And the Winner Is...

So, how many of you have been sitting here reloading the page to see what FUNimation's newest license is, hmm? And now the moment is finally here. The anticipation, it's killing me! How about you? Could you stand to wait a little longer? Hm? No? Are you sure? Really? I have to tell you now? You've got a gun to my head? Well, okay, I guess in that case...

FUNimation will be localizing Kadokawa Pictures USA's Spice and Wolf, an anime that revolves around a merchant and the wolf goddess he bumps into in a western European medieval-style world setting, and the travels they share. This isn't any Kanokon, though: Horo is a wise wolf with a bit of dignity...unless you're offering her apples, her favorite food.

I got the chance to ask FUNimation a few questions about their plans for Spice and Wolf:

ANIME VICE: When might we expect to hear the first casting announcements?
FUNIMATION: Not sure yet, We have made cast choices but we still need to make a final decision.

AV: Will your release include episode 7, which didn't air on TV but was released as a DVD bonus OVA in Japan?
FUNi: Yes, we will release episode 7.

AV: Are there any plans for digital distribution that you can share at this time?
FUNi: We do have digital rights but are still working on release date.

AV: Being based in a very Western European style fantasy setting, do you think this is a series that could reach outside the usual anime audience and into the broader fantasy audience?
FUNi: Yes, we think fans of movies like fantasy films like The Princess Bride & Willow would enjoy a film like this even if they aren’t as familiar with Anime.

AV: Horo(/Holo? Please correct if you've chosen a romanization!) has a very unique way of speaking, based on a type of Edo-era courtesan that was sort of a proto-geisha, called the oiran. Do you know how you'll convey this in the English-language dub?
FUNi: Holo is correct. (Awaiting details from production on the script and dialogue.)

All in all, a pretty awesome announcement-- at least for me, because I'm dying to own a copy of the show for myself!  How about you guys?

...What? What's that? Aren't I forgetting something? I don't know what you're ta-- ohhhh, right, right, right, contest! Of course I wasn't trying to get out of giving a way a shiny precious Spice and Wolf-related goodie!...(probably...)

The winner of the guessing contest is deanbcurtis, who will be receiving a gorgeous Spice and Wolf tote bag in the mail as soon as they give me their information. Thanks to everyone who played along, and be sure to catch Spice and Wolf when FUNi releases it!