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狼と香辛料 [Ookami to Koushinryou] (Comic) #1
Spice & Wolf, Vol. 1
With his carthorse as his only companion, the young merchant Kraft Lawrence slowly wends his way through dusty back roads in search of profitable trade. But this monotony screeches to a halt when, one night, he encounters a harvest goddess in the guise of a beautiful young girl...with wolf ears and a tail! Longing for the northern lands of her birth, Holo the Wisewolf joins Lawrence as he follows the ebb and flow of trade through the countryside. And when the two come across a compelling but suspicious opportunity for profit, will Lawrence with his mercantile chops and Holo with her ancient instincts be able to separate the truth from the lies--and make some coin while they're at it?!
180 pages, Paperback
First published March 27, 2008
88 people are currently reading
2130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
June 19, 2024
Whew this was boring as f***…
I’m not sure I understand the appeal of this one. It’s the first manga series I’ve read where I’ve been bored out of my mind and couldn’t care less what happened to the characters. The artwork was stunning but it wasn’t enough to save the story. Also, the nudity…why was it needed? I’m confused. Either way, I won’t be continuing the series.
I’m not sure I understand the appeal of this one. It’s the first manga series I’ve read where I’ve been bored out of my mind and couldn’t care less what happened to the characters. The artwork was stunning but it wasn’t enough to save the story. Also, the nudity…why was it needed? I’m confused. Either way, I won’t be continuing the series.
July 8, 2024
The first two chapters were interesting, but it slacked off quite a bit within the volume and quickly became very boring. I don't know if I want to continue in the series.
September 12, 2016
This manga is weird. It’s kind of like a slice of life but with fantasy elements in it? About 95% of this manga was just a merchant going about his daily life, but oh yeah there’s also a wolf girl who’s kind of like a goddess? And she can shift between a human and a wolf and she knows when people are lying.
It was kind of a slow read. After the first bit where the story is being established, then it’s just a travelling merchant with the tag-along wolf girl. There were several pages just explaining currency exchange rates and why it’s important and how it can change. I may still continue because it seems to be a short series (and highly recommended by a friend of mine), but it doesn’t seem to be terribly necessary to read either.
It was kind of a slow read. After the first bit where the story is being established, then it’s just a travelling merchant with the tag-along wolf girl. There were several pages just explaining currency exchange rates and why it’s important and how it can change. I may still continue because it seems to be a short series (and highly recommended by a friend of mine), but it doesn’t seem to be terribly necessary to read either.
Read
May 31, 2010OK, I am in love... with this series. I know that the light novel(s) on which this manga adaptation was based on has been translated into English, but there is just something about the visual medium that makes it stand out. Lawrence and Holo are very cute together and even though there is a lot of plot based on economics, it doesn't detract from the actual story and the characters. It was shrink wrapped in the store due to Holo's initial appearance completely naked, but then she is a wolf and wolves don't tend to wear clothes.
June 4, 2019
This book was strange to say the least. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading it but seeing a few pictures when I flicked through did not give me high hopes for this book. It focuses on a merchant who is passing through a town and suddenly he has a wolf girl / goddess as a stow away. There didn't seem to be much of a plot and even then it only began halfway through the novel but I'm not sure how you can keep a story interesting based on the current plotline- economics- and make the reader interested in this fantasy world's currency and seeing what happens when the silver with which it is made becomes more impure and the dip in prices...
Along with the fact that the main character looks and is spoken about as looking like a girl, I really hope the main character doesn't fall in love with her later down the line. Not to mention the whole wolf thing, the discussion of fine furs and her being naked through parts of it....
Along with the fact that the main character looks and is spoken about as looking like a girl, I really hope the main character doesn't fall in love with her later down the line. Not to mention the whole wolf thing, the discussion of fine furs and her being naked through parts of it....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2021
Read for “First In A Series” for Becca’s Bookopolothon!
This was a reread. We follow Laurence, a travelling merchant and the start of his adventure with Holo the wolf. I enjoyed this, although some of the money talk went over my head. I’ve watched the anime, the 2 seasons of it that were made, so I understood it well enough as this volume is a part of the anime.
The art style is super cute! I laughed a few times too, so it’s also comical.
Not for young children, as there’s nudity, as well as them not understanding it all.
This was a reread. We follow Laurence, a travelling merchant and the start of his adventure with Holo the wolf. I enjoyed this, although some of the money talk went over my head. I’ve watched the anime, the 2 seasons of it that were made, so I understood it well enough as this volume is a part of the anime.
The art style is super cute! I laughed a few times too, so it’s also comical.
Not for young children, as there’s nudity, as well as them not understanding it all.
September 24, 2019
This is one of those mangas I don't really understand the appeal. It's about a merchant being a...merchant. That means going around towns, selling, getting tips, and creating a profit while living on the road. There's other series like this, and I get the slice of life appeal, but it's not done in a interesting way. Saying that, the main characters work well enough and the art is great. I also really enjoy the fact the nudity isn't shown to be "Sexy" or "fanservice" but as a matter of fact they are naked when they want/need to be and it isn't more than that. Also, the main character despite being half fox is a cutie.
Overall though, it's kind of boring. It's good for what it goes for, and art is great, but not for me. A 2.5 out of 5.
