It was fine? Made me more curious to watch the show than it did to read the original novel or the rest of this series. This is potentially about me, and not the book, but there was at least one panel per page where I was like: What am I even looking at. Like I didn't get what new information or emotion was being conveyed in places. Given the necessary economy of the form I'm sure the story was laid out the way it was laid out for a reason, so it's just some kind of manga visual vocabulary that I'm missing? Or is it something in the translation? I don't know! 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
What do You think about Spice & Wolf. Tom 1 (2013)?
Story's okay. There are lots of typographical oddities that are annoying, though.
—tay
Interesting concept.Illus. are okay.Some cute parts in here.
—china
I wanted to like this but...it bored me. Badly.
—Diva
