Howl's Moving Castle Picture Book

ハウルの動く城 [Howl no Ugoku Shiro] #1

by Hayao Miyazaki (Screenplay)

Add Howl's Moving Castle to this list of must-have movie books. Director Hayao Miyazaki is a master storyteller and his films have all become classics of animation. There's no better way to preserve the magic of Howl and his flying castle than by adding this delightful volume to your home library.

Earlier this year, VIZ Media released The Art of Howl's Moving Castle , a hardbound, prestige format book which exists as an essential companion to Hayao Miyazaki's latest animated classic.

To further complement the movie-going experience, we are now proud to present the Howl's Moving Castle Picture Book , a companion publication wedding scene-by-scene film footage with character dialogue in one handsome volume.

Based on the young-adult novel by British author Diana Wynne Jones, Howl's Moving Castle reflects on a wondrous time when science and magic captured the spirit of 19th century Europe.

The story of Howl's Moving Castle is the story of a young girl who is magically transformed into a 90-year-old woman. Undaunted by this curse, her continuing adventures introduce her to the vainglorious wizard Howl and his curious castlemates.

Two years ago, VIZ Media released a similar book inspired by Spirited Away , the movie which garnered an Academy Award for director Hayao Miyazaki. Another picture book for My Neighbor Totoro is planned for later this year.

Now, add Howl's Moving Castle to this list of must-have movie books. Director Hayao Miyazaki is a master storyteller and his films have all become classics of animation. There's no better way to preserve the magic of Howl and his flying castle than by adding this delightful volume to your home library.

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Magic, Fiction, Young Adult, Comics

184 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2004

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

[Ladan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Among all the characters, Calcifer was my favourite one!

[mandinmandin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The movie was awesome, this comic not so much. BUT because of my love for Studio Ghibli and its works I cannot rate this lower than three stars.

[Pepper Thorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Howl's Moving Castle is quirky and enchanting. Diana Wynne Jones' writing has an innocent wonder, humor, and subtle wisdom that is pure magic. I have read a shelf-full of her books and loved every one. This book not only didn't disappoint but was a delightful surprise. None of the characters is quite what they seem, even to themselves, and everything is in a lovely, chaotic mess.

I did not read this book for a long time because I saw and loved Hayao Miyazaki's animated masterpiece based on the book. I knew that the book and film were very different and I feared that the book could never live up to the movie. Boy, was I wrong! Both the book and movie are their own unique works and both are perfect.

I must now run out and buy the other books about Howl and Sofie!

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had every plan to watch the movie, but since I've had this "manga" on my shelf for a year now, I decided to read this first!

Despite that the sound effects are in Japanese and there is none of the music of the movie, it is still just as magical as always!

In fact, I forgot how vibrant this story is! There are so many colors and there is such a deep placement for the story world that Sophie lives in.

And speaking of Sophie, every time I see the beginning of her story, my heart aches on her behalf! She is such a wonderful young woman but does not share that same confidence in herself. Despite that she doesn't back down, is very loyal, and works hard, she still sees herself as "not beautiful."

Howl on the other hand rushes in with his dashing and magical self that I felt swept off my feet once again! LOL! I love how there is so much mystery surrounding his character in the beginning as well as that touch of danger due to the rumors that have been spoken about him.

One thing I really appreciated about being able to read this story rather than watch it is that I can really focus on Markl! I would also add that of being able to appreciate all the small details of Howl's castle, inside and out.

Calcifer is a hoot as always!

Definitely excited to keep reading this story, especially since it ended on a "cliffhanger"!

[Rachel]

I got this for my birthday 😄 *happy dance*

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wirklich süß 😍

[Heaven Adore · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I hadn’t watched the movie, I would be completely lost. It was weird how some scenes were cut short, so keeping up with the story felt confusing at times. But this was still a fun way to revisit this story! And it’s so cool that the pictures are directly from the movie…the art is so pretty. 😍

[Prateekshya · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
Hence proved, Books are better than movies!
Earlier when I watched the movie, i felt its kinda rushed and that’s obvious as they need to sum up everything in giving time frame, especially the romance between Howl and Sophie….. which in my opinion lack of clarity, such as when they fall in love with each other?
But I got my answers in the book as it was quite descriptive and expressed their feelings in progressive manner.
I enjoyed reading it. Love to read more about turnip-head aka the crown prince.🤭
It’s called an all time classic for a reason😌

[Filipa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never heard about this story, book or movie until last week when I saw the movie and quickly became highly obsessed with it. Thus getting the comic version of said movie as well as a picture book as well as the book of the original story that inspired it.

I
LOVE
IT

[Elina Mäkitalo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tykkäsin kirjasta paljon. Oli jotenkin tosi koukuttava ja mukaansa tempaava kuvakirja. Kuvat olivat hyvät ja selvät sekä teksti oli suhteellisen yksinkertaista. Vaikka kieli oli englanti, kieli oli helppoa ja ymmärrettävää. En useinkaan halua lukea kovin vaikeaa tekstiä englanniksi, kun menee ikuisuus lukea kun ei tiedä tärkeimpiä sanoja.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Precious

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For what it is, it's okay. It's just stills from the movie made into a book. I didn't realize that's what it'd be at first, but it makes sense now that I see they're literally called film books. It's a 5, only because I'm biased, but if you have access to the movie, just watch the movie like it's meant to be.

[Hannah Solberg🦋 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story and this movie. It speaks to my heart. <3

[Georgia Evon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's just like reading a comic version of one of my favorite Ghibli movies!

[sanaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

همه کتابها که نباید فاضلانه و عالمانه باشند. کتابهای بچه ها با تصاویر درخشان و دنیاهای بی نظیر و خلاقشان چیزهایی به آدم می دهند که خیلی کتابهای دیگر ندارند که بدهند. زندگی در این کتابها پرمایه است. بیشتر از آن که فکرش را بکنی.کتاب را به تازگی هدیه گرفته ام و خیلی دوستش می دارم. همین یک جمله اش یک هفته است که به فکر و رویایم برده: وقتی سوفی قلب هاول را به سینه اش بر می گرداند و هاول بیدار می شود می گوید نمی دانم چم شده. سینه ام خیلی تنگ است. سوفی به او می گوید: قلب بار سنگینی است

[Nouru-éddine · Rating 3 out of 5]

[Annye Driscoll · Rating 1 out of 5]

To put it kindly, this is an interesting book.

For the /r/fantasy bingo, I’m attempting to complete three boards: a generic, anything goes board, a board comprised of entirely female authors, and a comic book one. The comic book one is a bit tricky – some of the squares, like “desert setting” and “steampunk” are straightforward. Others, like “Any /r/Fantasy Goodreads Group Book Of The Month” or “Novel By an /r/Fantasy AMA Author OR Writer of the Day” are problematic and are requiring research and help from the community (thank you for all of the recommendations, /r/fantasy!).



Lucky for me, some very popular prose stories – such as Howl’s Moving Castle – have been made into graphic novels. So while the /r/Fantasy Goodreads group read Diana Wynne Jones’s prose version of the book, I got to experience volume 1 of the manga.

And an experience it was.

Because this book is entirely composed of…screen-grabs from the movie.

Of course any screen-grab from a Miyazaki film is going to be a work of art, so that fact alone doesn’t make it a 1-star. But the conversion from animated film to manga was done disappointingly poorly; the whole product comes across like very little thought or heart went into the task of creation. Entire pages are devoted to minute movements. I understand that the creators of this book wanted to faithfully recreate the film but…ugh. I don’t need an entire page – eight panels – to see Sophie open a door. It’s like a really tough spot the difference puzzle! Even in scenes where things are happening – action, dialogue, story elements – the frames are set up like a film reel, side by side, all cut in neat little movie-screen-sized rectangles. This book comes across as a cheap cash grab, with no other purpose than to profit off of the beauty and artwork in the movie.

