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Princess Mononoke: The First Story
An oversized, lavishly illustrated storybook featuring original watercolor art by legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki!
This is the original Princess Mononoke story, created by Hayao Miyazaki in 1980 while he was first conceptualizing the landmark animated film that would be released to universal acclaim seventeen years later. As an initial version of the tale, it offers a new and different perspective from the final version presented in the film. After a long, exhausting war, a samurai lost in a forest encounters a giant wildcat--a mononoke. The beast saves his life, but at the price of his daughter's hand in marriage...
This is the original Princess Mononoke story, created by Hayao Miyazaki in 1980 while he was first conceptualizing the landmark animated film that would be released to universal acclaim seventeen years later. As an initial version of the tale, it offers a new and different perspective from the final version presented in the film. After a long, exhausting war, a samurai lost in a forest encounters a giant wildcat--a mononoke. The beast saves his life, but at the price of his daughter's hand in marriage...
104 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1993
4 people are currently reading
931 people want to read
About the author
Hayao Miyazaki
366 books3,508 followersHayao Miyazaki (Japanese: 宮崎 駿) is a celebrated Japanese animator, filmmaker, screenwriter, and manga artist, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of animation. He is the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, the animation studio responsible for producing many of Japan’s most beloved and internationally acclaimed animated films. Over the course of a career spanning decades, Miyazaki has developed a reputation for creating visually rich, emotionally resonant stories that often explore themes such as nature, pacifism, flight, childhood, and the human condition.
Miyazaki was born in Tokyo and developed an early interest in drawing and animation. His father’s work in the aviation industry had a significant influence on him, particularly in fostering his fascination with aircraft and flight, motifs that would become prominent throughout his later works. After studying political science and economics at university, Miyazaki began his professional career in animation when he joined Toei Animation. There, he worked under the mentorship of directors like Isao Takahata, with whom he would later form a lifelong creative partnership.
In his early years at Toei and other studios, Miyazaki contributed to several television series and animated films. He worked as a key animator and storyboard artist, gradually gaining recognition for his storytelling abilities and attention to detail. Among his early projects were contributions to series such as Heidi, Girl of the Alps and Future Boy Conan. His directorial debut in feature films came with The Castle of Cagliostro, a film adaptation of the Lupin III manga series, which already showed signs of his distinctive style and sensibilities.
Miyazaki's breakthrough came with the film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, based on his own manga. The success of that film prompted the establishment of Studio Ghibli, which he co-founded with Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki. From that point forward, Miyazaki directed and wrote many of Ghibli’s most iconic works, including My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle. His films are known for their hand-drawn animation, strong character development, and philosophical underpinnings.
In 2001, Miyazaki directed Spirited Away, which became one of the most critically and commercially successful animated films of all time. The film received numerous awards and international recognition, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It also became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history at the time of its release. The film’s success further solidified Miyazaki’s reputation as a master storyteller and a visionary in global cinema.
Despite announcing his retirement several times, Miyazaki repeatedly returned to filmmaking. His later works, such as Ponyo and The Wind Rises, continued to showcase his evolving themes and storytelling maturity. His most recent project, The Boy and the Heron, marked a highly anticipated return to the director’s chair and once again captivated audiences with its dreamlike visuals and emotional depth.
Miyazaki’s films are often distinguished by their complex female protagonists, environmental messages, and moral ambiguity. Rather than presenting clear-cut villains and heroes, his stories explore the nuances of human behavior and often focus on characters finding their place in the world. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to the arts, including lifetime achievement awards recognizing his impact on both Japanese and international cinema.
His legacy continues to influence generations of animators and filmmakers worldwide, and Studio Ghibli remains one of the most respected names in animation.
Miyazaki was born in Tokyo and developed an early interest in drawing and animation. His father’s work in the aviation industry had a significant influence on him, particularly in fostering his fascination with aircraft and flight, motifs that would become prominent throughout his later works. After studying political science and economics at university, Miyazaki began his professional career in animation when he joined Toei Animation. There, he worked under the mentorship of directors like Isao Takahata, with whom he would later form a lifelong creative partnership.
In his early years at Toei and other studios, Miyazaki contributed to several television series and animated films. He worked as a key animator and storyboard artist, gradually gaining recognition for his storytelling abilities and attention to detail. Among his early projects were contributions to series such as Heidi, Girl of the Alps and Future Boy Conan. His directorial debut in feature films came with The Castle of Cagliostro, a film adaptation of the Lupin III manga series, which already showed signs of his distinctive style and sensibilities.
Miyazaki's breakthrough came with the film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, based on his own manga. The success of that film prompted the establishment of Studio Ghibli, which he co-founded with Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki. From that point forward, Miyazaki directed and wrote many of Ghibli’s most iconic works, including My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle. His films are known for their hand-drawn animation, strong character development, and philosophical underpinnings.
In 2001, Miyazaki directed Spirited Away, which became one of the most critically and commercially successful animated films of all time. The film received numerous awards and international recognition, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It also became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history at the time of its release. The film’s success further solidified Miyazaki’s reputation as a master storyteller and a visionary in global cinema.
Despite announcing his retirement several times, Miyazaki repeatedly returned to filmmaking. His later works, such as Ponyo and The Wind Rises, continued to showcase his evolving themes and storytelling maturity. His most recent project, The Boy and the Heron, marked a highly anticipated return to the director’s chair and once again captivated audiences with its dreamlike visuals and emotional depth.
Miyazaki’s films are often distinguished by their complex female protagonists, environmental messages, and moral ambiguity. Rather than presenting clear-cut villains and heroes, his stories explore the nuances of human behavior and often focus on characters finding their place in the world. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to the arts, including lifetime achievement awards recognizing his impact on both Japanese and international cinema.
His legacy continues to influence generations of animators and filmmakers worldwide, and Studio Ghibli remains one of the most respected names in animation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
September 27, 2020
miyazaki’s MIND!!!!!!
April 21, 2025
Princess Mononoke is my favorite Miyazaki film, so I was very excited to read this first concept of it. While this is a very different imagining of the tale, the art and story are just as beautiful, and even told through just storyboards and brief narration this story managed to give me goosebumps. I really enjoyed it. <3
June 17, 2022
This was so fun and I'm so glad I read it! I am a huge Hayao Miyazaki / Studio Ghibli fan as I grew up with his films as a wee babe. This was such an interesting concept and it was so fascinating to see how this story not only evolved over time, but also how so many of the elements in this story were dispersed throughout his later works as this original storyline was axed. This story is a but I'm glad I didn't know that part going into the story. Although this is only a bare bones concept art / story board for a project on submission, the sketches are so dynamic and full of life, as one would expect with Miyazaki. There is so much humor in this story and the expressions that are more often than not missing from his newer works, and it was nice to see that silly element within the characters and tone despite it predominantly being quite a dark story.
I do think this potentially could have been a great hit if it had been greenlit but in a way I'm happy that it wasn't because I don't think things like My Neighbor Totoro, Castle in the Sky, or Spirited Away would have turned out the way they did, as a lot of similar visual elements are in the concept art for this story, the most obvious being that the Mononoke looks like the Catbus Kirby-ate Totoro. I'm really glad that this was published as a public access book and it was a fun look into Miyazaki's creative mind outside of the Ghibli canon that is already out there. I really loved this especially for the art and for how unexpected the twists and turns of the story were. Really recommend if you are a big Miyazaki / Ghibli fan, or if you just like picture books or graphic novels.
I do think this potentially could have been a great hit if it had been greenlit but in a way I'm happy that it wasn't because I don't think things like My Neighbor Totoro, Castle in the Sky, or Spirited Away would have turned out the way they did, as a lot of similar visual elements are in the concept art for this story, the most obvious being that the Mononoke looks like the Catbus Kirby-ate Totoro. I'm really glad that this was published as a public access book and it was a fun look into Miyazaki's creative mind outside of the Ghibli canon that is already out there. I really loved this especially for the art and for how unexpected the twists and turns of the story were. Really recommend if you are a big Miyazaki / Ghibli fan, or if you just like picture books or graphic novels.
June 13, 2021
Curioso el cambio tan grande que sufrió la trama de Mononoke. Esta versión es mucho más ligera e infantil, y creo que la versión final es mucho mejor. Aunque me quedo con el gusanillo de ver cómo habría sido esta versión animada.
June 27, 2016
This would be great to pair with a traditional version of beauty and the beast and read to older kids
June 21, 2015
Beautiful art and story with a classic fairy tale feel... even if it skips around and shortens things a bit.
April 24, 2025
Such a pretty book but my broke pant pockets is not paying $47 CAD for it so I read it in a bookstore while waiting for my girlfriend to find a washroom. The story is so different from the movie, but still was very nice. I would definitely have watched this if it came out. Actually this is basically a completely different story. Still very good. If I had the money of a thousand man I still wouldn’t pay the $47 CAD price tag but I would wait for it to go on sale. Shout out to UOFT bookstore for a comfy seat so I could read it. I love you bu.
August 8, 2023
Five stars for the beautiful watercolored artwork alone by the master Miyazaki. This book of early concept sketches is a great retelling of the beauty and the beast fairy tale, nothing like the eventual 1997 film of the same name. Essential for anyone who loves art and Studio Ghibli
April 24, 2017
Fantastic to read the original concept and how the anime came to be, it's always interesting to me how a story comes to be and sometimes changes from its first intention.
January 6, 2021
Very interesting first take on Mononoke. Not as epic or nuanced as the final film, but I'd still love to see this story come to life in Ghibli animation.
August 3, 2021
Uma obra de arte. Maravilhoso ❤
December 28, 2024
I wish we'd gotten this movie. Don't get me wrong, I love Princess Mononoke, but damn, this would have been a great movie.
January 3, 2021
2.75*
It was a cute book for children with beautiful illustrations and it was interesting to see what the original idea behind Princess Mononoke was but, other than that, this was clearly not for me.
It was a cute book for children with beautiful illustrations and it was interesting to see what the original idea behind Princess Mononoke was but, other than that, this was clearly not for me.
September 21, 2015
Quality Rating: Five Stars
Enjoyment Rating: Five Stars
A stunning fairytale-like picture book perfect for Ghibli fans. As one of my biggest inspirations, it was so interesting to see how Miyazaki's early works first manifested - noticing little details that would go on to be used in three decades of his films was the most magical thing (the close resemblance of Totoro to the Mononoke; the third princess' clothing having the colour scheme of Chihiro's; the loyalty and dedication to family, and his lifelong love affair with the representation of air and wind). Essentially, this is a Japanese version of Beauty and the Beast with the most vibrant concept sketches - but it's so much more than that.
Enjoyment Rating: Five Stars
A stunning fairytale-like picture book perfect for Ghibli fans. As one of my biggest inspirations, it was so interesting to see how Miyazaki's early works first manifested - noticing little details that would go on to be used in three decades of his films was the most magical thing (the close resemblance of Totoro to the Mononoke; the third princess' clothing having the colour scheme of Chihiro's; the loyalty and dedication to family, and his lifelong love affair with the representation of air and wind). Essentially, this is a Japanese version of Beauty and the Beast with the most vibrant concept sketches - but it's so much more than that.
September 26, 2015
I'm not surprised at all to see that Miyazaki's concept for Princess Mononoke changed so drastically between inception and reality. The original story is charming but it's basically a version of Beauty and the Beast - and it isn't even very well-formed at that. The concept of a giant animal-like creature that lives in the forest is a great start though for Totoro, as is the idea for an extremely stubborn and willfull Princess. Clearly greatness can come from these weak beginnings, since My Neighbour Totoro and Princess Mononoke would go on be very well-received films.