Overall though, it's kind of boring. It's good for what it goes for, and art is great, but not for me. A 2.5 out of 5.
May 10, 2015
1) Deutsche Rezension
2) English Review
1) Deutsche Rezension
Das Beste an diesem Buch zuerst: Der Zeichenstil ist wirklich gut. Man kann höchstens etwas dagegen sagen wenn man diesen sehr mangatypischen Stil nicht mag aber das war es auch schon. Es ist sehr detailliert und klar, die Gesichter sind ausdruckstark und die Proportionen sind einheitlich.
Das Buch insgesamt hat mich allerdings nicht überzeugt. Ich fand es am Anfang schon eigenartig wie Charaktere schon vor Beginn der Geschichte vorgestellt wurden die kaum eine Rolle im Manga hatten. Wir hätten sie sowieso getroffen und was nötig wäre über sie erfahren. Also wozu das Ganze?
Die Geschichte selber war ok aber sie hat es nicht geschafft mein Interesse zu wecken. Sie hat recht eigenwillige Elemente (wie der Weingutbesitzer welcher nicht weiß was Tauschhandel ist), fast so als wüsste sie nicht so richtig was sie sein will. Ich frage mich auch was das Ziel der Geschichte war, denn im ganzen Buch war es hauptsächlich herumreisen, verhandeln und erläutern. Zum Ende hin war es auch recht langweilig für mich.
Im Grunde war die Geschichte nicht schlecht, nicht gut für mich, und ich kann sehen warum Leute es mögen würden aber für mich war es einfach nichts. Ich denke auch nicht, dass ich den zweiten Band in nächster Zeit versuchen werde.
Was Holo angeht, kann ich sie nicht als Wölfin ansehen, eher als weitere Version eines Fuchsmädchens. Da ist zum einen ihre Aussage, dass sie ihren Wolfsarm (wo die Pfote nicht mal annähernd wölfisch aussieht) als nicht hübsch ansieht, es ist ihre Form, warum sollte sie so denken? Dann waren da so einige von Holos Posen bei denen ich mich fragte, schon am Anfang, ob sie nichts als Fanservice waren. So wie sie ihren Körper zur Schau stellt würde es passen, dass es eher um was zum Anschauen für Männer/Jungs geht, sprich um Sex. Und da ist auch ihr "süßes" Aussehen und sogar ihre Frage ob Kraft sie süß findet. Was im starken Kontrast zu ihrer Verhandlungsfähigkeit (wobei es einmal recht übertrieben wurde) und Eigenständigkeit steht, sowie einigen Dingen die sie später sagt.
Und wenn es auch bewundernswert ist, dass sie sagt sie würde eine Brandnarbe wie einen Orden tragen, so frage ich mich doch warum sie sich so mädchenhaft verhält, trotz ihres Alters, und sich von ihm sogar auf den Kopf tätscheln lässt. Warum Kraft das überhaupt macht kapier ich nicht, er weiß sie ist im Grunde eine riesige Wölfin, also wäre etwas mehr Respekt/Vorsicht schon angebracht.
Ihre Ernährung, in Bezug auf Gemüse, passt eher zu Füchsen und nicht Wölfen. Warum wird sie überhaupt weiße Wölfin genannt wenn sie (abgesehen von der weißen Spitze an ihrem Schwanz) rotbraunes Fell hat? Ein weiteres Merkmal von Füchsen und nicht Wölfen. Sie sieht sogar aus wie ein Fuchsmädchen (siehe unten).
Und ich weiß auch nicht warum sie so gut im Verhandeln ist wenn sie nur im Kornfeld an einem Ort für so lange gelebt hat. Aus irgendeinem Grund ist sie innerhalb der Geschichte eine Quelle für finanziellen Erfolg. Ihre Fähigkeit als "Lügendetektor," dass sie den Silbergehalt von Münzen am Geräusch unterscheiden kann und ihre Verhandlungsgabe passen genau da hinein. Und auch wenn es im z.B. mitteleuropäischen Raum so etwas wie einen Roggenwolf gibt so ist das keine Schutzgottheit, was Holo tut passt da nicht. Zumindest nicht in der Zeit von der dieser Manga klar inspiriert ist.
Wölfen können auch keine Bäume hochklettern, manche Füchse können es, vor allem Graufüchse kommen einen geraden Baum hoch.
Ich denke nicht, das Holo wirklich eine Wölfin ist, sie ist aus meiner Sicht eine nur unzureichend verkleidete Version eines Fuchses aus japanischen Legenden und Religion. Selbst ihre Rolle als Feldgottheit und ihre Fähigkeit Wohlstand zu bringen erinnern mich stark an die japanische Gottheit Inari, mit welcher Füchse in Verbindung gebracht werden und welche mitunter als Fuchs dargestellt wird.
2) English Review
The best thing about this book first: The drawing style is really good. You could at most argue against it when you do not like this very manga-typical style, but that was it. It is very detailed and clear, the faces are expressive and the proportions are even.
The book all in all however did not convince me. I already found it weird at the beginning that some characters were introduced before the start of the story despite them having barely any role in the story. We would have met them anyway and get to know everything important about them. So what was up with that?
The story itself was ok but it did not succeed in getting my interest. It had some pretty odd elements (like the vineyard owner who doesn't know what barter trade is), almost as if it didn't really know what it wants to be. I also asked myself what the goal of the story was, because the entire book mostly consisted of travelling, bargaining and exposition. Towards the end it became pretty boring for me.
At its core the story was not bad, not good for me, and I can see why people would like it but it simply was nothing for me. I doubt that I will read the second volume any time soon.
When it comes to Holo herself, I cannot see her as a she-wolf, rather as another version of a fox-girl. For once there is her statement that she does not see her wolf-arm (where the paw looks nothing like a wolf's) as pretty, it is her form, why should she think like this? Then there were a lot of Holo's poses where I asked myself, at the beginning already, whether they are nothing but fanservice. The way she flaunts her naked body in front of Kraft would fit; that it is more about being something for men/boys to look it, aka it's about sex. And there is also her "cute" look and even her question whether Kraft thinks she is cute. Which stands in stark contrast to her bargaining ability (albeit they overdid it once) and independence; as well as some things she states later.
And even though it is admirable that she states that she would wear a burn scar like a badge, I do still ask myself why she acts this girly, despite her age, and why she lets herself be patted on the head by him. Why Kraft does this in the first place is something I don't get, he knows that in essence she is a giant wolf, so I think a bit more respect/caution would be appropriate.
In regards to her dietary habits, regarding vegetables, she is more akin to foxes than wolves. Why is she called the white she-wolf anyhow when she has reddish brown fur, apart from the white tip of her tail? Another trait of foxes and not of wolves. She even looks like a fox-girl (see below).
And I further don't know why she is so good at bargaining when she had only lived in the cornfield for such a long time. For some reason she is the source of financial success in this story. Her ability as a "lie detector," that she can differentiate the content of silver in coins based on the sound they make and her ability to bargain fit exactly into this. And even though there is a "rye wolf" e.g. in the central European era, that is a not a protective deity, what Holo does here doesn't fit that being. At least not in the time that this manga clearly draws inspiration from.
Furthermore wolves cannot climb on trees, some foxes can do it, and especially grey foxes can get on erect trees.
I don't think that Holo is really a she-wolf, in my opinion she is only an insufficiently disguised version of a fox from Japanese legends and religion. Even her role as a vegetation deity and her ability to bring wealth strongly remind me of the Japanese deity Inari, who is connected to foxes and sometimes depicted as one.
Holo:
Fox-girl
2) English Review
1) Deutsche Rezension
Das Beste an diesem Buch zuerst: Der Zeichenstil ist wirklich gut. Man kann höchstens etwas dagegen sagen wenn man diesen sehr mangatypischen Stil nicht mag aber das war es auch schon. Es ist sehr detailliert und klar, die Gesichter sind ausdruckstark und die Proportionen sind einheitlich.
Das Buch insgesamt hat mich allerdings nicht überzeugt. Ich fand es am Anfang schon eigenartig wie Charaktere schon vor Beginn der Geschichte vorgestellt wurden die kaum eine Rolle im Manga hatten. Wir hätten sie sowieso getroffen und was nötig wäre über sie erfahren. Also wozu das Ganze?
Die Geschichte selber war ok aber sie hat es nicht geschafft mein Interesse zu wecken. Sie hat recht eigenwillige Elemente (wie der Weingutbesitzer welcher nicht weiß was Tauschhandel ist), fast so als wüsste sie nicht so richtig was sie sein will. Ich frage mich auch was das Ziel der Geschichte war, denn im ganzen Buch war es hauptsächlich herumreisen, verhandeln und erläutern. Zum Ende hin war es auch recht langweilig für mich.
Im Grunde war die Geschichte nicht schlecht, nicht gut für mich, und ich kann sehen warum Leute es mögen würden aber für mich war es einfach nichts. Ich denke auch nicht, dass ich den zweiten Band in nächster Zeit versuchen werde.
Was Holo angeht, kann ich sie nicht als Wölfin ansehen, eher als weitere Version eines Fuchsmädchens. Da ist zum einen ihre Aussage, dass sie ihren Wolfsarm (wo die Pfote nicht mal annähernd wölfisch aussieht) als nicht hübsch ansieht, es ist ihre Form, warum sollte sie so denken? Dann waren da so einige von Holos Posen bei denen ich mich fragte, schon am Anfang, ob sie nichts als Fanservice waren. So wie sie ihren Körper zur Schau stellt würde es passen, dass es eher um was zum Anschauen für Männer/Jungs geht, sprich um Sex. Und da ist auch ihr "süßes" Aussehen und sogar ihre Frage ob Kraft sie süß findet. Was im starken Kontrast zu ihrer Verhandlungsfähigkeit (wobei es einmal recht übertrieben wurde) und Eigenständigkeit steht, sowie einigen Dingen die sie später sagt.
Und wenn es auch bewundernswert ist, dass sie sagt sie würde eine Brandnarbe wie einen Orden tragen, so frage ich mich doch warum sie sich so mädchenhaft verhält, trotz ihres Alters, und sich von ihm sogar auf den Kopf tätscheln lässt. Warum Kraft das überhaupt macht kapier ich nicht, er weiß sie ist im Grunde eine riesige Wölfin, also wäre etwas mehr Respekt/Vorsicht schon angebracht.
