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November is here,
bringing grey skies, quiet afternoons, and the perfect excuse to wrap yourself in a blanket, sip something warm, and sink into a world full of magic and feeling. And when I think of quiet magic and soft melancholy, my mind always goes back to Studio Ghibli.
There’s just something timeless about those stories. Whether it’s the misty forests of Totoro, the lonely sky-walks of Kiki, or the surreal beauty of Spirited Away, Ghibli films simply hit different.
This month’s newsletter is all about capturing that Ghibli feeling in manga form. Well... kind of. 😉
Manga written by Hayao Miyazaki himself
Yes, Miyazaki didn’t just shape our childhoods through film. He also told stories through manga. And honestly? If you’ve only seen his movies, you’re missing out on something special.
There are two works available in English that feel like hidden gems, even though they come from one of the most famous creators in the world.
Shuna's Journey
Hayao Miyazaki Shunas Journey GN HC
€29,00
From legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki comes a new manga classic about a prince on a quest for a golden grain that would save his land, never before published in English! Shuna, the prince of a poor land, watches in despair… read more
Shuna’s Journey is one of those titles that can easily slip past your radar. This standalone, watercolor manga feels like a lost myth. Loosely based on a Tibetan folktale, it follows Prince Shuna on a journey to find golden grain to save his starving people. There isn’t much dialogue. Instead, the pages speak through color and expression. Every panel looks like a page from a storybook.
It’s quiet, haunting, and deeply emotional. It's a book to read slowly.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind Box Set
€67,99
€80,00
Hayao Miyazaki’s own creation, the legendary Nausicaä manga is now all in one! A deluxe compilation of the classic manga series written and illustrated by Academy Award® winner Hayao Miyazaki. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is an epic… read more
Did you know the Nausicaä manga goes far beyond the film? If you loved the movie, this is your sign to pick up the box set. It’s longer, more complex, and honestly, more devastating. Nausicaä is one of Miyazaki’s most powerful characters. She's a pacifist, a leader, a warrior, a bridge between humans and nature. The manga explores themes of war, ecology, and human arrogance with surprising nuance. And yes, i can confirm, the two-volume box set looks gorgeous on a shelf.
Film Comics of Ghibli Films
Okay, not exactly manga, I know. But let’s talk about the Film Comics VIZ has been publishing. They’re basically screenshots from the actual Studio Ghibli films, paired with the original dialogue. That’s it. No redraws, no new story, just the movie in book form.
Sounds simple, maybe even unnecessary? That’s what I thought too... until I bought my first one.
And guess what? They totally grew on me. The design is actually lovely. They’re not flashy, but they really feel like Ghibli. What I love most is that you can walk over to your shelf, pick up your favourite movie, and experience it again in a quieter, more intimate way.
- Ponyo Film Comic All In One Edition HC
- Spirited Away Film Comic All-in-One Edition HC
- Kiki's Delivery Service Film Comic: All-in-One Edition HC
- My Neighbor Totoro: All-in-One Edition HC
- Princess Mononoke Film Comic: All-in-One Edition *PRE-ORDER*
… and Artbooks
What I’ve also started to build up over the last few months is an artbook collection. I’m not totally sure I need every artbook out there, but right now I’ve got the ones for Totoro and Nausicaä on my shelf. And yes, naturally I’m already eyeing a few more. Honestly, there’s something magical in flipping through artbooks. There’s something magical about flipping through them, like holding a "making of" documentary in your hands.
Want to explore them yourself? Here are some of the most beautiful Ghibli artbooks you can find right now:
- Art of Princess Mononoke
- Nausicaä: Watercolor Impressions
- Studio Ghibli: Architecture in Animation
- The Art of The Boy and the Heron
Bonus Read
If you’re craving a deeper dive into the world of Studio Ghibli, check out Ghibliverse: Studio Ghibli Beyond the Films by Michael Leader and Jake Cunningham. This book takes you behind the scenes of the studio, from its earliest days to its lesser-known projects. It’s a must for anyone who wants more than just the films.
And if you’re ready to step into the mind of the master himself, don’t miss Starting Point and Turning Point. Both anthologies are filled with essays, interviews, sketches, and Miyazaki’s reflections on animation, storytelling, and life.
Manga To Read If You Love Studio Ghibli
If you’ve ever watched a Studio Ghibli film and felt that special mix of wonder, warmth and subtle melancholy, you know it’s more than just animation. There’s a vibe: a calm earthiness, the magic of nature, quiet heroes, and visual poetry. You might remember that I mentioned Mushishi and Witch Hat Atelier in the last newsletter. Both would fit perfectly into this theme too. But this time, I want to shine a light on two series that are a little less known, yet carry that same Ghibli-like spirit.
Beyond the Clouds: With its soft watercolor art and fairytale pacing, Beyond the Clouds feels like a forgotten Ghibli story. It's full of skybound dreams, gentle friendships, and just the right amount of mystery and melancholy. Perfect for anyone craving that bittersweet magic.
Emanon is a short, philosophical story about memory, identity, and time. Quiet and strange and thoughtful. It lingers in your mind long after you’ve closed the book. And yes, the first is the best volume in the series. You don’t need more to be moved by it.
New Arrivals in the Shop ✨
When I started writing this newsletter, I didn’t think Studio Ghibli would take up this much space. But here we are ... well, slightly over word count. So, there’s no room left for a deep dive into this month’s new manga. Oops. But hey, feel free to check out all the latest arrivals right here.
A few highlights? Glad you asked. Mushishi Volume 1 is finally in stock and already climbing the bestseller list and yes, I’m weirdly proud of that. Then there’s Vagabond Definitive Edition Volume 4, which barely needs an introduction at this point. And for all the hardcore Danmei fans out there, Volume one of "The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi (Deluxe Hardcover)" is here.
That’s it for this month’s little dive into the gentle worlds of manga and Ghibli.
I hope you discover something that makes you pause, smile, and maybe even dream a little.
See you next month,
Kerstin