December 17, 2023
Hayao Miyazaki's "Princess Mononoke" is a captivating journey into a world where nature and humanity collide in the most visually stunning way. As a devoted fan of Miyazaki's work, this manga adaptation of the iconic animated film exceeded my already high expectations. The story, set in a lush and fantastical environment, unfolds with a perfect blend of environmental commentary, complex characters, and a tale of resilience.
One of Miyazaki's notable strengths lies in his ability to craft characters with depth and nuance, and "Princess Mononoke" is no exception. The protagonists, Ashitaka and San, navigate a morally ambiguous world where the line between good and evil is blurred. The supporting cast, including the enigmatic spirits of the forest and the iron town dwellers, adds layers to the narrative, making it rich and thought-provoking.
The artwork is a testament to Miyazaki's unparalleled skill. Each panel is a work of art, with detailed landscapes, expressive characters, and a vibrant use of color that breathes life into the pages. The environmental themes are beautifully illustrated, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living things. The transition from film to manga is seamless, and Miyazaki's distinctive style shines through, capturing the essence of the story in every frame.
"Princess Mononoke" is a masterpiece that not only pays homage to the original film but also stands as a work of art in its own right. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Miyazaki's creations or discovering the tale of Princess Mononoke for the first time, this manga is an enchanting experience that immerses you in a world of magic, morality, and the enduring power of nature.
One of Miyazaki's notable strengths lies in his ability to craft characters with depth and nuance, and "Princess Mononoke" is no exception. The protagonists, Ashitaka and San, navigate a morally ambiguous world where the line between good and evil is blurred. The supporting cast, including the enigmatic spirits of the forest and the iron town dwellers, adds layers to the narrative, making it rich and thought-provoking.
The artwork is a testament to Miyazaki's unparalleled skill. Each panel is a work of art, with detailed landscapes, expressive characters, and a vibrant use of color that breathes life into the pages. The environmental themes are beautifully illustrated, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living things. The transition from film to manga is seamless, and Miyazaki's distinctive style shines through, capturing the essence of the story in every frame.
"Princess Mononoke" is a masterpiece that not only pays homage to the original film but also stands as a work of art in its own right. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Miyazaki's creations or discovering the tale of Princess Mononoke for the first time, this manga is an enchanting experience that immerses you in a world of magic, morality, and the enduring power of nature.
November 24, 2025
“All the rest will be determined by the strength of your heart.”
Lost and alone after a battle, a warrior stumbles on the dwelling of a fearsome wildcat mononoke. The warrior begs for his life, offering one of his daughter’s hands in marriage in exchange. The mononoke accepts, but there is more trouble in store for the third princess than having a mononoke for a husband.
This was a really lovely read. As a longtime fan of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki, it was fascinating to see this early version of Princess Mononoke, though it does not strongly resemble the film that came 17 years after its inception. This story is, in essence, “Beauty and the Beast.” It’s charming, humorous, and romantic. But more fascinating is how it differs from the fairy tale, with Miyazaki’s personal storytelling sensibilities toying with the journey in a compellingly cinematic way.
It was also fun to see threads connecting to some of Miyazaki’s other works through character designs and outfits, themes, and locations. This really does seem like his “First Story” for that reason, which makes it essential reading for fans of Studio Ghibli. While I love the film that we got, I do also wish that we had been able to see this version of the story on screen in some capacity. Maybe one day. (I’m a fairy tale girl at heart, sue me.)
But I’m glad that we at least have this concept book to see what might have been, once upon a time.
Lost and alone after a battle, a warrior stumbles on the dwelling of a fearsome wildcat mononoke. The warrior begs for his life, offering one of his daughter’s hands in marriage in exchange. The mononoke accepts, but there is more trouble in store for the third princess than having a mononoke for a husband.
This was a really lovely read. As a longtime fan of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki, it was fascinating to see this early version of Princess Mononoke, though it does not strongly resemble the film that came 17 years after its inception. This story is, in essence, “Beauty and the Beast.” It’s charming, humorous, and romantic. But more fascinating is how it differs from the fairy tale, with Miyazaki’s personal storytelling sensibilities toying with the journey in a compellingly cinematic way.