Ihre Ernährung, in Bezug auf Gemüse, passt eher zu Füchsen und nicht Wölfen. Warum wird sie überhaupt weiße Wölfin genannt wenn sie (abgesehen von der weißen Spitze an ihrem Schwanz) rotbraunes Fell hat? Ein weiteres Merkmal von Füchsen und nicht Wölfen. Sie sieht sogar aus wie ein Fuchsmädchen (siehe unten).
Und ich weiß auch nicht warum sie so gut im Verhandeln ist wenn sie nur im Kornfeld an einem Ort für so lange gelebt hat. Aus irgendeinem Grund ist sie innerhalb der Geschichte eine Quelle für finanziellen Erfolg. Ihre Fähigkeit als "Lügendetektor," dass sie den Silbergehalt von Münzen am Geräusch unterscheiden kann und ihre Verhandlungsgabe passen genau da hinein. Und auch wenn es im z.B. mitteleuropäischen Raum so etwas wie einen Roggenwolf gibt so ist das keine Schutzgottheit, was Holo tut passt da nicht. Zumindest nicht in der Zeit von der dieser Manga klar inspiriert ist.
Wölfen können auch keine Bäume hochklettern, manche Füchse können es, vor allem Graufüchse kommen einen geraden Baum hoch.
Ich denke nicht, das Holo wirklich eine Wölfin ist, sie ist aus meiner Sicht eine nur unzureichend verkleidete Version eines Fuchses aus japanischen Legenden und Religion. Selbst ihre Rolle als Feldgottheit und ihre Fähigkeit Wohlstand zu bringen erinnern mich stark an die japanische Gottheit Inari, mit welcher Füchse in Verbindung gebracht werden und welche mitunter als Fuchs dargestellt wird.
2) English Review
The best thing about this book first: The drawing style is really good. You could at most argue against it when you do not like this very manga-typical style, but that was it. It is very detailed and clear, the faces are expressive and the proportions are even.
The book all in all however did not convince me. I already found it weird at the beginning that some characters were introduced before the start of the story despite them having barely any role in the story. We would have met them anyway and get to know everything important about them. So what was up with that?
The story itself was ok but it did not succeed in getting my interest. It had some pretty odd elements (like the vineyard owner who doesn't know what barter trade is), almost as if it didn't really know what it wants to be. I also asked myself what the goal of the story was, because the entire book mostly consisted of travelling, bargaining and exposition. Towards the end it became pretty boring for me.
At its core the story was not bad, not good for me, and I can see why people would like it but it simply was nothing for me. I doubt that I will read the second volume any time soon.
When it comes to Holo herself, I cannot see her as a she-wolf, rather as another version of a fox-girl. For once there is her statement that she does not see her wolf-arm (where the paw looks nothing like a wolf's) as pretty, it is her form, why should she think like this? Then there were a lot of Holo's poses where I asked myself, at the beginning already, whether they are nothing but fanservice. The way she flaunts her naked body in front of Kraft would fit; that it is more about being something for men/boys to look it, aka it's about sex. And there is also her "cute" look and even her question whether Kraft thinks she is cute. Which stands in stark contrast to her bargaining ability (albeit they overdid it once) and independence; as well as some things she states later.
And even though it is admirable that she states that she would wear a burn scar like a badge, I do still ask myself why she acts this girly, despite her age, and why she lets herself be patted on the head by him. Why Kraft does this in the first place is something I don't get, he knows that in essence she is a giant wolf, so I think a bit more respect/caution would be appropriate.
In regards to her dietary habits, regarding vegetables, she is more akin to foxes than wolves. Why is she called the white she-wolf anyhow when she has reddish brown fur, apart from the white tip of her tail? Another trait of foxes and not of wolves. She even looks like a fox-girl (see below).
And I further don't know why she is so good at bargaining when she had only lived in the cornfield for such a long time. For some reason she is the source of financial success in this story. Her ability as a "lie detector," that she can differentiate the content of silver in coins based on the sound they make and her ability to bargain fit exactly into this. And even though there is a "rye wolf" e.g. in the central European era, that is a not a protective deity, what Holo does here doesn't fit that being. At least not in the time that this manga clearly draws inspiration from.
Furthermore wolves cannot climb on trees, some foxes can do it, and especially grey foxes can get on erect trees.
I don't think that Holo is really a she-wolf, in my opinion she is only an insufficiently disguised version of a fox from Japanese legends and religion. Even her role as a vegetation deity and her ability to bring wealth strongly remind me of the Japanese deity Inari, who is connected to foxes and sometimes depicted as one.
Holo:
Fox-girl
April 15, 2019
*This volume of manga contains explicit content, so please tread lightly if that bothers you.*
In this story, we have a wolf spirit who protects and helps the land. In their time frame, the people of the land don't rely on the spirit anymore, and so she wants to go home. A merchant stumbles across her, and opts to take her home.
The story was alright, but I didn't really connect well with it, or the characters. The art is lovely, and I felt that though there was explicit content, it was done in a way that wasn't derogatory. Unnecessary maybe, but not derogatory.
I don't think I am going to continue with this particular series, as there are so many that I enjoy more.
In this story, we have a wolf spirit who protects and helps the land. In their time frame, the people of the land don't rely on the spirit anymore, and so she wants to go home. A merchant stumbles across her, and opts to take her home.
The story was alright, but I didn't really connect well with it, or the characters. The art is lovely, and I felt that though there was explicit content, it was done in a way that wasn't derogatory. Unnecessary maybe, but not derogatory.
I don't think I am going to continue with this particular series, as there are so many that I enjoy more.
January 13, 2019
Who knew a manga about merchants and economics could be so interesting. This volume is quite slow and is mostly set up, but I still enjoyed learning about the world and the characters immensely. Holo is adorable. Reading volume 2 has become a high priority.
May 10, 2022
I got on an interesting journey with a wolf and a seller - and yes, it does sound bizzare but at the same time it is really sweet and heartwarming, and quite gripping. Even if the story goes by slowly.
June 16, 2017
To be fair this just reaches a 3 star rating. The story itself was light and the mystery behind the coins is enough that I may pick up the second volume. I did like the artwork, as well.
July 2, 2019
3.5! I want volume 2!
January 20, 2020
Will not be continuing lmao
January 10, 2022
3.5/5
The story is not exactly what I expected, but then again... what did I really expect? It’s just a story of a merchant going about his daily tasks, and then Holo bouncing along beside him and helping him out. The artwork is lovely, so while I don’t really enjoy the story so much (it’s kind of slow and tedious at parts), I’ll read on for the art style alone. I’m a sucker for art!
The story is not exactly what I expected, but then again... what did I really expect? It’s just a story of a merchant going about his daily tasks, and then Holo bouncing along beside him and helping him out. The artwork is lovely, so while I don’t really enjoy the story so much (it’s kind of slow and tedious at parts), I’ll read on for the art style alone. I’m a sucker for art!
August 5, 2022
Idk what it is about these characters but I love them just as much here as I did in the anime. Their chemistry is just so interesting and quick.
November 25, 2023
Imagine a fantasy manga story, but the adventure part is medieval commerce. But, like, it is just as exciting and romantic, totally unaffected. One of my favourites for a long time.
July 11, 2024
Can I interest you in some tiddie pictures to convince you to carry on reading?
Meh
Meh
October 3, 2022
I enjoyed the Spice and Wolf anime when I watched it. The manga is also really good and I think I prefer it over the anime so far.
November 2, 2014
Je ne connaissais absolument pas Spice & Wolf jusqu’à ce qu’une amie me fasse découvrir la série. Et quelle découverte !
Lawrence est un jeune marchand qui rêve de se poser quelque part et d’ouvrir sa propre boutique. Alors qu’il arpente les routes, il croise une étrange jeune fille aux oreilles et à la queue de loup : Holo, déesse des moissons, sous son apparence humaine. Cette rencontre va bouleverser son petit quotidien bien ordonné. Holo désire regagner ses terres natales. En attendant, elle décide de faire un petit bout de route avec Lawrence. De fil en aiguille, nos deux compagnons vont développer une relation singulière : de parfaits étrangers, ils vont devenir associés. Grâce au sens du commerce de Lawrence et à l’instinct de Holo, les affaires vont repartir de plus belle et les entraîner dans une histoire qui les dépasse.
Spice & Wolf nous plonge dans un univers fantastique médiéval et nous mène à la rencontre de personnages étranges et originaux. Ainsi nous retrouvons deux personnages principaux : Lawrence, un marchand itinérant, et Holo, déesse louve des moissons. Holo a abandonné sa forme animale, en raison des dangers qu’elle encoure sous cette forme là. Présente depuis de nombreux siècles au village de Pasroe, elle s’est rendue compte que les habitants n’ont plus besoin de sa présence. Alors, elle décide de partir et de regagner les terres qui l’ont vue naître. Lawrence va ainsi lui proposer un marché : en échange de son aide pour établir son propre commerce, il accepte de la raccompagner dans les terres du Nord. C’est là que commence leur partenariat. Mais voilà, de nombreux dangers les guettent. L’un comme l’autre, ils vont très rapidement être confrontés à la convoitise, l’envie, la peur et le rejet mais aussi aux complots et trahisons qui agitent le monde marchand. Comment s’en sortir dans ces conditions ? De simples associés, il semblerait que la relation de nos deux héros ne s’arrête pas là et évolue progressivement. En apprenant à se connaître, ils vont finir par devenir de très bons amis. Difficile en même temps pour Lawrence de résister à Holo, si craquante !
Du côté des graphismes, rien à redire, ils sont juste sublimes. Les couvertures de chacun des tomes sont vraiment très belles, surtout au niveau des couleurs. Et l’auteur a réussi à donner vie à chacun de ses personnages. Les postures, les mouvements et les expressions sont très étudiés. Chaque trait révèle un coup de crayon à la fois des plus délicats et des plus précis ! Ainsi, nous apercevons Holo tour à tour sensuelle, triste ou hilarante. Les décors et les vêtements ne sont pas négligés non plus. Bien au contraire, Keito Koume nous montre ici toute la maîtrise de son talent avec une multitude de détails qui ne viennent en rien alourdir les différentes scènes !
Pleine de légèreté, de douceur et de charme, Spice & Wolf est une série beaucoup plus complexe qu’il n’y paraît au premier abord. En partant d’une simple rencontre, nous découvrons le monde marchand et son fonctionnement. Et c’est un réel plaisir grâce à une histoire intéressante, une intrigue très bien maîtrisée et des dessins sublimes ! C’est donc une série que je vais continuer avec plaisir avant de me tourner vers l’animé.
http://drunkennessbooks.blogspot.fr/2...
Lawrence est un jeune marchand qui rêve de se poser quelque part et d’ouvrir sa propre boutique. Alors qu’il arpente les routes, il croise une étrange jeune fille aux oreilles et à la queue de loup : Holo, déesse des moissons, sous son apparence humaine. Cette rencontre va bouleverser son petit quotidien bien ordonné. Holo désire regagner ses terres natales. En attendant, elle décide de faire un petit bout de route avec Lawrence. De fil en aiguille, nos deux compagnons vont développer une relation singulière : de parfaits étrangers, ils vont devenir associés. Grâce au sens du commerce de Lawrence et à l’instinct de Holo, les affaires vont repartir de plus belle et les entraîner dans une histoire qui les dépasse.
Spice & Wolf nous plonge dans un univers fantastique médiéval et nous mène à la rencontre de personnages étranges et originaux. Ainsi nous retrouvons deux personnages principaux : Lawrence, un marchand itinérant, et Holo, déesse louve des moissons. Holo a abandonné sa forme animale, en raison des dangers qu’elle encoure sous cette forme là. Présente depuis de nombreux siècles au village de Pasroe, elle s’est rendue compte que les habitants n’ont plus besoin de sa présence. Alors, elle décide de partir et de regagner les terres qui l’ont vue naître. Lawrence va ainsi lui proposer un marché : en échange de son aide pour établir son propre commerce, il accepte de la raccompagner dans les terres du Nord. C’est là que commence leur partenariat. Mais voilà, de nombreux dangers les guettent. L’un comme l’autre, ils vont très rapidement être confrontés à la convoitise, l’envie, la peur et le rejet mais aussi aux complots et trahisons qui agitent le monde marchand. Comment s’en sortir dans ces conditions ? De simples associés, il semblerait que la relation de nos deux héros ne s’arrête pas là et évolue progressivement. En apprenant à se connaître, ils vont finir par devenir de très bons amis. Difficile en même temps pour Lawrence de résister à Holo, si craquante !
Du côté des graphismes, rien à redire, ils sont juste sublimes. Les couvertures de chacun des tomes sont vraiment très belles, surtout au niveau des couleurs. Et l’auteur a réussi à donner vie à chacun de ses personnages. Les postures, les mouvements et les expressions sont très étudiés. Chaque trait révèle un coup de crayon à la fois des plus délicats et des plus précis ! Ainsi, nous apercevons Holo tour à tour sensuelle, triste ou hilarante. Les décors et les vêtements ne sont pas négligés non plus. Bien au contraire, Keito Koume nous montre ici toute la maîtrise de son talent avec une multitude de détails qui ne viennent en rien alourdir les différentes scènes !
Pleine de légèreté, de douceur et de charme, Spice & Wolf est une série beaucoup plus complexe qu’il n’y paraît au premier abord. En partant d’une simple rencontre, nous découvrons le monde marchand et son fonctionnement. Et c’est un réel plaisir grâce à une histoire intéressante, une intrigue très bien maîtrisée et des dessins sublimes ! C’est donc une série que je vais continuer avec plaisir avant de me tourner vers l’animé.
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August 21, 2011
Spice & Wolf is a manga adaptation of the original light novel, as well as the anime. The story revolves around Lawrence, a merchant in sort of medieval-ish setting, who gets his hand on some wheat from a village that prays to a wolf god to keep their crops healthy. When Lawrence leaves, and finds a mysterious woman suddenly in his wagon, he's a bit surprised to find the wolf god-dess, Holo, has decided to travel with him, and perhaps make a bit of money on the side.
Spice & Wolf is definitely one of the more interesting/different manga series I've read. It's got that smart thinking, plotforming style that reminds me a lot of Death Note in that it involves mostly conversation and plotting instead of action, but just focuses on making a living instead of outsmarting L/Kira. It's also got a heroine, Holo, who's very herself, and doesn't need to depend on anyone but herself. She's not an action, Katniss style heroine, but rather a more subtly strong one. She's got an almost honest confidence in herself is what I'm getting at, if that makes any sense.
So most of this manga is really just set-up for the bigger plotline to come (I'm expecting) in the next few volumes. A lot of it focuses on the knowledge Holo has to learn in relation to trading, and a few scenes showing us the beginning of the 'conspiracy'/moneymaking scheme Lawrence and Holo are setting up. Much like the first few chapters in a book, there's nothing here to totally grab your attention just yet. There are a few character development hints, and lots of fun witty lines, but so far it's too cute and just funfunfun for anything serious as of yet.
Notice the yet. I've got a good feeling this series is going to just keep getting better and better.
I've already talked about Holo quite a bit, and to be honest there's nothing more to be said about her other than she's awesome, I love her, and she's my favorite character so far. Lawrence works really well with her in terms of the storyline, and as a character. There's an easy balance between them that makes me wonder if a romance will develop between the two, and at the same time not caring if one does. They're cute together, but I don't feel the need for there to be anything more as of yet.
The art style is fabulous, and the scenes with Holo are very adorable and just plain fun to read. All in all, a lovely volume. 4-4.5/5
Spice & Wolf is definitely one of the more interesting/different manga series I've read. It's got that smart thinking, plotforming style that reminds me a lot of Death Note in that it involves mostly conversation and plotting instead of action, but just focuses on making a living instead of outsmarting L/Kira. It's also got a heroine, Holo, who's very herself, and doesn't need to depend on anyone but herself. She's not an action, Katniss style heroine, but rather a more subtly strong one. She's got an almost honest confidence in herself is what I'm getting at, if that makes any sense.
So most of this manga is really just set-up for the bigger plotline to come (I'm expecting) in the next few volumes. A lot of it focuses on the knowledge Holo has to learn in relation to trading, and a few scenes showing us the beginning of the 'conspiracy'/moneymaking scheme Lawrence and Holo are setting up. Much like the first few chapters in a book, there's nothing here to totally grab your attention just yet. There are a few character development hints, and lots of fun witty lines, but so far it's too cute and just funfunfun for anything serious as of yet.
Notice the yet. I've got a good feeling this series is going to just keep getting better and better.
I've already talked about Holo quite a bit, and to be honest there's nothing more to be said about her other than she's awesome, I love her, and she's my favorite character so far. Lawrence works really well with her in terms of the storyline, and as a character. There's an easy balance between them that makes me wonder if a romance will develop between the two, and at the same time not caring if one does. They're cute together, but I don't feel the need for there to be anything more as of yet.
The art style is fabulous, and the scenes with Holo are very adorable and just plain fun to read. All in all, a lovely volume. 4-4.5/5
May 3, 2012
I was actually told about the anime series Spice and Wolf about a year ago. A friend of mine recommended it because they thought it was something I would enjoy. I never got around to watching the show, but did stumble upon the manga recently. I had no idea that the manga and the anime series are based off of light novels. My friend was right, I did enjoy this volume and will be going after the anime soon:)
When Lawrence goes to get some rest in his cart after a long day he discovers a very naked Holo. when he asks what she is doing in his cart Holo tells Lawrence her story. I enjoyed the conversational style writing in this manga. The story line was very clear.
At first Lawrence does not believe Holo’s story of being a wolf demon and thinks she is just some disfigured runaway, so Holo has to bring out the big guns and give him a little bit of a show… Well, lets just say she proves who she is and Lawrence learns not to doubt her.
I really enjoyed learning the folklore surrounding Holo’s existence. How she is connected to the land, the wheat is amazing. It seams that Lawrence and Holo will be able to help one another as they are now traveling together. Lawrence helping Holo blend in, she does have wolf ears and tail to learn to hide. I can see Holo becoming a great asset to Lawrence in his merchant business as she can tell when people lie.
I loved the artwork in Spice and Wolf. It was detailed and beautiful. I can’t wait to learn more about these characters and see what happens next.
Happy Reading,
Rebecca
www.bendingthespine.blogspot.com
When Lawrence goes to get some rest in his cart after a long day he discovers a very naked Holo. when he asks what she is doing in his cart Holo tells Lawrence her story. I enjoyed the conversational style writing in this manga. The story line was very clear.
At first Lawrence does not believe Holo’s story of being a wolf demon and thinks she is just some disfigured runaway, so Holo has to bring out the big guns and give him a little bit of a show… Well, lets just say she proves who she is and Lawrence learns not to doubt her.
I really enjoyed learning the folklore surrounding Holo’s existence. How she is connected to the land, the wheat is amazing. It seams that Lawrence and Holo will be able to help one another as they are now traveling together. Lawrence helping Holo blend in, she does have wolf ears and tail to learn to hide. I can see Holo becoming a great asset to Lawrence in his merchant business as she can tell when people lie.
I loved the artwork in Spice and Wolf. It was detailed and beautiful. I can’t wait to learn more about these characters and see what happens next.
Happy Reading,
Rebecca
www.bendingthespine.blogspot.com
December 11, 2017
"Meh" really sums up how I feel about this one. It just feels like a loooot of weird male fantasy...Holo spends a lot of time pointlessly naked, or else eating very messily. I don't really get it...and the whole "clever deal" thing that she pulled on the merchants group Lawrence was selling the furs to just felt...really dumb. As in, it was a dumb thing she SOMEHOW made the guy believe...but it was ESPECIALLY dumb of Lawrence to let her do that at all. That guy remembered his name, so he wouldn't be likely to forget that Lawrence had tricked him and gotten more money for the furs than he should've. Swindling someone in a position of authority when you're VERY likely to have dealings with them again? Take it from a proud Slytherin: that's bad business.
TL;DR - Boring story with two people just TALKING about how ~suuuuper clever~ one of them is most of the time, or else discussing random merchant-related things that really only have any bearing on this pretend world. And one of them is often naked, or else eating in a grossly messy way (that is supposed to be sexy? Somehow?? I guess???).
0/5
TL;DR - Boring story with two people just TALKING about how ~suuuuper clever~ one of them is most of the time, or else discussing random merchant-related things that really only have any bearing on this pretend world. And one of them is often naked, or else eating in a grossly messy way (that is supposed to be sexy? Somehow?? I guess???).
0/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2015
Kraft Lawrence is a clever traveling merchant traveling a medieval countryside hoping to earn enough to realize his dream of owning his own shop. His life gets significantly more complicated when he inadvertently gives a wolf goddess a lift away from the village she's been watching over for centuries. Wanting to go back to the land of her birth, Holo vows to help Lawrence in his trades in exchange for traveling with him.
At the center of Spice and Wolf is a well developed journey with compelling lead characters. This is a decent adaptation with good art. The story and characters are great, with the trading and economic angle giving this an unique hook and feel. But this is my third time through the material. Loved the anime. Found the light novel good but a bit dry/boring in parts. This is somewhere between the two.
Spice and Wolf remains excellent at its core, but there's not really enough unique or stunning about the version to warrant continuing for me. New readers will find a lot to like though.
At the center of Spice and Wolf is a well developed journey with compelling lead characters. This is a decent adaptation with good art. The story and characters are great, with the trading and economic angle giving this an unique hook and feel. But this is my third time through the material. Loved the anime. Found the light novel good but a bit dry/boring in parts. This is somewhere between the two.
Spice and Wolf remains excellent at its core, but there's not really enough unique or stunning about the version to warrant continuing for me. New readers will find a lot to like though.
November 2, 2015
Lawrence Kraft is a traveling merchant who one day finds a hitch-hiker napping in his cart: a wolf-goddess named Holo who has taken semi-human form. She would like him to take her north, back to her homeland, and along the way he teaches her about human economics while she uses her specific talents to help him out in his dealings.
This comic was okay but not a lot happens in the first volume and I much preferred watching the anime. The "explicit content" warning on the cover can be safely ignored; Holo, being a wolf, appears naked in a couple early scenes, and that's all. There is also no "language" as denoted by the rating on the back cover. It's harmless and honestly I wouldn't hide this one from kids. It's a bit sad the publishers decided to rate it so harshly and keep a large portion of the manga audience from reading it.
This comic was okay but not a lot happens in the first volume and I much preferred watching the anime. The "explicit content" warning on the cover can be safely ignored; Holo, being a wolf, appears naked in a couple early scenes, and that's all. There is also no "language" as denoted by the rating on the back cover. It's harmless and honestly I wouldn't hide this one from kids. It's a bit sad the publishers decided to rate it so harshly and keep a large portion of the manga audience from reading it.
October 15, 2019
3.5 stars!
Loved the originality of this. The two main characters are likable, and I found the plot quite interesting despite being quite centred on economics!
My only criticism is that did she *really* have to be naked so much? I mean I guess her being a wolf it makes more sense than it does in other manga so I guess I can forgive it. Also, I don't know if it's the version I read or something, but some of the dialogue translations were a bit clunky.
Really enjoyed the concept though and think I'll definitely read some more of the volumes!
EDIT: I realised that I actually read the manga and not the light novel so just moved this review to the manga! (Got a bit confused as to which was which on here). But having had a little peek, I think I'm going to read the light novels instead as they seem to be more heavy on world building which I like.
Loved the originality of this. The two main characters are likable, and I found the plot quite interesting despite being quite centred on economics!
My only criticism is that did she *really* have to be naked so much? I mean I guess her being a wolf it makes more sense than it does in other manga so I guess I can forgive it. Also, I don't know if it's the version I read or something, but some of the dialogue translations were a bit clunky.
Really enjoyed the concept though and think I'll definitely read some more of the volumes!
EDIT: I realised that I actually read the manga and not the light novel so just moved this review to the manga! (Got a bit confused as to which was which on here). But having had a little peek, I think I'm going to read the light novels instead as they seem to be more heavy on world building which I like.
August 20, 2018
Volume 1 of spice and wolf is the beginning of the adventures of Kraft Lawrence, a traveling merchant, and Holo, a wolf girl( that may or may not be a god?). The manga goes in-depth on Lawrence's life as a traveling merchant, exploring the different risk evaluations he has to take and decisions he must make to come out of top on a particular deal or trade. I enjoyed the dynamic between the two main characters and also found the mercantile aspect of the story quite compelling. I think this manga is a good read, well worth my time and money and I look forward to seeing where the story goes next in the second volume.
December 27, 2014
Saw only the first ep of the anime and found it good. The setting was nice, the characters were interesting but haven't continued watching it yet. And so thought let's see what the manga is about. And its about the same.
What got me interested was not only these two characters, the setting but the story as well. Good start, looking forward to Holo and Lawrence's adventures and wonder what they'll do next.
What got me interested was not only these two characters, the setting but the story as well. Good start, looking forward to Holo and Lawrence's adventures and wonder what they'll do next.
January 16, 2018
This manga is a waste of $12. It's advertised as a story about a merchant and that's exactly what it is. The story is about how many furs he can sell, shaving down of money to trick dealers, the freshness of fruit, on and on. You'll say, well it's for kids, they will like it. Except it contains nudity so it is definitely not for kids.
December 27, 2023
Absolutely entertaining. I had caught the show a few years ago and had heard that it is getting a remake so I decided to pick up a few volumes and was not disappointed.
While it is a slower paced story compared to what I normally read I loved every second of it. The inclusion of an excerpt from the first light novel was also very nice.
While it is a slower paced story compared to what I normally read I loved every second of it. The inclusion of an excerpt from the first light novel was also very nice.
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