I recently had the pleasure of digesting a short anime called “Wolf’s Rain” that was released in 2003-2004. It is funny how small, seemingly insignificant pieces of media can have an impact on your life.

It was the concept that drew me to it initially; shape-shifting wolves searching for paradise spoke to my existential side, and all of my sides already enjoy the sci-fi/fantasy genre to death. Coupled with the facts that both wolves and rain are some of my favorite things, this seemed like a match made in heaven (yes, pun intended) for my introduction into anime past "Pokémon," "Sonic X" and the anime-inspired shows like "Avatar: The Last Airbender" and "The Legend of Korra."

What I got in return for my interest was more than I had expected. Not only did "Wolf’s Rain" become so important in my mind as to label it one of my favorite television shows, it also instilled in me the importance of love and having a reason to live, only within 30 episodes.

Without going deep into spoiler territory, "Wolf’s Rain" touches on a lot of themes relating to mankind today. A fictional world tells the story of the fall of mankind from the pinnacle of society and how our darkness dooms the world a little more every day. It all may sound a little disparaging, and this show can be (I think I cried too much in the final few episodes). However, there is always an underlying layer of hope, adventure, and purpose that spurs this show and its characters onward into greatness and spectacular moments of story-fueled adrenaline.

I feel like high school, with all its talk of literary importance and the touchstones of what makes good literature and therefore media, has prepared us to enjoy anime more than we would have otherwise. Anime more often than not instills in us serious values and morals and provides us with food for thought compared to more simplistically animated and uninspiringly comedic western cartoons.

And so far in my anime-watching travels, "Wolf’s Rain" is clearly an awesome symbol of all of that. Of course like most anime, it bursts with exciting music, eccentric action, and a beautifully unique art style, but underneath all of that, it is a profound story of will, determination, love, and misguidance. It is a modern mythology that parallels our own societal tribulations and existential musings: a gorgeous piece of art.

If you cannot tell yet, I highly suggest watching this show! It could prove a good gateway anime for newcomers to the medium due to its short length and excellent dubbing. And for veterans of watching the genre, I also suggest adding this to your backlog.