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風の谷のナウシカ [Kaze no Tani no Nausicaä] #5-7
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Deluxe Edition 2
[ Box Set | Book 1 |
Book 2
]
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is an epic fantasy tale written and illustrated by legendary Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki, creator of My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle. A modern masterpiece, the entire series is now available in this deluxe box set containing two hardcover volumes with interior color pages and a bonus poster.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is an epic fantasy tale written and illustrated by legendary Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki, creator of My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle. A modern masterpiece, the entire series is now available in this deluxe box set containing two hardcover volumes with interior color pages and a bonus poster.
544 pages, Hardcover
Published November 6, 2012
20 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Hayao Miyazaki
366 books3,496 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 74 reviews
April 7, 2020
Finally completed the epic manga Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind by Hayao Miyazaki deluxe edition part 2. Sweeping set pieces with evocative themes of war, life and death are the hallmarks of Nausicaä. This story is an emotional roller-coaster, don't be fooled by the anime roots of Miyazakis drawings. Miyazakis characters evoke the warm & fuzzy countenance of anything you would expect from Disney, this story however is nothing like the light hearted kids fair of a Saturday morning cartoon.
The story is driven by a monomyth featuring our unlikely hero Nausicaä; a female protagonist with a pure heart on a mission to quench the hatred, bloodshed & conflict in the world around her. Everyone Nausicaä encounters is indelibly changed from the inside out, she truly has a magic touch. A purifying angel sent to save this world from itself. She takes on the mantle of "the blue clad one" prophesied to bring peace to the world. I have always loved Miyazakis strong female characters, the ones in this story don't disappoint. Princess Kushana & Nausicaä are both interesting, head strong & opinionated female leads. Sometimes the story does feel a little too familiar, but that can be said of any story that uses the monymyth as the template.
War is the major feature in this tale, depicted from different perspectives we see tragedy, loss, despair, betrayal and death. These themes play out as the main characters embark and evolve in their story archs. The depiction of war and its impacts on all including civilians is a high point in Nausicaä. Characters that at first appear bad are revealed to be merely flawed. Kushana is a Princess and worthy heir to the throne of Torumekia pitted in battle against the malicious machinations of her evil brothers. She loves her soldiers who are loyal and pledge fealty to her. The war disenfranchises and leaves so many destitute. Everyone suffers in war.
I wasn't expecting such challenging subjects from Nausicaä. A lot of people die; the age old adage all's fair in love and war is expertly depicted in the major story archs. Warring factions who are willing to kill everyone including themselves in an attempt to gain the upper hand. Weapons of mass destruction evoking images from the nuclear arms race of the cold war. A city is literally vaporised in the fall out of the deadly God Warrior unleashed on the holy city of Shuwa.
I said it in my review of part one, this tale is a tome. This world is deep, with extensive lore and an ancient history. The key mystery at the heart of this story slowly evolves. It is all tied together under the umbrella of environmentalism with a message that resonates in today's world of plastic polluted oceans & the damage we have done to our own world. The manga is far more than what was depicted in the film. The film roughly correlates with the first half of the first edition of the manga. In it's fullness the manga is a similar but very different version of the same story told in the film. Both mediums have their strengths and weaknesses, I appreciated the extra depth, world building and characterisation the manga provides. However I also enjoy the succinct story told in the film.
As my first manga I am definitely glad I started here. Hayao Miyazaki is an incredible auteur and mangaka, eventhough he has spoken out against his skills in writing "comic books & mangas" his talent is all over this story. From the painstakingly realised art to the complex and deep narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed this detailed adventure and its a shame that Mr Miyazaki is in retirement.
The story is driven by a monomyth featuring our unlikely hero Nausicaä; a female protagonist with a pure heart on a mission to quench the hatred, bloodshed & conflict in the world around her. Everyone Nausicaä encounters is indelibly changed from the inside out, she truly has a magic touch. A purifying angel sent to save this world from itself. She takes on the mantle of "the blue clad one" prophesied to bring peace to the world. I have always loved Miyazakis strong female characters, the ones in this story don't disappoint. Princess Kushana & Nausicaä are both interesting, head strong & opinionated female leads. Sometimes the story does feel a little too familiar, but that can be said of any story that uses the monymyth as the template.
War is the major feature in this tale, depicted from different perspectives we see tragedy, loss, despair, betrayal and death. These themes play out as the main characters embark and evolve in their story archs. The depiction of war and its impacts on all including civilians is a high point in Nausicaä. Characters that at first appear bad are revealed to be merely flawed. Kushana is a Princess and worthy heir to the throne of Torumekia pitted in battle against the malicious machinations of her evil brothers. She loves her soldiers who are loyal and pledge fealty to her. The war disenfranchises and leaves so many destitute. Everyone suffers in war.
I wasn't expecting such challenging subjects from Nausicaä. A lot of people die; the age old adage all's fair in love and war is expertly depicted in the major story archs. Warring factions who are willing to kill everyone including themselves in an attempt to gain the upper hand. Weapons of mass destruction evoking images from the nuclear arms race of the cold war. A city is literally vaporised in the fall out of the deadly God Warrior unleashed on the holy city of Shuwa.
I said it in my review of part one, this tale is a tome. This world is deep, with extensive lore and an ancient history. The key mystery at the heart of this story slowly evolves. It is all tied together under the umbrella of environmentalism with a message that resonates in today's world of plastic polluted oceans & the damage we have done to our own world. The manga is far more than what was depicted in the film. The film roughly correlates with the first half of the first edition of the manga. In it's fullness the manga is a similar but very different version of the same story told in the film. Both mediums have their strengths and weaknesses, I appreciated the extra depth, world building and characterisation the manga provides. However I also enjoy the succinct story told in the film.
As my first manga I am definitely glad I started here. Hayao Miyazaki is an incredible auteur and mangaka, eventhough he has spoken out against his skills in writing "comic books & mangas" his talent is all over this story. From the painstakingly realised art to the complex and deep narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed this detailed adventure and its a shame that Mr Miyazaki is in retirement.
February 23, 2022
There's so much to love about Nausicaä: Miyazaki combining trench warfare with cataphracts and nuclear weapons; the wonders of the insects and the forests; his ability to provide depth through the world through a few well-placed scenes and events.
In Nausicaä, Miyazaki reveals a much more complex understanding of ecology than commonly portrayed. It's not humans with nature as our Other - some failed role of stewardship or overexploitation. Miyazaki instead collapses thought, life systems, human activities etc into a web of interconnected parts without a clear origin or status as scientific, religious, social, natural, biological and so on. Nausicaä ends not with the joyous celebration of purification, cleansing, as in the film adaption - but with a defence of corruption, decay, adaption and the inevitable coming and going of worlds.
In Nausicaä, Miyazaki reveals a much more complex understanding of ecology than commonly portrayed. It's not humans with nature as our Other - some failed role of stewardship or overexploitation. Miyazaki instead collapses thought, life systems, human activities etc into a web of interconnected parts without a clear origin or status as scientific, religious, social, natural, biological and so on. Nausicaä ends not with the joyous celebration of purification, cleansing, as in the film adaption - but with a defence of corruption, decay, adaption and the inevitable coming and going of worlds.
February 2, 2020
Ha envejecido muy bien, y trata algunos temas muy relevantes actualmente. Me ha emocionado mucho pero por eso mismo también me ha roto el corazón varias veces.
August 26, 2018
A masterpiece. I loved the film, but the manga is extraordinary. One of the best books I've ever read.
July 16, 2023
The second half of Nausicaä improves in every way upon the first half. Here the story moves beyond the anime, as the manga was still going at the time of the film’s creation. In a way, it’s too bad the film came when it did, because the second volume of the manga features the most intriguing, original scenes. The sequences that take place in the hidden garden and in the crypt are wonderfully creepy and fascinating. I enjoyed watching Nausicaä navigate complex dialogues with opponents who seem almost wise, but in fact have left the path of wisdom in a number of ways. These scenes resemble many other stories, but they find their own distinctive tone.
My disappointment with the first volume of Nausicaä came primarily from the confusion of the visuals and the panel structure. Too often, I had no idea what was happening, and the characters looked too similar to be able to quickly identify them. Reading the second half of the story, I felt that I was seeing Miyazaki become Miyazaki. By the end of the series, the visuals have become almost entirely different from where they started. Characters are clear (and characterizations are also much clearer), panels are no longer so crowded with battles and explosions, and the progression from one scene to the next feels more logical. Overall, the storytelling is tighter and more focused, and I liked the conclusion a lot.
Though it starts slowly, the manga series gives an interesting glimpse into the development of ideas that Miyazaki has continued to play with through all his films. I’m glad to have read this story that he was creating during the pivotal years in which Studio Ghibli came into being.
My disappointment with the first volume of Nausicaä came primarily from the confusion of the visuals and the panel structure. Too often, I had no idea what was happening, and the characters looked too similar to be able to quickly identify them. Reading the second half of the story, I felt that I was seeing Miyazaki become Miyazaki. By the end of the series, the visuals have become almost entirely different from where they started. Characters are clear (and characterizations are also much clearer), panels are no longer so crowded with battles and explosions, and the progression from one scene to the next feels more logical. Overall, the storytelling is tighter and more focused, and I liked the conclusion a lot.
Though it starts slowly, the manga series gives an interesting glimpse into the development of ideas that Miyazaki has continued to play with through all his films. I’m glad to have read this story that he was creating during the pivotal years in which Studio Ghibli came into being.
April 26, 2019
Remarkable!
December 28, 2020
Oh daang - this second set of Nausicaa is even better than the first.
We get action, a complex political and philosophical background to the story and a hole bunch of great characters. I can't wait to watch the Studio Ghibli adaptation!
We get action, a complex political and philosophical background to the story and a hole bunch of great characters. I can't wait to watch the Studio Ghibli adaptation!
August 30, 2019
Ahh 😭😭 my heart 💔😵
August 12, 2025
I feel almost exactly the same about this book as I did when I finished the first one. The art is still gorgeous, the themes and characterisations are very clear, without over explaining, but the plot/names (ppl and regions) can get a little convoluted or confusing at times.
September 26, 2025
I’m not gonna lie, I have got to stop taking book recommendations from this friend. Not terrible, but definitely not my taste.
September 1, 2019
A small disclaimer: I am a huge fan of the movie, and Miyazaki's work in general. I generally enjoy the themes of his movies and the stories he tells in general.
I am going to direct you to the review of the first volume since I feel like a lot of the general thoughts and feelings I had about that volume also apply to this one. In volume one the stakes are really raised, there is a lot of tension and you have so many questions, and this book really follows through. Where this story goes really went beyond my wildest imaginations and hopes.
the characters get developed so much further and non of them fall flat, all characters grow and you understand all of their motivations throughout, I loved the villains, I loved the allies, I loved all the different tribes of people and how wholly unique they all are. I liked the twist at the end, and the big reveal just kind of made my jaw drop & really made me think. I really would recommend this story to anyone.
I am going to direct you to the review of the first volume since I feel like a lot of the general thoughts and feelings I had about that volume also apply to this one. In volume one the stakes are really raised, there is a lot of tension and you have so many questions, and this book really follows through. Where this story goes really went beyond my wildest imaginations and hopes.
the characters get developed so much further and non of them fall flat, all characters grow and you understand all of their motivations throughout, I loved the villains, I loved the allies, I loved all the different tribes of people and how wholly unique they all are. I liked the twist at the end, and the big reveal just kind of made my jaw drop & really made me think. I really would recommend this story to anyone.
October 11, 2018
An enjoyable, moving ride! I do think I benefitted from seeing the Studio Ghibli film beforehand, since I was better able to imagine the world. Plus, the movie has the most nostalgic score of all time, so Nausicaä's childhood theme song was constantly running through my head while reading.
These books do take a different turn from the film, and while it was interesting to get more of the internal history and politics, I think I actually enjoy the film more for its concise, acute impact.
Overall story rating of 4.5 - It was cool to see that Miyazaki can create such beautiful and imaginative artwork even in grayscale and without animation.
These books do take a different turn from the film, and while it was interesting to get more of the internal history and politics, I think I actually enjoy the film more for its concise, acute impact.
Overall story rating of 4.5 - It was cool to see that Miyazaki can create such beautiful and imaginative artwork even in grayscale and without animation.
June 30, 2025
What does it mean to live? I think that is the central question of Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece. Through excellent characterization, he answers that question. The simplest way I can describe his answer is “change.” Change is what Miyazaki means as he describes life, and the will to live. The will to live in a world where purification means death, and to live means to live in a sea of corruption. He proposes that we can change, even as we are, into something healthier, stronger, and more compassionate than we were before. That is Miyazaki’s definition of life, and it is a beautiful one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2021
The second half of Nausicaa cements it as a truly all mighty sci-fi fantasy powerhouse. In this concluding set of volumes we get into the heart of how this world came to be, it's destiny, and whether that destiny is good or necessary. We see here the full realization of a theme Miyazaki will explore throughout his career: the rejection of the tyranny of the past over the future.
May 30, 2022
Magnifique, émouvant, puissant. Il aura fallu le deuxième tome pour que je rentre vraiment dans l'histoire mais je ne regrette pas. Elle se mérite !
June 5, 2025
While even larger in scope than the first half (if you can believe it), I was blown away by how deeply introspective Miyazaki's storytelling gets here. It gets unwieldy at times, and I got the impression he didn't entirely know how or when to end the story, but his thematic work is too rich for anything below five stars. More than anything else he's done in his career, this manga is a comprehensive repository of all his most nihilistic ideas about humanity. And yet, even amidst the dire stakes and tone of the story's final stretch, the story retains a silver lining of hope that we can still be saved.
I also appreciated how Miyazaki approaches religion (or, more accurately, religious ideologies). Nausicaä is overtly a Christ-figure for most of the series, yet never quite to the degree you expect. Her characterization subverts that presentation, too, as she frequently denies the titles bestowed on her and only acquiesces to them if it means helping someone. Her selflessness might limit her complexity as a character in a technical sense, but seeing how she navigates increasingly complex situations while maintaining her ideology was genuinely inspiring in ways that caught me off guard. I knew this would be a timely read (when is a Miyazaki story ever not timely?), and I was still surprised by how deeply relevant it was.
"Our lives are like the wind, or like sounds. We come into being, resonate with each other, then fade away."
I also appreciated how Miyazaki approaches religion (or, more accurately, religious ideologies). Nausicaä is overtly a Christ-figure for most of the series, yet never quite to the degree you expect. Her characterization subverts that presentation, too, as she frequently denies the titles bestowed on her and only acquiesces to them if it means helping someone. Her selflessness might limit her complexity as a character in a technical sense, but seeing how she navigates increasingly complex situations while maintaining her ideology was genuinely inspiring in ways that caught me off guard. I knew this would be a timely read (when is a Miyazaki story ever not timely?), and I was still surprised by how deeply relevant it was.
"Our lives are like the wind, or like sounds. We come into being, resonate with each other, then fade away."
September 8, 2022
The artwork in this was absolutely breathtaking, and I enjoyed the last chapter the most for the illustrations. However, the manga is a lot different than the movie. I found this second half didn't have me as immersed as the first. Specifically I didn't enjoy the ending of this, it felt rather abrupt. Otherwise, the story was rather enjoyable, but just like the movie, it's not memorable to me.
I enjoyed this manga and to see how different it is from the movie, but it will remain as a non-favorite for me. Still recommend this as a collector edition for fans or those who want a new version of Nausicaa to enjoy again.
I enjoyed this manga and to see how different it is from the movie, but it will remain as a non-favorite for me. Still recommend this as a collector edition for fans or those who want a new version of Nausicaa to enjoy again.
June 7, 2025
While the ending was ultimately satisfying, the messages and ideas heartfelt and cool, I can’t rightly say I enjoyed reading this volume. By now I’m less confused about things, but I’ve also found myself paying less atrention to details. The world bored me and I just wanted to get through it. It’s nice how clearly you can see Nausicaä’s transformation, but I can’t tightly say I liked her. And it’s a shame jow two prominent characters have no role to play in the climax. An interesting journey, with a satisfying end that I don’t think I’ll ever go on again.
April 18, 2022
This blew me away. I went in with pretty high standards and I can easily say that it didn’t disappoint. It built seamlessly upon the first books ending point and resolved the conflict in a beautifully satisfying way.
April 21, 2025
“Our lives are like the wind. Or like sounds. We come into being, resonate with each other. Then fade away.”
April 1, 2020
Naušika je docela jízda. Mijazaki si s jejím světem vyhrál neskutečně (do filmu se mu vešel jen úplný ždibeček) a tolik filosofie jsem v komiksu už dlouho neviděl. Parádička.
January 2, 2025
Completely binged that. Cried more. The story is not without flaws but I'll just leave it at 5 stars because why not, I'm a sucker for Nausicaä.
April 2, 2020
Beautiful drawings. Good story telling. But too heavy handed in the message to be a favorite.
July 10, 2025
In the closing pages of this second book, which originally appeared in the first volume and well before he'd finished the story, Miyazaki provides a page-long explanation titled On Nausicaa to explain his inspiration for the character: she's named for a Phaecian princess from The Odyssey who saved Odysseus and loved nature, whom Miyazaki learned about when reading Bernard Evslin's Handbook of Greek Mythology, and deemed her very important since Evslin "devoted three and a half pages to her, and only one page each to Zeus and Achilles (Miyazaki confesses his disappointment when he learns what a small role she played in the epic poem); she's also based upon the spirit of another nature-loving princess, a Japanese princess from the Heian Period (794-1195) considered odd because she didn't follow the societal mores of the era and "loved insects."
(Note: as part of the mini-research, I discovered I read Evslin's The Adventures of Ulysses as a boy, my introduction to The Odyssey that I thoroughly enjoyed--a book I still own! What a fantastic connection.)
In the final paragraph Miyazaki explains that he gladly took the offer from Animage magazine to write a comic as an opportunity to "create Nausicaa as I imagine her to be." Incredibly, he also admits that he will have to relearn, the hard way, that he had no talent for writing manga, which is why he gave them up.
Mr. Miyazaki, you could not have been more wrong.
While the second volume seems to meander around the midpoint, it soon becomes clear the story is building toward something. It gets a bit metaphysical, but the message takes an interesting twist. We know human beings are responsible for creating the creatures that destroyed and poisoned the world. We have discovered the Sea of Corruption and the poison forest are both, while dangerous, cleansing the world of those poisons. What Nausicaa realizes, however, is that the Sea of Corruption was also created by humans in order to undo what they had done to the planet--this turns upside down many of the theologies of the people who inhabit the world.
The notion that, in the waning moments of human dominion over Earth, preceding the seven days of fire, humanity attempted to shorten the duration of the ruin they had caused. It's an idea that presages the Horizon video game series--one of my favorites--by showing a dedicated element of humanity throwing itself into revitalizing a world they helped destroy, even though they would never see the result.
Nausicaa also discovers a cycle of attempting to save the world, only for the savior to become disenchanted and transform into a dictator, is something to which humanity seems doomed. It is up to Nausicaa to break that cycle.
As with the first volume, the second expands far beyond the scope of the film born from this story, making the cinematic experience feel woefully rushed and incomplete. In the film Nausicaa successfully fulfills a prophecy and seems to put humanity on a path toward peace by thwarting the Torumekian army and pacifying the Ohmu. In the book there are far more characters, far more societies, the elevation of Nausicaa to the status of a goddess by some people, a prophet, a princess, someone who treats and values all equally and is ready to sacrifice herself for humanity or nature, whoever happens to need it.
She is a paragon of humanity, a magnificent and magnanimous heroine, and an extraordinary expansion upon the Japanese and Phaecian princess Miyazaki encountered. She is the first and strongest of Miyazaki's many female protagonists, and the foundation upon which all that followed her are built. It's something I'll think about every time I rewatch a Miyazaki film--I'll be looking for the Nausicaa, the kindness, the empathy, and the strength, and it will make me smile every time I find it and every time the protagonist finds her in themselves.
Here's my (much shorter) review of Book 1.
(Note: as part of the mini-research, I discovered I read Evslin's The Adventures of Ulysses as a boy, my introduction to The Odyssey that I thoroughly enjoyed--a book I still own! What a fantastic connection.)
In the final paragraph Miyazaki explains that he gladly took the offer from Animage magazine to write a comic as an opportunity to "create Nausicaa as I imagine her to be." Incredibly, he also admits that he will have to relearn, the hard way, that he had no talent for writing manga, which is why he gave them up.
Mr. Miyazaki, you could not have been more wrong.
While the second volume seems to meander around the midpoint, it soon becomes clear the story is building toward something. It gets a bit metaphysical, but the message takes an interesting twist. We know human beings are responsible for creating the creatures that destroyed and poisoned the world. We have discovered the Sea of Corruption and the poison forest are both, while dangerous, cleansing the world of those poisons. What Nausicaa realizes, however, is that the Sea of Corruption was also created by humans in order to undo what they had done to the planet--this turns upside down many of the theologies of the people who inhabit the world.
The notion that, in the waning moments of human dominion over Earth, preceding the seven days of fire, humanity attempted to shorten the duration of the ruin they had caused. It's an idea that presages the Horizon video game series--one of my favorites--by showing a dedicated element of humanity throwing itself into revitalizing a world they helped destroy, even though they would never see the result.
Nausicaa also discovers a cycle of attempting to save the world, only for the savior to become disenchanted and transform into a dictator, is something to which humanity seems doomed. It is up to Nausicaa to break that cycle.
As with the first volume, the second expands far beyond the scope of the film born from this story, making the cinematic experience feel woefully rushed and incomplete. In the film Nausicaa successfully fulfills a prophecy and seems to put humanity on a path toward peace by thwarting the Torumekian army and pacifying the Ohmu. In the book there are far more characters, far more societies, the elevation of Nausicaa to the status of a goddess by some people, a prophet, a princess, someone who treats and values all equally and is ready to sacrifice herself for humanity or nature, whoever happens to need it.
She is a paragon of humanity, a magnificent and magnanimous heroine, and an extraordinary expansion upon the Japanese and Phaecian princess Miyazaki encountered. She is the first and strongest of Miyazaki's many female protagonists, and the foundation upon which all that followed her are built. It's something I'll think about every time I rewatch a Miyazaki film--I'll be looking for the Nausicaa, the kindness, the empathy, and the strength, and it will make me smile every time I find it and every time the protagonist finds her in themselves.
Here's my (much shorter) review of Book 1.
October 28, 2020
There is something very personal for me, burried deep down in the story of Nausicaa. It goes further than just fascination or inspiration or envy and it's much closer to pure delighted awe. Nausicaa was the first of the strong heroines on whose backs Miyazakis' Ghibli was build and to a certain extent I consider her to be the purest - as a first manifestation of an ideal and a first major fiction into which a great storyteller has poured much of his vision. Oh how happy I was when I discovered this manga lost nothing compared to its' older movie sibling and effortlessly made the whole incredible world come to life.
I consider this to be something that most storytellers are incapable of - they start with something sharp, raw and beautiful and what they end-up doing is blunting the edges, diluting the vision and their work in the process. It happened to Stephen King with Dark Tower series, it is still happening to George R. R. Martin right now, and I pray to God Almighty it didn't happen to Steven Erikson (having not yet finnished the Malazan Book of the Fallen myself).
Anyway, a great work of a great storyteller, perhaps his greatest, perhaps the story he needed to tell. And to me, a benchmark, true delight and a very highly set standard that one day I would dream of approaching. Yeah, if only.
P.S.: All the thanks to Lucy who listened to our podcast. She knows why.
I consider this to be something that most storytellers are incapable of - they start with something sharp, raw and beautiful and what they end-up doing is blunting the edges, diluting the vision and their work in the process. It happened to Stephen King with Dark Tower series, it is still happening to George R. R. Martin right now, and I pray to God Almighty it didn't happen to Steven Erikson (having not yet finnished the Malazan Book of the Fallen myself).
Anyway, a great work of a great storyteller, perhaps his greatest, perhaps the story he needed to tell. And to me, a benchmark, true delight and a very highly set standard that one day I would dream of approaching. Yeah, if only.
P.S.: All the thanks to Lucy who listened to our podcast. She knows why.
May 10, 2021
As always, the art and story are amazing. Although, I can't stop thinking about how tragic the ending seems.
September 23, 2022
My first experience reading manga (which did take a little adjustment!), Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Deluxe Edition 1 and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Deluxe Edition 2, reviewed together for completeness, collect the seven volumes of Hayao Miyazaki's original fantasy/cli-fi epic about the Princess of a small valley-Kingdom and her relationship with the surrounding harsh environment.
Unsurprisingly, this narrative delves much deeper than the Studio Ghibli motion picture (which its beginning precedes, yet its later volumes follow), and whilst this makes it a richer story, it is also considerably graver . Watching the anime is a more uplifting and - literally - colourful experience, but the manga is more thought-provoking, challenging ideas of nihilism and championing radical change and breaking free from toxic cycles in a way that felt thematically similar to Catherynne M. Valente's The Past Is Red. I do feel the work has a rather abrupt ending considering the scale of the story, and without chapters to divide each volume the jumps in POV are disorienting, but the excellent world building and carefully-crafted character arcs make for an immersive and fulfilling reading experience.
Nausicaä herself is the very heart of the story. She is connected to every speck of life, showing compassion and empathy for people and animals alike - even the formidable giant insects. Whilst explicitly a Messiah figure to some, she represents more of an animistic force, to set against the manmade destructive force responsible for her shrinking world. There are echoes of a nuclear holocaust in the ancient power that ended the industrial age far in Nausicaä's ancestral past, and throughout we encounter familiar post-apocalyptic themes such as mutation, extinction, ecological upheaval, and competition for resources.
Miyazaki's art is dynamic and his panels quite text-light, particularly in terms of exposition external to his characters. His intricate, sepia style is lovely, though the full-colour front and end matter are more of a treat, rendering the heroine's distinctive blue garb, glider, and otherworldly surroundings in beautiful watercolour. The twin deluxe hardbacks are handsome, with washed out tapestry-like details and heraldic motifs that suit the legendary feel of the work.
Overall a harsh but hopeful epic; weighty in both senses of the word, and a moving ode to the natural world .
Unsurprisingly, this narrative delves much deeper than the Studio Ghibli motion picture (which its beginning precedes, yet its later volumes follow), and whilst this makes it a richer story, it is also considerably graver . Watching the anime is a more uplifting and - literally - colourful experience, but the manga is more thought-provoking, challenging ideas of nihilism and championing radical change and breaking free from toxic cycles in a way that felt thematically similar to Catherynne M. Valente's The Past Is Red. I do feel the work has a rather abrupt ending considering the scale of the story, and without chapters to divide each volume the jumps in POV are disorienting, but the excellent world building and carefully-crafted character arcs make for an immersive and fulfilling reading experience.
Nausicaä herself is the very heart of the story. She is connected to every speck of life, showing compassion and empathy for people and animals alike - even the formidable giant insects. Whilst explicitly a Messiah figure to some, she represents more of an animistic force, to set against the manmade destructive force responsible for her shrinking world. There are echoes of a nuclear holocaust in the ancient power that ended the industrial age far in Nausicaä's ancestral past, and throughout we encounter familiar post-apocalyptic themes such as mutation, extinction, ecological upheaval, and competition for resources.
Miyazaki's art is dynamic and his panels quite text-light, particularly in terms of exposition external to his characters. His intricate, sepia style is lovely, though the full-colour front and end matter are more of a treat, rendering the heroine's distinctive blue garb, glider, and otherworldly surroundings in beautiful watercolour. The twin deluxe hardbacks are handsome, with washed out tapestry-like details and heraldic motifs that suit the legendary feel of the work.
Overall a harsh but hopeful epic; weighty in both senses of the word, and a moving ode to the natural world .
November 24, 2019
Finalizada la lectura del segundo tomo del boxset de Nausicaä del valle del Viento, y como es costumbre, llega la hora de hacer una reseña, pero antes quisiera hacer unas aclaraciones:
1. La reseña del primer tomo es muy sencilla.
2. La segunda reseña será más profunda y abarcará ambos tomos.
3. Todas las películas de Hayao Miyazaki trata temas parecidos, por lo que en estos tomos se verán de manera más detallada.
4. La película es maravillosa, deberías verla antes de leer las reseñas de los mangas.
A los que ya vimos la película, acá tendremos material nuevo, Después del segundo capítulo, nos encontramos con nuevas tribus, nuevos lugares, se conoce más acerca de cómo son las vidas de todos ellos y como interactúan los unos con otros.
Seguimos a Nausicaä y aprendemos junto a ella a entender la causa de la contaminación del planeta, así como se aprende a presenciar y a luchar en guerra, incluyendo todo lo que esto conlleva: muerte, dolor, enfrentamientos y perdidas. Nausicaä es una heroína independiente, valiente y muy inteligente, pero también es humana, y eso significa que también se lastima, que necesita ayuda y apoyo de los demás, ya sea ayuda de maestro Yupa, el Omhu, o algunos otros personajes. También cuenta con una amplia gama de personajes secundarios, los cuales son únicos en sus motivaciones, incluso los villanos son multidimensionales, no se puede estar de acuerdo con ellos, pero se puede entender sus razones.
hay mucha más tensión que en la película, los personajes se desarrollan de manera mucho más profunda, ya que tienen un crecimiento personal a lo largo de todo el manga, sus perspectivas en cuanto a la problemática se puede analizar de manera lógica, y al final, aunque no era el modo correcto, todos estaban buscando una forma de salvarse, me encantaron los villanos y los aliados y sus personalidades tan peculiares.
Sobre el final debo decir que no me lo esperaba ya que toma un giro diferente a la historia, sin embargo quedo satisfecha, la nostalgia y el amor que Studio Ghibli da a sus creaciones, es una de las razones por las que ha trascendido a través de los años, y en esta bella edición creada por ellos mismos no es diferente, Nausicaä al ser la primera historia, abrió la puerta para que millones de personas pudiéramos disfrutar de las maravillosas sensaciones que nos comparte sus relatos cinematográficos y Estos libros sin duda alguna son un regalo para todos sus fanáticos.
1. La reseña del primer tomo es muy sencilla.
2. La segunda reseña será más profunda y abarcará ambos tomos.
3. Todas las películas de Hayao Miyazaki trata temas parecidos, por lo que en estos tomos se verán de manera más detallada.
4. La película es maravillosa, deberías verla antes de leer las reseñas de los mangas.
A los que ya vimos la película, acá tendremos material nuevo, Después del segundo capítulo, nos encontramos con nuevas tribus, nuevos lugares, se conoce más acerca de cómo son las vidas de todos ellos y como interactúan los unos con otros.
Seguimos a Nausicaä y aprendemos junto a ella a entender la causa de la contaminación del planeta, así como se aprende a presenciar y a luchar en guerra, incluyendo todo lo que esto conlleva: muerte, dolor, enfrentamientos y perdidas. Nausicaä es una heroína independiente, valiente y muy inteligente, pero también es humana, y eso significa que también se lastima, que necesita ayuda y apoyo de los demás, ya sea ayuda de maestro Yupa, el Omhu, o algunos otros personajes. También cuenta con una amplia gama de personajes secundarios, los cuales son únicos en sus motivaciones, incluso los villanos son multidimensionales, no se puede estar de acuerdo con ellos, pero se puede entender sus razones.
hay mucha más tensión que en la película, los personajes se desarrollan de manera mucho más profunda, ya que tienen un crecimiento personal a lo largo de todo el manga, sus perspectivas en cuanto a la problemática se puede analizar de manera lógica, y al final, aunque no era el modo correcto, todos estaban buscando una forma de salvarse, me encantaron los villanos y los aliados y sus personalidades tan peculiares.
Sobre el final debo decir que no me lo esperaba ya que toma un giro diferente a la historia, sin embargo quedo satisfecha, la nostalgia y el amor que Studio Ghibli da a sus creaciones, es una de las razones por las que ha trascendido a través de los años, y en esta bella edición creada por ellos mismos no es diferente, Nausicaä al ser la primera historia, abrió la puerta para que millones de personas pudiéramos disfrutar de las maravillosas sensaciones que nos comparte sus relatos cinematográficos y Estos libros sin duda alguna son un regalo para todos sus fanáticos.
September 14, 2022
The second part of the epic that is Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. By this point, the story has almost nothing in common with the film, other than who the characters are and what some of the general themes are. Though I found myself a little more absorbed by the first volume, this volume is still gripping and gave me an overall satisfactory conclusion to the story of Nausicaa.
I had a few issues. One is that the characters go off in so many directions, with different people leaving and meeting up with others at various points, that it eventually became a little bit much to track. Another issue is that some of the directions of the plot feel a little... odd? I generally like when I can't predict what will happen next, but there were times in reading this that I felt that way because the plot felt a little aimless. There are some odd twists and turns in the final third of the book in particular, and I'm not sure that they worked for me.
Still, I loved to spend time with the characters of this world. Especially Nausicaa, Yupa, and Kushana. And despite how off-kilter things feel sometimes, Nausicaa's bravery and compassion, along with the usual set of Miyazaki themes around peace, cooperation, and the environment, did help keep the core of the story grounded even if the plot wasn't. At the end of the day I found this full story engaging and would definitely recommend people check it out.
I had a few issues. One is that the characters go off in so many directions, with different people leaving and meeting up with others at various points, that it eventually became a little bit much to track. Another issue is that some of the directions of the plot feel a little... odd? I generally like when I can't predict what will happen next, but there were times in reading this that I felt that way because the plot felt a little aimless. There are some odd twists and turns in the final third of the book in particular, and I'm not sure that they worked for me.
Still, I loved to spend time with the characters of this world. Especially Nausicaa, Yupa, and Kushana. And despite how off-kilter things feel sometimes, Nausicaa's bravery and compassion, along with the usual set of Miyazaki themes around peace, cooperation, and the environment, did help keep the core of the story grounded even if the plot wasn't. At the end of the day I found this full story engaging and would definitely recommend people check it out.
March 11, 2023
Miyazaki continues his esteemed saga in this second massive volume, chronicling the grand journey of Nausicaä once again as she contends with warring factions and the grim arrival of a more tenacious strain of fungus hellbent on swallowing the remnants of her world.
Ecological themes are still prevalent as well as the main question as to whether humanity deserves to exist as a species when we collectively breed atrocities not deigned by any other creature: the toils of war, mass destruction and chaos, and large magnitudes of death begat by gross negligence and unethical scientific experimentation consume this world. Utilizing Nausicaä as a symbolic champion of peace serves to create a polarizing effect with a sentient mold collection on the other side of the spectrum, inducing feelings of love versus hatred. Life versus death. Light versus darkness. I know this is one of the most common and grandiose allegories within our collective cultures but it is implemented in ways that are rather beautiful and frightening here.
A whole new cavalcade of characters are introduced whilst old ones are developed further. I especially enjoy the head emperor of the Doroks, a mystic yet ancient man that harnesses all types of strange powers and armaments to further his cause. The main fear that a god warrior will be resurrected becomes more of an issue within these pages as well and culminates with the rebirth of a terrifying entity that can destroy large portions of cities in a mere matter of moments. I feel like this volume is a tad more bleak and gruesome than the first, with entire swaths of men bloodily cut down and genetically-engineered monsters getting obliterated by heavy artillery.
This volume also opts for more heavy and abstract spiritual concepts, relying on themes of religion and morality to convey the complexities and dynamics of humanity. Human condition and destiny are also deeply explored and are themes that become more noticeably interwoven with each passing page. Nausicaä is utilized as the focal point of these ideals, witnessing a menagerie of esoteric events that forever alter her perceptions of reality and forge her into an allegorical paragon upon which these tenets can be expressed.
I was quite impressed with this series and highly recommend it to anyone familiar with the genre - it is by far so much better than the movie, probably because it allowed Miyazaki to fully express his vision without being burdened by time constraints. Once again, anyone with a keen eye will see references that transcended into his other works as well as how core ideas within his mind have blossomed into other stories of his over the years.
Ecological themes are still prevalent as well as the main question as to whether humanity deserves to exist as a species when we collectively breed atrocities not deigned by any other creature: the toils of war, mass destruction and chaos, and large magnitudes of death begat by gross negligence and unethical scientific experimentation consume this world. Utilizing Nausicaä as a symbolic champion of peace serves to create a polarizing effect with a sentient mold collection on the other side of the spectrum, inducing feelings of love versus hatred. Life versus death. Light versus darkness. I know this is one of the most common and grandiose allegories within our collective cultures but it is implemented in ways that are rather beautiful and frightening here.
A whole new cavalcade of characters are introduced whilst old ones are developed further. I especially enjoy the head emperor of the Doroks, a mystic yet ancient man that harnesses all types of strange powers and armaments to further his cause. The main fear that a god warrior will be resurrected becomes more of an issue within these pages as well and culminates with the rebirth of a terrifying entity that can destroy large portions of cities in a mere matter of moments. I feel like this volume is a tad more bleak and gruesome than the first, with entire swaths of men bloodily cut down and genetically-engineered monsters getting obliterated by heavy artillery.
This volume also opts for more heavy and abstract spiritual concepts, relying on themes of religion and morality to convey the complexities and dynamics of humanity. Human condition and destiny are also deeply explored and are themes that become more noticeably interwoven with each passing page. Nausicaä is utilized as the focal point of these ideals, witnessing a menagerie of esoteric events that forever alter her perceptions of reality and forge her into an allegorical paragon upon which these tenets can be expressed.
I was quite impressed with this series and highly recommend it to anyone familiar with the genre - it is by far so much better than the movie, probably because it allowed Miyazaki to fully express his vision without being burdened by time constraints. Once again, anyone with a keen eye will see references that transcended into his other works as well as how core ideas within his mind have blossomed into other stories of his over the years.
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