Princess Mononoke Picture Book

by Hayao Miyazaki

Fantasy, history and Japanese folklore shape an ecological message in Hayao Miyazaki’s ambitious tale.

Studio Ghibli picture books capture the magic of the legendary studio’s animated films with easy-to-read text, full-color pictures direct from the film, and a family-friendly oversized hardcover format.

Marked with the curse of a rampaging boar god, young Ashitaka sets off on a journey to cure his mysterious affliction. From behind the walls of an iron-mining town, Lady Eboshi arises to smash all obstacles to technological development. And from out of the forest comes Princess Mononoke, driven by a hatred of all humans. Can she and Ashitaka ally in time to stop the wild lands from being destroyed?

Genres: Fantasy, Manga

232 pages, Hardcover

Published December 5, 2017

About the author

Hayao 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.

Reviews

[LittlePiscesReading · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's like someone made a subpar PowerPoint of the film. It's too boring as a comic with too much empty space between the screenshots and fails to be a book with only the sparsest lines to accompany the images.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great film! Loved the screencaps but I constantly found myself replaying the film in my head on account of the rephrasing and such. I borrowed this book from our local library system and I’m not too thrilled with it being catalogued as a juvenile picture book. I’d definitely consider it young adult. A lot of blood shown and the scene where Moro speaks with Ashitaka and laughs - they make quite the scary face! The fact that the film is animated doesn’t mean it’s suitable for children!

[Annie Erwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! 🌠⭐

I love reading these pictures books, as they are super fun, and quick to read. So far, I read 3 of them ( Howls Moving Castle, The Cat Returns, and now Princess Mononoke)
I want to eventually read all of them.

The animation, and color is so beautiful.
I have seen the movie, many times, so I was very familiar with it.

I am so glad I finally ordered this.
Hopefully I can continue with these!

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, it’s just a complication of frames from the movie, but it worked very well—I am biased since this is my favorite movie of all time. I read dialogue in the character’s voices which was fun (and indicates I’ve seen the dub way too many times)! Interestingly, the Great Forest Spirit is referred to as the Deer God more in this book than it was in the film.

It’s not as in-depth as the film comic is, but still a great read. I love anything Princess Mononoke, so this didn’t disappoint.

[Guenevera]

“You forget she is a god. It will take more than that.”

“What are you here for? To see with eyes unclouded with hate.”

“She is the only one in the world who saw us as human beings.”

“Life is suffering . . . but still, you find reasons to keep living.”