English Dub Review: Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts: “Pursuit and the Vassals’ Battle”

Overview: Fenrir (David Matranga) gets to know Sariphi (Emi Lo) more deeply, understanding the root of her feelings with Leonhart. (Ray Hurd)

Our Take: The pursuit and vassals’ battle juggles establishing both Fenrir and Nir’s dynamic, unraveling their unique relationship. There’s a certain comfort in their relationship through their own special brand of scarred, harsh childhoods. It is expanded upon in how down on Leo’s kinder, more merciful demeanor. 

Sariphi’s past trauma as a sacrifice also adds an interestingly wrinkle, allowing her to identify with Fenrir so closely. Sariphi and Fenrir’s shared hardships build a relatable enough connection between them. It’s also decently effective in making the wolf understand how she’s solidified a place in Leo’s heart while establishing his own yearning for her. 

Nir’s connection is more simple and to-the-point in his servitude, due to his master acting as his savior. However, that is just one of the issues. Unfortunately, with such blazing momentum and short backstories, there isn’t much room for depth, neither for Nir nor Fenrir. Their pasts follow the beaten a little too well with their tales feeling predictable. 

Lante is so eager to prove himself in the wake of recent failings to protect his queen. Thankfully, there’s excellent progression to his shortcomings in Sariphi instilling a sense of self-preservation, for both his sake and her’s. 

Although, the impending showdown between Leonhart and Fenrir is, hopefully, just what the doctor ordered. Fenrir is in desperate need of something to push him forward as a sympathizing antagonist behind a short-lived history.