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Nausicaä of the Valley of Wind #4
Nausicaä of the Valley of Wind, Vol. 4
A monk warns Nausicaä that omens of an apocalypse, Daikaisho, will appear soon and the forest will boil over to cover the land. His predictions appear to be coming true when she arrives in the Forest in the South and discovers Lord Miralupa has developed mutant spores for biological warfare, but the mould begins growing uncontrollably and there's no antidote.
272 pages, Paperback
First published December 6, 1997
251 people want to read
About the author
Hayao Miyazaki
369 books3,511 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 3, 2016
Book 1: crying about monsters
Book 2: crying about soldiers
Book 3: crying about the end of the world
Book 4: crying about monsters AND soldiers AND the end of the world
Book 2: crying about soldiers
Book 3: crying about the end of the world
Book 4: crying about monsters AND soldiers AND the end of the world
May 26, 2021
I don't often read manga, despite living in the country of its origin for a time.
I found the narrative compelling and interesting to say the least. Maybe it is my age or just my pivoting into ecological issues (culturally and philosophically) but I found this series to be interesting for myself. As I said, I don't often read manga (jpn original or eng trans) so when I stumbled across this series that related to ecology I knew I needed to plunk myself down to read these, and I was not disappointed.
I found the narrative compelling and interesting to say the least. Maybe it is my age or just my pivoting into ecological issues (culturally and philosophically) but I found this series to be interesting for myself. As I said, I don't often read manga (jpn original or eng trans) so when I stumbled across this series that related to ecology I knew I needed to plunk myself down to read these, and I was not disappointed.
March 3, 2023
Superb. I always have so many feelings when I finish reading NotVotW... it's such a gut-wrenching ending for me and I love being able to come back to this series again and again, each time with more insight and knowledge and emotion. I think this series only gets better when you read it more... So many tiny details that I noticed this time around that I haven't noticed before. I highly highly highly recommend this series. Miyazaki includes a profound message about hope in darkness and the sanctity of life. 5/5 stars, untouchable.
November 6, 2015
Complex narrative. Maybe some influence on BIOMEGA バイオメガ 1?
What a deal! $5! used and in pretty good condition from a local bookstore in the Piedmont area of Oakland. Had to buy it even though they didn't have to whole boxed set. I have volume 1 of the big format.
What a deal! $5! used and in pretty good condition from a local bookstore in the Piedmont area of Oakland. Had to buy it even though they didn't have to whole boxed set. I have volume 1 of the big format.
December 8, 2019
Последние главы того стоили. На рисунок внимание уже не переключалось, настолько захватили развитие сюжета и судьба персонажей. Теории находят подтверждение, и финальный рывок к истине кажется во всех смыслах последним. Много невосполнимых потерь. Те герои, что поначалу вписывались в категорию антагонистов, к концу получили освобождение от подобных ярлыков (предыстория императора дороков оказалась недостающим звеном, после чего картинка полностью сложилась). Серия закручивает в один узел ВСЕ человечество, даже технологически продвинутое прошлое, отголоски которого до сих пор вмешиваются в настоящее. Ну и финал… Я уже была готова к разочарованию, к аккуратному сведению на нет проделанной работы, громким речам и ослепляющей надежде. Рада, что ожидания не оправдались. Навсикая осталась верна себе, но жить с этим выбором придется не только ей, но и всем последующим поколениям.
Больше всего зацепила идея очищения экосистемы сложным и длинным путем, по кромке которого идут герои без осознания происходящего. Был ли это гений прошлого, или наспех сварганенная заплатка? И отдельное спасибо за трепетное отношение к лесу и разнообразным формам жизни на планете вне зависимости от их происхождения.
hisashiburi
Больше всего зацепила идея очищения экосистемы сложным и длинным путем, по кромке которого идут герои без осознания происходящего. Был ли это гений прошлого, или наспех сварганенная заплатка? И отдельное спасибо за трепетное отношение к лесу и разнообразным формам жизни на планете вне зависимости от их происхождения.
hisashiburi
August 31, 2023
This is a magnificent series, but I felt that the ending was disappointing. The plot ended well, but the philosophy unnerved me. Nausicaa's character becomes much harder and less compassionate, in my opinion, than she had been before. She makes a decision for the entire world that really perpetuates a horrible ecological situation. Her philosophy is called nihilism by a character, and I think he is correct. I understand the concern of using the ancient technology, especially since it led to such rampant destruction, but to do away with all of it seems like a myopic, careless choice. It's too bad. I think Nausicaa deserves a much better ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2024
El caos del conflicto es sustituido por el colapso climático. Las fuerzas de la naturaleza se defienden ante los ataques que las dos grandes potencias armadas (Durku y Tormekia) han perpetuado para lograr sus objetivos. La ambición y la destrucción humana frente al intento de salvación de la naturaleza.
Nausicaä está inmersa en la leyenda de la que forma parte, en unas escenas muy oníricas y mágicas. Otros elementos como el Dios de la Guerra y los secretos de Durku se van desvelando.
Nausicaä está inmersa en la leyenda de la que forma parte, en unas escenas muy oníricas y mágicas. Otros elementos como el Dios de la Guerra y los secretos de Durku se van desvelando.
June 21, 2017
The conclusion to one of the best comics of the 20th century.
October 28, 2019
The word "epic" is overused but I feel it applies to this series. Almost a little sad to have finished, I hope the film lives up to the books.
December 24, 2025
I'm pretty sure this series is the best fantasy I've ever read. I'm just blown away!
January 2, 2024
I cannot speak highly enough of this series. I made the mistake of bringing it on vacation with me (to Las Vegas!) and I hardly did anything else because I wanted to go back to my room and keep reading. I laughed, I cried, I cried some more. It's not often that Ghibli movies aren't enough, but everyone should read this manga. Nausicaa is the kind of person I strive to be. 5/5
August 2, 2013
The drawings are kinetic and beautiful and so is the narrative.
What strikes me the most in this story is the level of empathy that the author shows for his characters and for humanity. Characters who at first glance are "evil" are always humanized and understood. It's wonderful how suddenly and naturally hated characters can turn into loved ones. This itself is a major theme of the story, and it's a good and relevant message. The author makes a courageous effort to empathize with absolutely everyone. He chooses to respond to suffering with understanding instead of with justice or anger, and I think this is an unfortunately rare perspective.
Nausicaa herself strikes me as naïve. Life (organic life) is romanticized to a dishonest degree, and it is infused with the metaphorical "soul", which only serves to confound morality and reality. People are shown to be pitiable creatures. The idea that humanity needs a mother figure seems somewhat condescending (toward humanity as a whole). There is a lot of pity and coddling toward meek humans, which comes across as cynical and patronizing.
The narrative is also prophetic and messianic... Instead of hopeful or inspiring, I find this trope wishful and grimly deterministic.
That said, the author has presented and justified a lot of different perspectives and worldviews and likely anyone will be able to connect with someone in the story. Nausicaa's naïvete seems acknowledged through less idealistic characters. Everyone's got a valid perspective.
What strikes me the most in this story is the level of empathy that the author shows for his characters and for humanity. Characters who at first glance are "evil" are always humanized and understood. It's wonderful how suddenly and naturally hated characters can turn into loved ones. This itself is a major theme of the story, and it's a good and relevant message. The author makes a courageous effort to empathize with absolutely everyone. He chooses to respond to suffering with understanding instead of with justice or anger, and I think this is an unfortunately rare perspective.
Nausicaa herself strikes me as naïve. Life (organic life) is romanticized to a dishonest degree, and it is infused with the metaphorical "soul", which only serves to confound morality and reality. People are shown to be pitiable creatures. The idea that humanity needs a mother figure seems somewhat condescending (toward humanity as a whole). There is a lot of pity and coddling toward meek humans, which comes across as cynical and patronizing.
The narrative is also prophetic and messianic... Instead of hopeful or inspiring, I find this trope wishful and grimly deterministic.
That said, the author has presented and justified a lot of different perspectives and worldviews and likely anyone will be able to connect with someone in the story. Nausicaa's naïvete seems acknowledged through less idealistic characters. Everyone's got a valid perspective.
February 7, 2012
This whole series is one of those things that immediately after finishing I want to go back and start again. So many great scenes, great characters. It's really amazing to me how it can make you experience such a wide spectrum of emotions, and how Miyazaki can create sympathy for characters who by all rights should be wholly unsympathetic.
Again, a minor criticism of this format, though - definitely parts in this volume where the size/page layout combination made it really hard to follow the action. Hardly a negative worth worrying about in something this overall awesome, but still, it is called the "perfect edition".
Again, a minor criticism of this format, though - definitely parts in this volume where the size/page layout combination made it really hard to follow the action. Hardly a negative worth worrying about in something this overall awesome, but still, it is called the "perfect edition".
October 24, 2009
Wonderful, wonderful series.
August 6, 2014
Adding a star here for the overall excellence of the series.
October 16, 2014
Probably the best ever graphic novel. Read this!
September 30, 2016
Reviewing all 4 books here. Beautiful artwork, incredible story line... Emotional and powerful and magical and amazing, just like the movie, a moving message.
September 24, 2021
RIP Teto. Salute to you, companion to Nausicaä!
October 10, 2022
Good ending.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews