Summary

Wolf's Rain takes place in a futuristic, apocalyptic society.  Humans have devastated the Earth, destroying what little remained of nature.  Many species of animal are either extinct or on the brink of extinction. Domed cities are sprinkled over the desolate surface of the Earth.  Humans have been divided into two main groups; an aristocracy called the Nobles, and the rest of the commoners, many of which have become outlaws.  There is a legend of wolves appearing just before the end of the world to lead everyone to Paradise.  No one believes these legends, however, because they believe wolves have become extinct over 200 years ago.

However, wolves do still live and thrive, and only are able to do so by developing a special ability to manipulate people's minds so that they see the wolves as humans. In this way, the wolves can co-exist with humans with the humans being none the wiser.  Many wolves integrated themselves into human society, becoming common workers, gang members, and even lowly street dogs. Many who had once desired to seek paradise had lost interest in doing so, settling instead to live among the humans.

The four wolves, Kiba, Tsume, Hige and Toboe, all have their own individual goals, but all desire true freedom, away from the humans.  They are searching for the mythical Paradise, but in order to do so, must find the Flower Maiden.  However, they have much opposition, in the form of Quent Yaiden, the hunter who wishes to eliminate all wolves from the face of the Earth, and his dog Blue, who helps him locate the wolves.  There are also the detective Hubb Lebowsi, and the various research scientists, including Cher Degre, who wish to prove the existence of these wolves.  Yet another obstacle is the mysterious Darcia, who kidnaps Cheza, the Flower Maiden who can sense the wolves' emotions and pain.

Myth has it that only the wolves will be able to find the way to paradise, but does paradise really exist?