It was also fun to see threads connecting to some of Miyazaki’s other works through character designs and outfits, themes, and locations. This really does seem like his “First Story” for that reason, which makes it essential reading for fans of Studio Ghibli. While I love the film that we got, I do also wish that we had been able to see this version of the story on screen in some capacity. Maybe one day. (I’m a fairy tale girl at heart, sue me.)
But I’m glad that we at least have this concept book to see what might have been, once upon a time.
June 23, 2024
This book was a little difficult to start, but then I realized I had only gotten volume 2 of 2, meaning half of the story was missing. Luckily, I had seen the movie years ago and could piece together the parts I had accidentally skipped. Besides missing half, the book is also very imaginative, focusing on various spirts of the forest from the wolves who raise one of the main characters to the wild boars who want to kill all humans including Mononoke Hime (who identifies as a wolf more than a human), to the シシ神 (shishigame) who is some sort of long-necked multi-antlered deer creature who has the power over life and death. This Jesus-like character represents the heart of the forest and of nature as Miyazaki builds a story to show how destructive human beings can truly be. The only exceptions to this are Ashitaka, the boy who rides a pronged creature and San (Mononoke Hime) who believes she is part of the wolf family. Can those two fight to save the shishigame and the natural world from being destroyed?
December 8, 2016
A colleague had brought this book to work, and I read it in a few minutes, just before a meeting. It's the story that eventually became the epic historical fantasy anime film "Princess Mononoke." I haven't seen the movie, which I understand differs significantly from the original story presented here, but I'm told that the story helps understand where many of the themes of the movie had their beginning. The short book stands on its own, though. Despite its brevity, it tells a cohesive story and is beautifully illustrated. If I owned it, I'd go back to it for the simple but touching tale and the lovely drawings.
May 12, 2017
As we dive in deep to the world of Hayao Miyazaki, his graphic novels and films, this book is an interesting animal with a 'Beauty and the Beast' sort of feel. An end note written by the author tells the personal tale and struggle of how this book was originally written 17 years before the newer version of Princess Mononoke. The idea was deemed too dark and rejected. Miyazaki describes his relationship with this piece and how he kept working on 'the holes' until he was happy with his work.
I enjoyed reading Miyazaki's journey with his work as much (if not more) than the work itself. An inspiring individual with a genuineness and authenticity rare in our Disney times.
I enjoyed reading Miyazaki's journey with his work as much (if not more) than the work itself. An inspiring individual with a genuineness and authenticity rare in our Disney times.
March 16, 2017
I was pretty confused by the title given to the movie by the same name (Princess Mononoke Film Comic, Vol. 1) -- it never really made sense to me, because if Miyazaki was referring to San's character, she's not really framed as a "princess" in any definitive capacity, and given that Moro is a wolf goddess, San's association isn't so much with mononoke/youkai, or monsters; rather an incarnation of deity.
The title never really fit with the story, and this volume suggests why: "The First Story," Miyazaki's original storyboarding, is a fork of "La Belle et La Bete," set in feudal Japan. It's a shame the original version -- entirely different from the 1997 film -- never got made, because it's quite lovely with that particular Miyazaki perspective for which he is so beloved. Strangely, in the afterword, he calls out Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" as a reason why this version couldn't be produced. But that doesn't seem to scan chronologically -- he storyboarded this in 1980, then picked it up again in the early 90s, rewrote it entirely, and released the feature film in 1994, three years before Disney's film. So I don't know if the Afterword was a poor translation from the Japanese; perhaps Miyazaki is a little more timey-wimey than the average.
Anyway, I quite liked this, and I think it would have made for a splendid animation.
The title never really fit with the story, and this volume suggests why: "The First Story," Miyazaki's original storyboarding, is a fork of "La Belle et La Bete," set in feudal Japan. It's a shame the original version -- entirely different from the 1997 film -- never got made, because it's quite lovely with that particular Miyazaki perspective for which he is so beloved. Strangely, in the afterword, he calls out Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" as a reason why this version couldn't be produced. But that doesn't seem to scan chronologically -- he storyboarded this in 1980, then picked it up again in the early 90s, rewrote it entirely, and released the feature film in 1994, three years before Disney's film. So I don't know if the Afterword was a poor translation from the Japanese; perhaps Miyazaki is a little more timey-wimey than the average.
Anyway, I quite liked this, and I think it would have made for a splendid animation.
May 7, 2018
This is the original story idea for Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke film. Storyboards have been enlarged and bound to make a lovely hardcover picture book.
Is this story anything like the movie Miyazaki released in 1997? Nope, not at all.
Is it an excellent adaption of Beauty and the Beast that you should totally read? Yes, yes it is.
Fans may have a hard time figuring out how Miyazaki got from Idea A to Film B. Try to separate the two in your mind if possible. Stop thinking and just enjoy this book for what it is-- a fairy tale from a great storyteller.
Is this story anything like the movie Miyazaki released in 1997? Nope, not at all.
Is it an excellent adaption of Beauty and the Beast that you should totally read? Yes, yes it is.
Fans may have a hard time figuring out how Miyazaki got from Idea A to Film B. Try to separate the two in your mind if possible. Stop thinking and just enjoy this book for what it is-- a fairy tale from a great storyteller.
November 9, 2020
Written and illustrated by Hayao Miyazaki, this book is so whimsical and surprising. I cannot believe how different this story is from the Princess Mononoke I know and love today! It is an interesting take on a premise similar to Beauty and the Beast. The “Mononoke” in this story is the wildcat beast, who reminds me of the catbus from My Neighbor Totoro! In fact, his home reminds me of Totoro’s home in the film. This was such a fun read, and I also appreciated more background information from Miyazaki himself.
January 20, 2022
I've forgotten that I've already read this. a couple of years ago. The story is significantly different from the movie, and has overtones of "Beauty and the Beast".
Still a fun and interesting retelling, I may pull it out to read over again. If anything, I loved the hand drawn charm of the illustrations more than the story.
Still a fun and interesting retelling, I may pull it out to read over again. If anything, I loved the hand drawn charm of the illustrations more than the story.
January 21, 2024
The first draft that was shelved and then completely reworked into his animated film. There’s some beautiful concept art that with the storyline works well into a children’s storybook. The value is in seeing how Miyazaki mind worked, taking this initial form and building it into the masterpiece that he did.
March 29, 2024
Wow! This was interesting and so different from what Princess Mononoke actually turned out to be. Fascinating. The art was stunning, obviously, but I am glad Miyazaki went back to the drawing board and revised this story into the absolutely stunning Princess Mononoke that I adore. This is fun to check out.
March 29, 2024
This might have been a very early version of Princess Mononoke the movie, but it bears little resemblance to the final product. In fact, it’s much more Beauty and the Beast than anything else.
The illustrations are beautiful, even though they feel more like watercolour sketches than final artwork, and they have energy and emotion.
The illustrations are beautiful, even though they feel more like watercolour sketches than final artwork, and they have energy and emotion.
December 30, 2025
I read this story after watching the film Princess Mononoke with my 12-year-old. There is very little from this that transfers over. But boy what a fun story. And sad too! Miyazaki hits all of the right notes for the reader. Adventure, sadness, and comedy all wrapped up into one. It's amazing how far the story goes in such a short number of pages.
October 18, 2020
Watched the film version of this recently and it was the best animated film I can remember as well as just an all-around great film. Beautiful art style, an ambitious plot, profound themes and a cast of complex, morally ambiguous characters made the film really stand out.
November 3, 2022
It was so interesting to see the original ideas for the Princess Mononoke movie and how much it changed! I also saw so many hints to future projects too. I am so happy I finally got to read and enjoy this story from one of my favorite story-tellers!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews