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Princess Mononoke Film Comic: All-in-One Edition
856 pages, Hardcover
Published January 27, 2026
About the author
Hayao Miyazaki
371 books3,580 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 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 1, 2026
Like the other all-in-one editions, this graphic novel is perfect for fans of the film and Studio Ghibli. With the panels coming straight from the movie, it’s exactly like it, just in a different format.
In saving his village from a demonic boar, Ashitaka becomes cursed. He must travel to find the forest spirit in hoping that it will remove the curse. Along the way, he witnesses the destruction that humans have wrought upon the land. He teams up with San, a human girl raised by wolves, to try to end the conflict and save them all.
This story is a lot grittier and darker than some other Ghibli films. This graphic novel captures the gore from the fights, so it may not be appropriate for younger readers. The themes of greed and vengeance come through the story no matter what format it’s in. I love that Ashitaka fights for peace and reminds those around him about not holding on to hatred, all while fighting a painful curse that easily could have consumed him.
If you haven’t watched the movie yet or are more interested in reading this graphic novel instead, I’d definitely recommend picking this up.
Thank you to NetGalley and VIZ Media for the advanced copy.
In saving his village from a demonic boar, Ashitaka becomes cursed. He must travel to find the forest spirit in hoping that it will remove the curse. Along the way, he witnesses the destruction that humans have wrought upon the land. He teams up with San, a human girl raised by wolves, to try to end the conflict and save them all.
This story is a lot grittier and darker than some other Ghibli films. This graphic novel captures the gore from the fights, so it may not be appropriate for younger readers. The themes of greed and vengeance come through the story no matter what format it’s in. I love that Ashitaka fights for peace and reminds those around him about not holding on to hatred, all while fighting a painful curse that easily could have consumed him.
If you haven’t watched the movie yet or are more interested in reading this graphic novel instead, I’d definitely recommend picking this up.
Thank you to NetGalley and VIZ Media for the advanced copy.
May 16, 2026
Tatsächlich hab ich den Film bisher nicht (komplett) gesehen, aber das werd ich definitiv noch nachholen! Die Atmosphäre kommt durch die farbigen und dynamischen Panels extrem gut zur Geltung, man fühlt sich mittendrin im Film dabei. Es beginnt gleich ziemlich dramatisch, nachdem ein paar ruhige Panels zu sehen sind. Ashitaka wird ziemlich schnell vom Fluch befallen und des Dorfes verwiesen. Auf der Suche nach einem Heilmittel trifft er auf San und einige andere Personen. Welche sowohl mit guten, als auch schlechten Absichten. Bei manchen ist es zu Beginn noch nicht so ganz ersichtlich, aber das klärt sich dann mit der Zeit alles auf. Einige Szenen fand ich tatsächlich ziemlich brutal - also für jüngere ist der Titel meiner Meinung nach noch nichts, egal ob nun als Comic oder Film. An vielen Stellen gab's Ähnlichkeiten zu »Shunas Reise«, allerdings fand ich den geeigneter. Der Comic passt gut als erster Berührungspunkt, funktioniert aber sicherlich auch, wenn man den Film bereits kennt. Kann's auf jeden Fall empfehlen! 💖
January 23, 2026
Princess Mononoke is a deeply moving story that center around a cursed prince, Ashitaka, and girl raised by wolves, San.
The humans are destroying the forest, the trees themselves as well as the animals. The darkness and death has caused some animals to change for the worse. Angry and rejecting humanity, they are meeting the evil and destruction with more of the same.
Ashitaka knows that they must move forward “with eyes unclouded by hatred.”
He wants humans and the forest to live in peace and will do whatever it takes to save them all.
The humans are destroying the forest, the trees themselves as well as the animals. The darkness and death has caused some animals to change for the worse. Angry and rejecting humanity, they are meeting the evil and destruction with more of the same.
Ashitaka knows that they must move forward “with eyes unclouded by hatred.”
