Dive into Deceit and Romance: A Review of Wolf Girl and Black Prince
Get ready to blush and maybe cringe a little, because we're diving headfirst into the world of Wolf Girl and Black Prince (Ookami Shoujo to Kuro Ouji)! This anime and manga series offers a unique blend of shojo romance and, well, some pretty questionable relationship dynamics. Buckle up, it's a wild ride!
The story centers around Erika Shinohara, a high school student desperate to fit in. To impress her new friends, she fabricates stories about having a boyfriend. When her lies catch up to her, she snaps a photo of a random, incredibly handsome guy on the street and passes him off as her significant other. Unfortunately for Erika, the guy in the picture is none other than Kyouya Sata, a popular and seemingly kind student at her school.
Here's where things get complicated. Kyouya agrees to play along with Erika's charade, but only if she becomes his "wolf girl" – his complete and utter servant. He's not the sweet, charming prince he appears to be; he's a sadistic and manipulative character hiding behind a charming facade. And so, Erika's life transforms into a rollercoaster of humiliation, forced servitude, and, surprisingly, complicated feelings.
The Good, the Bad, and the Kyouya
Let's address the elephant in the room: Kyouya Sata is not exactly boyfriend material. His behavior is often cruel and controlling, and many viewers find his actions deeply problematic. He enjoys toying with Erika, and the power imbalance in their "relationship" is glaring. This is a major point of contention for many who watch or read Wolf Girl and Black Prince. However, if you can look past (or find some twisted enjoyment in) his dark personality, there are aspects of the story to appreciate.
Erika, despite her initial foolishness, is a surprisingly relatable character. She's flawed, insecure, and genuinely wants to be liked. As the story progresses, she displays moments of strength and begins to question Kyouya's treatment of her. Her internal struggle to balance her growing feelings for him with her desire to be treated with respect is a central theme. We get to witness her character growth as she navigates this unusual situation. Her friends are also well developed and they add to the comedic element of the story.
The anime adaptation stays relatively faithful to the manga, although some scenes are shortened or omitted. The animation is decent, with vibrant colors and expressive character designs. The voice acting is well-done, particularly Sakura Ayane as Erika, who perfectly captures her character's vulnerability and determination. The soundtrack is also catchy and complements the mood of the scenes.
Is it Worth Watching?
Whether or not you'll enjoy Wolf Girl and Black Prince depends largely on your tolerance for flawed characters and potentially problematic relationships. It's not a typical, fluffy shojo romance. It delves into darker themes of manipulation and power dynamics, which can be uncomfortable for some viewers. It makes it quite distinct from other anime in its genre.
If you're looking for a lighthearted and straightforward romance, this might not be the series for you. However, if you're intrigued by complex characters and aren't afraid to question the traditional "prince charming" trope, Wolf Girl and Black Prince offers a surprisingly engaging and thought-provoking experience. Just be prepared for some moments that might make you cringe or yell at the screen.
The humor is a significant part of the series' appeal. The awkward situations Erika finds herself in, Kyouya's sarcastic remarks, and the over-the-top reactions of the supporting characters provide plenty of comedic relief. It's a series that doesn't take itself too seriously, which helps to balance out the darker elements.
Ultimately, Wolf Girl and Black Prince is a series that sparks debate. Some view it as a cautionary tale about toxic relationships, while others see it as a quirky and unconventional romance with flawed but ultimately redeemable characters. No matter your perspective, it's a series that will definitely leave you with something to think about.
I'd say watch it if you are interested in a romance anime with a dark twist. If you like strong female lead character, this isn't it. Erika will develop into a strong character near the end, but she is mostly a doormat. It's also important to remember that this is fiction, and the characters and their actions are not necessarily representative of real-life relationships.
The Verdict
Wolf Girl and Black Prince is a series that is best approached with an open mind and a willingness to accept its flaws. While Kyouya's behavior is certainly questionable, the series does offer moments of genuine connection and character growth. If you're looking for a shojo anime that pushes boundaries and isn't afraid to explore darker themes, then this might be worth checking out. Just remember to take it with a grain of salt and be prepared for some uncomfortable moments. But it is important to remember that this is a shojo anime and the target audience is young women.
Title: Wolf Girl and Black Prince (Ookami Shoujo to Kuro Ouji)
Publisher: Shueisha (Manga), VAP (Anime)
Genre: Romance, Comedy, School Life, Shojo
Author(s): Ayuko Hatta
