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The Something Awful Forums > The Finer Arts > ADTRW > ADTRW Simulwatchathon XIII: Spice and Wolf
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Zorak
Nov 7, 2005


 Hello and welcome to the thirteenth ADTRW Simulwatchathon! Thirteen is traditionally an unlucky number, but I both am not a superstitious sort and rather like the number thirteen anyways. For those new to the simulwatch, here's the deal: the ADTRW Simulwatchathon is when we get together as a forum to watch older, underwatched, or otherwise atypical anime in a marathon-style format like it's new again. It's basically a big ol' casual anime get together. Just you know... on the internet.

This time I am continuing my rampage of actually having us do what you people voted to watch, with an anime selection rather different from the type we normally do here. See, we typically simulwatch action shows or otherwise very "heavy" dramas. That's largely because they offer a lot of driving momentum that can keep discussion going. But that isn't the only kind of thing that can sustain discussion.

This time we're watching a medieval fantasy romance-economic drama. :tenbux:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MN_WgwEmRaw&hd=1

Spice and Wolf is the 2008-2009 anime series based on a series of light novels by Isuna Hasekura. Described by the Japanese newspaper as Mainichi Shimbun as a "unique fantasy", Spice and Wolf is different in that it's primary focus is on economics, trade, and medieval market economics than the typical fantasy fair of swords, magics, and wizards. You won't see dudes casting fireball. You will see a dude trying to profit off of nearby wars. You won't see elves. You will see a pagan deity attempting to sell some apples.

Kraft Lawrence is a twenty-five year old traveling merchant who roams medieval not-Europe, looking to make his fortune. His goal in life is to gather enough money so that he can open his own shop, leaving his traveling days behind. Lawrence has been on the road for seven years, gaining experience and beyond that, mostly making ends meet. One fated day he visits Pasloe, a rare paganist holdout before the ever expanding influence and power of the monotheistic Church, and a not-uncommon trading destination of his. The town is in the midst of his annual harvest, which coincides with an elaborate festival in honor of their patron diety, Holo, which has been worshiped there for centuries.

Holo, it turns out, is not a mythological figure, but a six hundred year old wolf-goddess who has been protecting and blessing the town's harvest for centuries in exchange for their respect and honor. However, Pasloe has begun to slowly stop believing in her, drifting towards the Church -- and no longer "need" their patron. As they have come to forsake Holo despite her keeping her promise to maintain the good harvests, the goddess decides to leave the town and travel to her ancestral home in the North. In order to achieve this end, she makes a bargain with the merchant Kraft Lawrence in order for her to leave the town.

The series follows Holo and Lawrence's travels in not-Europe, wheeling and dealing and getting up into medieval business (literally). Holo's considerable wisdom and talents help Lawrence increase his profits, but her true nature draws unwanted attention from the Church.



Spice and Wolf was rather a surprise for me when I first saw it a year or so after its second season ended. I watched it entirely on a whim (I believe off a recommendation from Grenadier, a fellow who I knew had some good taste) -- frankly, it at first didn't seem much like the show for me. The over-emphasis in a lot of the advertising materials, and even in the first episode, of a nude wolf girl didn't really sell me when that typically is an indicator that makes me less likely to watch a show.

But I gave it a shot, and I was rather happy to have done so. The series indeed has some non-explicit nudity, but it had context, and fanservice was really not the point. Further, I found the series was genuinely fascinating, and completely non-exploitative like it seemed at first glance. It was a very genuinely entertaining mercantile economics drama, with a lot of good medieval and character drama as well. The trappings were there to catch a certain audience, but that wasn't indicative of what was actually there.

Still, Spice and Wolf IS very different from what we typically do. It's more character drama driven, and more reliant on just character interactions. There is a constant movement to the narrative, but it's not exactly heavy in a powerful overlying story beyond "making ends meet, getting into some really lovely circumstances, managing to turn it around with elaborate fiscal bargains", but that's actually why I think it's a good choice, and something people should give it a shot. Doing different things is the point of these simulwatches, and it's trappings have apparently caused quite a few people like me to give it a pass in the past.

So all in all, I hope it's something you'll give a shot with an open mind like I did!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XHS9fQn1j0&hd=1



FAQ

Why was this selected?
    Well, we had a poll. Here's the results:
    code:
    Oniisama e…			45	15%
Emma, A Victorian Romance	54	18%
Mononoke			62	21%
Astro Fighter Sunred		80	27%
Akira Kurosaw Movies		82	27%
Irresponsible Captain Tylor	82	27%
Paranoia Agent			93	31%
Planetes			98	33%
Legal High!			98	33%
Monster				111	37%
Spice & Wolf			114	38%
The Will and Whim of Zorak	167	56%
Total				300	100%
    So, statistically a majority of you voted for it! Or voted for me, and I agree with the other guys that it's a good choice; atypical, not a lot of people have seen it, pretty good, let's do it.
Where can I get this series?
How does the scheduling work? How does one participate?
    Each day at the designated airing time, 10:00PM EST, we will commence watching the designated episode. You can either: (1) post while watching live or (2) just come in here and discuss it afterwards! It is not necessary to watch with us at the same time, but that's part of the fun / motivation factor, and it allows you to discuss it with us while it's happening.

    Here's how our schedule looks:



    As we are doing one show this time (like Turn A and Fist of the North Star), the pace will be a bit more aggressive. I think this is beneficial given the pacing of the show. By doing one show by itself, we also will be able to keep this simultrain a rolling.

    We are starting Thursday, March 7th.
    Yes, we are starting on a Thurday!
How are spoilers being handled?
    Do not post any spoilers about unaired episodes before we watch, or play the "I KNOW A THING YOU DON'T KNOW but I'm going to pretend I'm just super smart!" game.

    Also, feel free to tell differences between the animated version and other versions (novel etc), that's not really a spoiler, so long as it's not too revealing.
I can't watch on certain days / certain times / am having trouble keeping up, what should I do!?
    It's not the end of the world if you miss an airing or watch it a bit earlier/ later than everyone, so long as you only post after the designated time. As long as you make sure only to post about the episode after the "airing" time, you can still participate in discussion and watching with us, even if you can't discuss it as it airs/ immediately afterwards.

    There are quite a few days for "catch up" each week, plus you can always watch multiple episode simultaneously.
Is there any way I can help with getting this ready?
    Just get the word out as best you can! Tell your internet friends, people you think might be willing to join in on this kind of thing. The more people that participate in the Simulwatch, the more fun it is and the more interesting the discussion tends to be! Also, please post if you plan on joining us, even if you don't plan on participating in the discussion much!

Zorak fucked around with this message at Apr 3, 2013 around 05:38

# ? Feb 26, 2013 02:53
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# ? May 24, 2013 16:38
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Zorak
Nov 7, 2005


 BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

Not only are we doing a Simulwatch, we're going to simultaneously be doing a SIMULREAD!


Click the death of Tokyo, seen here.

This is a new and experimental endeavor, so please do weight in and participate so we can hopefully make it a semi-regular thing like these simulwatchathons are!



Previous ADTRW Simulwatches
# ? Feb 26, 2013 05:38
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Waffleman_
Jan 20, 2011

I'd rather kiss a Waffleman_!


 Oh boy. I watched the first few episodes of Spice and Wolf a couple years ago, but never got around to finishing it, so you know I'm all up for this.

Edit: I think you forgot to put the airing time in.

Waffleman_ fucked around with this message at Feb 26, 2013 around 06:11

# ? Feb 26, 2013 06:07
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Great Rumbler
Jan 30, 2013

For I am a dog, you see.


 I wish Maoyu could have turned out as good as Spice & Wolf, but it's just lacking a certain something [although it's still pretty good]. Maoyu's no Holo, that's probably what I'm thinking.

# ? Feb 26, 2013 06:10
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Spiritus Nox
Sep 2, 2011

An Ebon-clad wall of fiery death, the embodiment of a thousand bloodstained flippers.


 Huh. Never heard of this one before, but the concept sounds fascinating and the opening was really pretty. I'll definitely try and follow along as my schedule permits - I fell behind probably halfway through the Turn A simuwatch and never caught up or really got into the movies, but I had a lot of fun with Turn A while it lasted. I'm looking forward to getting back into evening Anime.

Edit: Also, on second glance, you don't seem to have included the actual watch times. Those would be nice.

# ? Feb 26, 2013 06:15
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Srice
Sep 11, 2011

Great Rumbler posted:

I wish Maoyu could have turned out as good as Spice & Wolf, but it's just lacking a certain something [although it's still pretty good]. Maoyu's no Holo, that's probably what I'm thinking.

Based on what little I watched of Maoyu, I think the answer is that the protagonist acted like a high-schooler who was deathly afraid of boobs, whereas Spice & Wolf involves a relationship between people that look and act like adults.

# ? Feb 26, 2013 06:16
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Spiritus Nox
Sep 2, 2011

An Ebon-clad wall of fiery death, the embodiment of a thousand bloodstained flippers.


 One thing that just occurred to me - anyone have any recommendations on Dubbed vs. Subbed?

# ? Feb 26, 2013 06:19
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Redcrimson
Mar 3, 2008

Second-stage Midboss Syndrome


 Ah, Spice and Wolf. It will always have a special place in my heart for teaching me that anime could be interesting without explosions and shirtless dudes punching each other. I got the complete collection Blu-ray for Christmas, seems like the perfect time to give it a rewatch.

# ? Feb 26, 2013 06:20
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Zorak
Nov 7, 2005

Waffleman_ posted:

Edit: I think you forgot to put the airing time in.

Yeah, my mistake. I'm slightly out of it at the moment, but I needed to get these threads posted so people could get ready; do let me know if I've missed anything.

For like twenty five minutes there this was Simulwatchathon 14 instead of 13 for some reason

# ? Feb 26, 2013 06:21
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wielder
Feb 16, 2008

"You had best not do that, Avatar!"

Great Rumbler posted:

I wish Maoyu could have turned out as good as Spice & Wolf, but it's just lacking a certain something [although it's still pretty good]. Maoyu's no Holo, that's probably what I'm thinking.

In addition to content differences...Spice and Wolf had almost twice as many episodes and never felt rushed, in the end, which helps to avoid the obvious pacing problems affecting Maoyu. That is a shame, since the director and writer clearly know how to do better given their previous experience with adapting S&W.

wielder fucked around with this message at Feb 26, 2013 around 06:34

# ? Feb 26, 2013 06:29
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Great Rumbler
Jan 30, 2013

For I am a dog, you see.


 Yeah, that's another thing about Maoyu, it just feels really rushed and breathless all the time. Lots of side characters that really don't get enough screentime to justify their being in the show at all, too. Hero is ineffectual, at least, but that's kind of a problem in its own right. Lawrence wasn't exactly an aggressive presence, but he was clever and interesting and not above falling prey to his own schemes [Hero has the problem of being too perfect and OP]. Maoyu's bigger themes really need more room to breathe.

# ? Feb 26, 2013 06:36
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Silver2195
Apr 4, 2012

Spiritus Nox posted:

One thing that just occurred to me - anyone have any recommendations on Dubbed vs. Subbed?

Watch it dubbed. Holo's Japanese VA is terrible.

# ? Feb 26, 2013 06:38
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wielder
Feb 16, 2008

"You had best not do that, Avatar!"

Silver2195 posted:

Watch it dubbed. Holo's Japanese VA is terrible.

That's certainly a matter of opinion. I think the Japanese VA is just fine, but the dub is indeed good enough to recommend as an equally valid alternative.

# ? Feb 26, 2013 06:49
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pandaK
May 5, 2011

It's like a fairy circle!

Silver2195 posted:

Watch it dubbed. Holo's Japanese VA is terrible.

On the other hand, the dub absolutely stank of the stilted way that VAs talk when they're speaking directly off a script with no emotion. Pick your poison, really.

# ? Feb 26, 2013 07:00
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paragon1
Nov 22, 2010

Who wants a hug?

pandaK posted:

On the other hand, the dub absolutely stank of the stilted way that VAs talk when they're speaking directly off a script with no emotion. Pick your poison, really.

I really couldn't disagree more. The Spice and Wolf dub is easily one of the best out there.

# ? Feb 26, 2013 08:05
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MagicalDuck
Dec 29, 2008

Open My Heart


 Hurray, a simulwatch show I'm actually interested in! I watched and enjoyed the first few episodes when Spice and Wolf was originally airing, but I didn't finish it for some reason. This is a good opportunity to do that.

Number of Simulwatches Since Last Shoujo Series: VIII

# ? Feb 26, 2013 08:57
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Guyver
Dec 5, 2006



 What do you mean? We just watched Gunbuster not to long ago.

Also Spice and Wolf is a Dengeki Bunko publication, male demographic through and through.

# ? Feb 26, 2013 10:20
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DrSunshine
Mar 23, 2009

The Pink Warrior should just shut up!

paragon1 posted:

I really couldn't disagree more. The Spice and Wolf dub is easily one of the best out there.

You think so? I'm kind of ambivalent about it, myself. Kraft Lawrence sounds sort of in the English dub, though Holo's VA did a great job. It's one of those dubs I'd think of as "Alright", but I don't have particularly strong feelings about it either way.

# ? Feb 26, 2013 15:29
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Senerio
Oct 19, 2009

We're Team Angel and we fight for what's right.
Complete exultation in His holy light.


 I watched episode 1 dubbed and episode 2 subbed when I watched it.

At least that was my plan. I got 8 minutes into episode 2, stopped it, and switched to the dub. Holo's japanese voice just isn't as good, in my opinion, as Brina Palencia.

Sounds too... generic, I guess would be the best term, for the character. Like I've heard the voice before on every anime girl ever.

Kraft sounded fine either way.

# ? Feb 26, 2013 15:37
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HellCopter
Feb 9, 2012


 Great, an excuse to watch this again. What a great show.

Personally, I'd go with the dub. They really nailed Holo's voice.

# ? Feb 26, 2013 16:33
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sentrygun
Dec 29, 2009

FUCKIN
ASSHOLE


 I'm glad this came up, because I really don't have a good excuse for why I only watched a couple episodes of the second season when it came up. I liked the episodes just as much as the first season, but I just stopped watching stuff. It's also been like five years since I saw the first season, so I probably don't remember much about it. Should be fun, and there's plenty of interesting ideas that could come up in discussion.

# ? Feb 26, 2013 17:49
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Mikl
Nov 8, 2009

The trick is building a gravity-manipulation bubble into your bed to lower the local G.


 I'm in, I've been meaning to watch this but I never found the will to start. Better late than never I guess.

# ? Feb 26, 2013 20:47
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Crosscontaminant
Jan 18, 2007



 I'll jump in, I've not seen this series and it's not what I'd normally watch so it should be fun.

# ? Feb 26, 2013 21:03
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Mors Rattus
Oct 25, 2007


 Definitely in on this, I loved what I have seen of the show. I may even manage to post this time!

# ? Feb 26, 2013 21:30
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CmdtCarpenter
Aug 25, 2010

Alles klar?


 I'm in. Now I'll finally be able to finish this. I watched the first three episodes or so but wanted more economics and just never kept going.

# ? Feb 26, 2013 22:26
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Sex_Ferguson
Oct 22, 2010

Show me a good time, Jack!

 Never watched Spice and Wolf before and since Funimation has a dub I'm willing to go ahead and give this a shot. I've heard it's basically economics the anime and that got me interested in it alone.

# ? Feb 27, 2013 00:26
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Mo_Steel
Mar 7, 2008

"We don't need a toilet. The pile of clothes in the hallway has worked fine for us for years, and it will continue to work."

 Definitely along for this ride. If it's anything like the other demon economics manga I'll probably love it.

# ? Feb 27, 2013 01:09
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Silver2195
Apr 4, 2012

Mo_Steel posted:

Definitely along for this ride. If it's anything like the other demon economics manga I'll probably love it.

It's actually a pretty different kind of story. It's more about being a medieval merchant trying to make a living than about changing the world.

# ? Feb 27, 2013 01:14
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IShallRiseAgain
Sep 12, 2008

Well ain't that precious?

 I'll definitely be watching this simulwatch. Also, although it is not as predominantly featured as medieval economics, the show also explores how Christianity usurped pagan religions.

Mo_Steel posted:

Definitely along for this ride. If it's anything like the other demon economics manga I'll probably love it.
Yeah, please don't compare that show to Spice and Wolf. They aren't really that comparable aside from a somewhat similar premise.

# ? Feb 27, 2013 01:34
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Spiritus Nox
Sep 2, 2011

An Ebon-clad wall of fiery death, the embodiment of a thousand bloodstained flippers.

IShallRiseAgain posted:

I'll definitely be watching this simulwatch. Also, although it is not as predominantly featured as medieval economics, the show also explores how Christianity usurped pagan religions.

Idle curiosity - is this literal Christianity or Fantasy Space Pope Religion?

# ? Feb 27, 2013 01:37
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Zorak
Nov 7, 2005

Spiritus Nox posted:

Idle curiosity - is this literal Christianity or Fantasy Space Pope Religion?

It's Christianity Without Actually Calling It Christianity.

# ? Feb 27, 2013 01:50
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a kitten
Aug 5, 2006



 I really liked the first season, but for whatever reason never got around to watching the second so this should be a fun excuse to finally get around to doing that.

# ? Feb 27, 2013 02:00
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Carver
Jan 14, 2003



 Premise sounds great and I can't really say no to being able to watch it for free.

The posts so far have made me decide to watch the dub as well, since I'm just too used to subs and I kinda hate always being in that mindset.

# ? Feb 27, 2013 02:54
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Zorak
Nov 7, 2005


 Personally I rather liked the original cast so I'll be the guy to say

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1b3BuDW1qh4

# ? Feb 27, 2013 03:45
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Autumncomet
Mar 31, 2012

YOHOHO. It is a blob joke?


 I ended up sort of out of it during the last half of February and unable to watch the last two Kurosawa movies with you guys, but this is in shorter chunks and is about economics to boot, so I'll be sure to join in. I'll probably end up watching the dub. I am no true anime fan.

# ? Feb 27, 2013 05:00
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Waffleman_
Jan 20, 2011

I'd rather kiss a Waffleman_!


 I'll probably watch the dub because it'll be easier for me to watch and post at the same time.

# ? Feb 27, 2013 05:02
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Spiritus Nox
Sep 2, 2011

An Ebon-clad wall of fiery death, the embodiment of a thousand bloodstained flippers.


 Gave in to my curiosity and watched the first episode early.

It strikes me as a very pretty series, that's for sure. I really like the opening theme and the artwork is pretty well done throughout. I watched the dub and I think I'll stick with it - Holo was a joy to watch/listen to, Lawrence was okay and the supporting cast was fine. I'll say I'm sold, albeit not overwhelmingly so.

Now, hopefully I can restrain my curiosity until the actual simuwatch starts.

# ? Feb 27, 2013 05:07
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Coughing Hobo
Jun 29, 2005

Why does he have two swords? Does he lose them often?


 I've silently participated in all of the simulwatches, although by the time I get around to being able to post, I feel like the conversation has passed me by and I have nothing to contribute anymore. My work schedule has changed, though, and I might be able to actually live watch this time around. Plus, I haven't seen a single second of this show, so I'm hot to give it a good chance.

# ? Feb 27, 2013 05:27
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Redcrimson
Mar 3, 2008

Second-stage Midboss Syndrome


 The voice acting on both audio tracks is pretty equivalent, I think. It's just a matter of preference in this case.

That said, Spice and Wolf is pretty dialogue-heavy, so sticking to the dub for the first time through might be a good idea.

# ? Feb 27, 2013 05:47
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# ? May 24, 2013 16:38
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paragon1
Nov 22, 2010

Who wants a hug?


 The first season ED is just the best thing.

# ? Feb 27, 2013 06:54
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The Something Awful Forums > The Finer Arts > ADTRW > ADTRW Simulwatchathon XIII: Spice and Wolf