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ハウルの動く城 [Howl no Ugoku Shiro] #2
Howl's Moving Castle, Vol. 2
Sophie thinks of herself as plain and boring, especially compared to her vivacious younger sister Lettie. Sophie expects to spend the rest of her life quietly making hats in the back room of her family's shop, but as her country prepares for war, she is forced to set out on an extraordinary adventure!
Sophie’s excitement continues as she takes up the position of cleaning lady in Howl’s Moving Castle. She soon finds herself at home and making friends with the demon in the fireplace and even the moody Howl. And while horrors of war are edging closer and the magicians of the kingdom turn themselves into terrible monsters to fight the enemy, Sophie finds that what she really needs to fear is Howl’s bathroom!
Sophie’s excitement continues as she takes up the position of cleaning lady in Howl’s Moving Castle. She soon finds herself at home and making friends with the demon in the fireplace and even the moody Howl. And while horrors of war are edging closer and the magicians of the kingdom turn themselves into terrible monsters to fight the enemy, Sophie finds that what she really needs to fear is Howl’s bathroom!
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2005
8 people are currently reading
689 people want to read
About the author
Hayao Miyazaki
366 books3,490 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 36 reviews
February 13, 2024
One of my favorite scenes is seeing Sophie on a cleaning rampage, and that was the best way to open up this volume! LOL!
Not only is that scene fun (as well as seeing Sophie relax by the lake and "praise" Calcifer for how impressive he is) but that's quickly followed by the iconic bathroom scene with Howl! Bahahaha!
The scene itself is funny and almost makes Howl appear super shallow, but I think the ending with Sophie's words really does show that even if he is selfish and is too caught up on being "beautiful," he has a good heart.
I just wish he wouldn't have "hurt" Sophie's feelings because I always get super upset with Howl when Sophie leaves and cries in the rain. 😭😭😭 That scene gets me every single time!
It's interesting because despite Howl being labeled as a "bad guy" of sorts by his Master, I love how it shows that SHE (the master) is the bad guy. She comes across with good intentions, but in actuality she is taking away powers from wizards and witches.
Excited to keep reading because the next few scenes are some of my favorites too!
Not only is that scene fun (as well as seeing Sophie relax by the lake and "praise" Calcifer for how impressive he is) but that's quickly followed by the iconic bathroom scene with Howl! Bahahaha!
The scene itself is funny and almost makes Howl appear super shallow, but I think the ending with Sophie's words really does show that even if he is selfish and is too caught up on being "beautiful," he has a good heart.
I just wish he wouldn't have "hurt" Sophie's feelings because I always get super upset with Howl when Sophie leaves and cries in the rain. 😭😭😭 That scene gets me every single time!
It's interesting because despite Howl being labeled as a "bad guy" of sorts by his Master, I love how it shows that SHE (the master) is the bad guy. She comes across with good intentions, but in actuality she is taking away powers from wizards and witches.
Excited to keep reading because the next few scenes are some of my favorites too!
November 17, 2021
"Is he dead?"
"No, he's fine. He's just throwing a tantrum."
This part of the film has so many wonderful quotes! 😂
"No, he's fine. He's just throwing a tantrum."
This part of the film has so many wonderful quotes! 😂
August 15, 2018
I watch the anime before I read the manga and it's basically the same.
January 12, 2019
::Howl's Moving Castle's Characters::
Sophie Hatter
Sophie is the protagonist of the novel and has lots of ambitious ideas that she puts to the back of her mind because she is the eldest of the three Hatter sisters and knows the eldest is always destined for...nothing at all. She is defiant though, and sets out to seek her fortune not as a pretty young girl but as a creaky old crone after the Witch of the Waste has cursed her. She is essentially very nice, sweetly helping the trapped dog and the broken scarecrow, but her niceness also causes a problem if not-niceness is actually required, such as when she lets Miss Angorian into the house in an effort to prove she is too nice to be jealous of Howl's interest in her. Sophie is in love with Howl even if she won't admit it. She is a loyal family member and loves her sisters although she has judged her stepmother harshly and tried to make amends for that. Sophie is a character whose happy ending is well-deserved and appreciated by the reader.
***
Wizard Howl
Welshman Hywell Jenkins (also known by the more magical last name of Pendragon) comes from a pleasant and normal family on the Wales-England border and in the earthly world is a good uncle and frustrating brother. He graduated from university with a good degree in witchcraft and went on to become a wizard working in a magical land from which he could still come and go. As Wizard Howl he is rather timid and not entirely happy about becoming the King's Magician but he is an honorable person and does what he has been paid for. He is a womanizer and tends to like the chase more than the capture of the female in question's heart, Sophie being the only girl he remains interested in.Howl is aware that his magic can be used for. Ad as well as good and does not want that to happen which is why he is anxious for the contract between himself and Calcifer to be broken. He puts his own life in jeopardy for Calcifer and turns out to be a thoroughly decent man at the end of the day.
Sophie Hatter
Sophie is the protagonist of the novel and has lots of ambitious ideas that she puts to the back of her mind because she is the eldest of the three Hatter sisters and knows the eldest is always destined for...nothing at all. She is defiant though, and sets out to seek her fortune not as a pretty young girl but as a creaky old crone after the Witch of the Waste has cursed her. She is essentially very nice, sweetly helping the trapped dog and the broken scarecrow, but her niceness also causes a problem if not-niceness is actually required, such as when she lets Miss Angorian into the house in an effort to prove she is too nice to be jealous of Howl's interest in her. Sophie is in love with Howl even if she won't admit it. She is a loyal family member and loves her sisters although she has judged her stepmother harshly and tried to make amends for that. Sophie is a character whose happy ending is well-deserved and appreciated by the reader.
***
Wizard Howl
Welshman Hywell Jenkins (also known by the more magical last name of Pendragon) comes from a pleasant and normal family on the Wales-England border and in the earthly world is a good uncle and frustrating brother. He graduated from university with a good degree in witchcraft and went on to become a wizard working in a magical land from which he could still come and go. As Wizard Howl he is rather timid and not entirely happy about becoming the King's Magician but he is an honorable person and does what he has been paid for. He is a womanizer and tends to like the chase more than the capture of the female in question's heart, Sophie being the only girl he remains interested in.Howl is aware that his magic can be used for. Ad as well as good and does not want that to happen which is why he is anxious for the contract between himself and Calcifer to be broken. He puts his own life in jeopardy for Calcifer and turns out to be a thoroughly decent man at the end of the day.
March 16, 2021
- reading this series is exactly like watching the movie but with more attention to details/frames etc
- howl is so whiny and lovely, and sophie is just so Cool
- this movie/novel is really magical in the way that sure you can understand all the details but there's also charm in not understanding what exactly goes down with the demon deal,,,, it's vibes only
- oh i feel so emo now
- am compelled to share this wlw howl/sophie art: https://twitter.com/rudebeetle/status...
- howl is so whiny and lovely, and sophie is just so Cool
- this movie/novel is really magical in the way that sure you can understand all the details but there's also charm in not understanding what exactly goes down with the demon deal,,,, it's vibes only
- oh i feel so emo now
- am compelled to share this wlw howl/sophie art: https://twitter.com/rudebeetle/status...
March 12, 2023
3.5 stars
January 19, 2025
my favorite
April 6, 2024
انهيت قراءة الجزء الثاني
احساس صوفي انها لم تكن جميلة يوما متعب حقا
وننتقل للثالث
قمة المتعة ان تحظى بقصة مصورة ورقيا ♡بعيدا عن شاشة الحاسوب
احساس صوفي انها لم تكن جميلة يوما متعب حقا
وننتقل للثالث
قمة المتعة ان تحظى بقصة مصورة ورقيا ♡بعيدا عن شاشة الحاسوب
December 1, 2024
This is a general review for the entire series.
I picked up this series, because I thought that it would be an interesting way to re-experience the movie and it, in fact, was. I think that it does a pretty good job of relaying the point of the movie, but, of course, a few things are missing. I find it somewhat interesting that this is an adaptation of an adaptation of an adaptation. It is fun, but I do not think that this is something that you should go out of your way to experience. If you are not sure that you will like the story - watch the movie. If you watched the movie and loved it - this is a great way of looking further into the stills.
I picked up this series, because I thought that it would be an interesting way to re-experience the movie and it, in fact, was. I think that it does a pretty good job of relaying the point of the movie, but, of course, a few things are missing. I find it somewhat interesting that this is an adaptation of an adaptation of an adaptation. It is fun, but I do not think that this is something that you should go out of your way to experience. If you are not sure that you will like the story - watch the movie. If you watched the movie and loved it - this is a great way of looking further into the stills.
December 23, 2023
Howl's Moving Castle being my comfort film, it was a treat to enjoy this wonderful illustration of the movie, perfect to the small details. Beautiful editions, pristine colors, and portrays exactly the script.
June 16, 2018
For some it may be 'just screenshots' from the film, but i love it anyway. The manga has just as much charm as the film. Though I do miss the music.
March 31, 2020
Based on stills from the movie - reproduced as per the screenplay.
October 30, 2021
Not gonna lie, I didn't realize Howl was going to be so melodramatic lmao
January 26, 2022
Such a good, cute little read. My favorite so far is Calcifer and turnip-head. <3
May 18, 2022
3.25*.
January 3, 2023
Hienosta elokuvasta hieno manga. Toki pinnat menee enemmän elokuvalle.
July 26, 2023
In this volume, Sophie accidentally dyes Howls hair a different color... hehe. Calcifer almost burns out. And Sophie comes face to face with the Witch of the Wastelands again. Will the spell be broken?
Read
November 26, 2023howl with black hair is delicious
October 30, 2024
I want all 4 full color manga.
March 19, 2025
This book was better than the first and looking forward to next two. While still simple, it created more of the story
September 13, 2020
We continue to follow the adventures of Howl, his moving castle, Sophie, and the wicked witch.
January 15, 2020
Die Comics sind eins zu eins eine Adaption vom Film. Und da ich das häufiger in den Kommentaren/ Reviews gesehen habe: Der Film ist genauso verwirrend und abrupt zu Ende wue die Comics. Das ist demnach kein Kritikpunkt an den Comics sondern am Film. Aber wenn man die Geschichte und das Ende auf sich wirken lässt, versteht man es schon irgendwann. Ich wusste nach dem ersten Mal gucken auch nicht worum es im Film geht.
Ich mochte die Comics sehr, da diese in Farbe sind und den Film wiedergeben, zum durchblättern und sich erinnern einfach top. Übrigens sind die Comis durch den farbigen Druck recht schwer.
The comics are a one-to-one adaptation of the film. And since I've seen this in the comments/reviews a lot: the movie is just as confusing and abruptly over as the comics. So this is no criticism of the comics but rather of the film. But if you let the story and the ending get to you, you will understand it at some point. I didn't know what the movie was about after the first look either.
I liked the comics very much, because they are in color and show the movie, so you can flip through them and remember it. By the way, the comics are quite heavy because of the color print.
Ich mochte die Comics sehr, da diese in Farbe sind und den Film wiedergeben, zum durchblättern und sich erinnern einfach top. Übrigens sind die Comis durch den farbigen Druck recht schwer.
The comics are a one-to-one adaptation of the film. And since I've seen this in the comments/reviews a lot: the movie is just as confusing and abruptly over as the comics. So this is no criticism of the comics but rather of the film. But if you let the story and the ending get to you, you will understand it at some point. I didn't know what the movie was about after the first look either.
I liked the comics very much, because they are in color and show the movie, so you can flip through them and remember it. By the way, the comics are quite heavy because of the color print.
March 28, 2017
This book was pretty good, it is a really fast read which is kinda normal since it's a graphic novel. I liked a lot, though. It would be nice if they translated the background noise to English instead of keeping it japaneese.
December 8, 2012
*There may be spoilers in this review, but big ones will be marked.*
I'm glad I started reading this after watching the movie, because now the movie makes much more sense. Once again, a short read (Maybe took me a little longer than usual) but I will definitely be reading the next two (and why didn't they make a movie for the other two books in the original Howls moving castle series? I would have loved to see more!) The pictures were once again; amazing and you could really get the feel and the emotions from what was happening.
Oh, and I just had to post this:
I seriously don't see what's so bad about it!!
Oh, Howl, don't be so dramatic, you could never not be beautiful :)
I'm glad I started reading this after watching the movie, because now the movie makes much more sense. Once again, a short read (Maybe took me a little longer than usual) but I will definitely be reading the next two (and why didn't they make a movie for the other two books in the original Howls moving castle series? I would have loved to see more!) The pictures were once again; amazing and you could really get the feel and the emotions from what was happening.
Oh, and I just had to post this:
I seriously don't see what's so bad about it!!
Oh, Howl, don't be so dramatic, you could never not be beautiful :)
October 25, 2014
First time I read a comic version of a movie (not to mention a Miyazaki one). It was very interesting to experience it through this different medium. Comics have a very different way of capturing details and time in a way that movies don't, and I felt that I was able to notice a lot more than I might have than if I had watched it as a movie, because of when "time slowed" (this is what I'll call it when the comic had several blocks of a scene where no one is speaking and they're almost identical). The lack of music and sound also forces one to focus more on the visuals (though I couldn't help imagine the sorts of instrumentals typical to his movies!)
Now, addressing the content itself, it was brilliant! As a Miyazaki film, the visuals and story were very creatively imagined and showed much attention to detail. He managed to make the main male supernatural-monster-boy character (as in Spirited Away) quite charming. I was in another world.
Now, addressing the content itself, it was brilliant! As a Miyazaki film, the visuals and story were very creatively imagined and showed much attention to detail. He managed to make the main male supernatural-monster-boy character (as in Spirited Away) quite charming. I was in another world.
August 14, 2012
This 4 book series is great. I love it. I like that it reads like a manga book and that it is stills from the movie used as the artwork. I absolutely loved the movie. This volume takes you from the scorched table during breakfast to the meeting with Suliman at the royal palace.
January 24, 2013
Are you scared of getting old? Do you believe there are good and bad people in this world? Is fire symbolizes evil to you? Just sit down and watch this animation with open mind and heart like a child.
January 8, 2025
Ihan tosi hyvä manga, elokuvaa en vielä olekaan katsonut, mutta ehkä se myöhemmin. Tykkäsin selkeistä kuvista ja selkeästä juonesta. Niistä kävi nopeasti selväksi missä mennään eikä tarvinnut arvuutella.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews