Posted by : du5k 
Posted on : 2010-05-18  
Spice and Wolf II has huge improvements from the prequel; mainly because of the change in studio. It isn't very obvious animation-wise, but a huge part of the story, the business conducted by Lawrence, feels interesting instead of boring like it was in S1. Maybe I shouldn't give the studio too much credit; they might just have better stories to work with.
I remembered the first season as something dull but only shone at certain moments, like during certain interactions between the two main characters and climaxes. Season 2, on the other hand, had kept me interested throughout the length of the show, and because the business part became an integral part of the story, it became an engaging part of the show.
While I didn't see any significant improvement in the animation, the series had maintain quality throughout. Koshimizu Ami's voice work as Horo really began to shine this time round. Music-wise, they maintained similar themes from the first season... which I wasn't too attracted too.
I'll say Spice and Wolf 2 is close to a score of 10, but it's short of a conclusive ending and the shock value that many of the best series have. Still a very good series, but people might miss this if they felt the first season is too boring.
Plot/Concept: Great!
Story Style: Excellent!
Audio/Visual: Very Good
Value: 9
Posted by : Terentius
Posted on : 2010-01-10
The first season of Spice and Wolf was refreshingly different from the norm. After eagerly anticipating the sequel I can finally decide if the wait was worth it.
Animation
The overall quality was very high, with beautifully crafted countryside and gorgeously designed city architecture. I have always enjoyed the way that the designs of the cities conveyed a sense of individualism and character that made each location different from the last. For example, each interior of the establishments that Kraft and Horo stayed in were distinctly different. This was one aspect of the animation which was an improvement from previously. Again the character designs were of the highest standard.
Story
Whilst the first season definitely had a much more business orientated feel to it, Spice and Wolf S2 focused more on the inevitability of Horo's impending arrival in Yoitsu. Nothing much truly deviated from the overall plot or story, but once more this series remained heavily character driven. Business was still business but it soon started to take a back seat to the inner workings of Kraft and Horo's relationship.
Characters
This time round, the relationship between Kraft and Horo was starting to become more personal in nature. The pragmatic and tactical Kraft from the first season was changing into a more emotionally dependent character. Horo was also showing signs of fragility that only comes once two individuals start to understand that their connection will eventually end once her destination has been reached. Their emotional weaknesses were more pronounced and evident. It would be interesting indeed once the third season is completed to see where and how this couple will cope once they go their separate ways.
Music/Sound
The OP was very pleasant and soothing. I didn't enjoy the ED as much and unfortunately the score itself was rather uneventful. The voice acting of the two main leads was excellent as always. As stated in my review for the first Spice and Wolf, it would almost a criminal act if they decided to dispose of the seiyuu who played Kraft and Horo.
Summary
This was tricky. I loved the first season and even though there was story and character progression, there wasn't enough of it. Things started becoming more pedestrian in terms of resolving the ever growing affections of Kraft and Horo. In a way this was why this second season (whilst enjoyable), never really emulated the first's 'freshness'. Spice and Wolf as it currently stands is an incomplete work, but with a third instalment (hopefully) some form of closure would help bring back the focus which was lost with Spice and Wolf S2. Still an impressive 4 stars.
Posted by : MrSentimental
Posted on : 2010-01-05
Well, the first season made me want to know what was going to happen with these two very appealing main characters, Holo and Lawrence. Even though there was definitely room for deeper story-line and there was way too much of that "business" talk in the first series, I still felt it earned a decent score where I saw potential that things would continue to develop in an interesting way for the couple. I felt that things really didn't develop all that much in this second season.
This second season had the same very enjoyable artwork. Not much changed with the sound/ music, which didn't get me excited at all. Like the first season, there were not any other interesting or likeable characters other than Holo and Lawrence. And there was still too much of that business talk. Ho hum, not very entertaining.
There was more affection between Holo and Lawrence which was very appealing, and made me hope I would be seeing more develop between the two in another season. I really wanted to see more times that Holo and Lawrence were together and to see how their relationship went. I did not find that much else in this series was all that interesting.
So, I'm feeling I'm being very generous here giving this second season a "7" considering that so little seemed to happen in the 12 episodes. I'll have to watch a next season, hoping that we'll at least be seeing alot more of how things go between Holo and Lawrence. 7 out of 10 rating. 3 1/2 STARS.
Posted by : ErwinRommel
Posted on : 2009-10-22
The second season follows the first season in structure but improves upon the first season. Gone are the many monotonous cities, and instead we get two cities drawn and described in rich detail. Therefore, if you have watched the first season then this season is for you.
Spice and Wolf S2 still retains its smartly (relative to other anime) written dialogue, and story. Not only do we get the delightful banter between the two when Horo is angry but we also see them starting to understand the consequences of their actions. As Yoitsu approaches, Horo and Lawrence realize that sooner or later their journey will end. Lawrence is also no longer this clever tactician that is always right. We start to see him struggle against opponents that are more and more ruthless. In fact, during the episodes involving fool's gold he gets stymied at every step.
Perhaps what made me reduce its score is that it still leaves you unsatisfied. For first seasons we generally don't expect them to reach their ultimate destination but by second season there are no excuses. The season ended abruptly considering the amount of surprises it revealed.
Thus, great season but it should have been longer than it is. Hence, 8/10
Posted by : Ghostalker
Posted on : 2009-10-09 
After watching Spice and Wolf, it leaves me a feeling of wanting more...and now after a year of waiting here it comes "Spice and Wolf S2
Story/Plot: 90%
The story continuous were season 1 ended. Horo and Lawrence are still on their journey north to where they believe Horo originally resided. While doing so they go from town to town to trade. Sometimes run into quite a bit of trouble. The way they handle their problems is probably the best parts of the story.
Characters: 90%
The female lead "Horo The Wise" is still as witty, cute, and adorable as ever! This time around, being much closer to Lawrence she shows more of her female cute side. She appears much more vulnerable and is more dependent on Lawrence etc. Lawrence on the other hand has also matured in comparison with S1. He is now more reliable and stronger as apersonality. The supporting cast is also quite solid as they fulfill their roles.
Animation: 100%
The animation is a strong element of Spice and Wolf S2, as it is noticeably better than S1. The almost sepia like color animation for a story that has taken place somewhere in the medieval period fits the story and mood quite well. Character designs specially that of Horo are A++
Music: 100%
Both OP and ED is fantastic, especially the ED "Perfect World" which I found very cute. The BGM is not very noticeable but it fits the scenes quite well.
Overall: 95%
The sequel Spice and Wolf S2 did a good job what a sequel should be, and for those who watch S1 this is a must watch! For the newbies I recommend watching S1 first as it shows how Lawrence and Horo meet each other. Probably one of the best anime of 2009, with this I finally have respect for the animation studio Brain-Base.
A JOB WELL DONE!
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