He wants humans and the forest to live in peace and will do whatever it takes to save them all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and VIZ Media for access to an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I will begin by saying I absolutely adore Studio Ghibli's movies. I hadn't seen Princess Mononoke before, so I was so excited to get the manga version of it! Although I wasn't expecting the more historical plot of the novel, it still contained all of the classic trademarks of a Miyazaki story: the beautiful art style, adorable little creatures, a call to protect nature and the environment and dynamic dialogue and characters. Cannot recommend this beautiful story more!
#IndigoEmployee
I will begin by saying I absolutely adore Studio Ghibli's movies. I hadn't seen Princess Mononoke before, so I was so excited to get the manga version of it! Although I wasn't expecting the more historical plot of the novel, it still contained all of the classic trademarks of a Miyazaki story: the beautiful art style, adorable little creatures, a call to protect nature and the environment and dynamic dialogue and characters. Cannot recommend this beautiful story more!
#IndigoEmployee
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Language: PG (9 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13
After being cursed by the demon he saved his village from, Prince Ashitaka leaves it all behind in search for a cure. Ashitaka finds the humans who are disturbing the nature gods—and both sides are gearing up for war!
Reading this graphic novel is simply a faster way to watch the film. The panels come right from the movie, right down to multiple pages of the credits (in Japanese) at the end. I found the Japanese sound effects text throughout the book to be confusing until I found that they included a guide at the back of the book to translate the Japanese characters into the English equivalent. Overall, the story is fun, and all the good feelings I have about this and other Miyazaki movies translated into good feelings for the book, but I ultimately believe the story is told better on the screen.
The characters are depicted with light skin. The mature content rating is for partial nudity and for mentions of alcohol and brothels. The violence rating is for assault, gun use, blood and gore, fantasy violence, battle scenes, and murder.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
After being cursed by the demon he saved his village from, Prince Ashitaka leaves it all behind in search for a cure. Ashitaka finds the humans who are disturbing the nature gods—and both sides are gearing up for war!
Reading this graphic novel is simply a faster way to watch the film. The panels come right from the movie, right down to multiple pages of the credits (in Japanese) at the end. I found the Japanese sound effects text throughout the book to be confusing until I found that they included a guide at the back of the book to translate the Japanese characters into the English equivalent. Overall, the story is fun, and all the good feelings I have about this and other Miyazaki movies translated into good feelings for the book, but I ultimately believe the story is told better on the screen.
The characters are depicted with light skin. The mature content rating is for partial nudity and for mentions of alcohol and brothels. The violence rating is for assault, gun use, blood and gore, fantasy violence, battle scenes, and murder.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley and Viz for this advanced copy.
First thing first, I am a comic artist, so I will review it in comic perspective, not the storyline or plot. Because, after all, it's Ghibli.
Let's start with the most crucial part, Paneling. In comic, panel management is one of the most important part to make a comic more dynamic. One way to make a static picture feels like moving. But sadly, in this comic, it didn't deliver at all. The panels are a bit chaos. When we're comic artist usually put significant scene in bigger panel, in this comic, the editor feels like 'just to fill the page'. In doing so, I didn't get the 'feels' while read it.
And the speech text, not gonna lie, it looked boring. Just the same font, same color, but different size. I've been working in webtoon industry for years, and using effect in speech text and SFX can help to get deliver the story.
And the SFX was written in Japanese, without usual, how to read guidance in the same page. Instead, we got the guidance by the end of the book. Not gonna lie, I think no one bother to check it.
Basically this feels like a bunch of screenshots, instead of comic.
First thing first, I am a comic artist, so I will review it in comic perspective, not the storyline or plot. Because, after all, it's Ghibli.
Let's start with the most crucial part, Paneling. In comic, panel management is one of the most important part to make a comic more dynamic. One way to make a static picture feels like moving. But sadly, in this comic, it didn't deliver at all. The panels are a bit chaos. When we're comic artist usually put significant scene in bigger panel, in this comic, the editor feels like 'just to fill the page'. In doing so, I didn't get the 'feels' while read it.
And the speech text, not gonna lie, it looked boring. Just the same font, same color, but different size. I've been working in webtoon industry for years, and using effect in speech text and SFX can help to get deliver the story.
