New Releases by Hayao Miyazaki

Acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki’s fantastic adventure takes to the air in search of the Castle in the Sky! An incredible adventure begins when Pazu, an engineer’s apprentice, spies a young girl, Sheeta, floating in the sky, held aloft by a glowing pendant. Together they explore the secrets of Laputa, a flying city constructed by a long-lost race of people. But their quest won’t be easy, as soon they’re pursued by greedy air pirates, the military, and secret government agents, who all seek the power Sheeta alone can control. Castle in the Sky was the first feature film produced by the legendary Studio Ghibli, and this complete retelling captures its beautiful animation and joyous storytelling.

A young witch named Kiki sets off on a journey to become a witch—what does she find at the seaside city where she settles? Now that she’s 13 years old, it’s time for young Kiki to start thinking about her future. One night, under the shine of a full moon, she grabs her black cat Jiji, hops on her mother’s broom and heads off into the night. The next day she arrives at a friendly seaside city, and this, she tells her loyal and furry companion, is where she’ll spend the next year learning how to become a real, honest-to-goodness witch.

Revisit one of Studio Ghibli’s most beloved classics with the My Neighbor Totoro film comics, collected for the first time into one large deluxe hardcover edition! Eleven-year-old Satsuki and her sassy little sister Mei have moved to the country to be closer to their ailing mother. Soon, in the woods behind their spooky old house, Satsuki and Mei discover a forest spirit named Totoro. When Mei goes missing, it’s up to Satsuki to find her sister, and she’ll need help from some new—and magical—friends. Revisit one of Studio Ghibli’s most beloved classics with the My Neighbor Totoro film comics, collected into a deluxe hardcover edition!

In the first two decades of his career, filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki laid the groundwork for his legendary movies. Starting Point is a collection of essays, interviews, and memoirs that go back to the roots of Miyazaki''s childhood, the formulation of his theories of animation, and the founding of Studio Ghibli. Before directing such acclaimed films as Spirited Away, Miyazaki was just another salaried animator, but with a vision of his own. Follow him as he takes his first steps on the road to success, experience his frustrations with the manga and animation industries that often suffocate creativity, and realize the importance of bringing the childhood dreams of the world to life. Starting Point: 1979-1996 is not just a chronicle of the life of a man whose own dreams have come true, it is a tribute to the power of the moving image. -- VIZ Media

In the mid-1990s, filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki moved from success to success as his work found an audience outside of Japan. His animated films of the era, including Princess Mononoke, Howlâu0080u0099s Moving Castle, and Ponyo, were internationally lauded, and Miyazaki won an Academy Award® in 2003 for his popular and critical hit Spirited Away. Follow Miyazaki as his vision matures, as cinema-lovers worldwide embrace his creations, and as critics such as Roger Ebert take up the cause of animation and Miyazakiâu0080u0099s films. In a legendary career, these crucial years represent the turning point. -- VIZ Media

An epic fantasy written and illustrated by the legendary director Hayao Miyazaki! Studio Ghibli picture books capture the magic of the legendary studio’s animated films with easy-to-read text, full-color pictures direct from the film, and a family-friendly oversized hardcover format. In a long-ago war, humankind set off a devastating ecological disaster. The earth is slowly submerging beneath the expanding Sea of Decay, an enormous toxic jungle filled with mutant insects and poisonous spores. At the edge of the sea lies the Valley of the Wind, home to Nausicaä, who risks everything to save her people and bring peace and health to her people.

An epic fantasy written and illustrated by the legendary director Hayao Miyazaki! An addition to the perennially popular line of Studio Ghibli art books—which include interviews, concept sketches, and finished animation cels—of classic animated films such as Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. Hayao Miyazaki’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, based on his own manga, was released in 1984 and has been a cult classic ever since. In a long-ago war, humankind set off a devastating ecological disaster. The earth is slowly submerging beneath the expanding Sea of Decay, an enormous toxic forest that creates mutant insects and poisonous spores. Beyond the sea lies the Valley of the Wind, a kingdom of barely 500 citizens and home to Nausicaä, who risks everything to save her people and bring peace and health to the valley. Includes sketches, developmental water colors, cel animation, and more.

Fantasy, history and Japanese folklore shape an ecological message in Hayao Miyazaki’s ambitious tale. Studio Ghibli picture books capture the magic of the legendary studio’s animated films with easy-to-read text, full-color pictures direct from the film, and a family-friendly oversized hardcover format. Marked with the curse of a rampaging boar god, young Ashitaka sets off on a journey to cure his mysterious affliction. From behind the walls of an iron-mining town, Lady Eboshi arises to smash all obstacles to technological development. And from out of the forest comes Princess Mononoke, driven by a hatred of all humans. Can she and Ashitaka ally in time to stop the wild lands from being destroyed?

The definitive examination of the art and animation of Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece of fantasy and flight, Castle in the Sky! The latest in the perennially popular line of Studio Ghibli art books, which include interviews, concept sketches and finished animation cels from classics such as Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. Hayao Miyazaki’s Castle in the Sky was the first feature film produced by the legendary Studio Ghibli. Sheeta, a girl who has the power to defy gravity, is on the run from pirates when she meets the young inventor Pazu. Together they explore the secrets of Laputa, a flying city constructed by a long-lost race of people. All of Miyazaki’s major themes—the power of flight, the bravery of young women, and a world wrecked by change—are captured with beautiful animation and joyous storytelling.

The art, from conception to release, of the classic Hayao Miyazaki film Princess Mononoke, including a look at Miyazaki’s original art and the use of computer graphics technology in the film. The latest in the perennially popular line of Studio Ghibli art books, which include interviews, concept sketches, and finished animation cels from classics such as Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. Princess Mononoke was the first Hayao Miyazaki film to break out into the American mainstream. The journey from initial idea to the big screen is captured here, in the hundreds of images from preliminary sketches to dynamic animation cels.

One of Studio Ghibli’s most beloved classics, Totoro celebrates its 25th anniversary! The companion book to the beloved animation classic My Neighbor Totoro, by legendary Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki. Featuring artwork taken directly from the movie, this updated edition will allow parents and children to relive Totoro''s magical adventures with scene-by-scene illustrations and character dialogue. The companion book to the beloved animation classic My Neighbor Totoro, by legendary Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki. Featuring artwork taken directly from the movie, this updated edition will allow parents and children to relive Totoro''s magical adventures with scene-by-scene illustrations and character dialogue. Eleven-year-old Satsuki and her sassy little sister Mei have moved to the country to be closer to their ailing mother. While their father is working, the girls explore their sprawling old house and the forest and fields that surround it. Soon, Satsuki and Mei discover Totoro, a magical forest spirit who takes them on fantastic adventures through the trees and the clouds--and teaches them a lesson about trusting one another.

Reads R to L (Japanese Style) Ponyo, a female fish, runs away from her home in the sea and ends up stranded on the shore. Sosuke, a five-year-old boy who lives on a cliff, rescues her. He promises to protect Ponyo forever. Ponyo grows very fond of Sosuke, and with the help of her sisters and her father’s magic, she becomes human. This results in a great imbalance in the cosmos, causing great storms and floods and satellites to fall from the sky. Ponyo becomes a fish again and Sosuke promises to love her no matter what form she takes. In the end, when Ponyo kisses Sosuke, she becomes human again.

· The U.S. theatrical release of Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea is expected in April 2009. · Ponyo had over $100 million at the box office in Japan. With the population difference, this is equivalent to Batman The Dark Knight’s $400-$500 million at the box office in the U.S. · The character of Ponyo – a goldfish who becomes a young girl – is very, very cute. · Ponyo storyline is more familiar to Western audiences than previous Miyazaki films · Ecological themes make the book very timely, especially for children. · Ponyo will likely be more popular than prior Miyazaki films at the US box office; we can also expect DVD sales of more than 500,000 (Spirited Away did 400,000 after release). · Ponyo film extremely likely to be nominated for Academy award for animated feature. (Backlist selling opportunity). Relive the story of Ponyo and Sosuke in this full-color movie art book! From the animators of Howl''s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke and Academy Award winner Spirited Away, comes the new Studio Ghibli film Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen''s The Little Mermaid, is a hand-drawn feature-length film. The art of the film involves not only cel, but also striking watercolor and pastel concept sketches and layout pages. Interviews with productiin principals about their daring choice to hand draw a film in the age of CGI and the screenplay complete the package.

Relive the story of Ponyo and S suke in this full-color picture book! Ponyo is a sweet-faced goldfish from a magical realm under the sea. One day, Ponyo''s curiosity takes her far from home. After accidentally hitching a ride on a jellyfish, Ponyo washes up on the shore and is found by Sosuke, a kindly human boy. The two become fast friends and are swept away on an incredible adventure. Ponyo is a sweet-faced goldfish from a magical realm under the sea. One day, Ponyo''s curiosity takes her far from home. After accidentally hitching a ride on a jellyfish, Ponyo washes up on the shore and is found by Sosuke, a kindly human boy. The two become fast friends and are swept away on an incredible adventure.

An epic fantasy written and illustrated by the legendary director Hayao Miyazaki! From the vaults of Academy Award-winning director, Hayao Miyazaki! Original watercolor illustrations used as concept sketches for both the manga and film versions of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Take a peek behind the curtain to see the creative process of the most acclaimed anime director in the world today. This full-color, over-sized, hardcover book also includes Miyazaki''s earliest sketches that eventually became the basis for some of the most beloved anime movies of the past 20 years. From the vaults of Academy Award-winning director Hayao Miyazaki! Original watercolor illustrations used as concept sketches for both the manga and film versions of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Take a peek behind the curtain to see the creative process of the most acclaimed anime director in the world today. This full-color, oversized hardcover book also includes Miyazaki''s earliest sketches that eventually became the basis for some of the most beloved anime movies of the past 20 years.

A 13-year-old girl sets off on a journey to become a witch. In the process, she learns how to be a woman. From the movie of the same name, this prestige format, lavishly illustrated hard-bound book gives fans a rare glimpse into the creative process of Academy Award-winning director, Hayao Miyazaki. A 13-year-old girl sets off on a journey to become a witch. In the process, she learns how to be a woman. From the movie of the same name, this prestige format, lavishly illustrated hard-bound book gives fans a rare glimpse into the creative process of Academy Award-winning director, Hayao Miyazaki.

Cartoons & Comics.

Sophie thinks of herself as plain and boring, especially compared to her vivacious younger sister Lettie. Sophie expects to spend the rest of her life quietly making hats in the back room of her family''s shop, but as her country prepares for war, she is forced to set out on an extraordinary adventure! Sophie''s excitement continues as she takes up the position of cleaning lady in Howl''s Moving Castle. She soon finds herself at home and making friends with the demon in the fireplace and even the moody Howl. And while horrors of war are edging closer and the magicians of the kingdom turn themselves into terrible monsters to fight the enemy, Sophie finds that what she really needs to fear is Howl''s bathroom!

Shortly after reaping the rewards from his movie Spirited Away, a project that earned him an Academy Award in 2003, director Hayao Miyazaki set his sites on his next film, Howl''s Moving Castle.Based on the novel by British author Diana Wynne Jones, Howl''s Moving Castle gave the internationally renown director an opportunity to bring to life a fantastical time in 19th century Europe when science and magic defined the popular zeitgeist.Veering slightly from its source material, the new Miyazaki movie nonetheless retains all the novel''s principal characters. There''s a foppish wizard named Howl, a vain witch from the wastelands, an anthropomorphic chimney fire and a young girl who carries a most unusual curse. And, of course, there''s the moving castle…a towering, omnipresent structure that dominates the landscape. Already a smash success in Japan, Howl''s Moving Castle finally comes to U.S. theatres this spring. To coincide with its Stateside release, VIZ is proud to present The Art of Howl''s Moving Castle, a hardbound, prestige format book which acts as an essential companion to the film. A generous collection of concept sketches, fully rendered character and background drawings, paintings and cell images, The Art of Howl''s Moving Castle brings the movie into your library. Along with the stunning visuals, the book also presents interviews and comments with the production staff, including key points directly from the director.There''s more than one way to book passage on the moving castle. See the movie, but don''t forget to reserve a copy of the book, as well. The Art of Howl''s Moving Castle is a great way to preserve the magic of the next great anime classic from Hayao Miyazaki. Shortly after reaping the rewards from his movie Spirited Away, a project that earned him an Academy Award in 2003, director Hayao Miyazaki set his sites on his next film, Howl''s Moving Castle. Based on the novel by British author Diana Wynne Jones, Howl''s Moving Castle gave the internationally renowned director an opportunity to bring to life a fantastical time in 19th century Europe when science and magic defined the popular zeitgeist. Veering slightly from its source material, the new Miyazaki movie nonetheless retains all the novel''s principal characters. There''s a foppish wizard named Howl, a vain witch from the wastelands, an anthropomorphic chimney fire and a young girl who carries a most unusual curse. And, of course, there''s the moving castle…a towering, omnipresent structure that dominates the landscape. Already a smash success in Japan, Howl''s Moving Castle finally comes to U.S. theatres this spring. To coincide with its Stateside release, VIZ is proud to present The Art of Howl''s Moving Castle, a hardbound, prestige format book which acts as an essential companion to the film. A generous collection of concept sketches, fully rendered character and background drawings, paintings and cell images, The Art of Howl''s Moving Castle brings the movie into your library. Along with the stunning visuals, the book also presents interviews and comments with the production staff, including key points directly from the director. There''s more than one way to book passage on the moving castle. See the movie, but don''t forget to reserve a copy of the book, as well. The Art of Howl''s Moving Castle is a great way to preserve the magic of the next great anime classic from Hayao Miyazaki.