Wolf's Rain

This series is absolutely beautiful! It attempts to blend cultures and legends of many countries (North America, Russia, Japan) and does so in a way that is believable. It flows nicely until the end (except for the four OVAs which are really just flashbacks of the previous episodes) and is one of the saddest, yet somehow comforting endings of any series I've ever seen. The characters are easy to relate to, and their relationships are wonderfully portrayed by both the Japanese and English voice actors. The most touching relationship in this series is that between Kiba, the alpha wolf who desperately searches for Paradise, and Cheza, the Flower Maiden who can lead him there. It is so sweet that I found myself thinking 'aww' several times while watching. Although some may be disappointed with the conclusion, I think it's one of the better ways to end a series (much better than the manga did, by the way) and leaves the viewer thinking about philosophy, religion, and spirituality. An imaginative, creative, and all around great series that everyone (especially wolf lovers like me!) should take the time to watch. If you just want to hear the story, skip the four OVAs (I believe they are the last four on the first volume). You're really not going to miss much if you cut those out.

Just finished watching episode 27-30 (which were delayed and only released on DVD for some reason, I think a conflict with the network airing in Japan). The original 26 episodes aired on TV though.

The ending reminded me of the RahXephon one, and probably not without coincidence, since Bones (the studio making the anime) did both series.

It is a sad and dark tale about a pack of wolves trying to survive in a hostile world, on their way to a place they call "Paradise" which apparently is a better place than their present.

Recommended if you like serious, melancholic and a bit thought-provoking series.

8 out of 10

SUMMARY -- Many, many, many years ago the Earth was ruled by wolves. Today they are just mythical beings, existing only in fairytales. But that's what people think. Wolves have adapted themselves to live among the mortals by taking human form, but they are faster, stronger and more flexible than any human. In those ancient times mankind has prospered to its highest peek. But something happened (and nobody's quite sure what it was) and civilization has collapsed. Now, a tyrant rules every city. People are miserable. The legend says that wolves will come back and bring Paradise to Earth...

MY OPINION -- Wolf's Rain is a 21 or 22 episode (depending of a web site) fairytale, about a pack of wolves searching for Paradise. Animation is superb like in most of latest Anime series (e.g. Hellsing or Cowboy Bebop). It's fluid, clear, and the drawing is very colorful. Characters may be a little clichéd but that's usual for Anime. Wolf's Rain looks like Mad Max vs. Cowboy Bebop (created by Keiko Nobumoto). The problem with Wolf's Rain is that you have to have some elementary knowledge about Japanese mythology and fairytales. For if you don't the enjoyment won't be complete. Music is excellent. Something like 80's pop-rock. Main character names are given by their traits (Kiba = Fang, Tsume = Claw, Hige = Whiskers, Toboe Howling). There is no dubbed version yet, but if there is I advise you to look the original Japanese language ver. with English subtitles. Acting is good since the actors are veterans from such Anime as Akira, FLCL, Sakura Wars, X, Cowboy Bebop etc. Story is continuing from episode to episode so it means you have to see them all (except maybe ep. 15-18 which are recap, so you can skip them) to fully understand what's going on. Story is interesting, animation is excellent, acting is very good and production is of highest grade. What more a man could want?

VERDICT -- Wolf's Rain is one of the best Anime series in the last couple of years (since Cowboy Bebop and Hellsing that is). It has something for every generation. Sometimes it may be confusing, non-consequent or slow but you'll forget all of that with the beginning of the next episode. In the sea of new age animated series for kids there aren't many titles that can praise about intelligent, interesting and action packed story/script, or with good acting as a matter of fact. Most of today's TV shows are there to make you stay by your couch absorbing dumb information that mean squat! This Anime will glue you to a couch but from a very different reason. I really enjoyed Wolf's Rain and I sincerely hope that you will too...

I first saw the previews for Wolfs Rain on CN, Adult Swim and was surprised. It's ot often that you see such an interesting plot that grabs you right from the get-go. I of course watched it and fell in love. The animation is amazing and fluid thanx to the people who also animated Cowboy Bebop. The characters are deep and interesting, and their personalities contradict each other making it a lot of fun to watch.

The music is average in my opinion but still it is above normal anime standards for good. The one bad thing is the flashback episodes 15-18. They are a waste of time and get you to forget the story. Other than that it is a spectacular series, right up there with Bebop in my opinion. I would give Wolfs Rain a 9 1/2 out of ten and a jar of cookies. I highly recommend this series to anyone who doesn't mind a little swearing and blood. ^^

When my brother first explained the storyline of Wolf's Rain, the first thought that came to mind was "Typical Werid Anime Storyline". After watching the first few episodes, you really really grow accustom to the characters, scene and the overall feel you get from the situations. Id like to start off with commenting on the plain out engulfing soundtrack, its underscribable the styles of music used, but it just works perfectly with the situations.

The series is also "short", only 30 episodes makes for a nicely sized series, not so long that you get sick of watching it, but not to short to the point you feel cheated. I will say that when the series was over, I felt like..... "What do I do now?" it was just that great.

Try the series out, really pay attention, and I promise if you like very richly told stories that this one more than delivers.