Cult Classic anime series Wolf’s Rain has been re-released on Blu-Ray from Funimation. In the thirty episode science fantasy anime, a pack of wolves who can take humanoid form for disguise purposes (a reference to werewolves perhaps?), try to survive a post-apocalyptic world as they search for the hope dubbed “Paradise”.

Wolf’s Rain is an 2004 science fantasy, post-apocalyptic anime series, it is produced by Bones, and licensed by Funimation, it is currently available on DVD and Blu-Ray in English.

The main pack in human disguise.

Written by Keiko Nobumoto and directed by Tensai Okumara, Wolf’s Rain is Studio Bones fourth anime production, as well as perhaps the first to gain the studio acclaim and popularity throughout the industry in both Japan and North America for its talent. Following a pack of wolves who can take human shape, main character Kiba and his wolves true to find Paradise which is said to save them from their post-apocalyptic world.

Kiba as a wolf.

THE GOOD: Wolf’s Rain is one of the early works of now universally acclaimed studio Bones. Set in an post-apocalyptic world, main character Kiba is an arctic wolf hellbent on finding the Lunar Flower so he can open the way to Paradise, which is said to save the world. Composer Yoko Kanno illustrates the beautiful scenery and action sets of the series with her signature direction to astounding results. Though early compared to more recent adaption works, Bones’ quality animation is used to its fullest potential in the series. Characterization used throughout the series is some of the best from the early to mid-2000s.

The dangers a wolf face are endless.

THE BAD: There’s a random bunch of four episodes that act as recaps for the episodes prior to them and it breaks up the story quite oddly, some viewers may actually end up being confused by them.

Kiba in human disguise.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Wolf’s Rain is one of the anime series that first helped bring Bones into prominence with it’s direction, characterization, soundtrack, and story. The odd placement of recap episodes admittedly hurts the story more than aide it however. Otaku Dome gives Wolf’s Rain: The Complete Series Blu-Ray an 87 out of 100.