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風の谷のナウシカ [Kaze no Tani no Nausicaä] #3, part 1
Nausicaa Of The Valley Of Wind
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (Japanese: 風の谷のナウシカ Hepburn: Kaze no Tani no Naushika?) is a manga written and illustrated by anime director Hayao Miyazaki. It was serialized intermittently from 1982 to 1994 in Japan, and the English translation is published by Viz Media. It tells the story of Nausicaä, a princess of a small kingdom on a post-apocalyptic Earth who becomes involved in a war between kingdoms while an environmental disaster threatens the survival of humankind. On her journey, she struggles to bring about a peaceful coexistence among the people of her world, as well as between humanity and nature.
56 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
About the author
Hayao Miyazaki
375 books3,658 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 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 2, 2014
Phenomenal series that will examine and challenge your views on the value of life, morality, humanity's place, gender norms, nature, science/technology, power, society, religion, philosophy, love in the grandest sense, and kinship. Touches on classical mythology and folklore. Wish I'd read this when I was younger.
My advice: immerse yourself in this story. It'll inspire you.
This review doesn't do Miyazaki justice.
My advice: immerse yourself in this story. It'll inspire you.
This review doesn't do Miyazaki justice.
July 23, 2013
The first book of the series really highlights the societal issue of just how in trouble our environment is because of human's flaw of pollution. The fantasy adventure truly speaks real messages that should be taken to heart by readers. The anime is also admirable due to the action of the strong female heroine Nausicaa. (Not your lame damsel in distress Disney princess for sure!)
August 12, 2013
I have loved this story since the first time I saw the not-quite-accurately-translated, chopped-up-and-semi-poorly-re-edited film version called "Warriors of the Wind." By far, this is my favorite Miyazaki work. He captures both the best and worst of humanity and sets it all against a fantastic sf backdrop. Excellent all around.
June 28, 2014
Nausicaa is my favorite princess of all time. A girl of (extreme) innate violence and peace warring constantly. There are prophecies about her and some say she will save the world and some will end it. Also, the "blue angel" has come several times and she is just one more to fulfill parts of the prophecy (again).
It's kind of super-amazing
It's kind of super-amazing
September 1, 2014
I have the 2 volume edition of this Manga. It is probably the best I have ever read. Many more people will have seen the animated film of the story but upon reading this I learnt that it doesn't even touch the real story of Nausicaa.
A fascinating read and a must for fans of the film/ Hayao Miyazaki.
A fascinating read and a must for fans of the film/ Hayao Miyazaki.
February 15, 2015
This series were amazing and I enjoyed reading them! I know these books are also like a movie or something but I took the time to read them. Nausicaa is such a gentle character as well so she is a lovable character you find yourself supporting the whole time and somehow she actually makes you love the ohmu in the end!
May 26, 2014
Best manga I've ever read, which isn't saying a lot because I haven't read much, but it's so good. Worth your time if you're a comic book snob like me. A beautifully simple story told with loving details.
June 13, 2011
This author creates an amazing world with clever and dynamic characters. Great art and fantastic imagination.
August 15, 2012
fantastic!
May 29, 2014
A wonderful read. It inspires me greatly.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews