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ハウルの動く城 [Howl no Ugoku Shiro] #3
Howl's Moving Castle, Vol. 3
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 has made her place in to the Moving Castle, and discovered that Howl isn’t as terrible as his reputation paints him. In fact, he’s a bit of a coward, and needs Sophie to answer a Royal summons for him! But the visit to the Palace ends in shambles, and now Howl’s mentor Madam Suliman is out to get them…and the Witch of the Waste has moved into the castle!
Sophie has made her place in to the Moving Castle, and discovered that Howl isn’t as terrible as his reputation paints him. In fact, he’s a bit of a coward, and needs Sophie to answer a Royal summons for him! But the visit to the Palace ends in shambles, and now Howl’s mentor Madam Suliman is out to get them…and the Witch of the Waste has moved into the castle!
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2005
7 people are currently reading
584 people want to read
About the author
Hayao Miyazaki
366 books3,479 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 - 29 of 36 reviews
February 13, 2024
"We're going to need some courage."
I love this story so much! 😭😭😭😭
I don't think I'll ever get over how selfless Sophie is and how this family has come together to indeed be a family. To have a witch that cast a curse on you with that same very witch being after the heart of the young man you love, and then to have the dog of the master that is after your lover's life, but show kindness to both and help take care of them, THAT is unconditional love.
Sophie doesn't have to take care of the Witch of the Waste nor does she need to keep the "doggie," but yet she takes care of both, and Howl being the amazing person he is, he redoes the entire house so that all of them can live freely together. (Well as freely as they can with the war.) It truly brings me to tears and is one of my favorite parts of this story.
Also, the beginning is one of my favorite parts too! The way Sophie is helping Howl and how she unknowingly gives him courage is amazing! I'm so glad they are there for one another, but I NEED Sophie to see her own self-worth. When Howl tells Sophie she IS beautiful, she shuts down every single time, but this time it's in the form of her aging. 😭😭😭
The ending of this volume was perfect! I'm so glad Sophie is staying and that she has indeed found her family. 🥰🥰🥰
I love this story so much! 😭😭😭😭
I don't think I'll ever get over how selfless Sophie is and how this family has come together to indeed be a family. To have a witch that cast a curse on you with that same very witch being after the heart of the young man you love, and then to have the dog of the master that is after your lover's life, but show kindness to both and help take care of them, THAT is unconditional love.
Sophie doesn't have to take care of the Witch of the Waste nor does she need to keep the "doggie," but yet she takes care of both, and Howl being the amazing person he is, he redoes the entire house so that all of them can live freely together. (Well as freely as they can with the war.) It truly brings me to tears and is one of my favorite parts of this story.
Also, the beginning is one of my favorite parts too! The way Sophie is helping Howl and how she unknowingly gives him courage is amazing! I'm so glad they are there for one another, but I NEED Sophie to see her own self-worth. When Howl tells Sophie she IS beautiful, she shuts down every single time, but this time it's in the form of her aging. 😭😭😭
The ending of this volume was perfect! I'm so glad Sophie is staying and that she has indeed found her family. 🥰🥰🥰
January 12, 2019
::Howl's Moving Castle's Characters::
The Witch of the Waste
The Witch of the Waste has been largely dormant for fifty years which is why it is such a shock to find her evil active again, although it seems likely that she is now under the control of her fire demon. She is ancient but continues to make herself appear younger. She also seems to out-maneuver Howl alarmingly often and is generally one step ahead of the game. Although she cursed Sophie and turned her into an old woman, she did not intend to as it was Sophie's sister Lettie whom she was jealous of and angry with. Despite a fierce battle the Witch is killed at the close of the novel.
***
Calcifer
Calcifer is a fire demon and he is bound by contract to work for Howl. He is a well-intentioned demon as he has no desire to become Howl's master as the Witch's fire demon has become over her, and this is why he wants the contract to be broken. Although he feels he is kept in the grate against his will, once he is released he finds that he actually likes living with Howl, he just wants it to be his choice to do so and not his contractual obligation. Calcifer is a courageous demon and protects Howl and his group. He is the main example of the fire theme that goes throughput the book and also the best example of its symbolic nature as when his life starts to ebb away there is barely a flicker of flame from him, but when life is strong in him so are the flames.
The Witch of the Waste
The Witch of the Waste has been largely dormant for fifty years which is why it is such a shock to find her evil active again, although it seems likely that she is now under the control of her fire demon. She is ancient but continues to make herself appear younger. She also seems to out-maneuver Howl alarmingly often and is generally one step ahead of the game. Although she cursed Sophie and turned her into an old woman, she did not intend to as it was Sophie's sister Lettie whom she was jealous of and angry with. Despite a fierce battle the Witch is killed at the close of the novel.
***
Calcifer
Calcifer is a fire demon and he is bound by contract to work for Howl. He is a well-intentioned demon as he has no desire to become Howl's master as the Witch's fire demon has become over her, and this is why he wants the contract to be broken. Although he feels he is kept in the grate against his will, once he is released he finds that he actually likes living with Howl, he just wants it to be his choice to do so and not his contractual obligation. Calcifer is a courageous demon and protects Howl and his group. He is the main example of the fire theme that goes throughput the book and also the best example of its symbolic nature as when his life starts to ebb away there is barely a flicker of flame from him, but when life is strong in him so are the flames.
April 6, 2024
احسست بوجود جزء مفقود
كيف ميزت والدة صوفي ابنتها وكيف عرفت انها تعمل مدبرة في قلعة اول
*مع قراءة الرواية عرفت الأجواء المفقودة الكثيرة فيها
المكان الذي اهداها اياها اول هو المكان الذي تحلم به كل فتاة ♡
كيف ميزت والدة صوفي ابنتها وكيف عرفت انها تعمل مدبرة في قلعة اول
*مع قراءة الرواية عرفت الأجواء المفقودة الكثيرة فيها
المكان الذي اهداها اياها اول هو المكان الذي تحلم به كل فتاة ♡
January 24, 2024
My favorite movie❤️
May 6, 2021
Wow, gotta say the battle between Suliman and Howl is so interesting to me. When Sophie was able to bring Howl back to the present and save him was one of my favourite moments in this film comic!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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 meeting with Madame Suliman (Howl just shows up) to Markl asking Sophie not to leave.
September 13, 2020
We continue to follow the adventures of Howl, his moving castle, Sophie, and the wicked witch.
December 25, 2021
It’s one of my favourite movies of all time, and being able to appreciate the art of Miyazaki in a physical book is a truly magical and nostalgic experience. Need I say more?
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.
January 21, 2025
Reading this volume reminds me at first glance of the film. It was really exciting to read Howl's fight and how he and Calcifer cast a spell to move houses. Howl and Sophie's interaction in the secret garden was really good, especially when Sophie expressed her feelings. It's a shame I only have volume 3, if I have the opportunity I will complete the other volumes.
June 16, 2018
I devour them like apples. It is just so good to have more time to cherish the good, sweet and funny moments from the film.
September 13, 2018
I love to manga in the third one it got you to more of the action and I love the storyline
March 31, 2020
Based on stills from the movie - reproduced as per the screenplay.
January 26, 2022
it was cute <3
January 3, 2023
Rauhallisempi pätkä tarinaa, mutta yhtä kaunis kuin muutkin.
March 21, 2024
In love with this story
March 30, 2025
So far this was my least fave of them. Like a scene made to jyst tie the bridges of the others
May 20, 2025
I found it best to read along while watching the movie. Makes my heart hurt in that way when you watch something you really love!
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.
November 18, 2008
in the time where the visual's interpretation limit the boundary of imagination absorbing from the experience of reading...Miyazaki made it the other way around...he simply showed that visual arts are vehicles to move the boundary of imagination to an even greater dimension...unlimited!
i love all of the creations and adaptations of Hayao Miyazaki, he is a genius...i collected all of the anime by studio Ghibli(now owned by Disney) because of Miyazaki sensei.
in the case of Hayao Miyazaki's creations i'm kinda obsessive i have to admit i compulsively hunt for every anime created by him and look for the manga/novel after watching the anime...and Nausicaa has been named as one of the best by him. (geee you must see Laputa 'the castle in the sky' or Zen to Chihiro 'spirited away', and howls moving castle won an award in the children movie in Venice and dont forget My Neighbor Totoro where the Ghibli adopted it's logo...i can go on and on about it and you'll get bored)
Miyazaki sensei, ganbatte kudasai...arigato!
(for complete summary of Miyazaki and his creations, pls visit nausicaa: www.nausicaa.net)
i love all of the creations and adaptations of Hayao Miyazaki, he is a genius...i collected all of the anime by studio Ghibli(now owned by Disney) because of Miyazaki sensei.
in the case of Hayao Miyazaki's creations i'm kinda obsessive i have to admit i compulsively hunt for every anime created by him and look for the manga/novel after watching the anime...and Nausicaa has been named as one of the best by him. (geee you must see Laputa 'the castle in the sky' or Zen to Chihiro 'spirited away', and howls moving castle won an award in the children movie in Venice and dont forget My Neighbor Totoro where the Ghibli adopted it's logo...i can go on and on about it and you'll get bored)
Miyazaki sensei, ganbatte kudasai...arigato!
(for complete summary of Miyazaki and his creations, pls visit nausicaa: www.nausicaa.net)
August 6, 2016
*There may be spoilers in this review but big ones will be marked.*
Short read, took me under a day (30 mins to an hour) to read. I didn't even get to use my new bookmark because it was such a quick read haha.
Again the artwork was amazing and I love Heen!
Short read, took me under a day (30 mins to an hour) to read. I didn't even get to use my new bookmark because it was such a quick read haha.
Again the artwork was amazing and I love Heen!
January 8, 2025
Manga jatkuu edelleen hyvänä ja tykkään tästä tyylistä. Kuvat ovat selkeitä ja värillisiä, tarina on myös hyvä ja selkeä muttei kuitenkaan liian mitään sanomaton. En malta odottaa, että saan katsoa elokuvana.
June 22, 2011
Funny but ive read it before. No surprise but i couldnt stop laughing.
September 12, 2011
this story is very fun for me.
Read
August 12, 2011Like the movie.
April 20, 2012
Wonderfully done. I love the movie and these books offer you the opportunity to take a closer look and to enjoy the power of the pictures with their fascinating details and wonderful colors.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 36 reviews