English Dub Review: Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts: “Invasion and the Wolf Without a Kingdom”

Overview: When Leonhart (Ray Hurd) attends to an urgent matter back in Ozmorgo, Sariphi’s (Emi Lo) ship is attacked by the King of Wolves, Fenrir (David Matranga), and his underling, Nir.  

Our Take: On paper, an invasion is a compelling threat to challenge, not only Leonhart, but Sariphi’s position and credibility as a leader. Each of them is forced to make decisions that are for the better of those under them, rather than their own desires. Although, one benefits more greatly than the other from this hurdle. 

Sariphi’s tested in a way that doesn’t feel too earth-shattering in putting others’ well-being above her own when invaders board her ship. It’s relatively simple, because that’s mostly par for the course in her daily exploits. Even her decision to press on to Bolstobas is typical Sariphi behavior. Hopefully, the series can continue to find inventive struggles moving forward. 

However, for Leonhart, it is quite the opposite. For him, it feels so much more meaningful in the restraint he must have against leaping to Sariphi’s aid. The challenge of not being able to act is powerful, especially in the royal status and power being a king affords him. 

As far as Fenrir and Nir are concerned, they very much feel like villains of the week so far. Nir’s telepathic abilities are impressive in how quickly he dispatches Lante. However, the Hyena’s seasickness being a glaring factor in his defeat begs the question of how deadly Nir really is. Fenrir, on the other hand, comes off as a simple, overconfident antagonist. With any luck, there’s a deeper, more compelling story to him later on. 

Overall, a battle between Fenrir and Leonhart could be intriguing if it delivers a real spectacle. However, unless there’s emotional backbone behind it or an insightful new political wrinkle to the beast world, it’ll fall flat.