Will ‘Spice & Wolf’ Anime’s Reboot Be Better Than The Original?

For fans of medieval romance with a touch of economics, ‘Spice & Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf’ is a standout recommendation for Spring 2024. This reboot offers a fresh, engaging take on Isuna Hasekura’s beloved series, initially adapted in 2008. While the original anime holds a nostalgic charm, the 2024 version brings notable improvements.

Visually, the 2024 adaptation leads with enhanced character designs and vibrant outdoor scenes. Unlike the 2008 series, which featured a more muted colour palette and thin character designs, the new anime showcases richer colours and more defined characters. Holo, the wolf spirit, is depicted with greater nuance and expression, while Lawrence, the merchant, looks more like a seasoned adult.

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Lighting is another area where the 2024 series excels. The original had dimly lit scenes that, while atmospheric, sometimes made viewing challenging. The new adaptation offers clearer visuals, making it easier to follow the story.

Audio quality is solid in both versions, though the 2024 series benefits from updated music and voice acting. The 2008 series’ English dub was well-received, with Brina Palencia and J. Michael Tatum returning for the reboot. The new series’ music, especially the ending title song ‘Andante,’ enriches the medieval fantasy atmosphere.

In terms of pacing and story focus, the 2024 series aligns more closely with the source material, maintaining a steady narrative flow. The new adaptation avoids some of the slower subplots of the original, like the extended Chloe scene, which hindered the story’s momentum.

Both versions bring out the unique dynamic between Holo and Lawrence, though the reboot enhances their interactions. For example, in Episode 4, Lawrence’s empathetic gesture towards Holo is portrayed with more subtlety and depth in the 2024 series. While the original ‘Spice & Wolf’ remains a cherished classic, the 2024 reboot offers a polished and accessible update, appealing to both new viewers and long-time fans.