And the SFX was written in Japanese, without usual, how to read guidance in the same page. Instead, we got the guidance by the end of the book. Not gonna lie, I think no one bother to check it.
Basically this feels like a bunch of screenshots, instead of comic.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
⭐ Manga | Dark Fantasy | Film Adaptation
Thank you to VIZ Media LLC for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Princess Mononoke Film Comic: All-in-One Edition is a faithful manga adaptation of the beloved film, capturing its dark fantasy, supernatural elements, and the central theme of human versus nature. The manga presents the story in comic form using stills from the movie, making it feel like a portable version of the film that you can carry with you.
The scene I looked forward to seeing was the intense moment when Ashitaka calls San beautiful, it retain the same vivid energy as in the movie. Alongside the action and environmental conflict, the manga also includes subtle horror undertones and a tender, budding romance that develops naturally amid the chaos.
For fans of the film, anyone who enjoys richly illustrated dark fantasy with moral complexity, or fans of Miyazaki works, Princess Mononoke Film Comic is an impressive, immersive experience that brings the movie’s story and visuals to life in a new way.
Thank you to VIZ Media LLC for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Princess Mononoke Film Comic: All-in-One Edition is a faithful manga adaptation of the beloved film, capturing its dark fantasy, supernatural elements, and the central theme of human versus nature. The manga presents the story in comic form using stills from the movie, making it feel like a portable version of the film that you can carry with you.
The scene I looked forward to seeing was the intense moment when Ashitaka calls San beautiful, it retain the same vivid energy as in the movie. Alongside the action and environmental conflict, the manga also includes subtle horror undertones and a tender, budding romance that develops naturally amid the chaos.
For fans of the film, anyone who enjoys richly illustrated dark fantasy with moral complexity, or fans of Miyazaki works, Princess Mononoke Film Comic is an impressive, immersive experience that brings the movie’s story and visuals to life in a new way.
February 2, 2026
{Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!}
This will be a short review since I don't have many varied opinions on it.
This is a graphic novel version of the movie Princess Mononoke. That's it. Rather than feeling like a new version of the film in graphic novel form, it feels more like a series of screenshots. It's fine to read, but after a while you wonder if this is the best way to experience a Ghibli film or if checking out the dvd at your local library is the better way to go.
Further, this graphic novel will be sold for $35, which is pretty steep for an uninspiring experience. I usually don't comment on prices, but this feels unusually pricey for a movie that is widely available in its original form.
Unless you're the biggest fan of Princess Mononoke or Studio Ghibli and it will physically pain you not to own this book, I would consider skipping it. There's nothing lost, but nothing gained either.
2/5.
This will be a short review since I don't have many varied opinions on it.
This is a graphic novel version of the movie Princess Mononoke. That's it. Rather than feeling like a new version of the film in graphic novel form, it feels more like a series of screenshots. It's fine to read, but after a while you wonder if this is the best way to experience a Ghibli film or if checking out the dvd at your local library is the better way to go.
Further, this graphic novel will be sold for $35, which is pretty steep for an uninspiring experience. I usually don't comment on prices, but this feels unusually pricey for a movie that is widely available in its original form.
Unless you're the biggest fan of Princess Mononoke or Studio Ghibli and it will physically pain you not to own this book, I would consider skipping it. There's nothing lost, but nothing gained either.
2/5.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Princess Mononoke Film Comic: All-in-One Edition is a gorgeous way to revisit one of Studio Ghibli’s most iconic stories. Ashitaka’s cursed journey, the clash between humanity and nature, and Princess Mononoke’s fierce devotion to the forest all translate beautifully to the page, with visuals that closely mirror the film’s unforgettable scenes.
As a film comic, it reads more like a scene-by-scene adaptation than a fully reimagined manga, so the pacing and storytelling can feel familiar if you’ve seen the movie. Still, it’s a nostalgic and visually striking edition that fans of the film will appreciate—especially in this deluxe hardcover format.
As a film comic, it reads more like a scene-by-scene adaptation than a fully reimagined manga, so the pacing and storytelling can feel familiar if you’ve seen the movie. Still, it’s a nostalgic and visually striking edition that fans of the film will appreciate—especially in this deluxe hardcover format.
February 17, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of Princess Mononoke by Hayao Miyazaki.
Another wonderful comic book edition of a Studio Ghibli by Hayao Miyazaki.
I have really enjoyed reading these all-in-one film comic books. Princess Mononoke is an anime classic, and it was such a lovely experience to read it in comic form and be able to spend some time with the artwork at my own pace.
For any anime and Studio Ghibli fans, these all-in-one comics are a must-read!
Another wonderful comic book edition of a Studio Ghibli by Hayao Miyazaki.
I have really enjoyed reading these all-in-one film comic books. Princess Mononoke is an anime classic, and it was such a lovely experience to read it in comic form and be able to spend some time with the artwork at my own pace.
For any anime and Studio Ghibli fans, these all-in-one comics are a must-read!
April 26, 2026
A great Ghibli film, a great graphic novel. (like the others) They did a really good job translating this into a literary format, and keeping the emotion of the story the same.
Reading these Ghibli graphic novels has truly been a treat, its made me reminiscent of watching the films as a kid.
Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC!
Reading these Ghibli graphic novels has truly been a treat, its made me reminiscent of watching the films as a kid.
Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC!
February 10, 2026
This is a graphic novel version of the beloved movie Princess Mononoke. As a massive fan of Studio Ghibli, this was a must-read. While fans of the film are not getting anything new from the experience, there is something nice about being able to analyze scenes on paper rather than on the screen.
March 14, 2026
Beautiful capture of the movie in a film comic. I’ve watched other Miyazaki films but never this one, so it was great to have a close reading of a story I didn’t know. It lets you sit with the artwork more. I’ll watch the movie next.
March 18, 2026
4.5 stars. A classic!
March 23, 2026
Listen, it's a great story, but this is literally just stills from the movie with dialogue bubbles.
May 13, 2026
so so so cool to see the storyboard and each scene in the film and then i rewatched it while reading and it was just so immersive and lovely
December 19, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.
This is a great version of the movie. My son loved going through it with me.
Rating: 5/5
This is a great version of the movie. My son loved going through it with me.
Rating: 5/5
December 15, 2025
I want to start by thanking NetGalley, Hayao Miyazaki and VIZ Media for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review. The Princess Mononoke Film Comic will be out January 27, 2026!
As a long time fan of the film, what a beautiful arrangement for any collector or Miyazaki enthusiast. Stunning artwork and I appreciated the appendix at the end explaining their use of katakana (the Japanese phonetic characters used in text to describe the sound effects which were used in the film in relation to the stills on page).
Overall, I think it would be a great gift or addition to a coffee table collection.
As a long time fan of the film, what a beautiful arrangement for any collector or Miyazaki enthusiast. Stunning artwork and I appreciated the appendix at the end explaining their use of katakana (the Japanese phonetic characters used in text to describe the sound effects which were used in the film in relation to the stills on page).
Overall, I think it would be a great gift or addition to a coffee table collection.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Read more graphic novel reviews at The Graphic Library.
This film comic, like the other Miyazaki comics, takes frames from the movie and translates them to panels of comics, which is not always a one-to-one motion. The sound effects are left in Japanese and translated at the end, which could be unhelpful for some younger readers. For those who love watching this movie and have seen it several times, reading the film comic is nostalgic and transformational. For those who are unfamiliar with the film, the comic version leaves out a bit of the experience, and this isn't as rich of an experience as the film can be.
Reviewed for Booklist Magazine
Sara's Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Grades 7-12
This film comic, like the other Miyazaki comics, takes frames from the movie and translates them to panels of comics, which is not always a one-to-one motion. The sound effects are left in Japanese and translated at the end, which could be unhelpful for some younger readers. For those who love watching this movie and have seen it several times, reading the film comic is nostalgic and transformational. For those who are unfamiliar with the film, the comic version leaves out a bit of the experience, and this isn't as rich of an experience as the film can be.
Reviewed for Booklist Magazine
Sara's Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Grades 7-12
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews