This is the second and final part of my Studio Ghibli art book collection for now. I actually do have my eye on a few new books that I will add to my collection, but they have to be shipped from Japan so they might take a month or so. I also have Kikis delivery service in this part because I messed up and forgot to add it yesterday. Anyway the following art books I will be covering are the Kiki's Delivery Service , Howl's Moving Castle, Ponyo,The Wind Rises and Spirited Away art books.
Each book is made by Viz Media for their “art of” series and they do a fantastic job at keeping everything at a very high quality for a relatively inexpensive price. The pages are glossy and beautiful additions to a collection. Like I said yesterday, for me these books are a way for me to relax and just look at the beauty and detail put in by the artists at Studio Ghibli. I will probably talk more about the movies rather than the books themselves because they tend to follow a similar formula.
The first book that I forgot to add yesterday was Kiki's Delivery Service. It has a TON of early concept art for the character of Kiki and what she would end up looking like in the end. This is actually a movie that I owned on DVD as a child and never really knew it was a studio Ghibli movie. It was dubbed by a young Kirsten Dunst playing Kiki and it always just felt like a Disney movie. It was licensed by Disney in the western market, but it felt more like it fit their mold. Its a beautiful movie with vibrant colors taking place beautiful European-esque sea town, which really shines through.
Next is Howl's Moving Castle which I actually saw after I started becoming a Studio Ghibli lover. I remember awaiting a release somewhere so I could get my hands on it and was delighted when I finally was able to see it. It might not be the best studio Ghibli movie but it is a fantastic entry into the mind of Hayao Miyazaki. Theres definitely a princess and the toad type vibe because the character is stuck in an old body, but theres a twist. The main male character is flawed and although many think of him on a pedestal, you see the behind the scenes what he is really like. Definitely a great movie and one I would suggest watching, even if it may seem a bit slow at times.
Ponyo is the definition of a visual masterpiece and if I had to choose an art book for the beauty of the images, I would have to chose this one. The use of colors within the ocean and spellcasting just whisks you away into another world. Set on the outside of all of this is a heart warming story of a boy taking care of and protecting his new friend. Ponyo is a great movie to show your children, especially younger ones because of how easy it for them to understand. Paired with great music with catchy tunes, youll have the song stuck in your head for days.
The Wind rises is the next book and the most recent addition to my collection. The movie itself is Miyazaki's most recent and more of a biopic than an actual story. Its based off the life of Jirou Horikoshi who ended up being one of the most prolific Japanese plane designers during WWII. The story is filled with historical depictions of the time, but also given that Ghibli touch. It is a must watch for any aerial enthusiasts or any Ghlibli fan.
Finally is my personal favorite which is Spirited Away. I saw this movie at a perfect time in my life where I was young and impressionable. The visuals, the story and most importantly the music stuck with me this long and I dont think ill ever give up loving it. I have probably seen this movie 50 times from start to finish. At a tough time in my life I maybe watched this movie once a week because it would calm me down and relax me. To this day this is the art book I look at the most as I imagine life inside the bath house of the spirits.
Each book in my collection has a different memory for me and each holds a special place in my heart. I dont buy these books just to keep on a shelf as a collectible, but rather because in many ways they feel like a part of me. When I look at the pictures within these books, I go back to a simpler time and jog nostalgic memories I dont want to ever forget.
-Calaber24p
i keep tickets, even candy wrappers, because as you very well put the emotions in words, “i go back to a simpler time and jog nostalgic memories I don’t want to ever forget”. Your book collection is serious, coming all the way from Japan. I admire your passion.
Show us all the content plz, I want to see the moving castle artbook
sweet sweet Jesus, you're gonna make me cry
Congratulations @calaberplays!
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