The Wolf's Rain series is very pretty, and I'm not just talking Tsume and Blue. The animation is high-quality; the music is from Yoko Kanno. The plot, up until the last four episodes, is well done and you really can sympathize with most of the characters, from Kiba to Darcia to Quent to Zali, who shows up for only two episodes. (The one exception might be Cheza, who is arguably a bit of a Sue, but when one says she's Yamato Nadeshiko, take that *literally*.)
For your alternative flavor, we have the manga. *Insert what may be spoilers* The plot is virtually the same as the first four episodes through the first half of Chapter Four, but from there, instead of facing down a robot, they visit a hidden human enclave complete with a fake lunar flower, lots of shooting, and girl who is surprisingly cool with Toboe. Then there is Cheza's arrival. Tsume is more suspicious of her here, but another pack... is not.
From there, it gets different. Jaguara never appears or is mentioned by name, The Blue/Hige relationship isn't explored, the humans, particularly Hubb and Cher, get less time, and the pace is a bit rushed when compared to the anime. It does offer a clearer happier ending, though it's still slightly bittersweet.
Manga Hey, it hooked me.
The Wolf's Rain series is very pretty, and I'm not just talking Tsume and Blue. The animation is high-quality; the music is from Yoko Kanno. The plot, up until the last four episodes, is well done and you really can sympathize with most of the characters, from Kiba to Darcia to Quent to Zali, who shows up for only two episodes. (The one exception might be Cheza, who is arguably a bit of a Sue, but when one says she's Yamato Nadeshiko, take that *literally*.)
Sure, it does have its issues. In order to save budget for the otherwise very well-done animation, there are four episodes' worth of clipshows. Don't ask me how the illusions work, and the Frickin' Laserbeams? No comment.
Those last four episodes, by the way? Can we say tearjerker? With a side of mind screw, for that whole bittersweet feel. But for all its flaws, this series was my gateway drug into anime and quite enjoyable. (Especially the fanservice... You know what I'm talkin' about... Quent Yaiden. What? He's my favorite.)
For your alternative flavor, we have the manga. *Insert what may be spoilers* The plot is virtually the same as the first four episodes through the first half of Chapter Four, but from there, instead of facing down a robot, they visit a hidden human enclave complete with a fake lunar flower, lots of shooting, and girl who is surprisingly cool with Toboe. Then there is Cheza's arrival. Tsume is more suspicious of her here, but another pack... is not.
From there, it gets different. Jaguara never appears or is mentioned by name, The Blue/Hige relationship isn't explored, the humans, particularly Hubb and Cher, get less time, and the pace is a bit rushed when compared to the anime. It does offer a clearer happier ending, though it's still slightly bittersweet.