individuals, a bishoujo priest and her comrade. A misunderstanding surrounding an incident within the local village led the uncivilized populace within it to go after the outsiders with their standard arsenal of pickaxes and spears.
As the situation becomes threatening to the point there seems there’s no alternative of peaceful escape, the bewtiching bishoujo of a pagan deity decides to solve the matter with a miracle – giving the fools of the village the crops they’ve been whining to our characters about.
It’s a fairly swift resolution, and much simpler than anticipated – unless of course, one has seen the animation, in which case it will be very much foreseen albeit enjoyable nonetheless. Seasoned veterans of the anime series should also be aware that following whatever commotion our characters become involved in, there’s most often a serenity which follows as the two merely relax in what is one of the most complex slice of life romance relationships ever. The two characters’ feeling for one another is incredibly explicit – however, it remains to be admitted.
Although it’s not as if all is idle and still, the two are visibly getting closer – and this is despite their already rather intimate relationship, a continually flourishing sentiment through different acts and deeds.
Now having said that, how ironic it is that this segment is followed with the introduction of a certain deceitful princess, fallen from royalty, and currently serving as a crossdressed merchant – a character who causes the protagonist couple to be torn amongst themselves to radical severity. Yet one can at least say with certainty, the outcome of hardship in Spice and Wolf is a strengthened bond of love most rewarding to see – thereby making the harsher treks worth outfitting oneself for the worst.
Good thing our characters are ignorant of as much, lest it’d be less interesting to see.
Oct 28, 2012 @ 11:14 CDT
Oh man, we need another season! And I’m so far behind on the manga… damn damn DAMN why does money hate me =____= But seriously can’t wait until all the volumes are officially translated.
While the explicit nature of this casual couple is always often teetering on, and even pushed over the edge of the “NSFW” barrier, it cannot be denied that this relationship is one of the most lovable in any series to exist.
Yes, their love isn’t declared, and they merely hold they ideal fantasy, yet also the all too real setting of tradesman and companion. How this simplistic setup gets tested through some of the most trivial, and most problematic times always remains welcome.
Dare I say…. they should hold out on declaring love for each other, at least for a while longer!!
Oct 28, 2012 @ 11:57 CDT
I have kinda lost hope that there will be a third season as the first two were a year apart but it has been over three years since then. I’m planning to start the light novels, but the translation project went to donation-only, so it a little bit of a hinder. What volume of LN does this manga cover?
Oct 28, 2012 @ 12:00 CDT
It can’t be any more than volume five – cause that volume of the light novel is already past the anime series.
Oct 28, 2012 @ 21:32 CDT
All I’ll say is never say never, yet hope, but don’t expect.
Several anime of past have had many years between seasons, a recent example being Eureka Seven AO which in all honesty came out of the blue for me. Spice & Wolf more than have the potential to continue, and while it’s far from being in the works, or being done at all, it won’t stop me hoping ;D
Oct 28, 2012 @ 15:19 CDT
Please tell me that characters like Amati don’t appear in the folowing volumes…
Oct 28, 2012 @ 16:03 CDT
Characters like Amati won’t appear in the following volumes. Happy to help.