I’m so glad this book exists, since it allows me to complete my bingo square – but the fact is, it really shouldn’t. If you want to read Howl’s Moving Castle, read Jones’s original masterpiece. If you want to see Miyazaki’s exquisite artwork, watch the movie. This comic is just a halfway between that doesn’t improve on either.

[Rachel Roby]

This rendition of Howl’s Moving Castle is more geared for younger readers, but still tells the beautiful story of Howl and Sophie nonetheless. Howl’s Moving Castle revolves around the interactions between Sophie, a local hat maker, and Howl, a magician. A war between two lands is the setting for the story. The war was caused by the disappearance of the young prince. Sophie is the oldest daughter and works tirelessly in her mother’s hat shop. One day Sophie is confronted by the Wicked Witch of the Waste. The witch transforms her into an old lady cursed to never tell anyone about the aging curse. On her way to find the witch to become un cursed, Sophie runs into Howl’s moving castle. Sophie hires herself as a cleaning lady for Howl. She works tirelessly to repair the house to a clean state while caring for Howl, the fire demon of the house, Calcifer, and Howl’s young apprentice Markl. Through her kindness, Howl’s heart becomes soft and he starts treating those around him with kindness. At the end of the book, Sophie’s curse is reversed and Howl and Sophie fall in love.

Howl’s Moving Castle is a book of adventure, love, destiny, courage, and many others. This book is a portrayal of the movie done by Studio Ghibli. Other versions of Howl’s Moving Castle include other characters and plot lines as well as sequel books. This book is also a perfect display of graphic novels. The pictures in the story play a part in moving the story along, but the character’s speech bubbles really tie together the plot of the story. Although the characters speak in the novel, interpretations of the feelings of the characters are left for the reader to decipher. Howl’s Moving Castle is read from right to left and from top to bottom. Sometimes the boxes display a scene (long shot), and sometimes the boxes are a close up of a character. Many panels display different camera angles such as eye-level, high angle (when a power move is occurring ), and low angle (when a smaller character is talking to a larger character).

For readers who love the Studio Ghibli version of Howl’s Moving Castle, this graphic novel will enhance the experience when a reader cannot watch the movie. I am not sure how readers who have read the original Howl’s Moving Castle edition would feel about this movie copy graphic novel. Fans of the original might find it unoriginal or fall in love with the rendition completely. No matter the take on which edition is better, Howl’s Moving Castle is a story for all ages. There is a theme in the graphic novel for every type of reader.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gotta say real quick, this has got to be one of my favourite ghibli movies that I have ever watched.
This is also the movie that made me really into watching other ghibli movies!

Just like it says in the title of this comic book, it's basically just the film but in a comic. Every word, picture, etc is all the same as the film as it's a 'film comic'.

The best part of this book though is that when there is a certain noise in the background they don't really say what the sound was or what it sounds like.
But when you reach the end of the comic they've created a whole guide to all the sound effects and what the noises sound like which I thought was interesting.

When reading the comic, it gave me more time to look at the not so noticeable parts of the film.

My biggest question out of the whole film/comic was,
"How did Turnip get a cane for Sophie when they were in the wastes?"

[Ollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a nice collector's item! It's literally just the movie in the form of a picture book. Like, actual screencaps from the movie accompanied by text describing the actions and dialogue.

I mean, if I had no way of watching the movie ever again, I would be thankful to have this book.

The pictures are clear and the colors are bold. The text is easy to read, and it feels satisfying to turn the pages.

It's exactly what it's supposed to be, so I have no criticisms!

It doesn't entirely capture the magic of the film, though. If you have the option, you're better off watching the movie (or reading the novel) instead.

[ناني ماكفي]

قصة حبي الاولى مع عالم المانغا ، اول حب اول فرحة و تعلق لا نهائي بهذا العالم السحري
صوفي وهاول رسما فترة طويلة من حياتي ، احببت الفيلم واعيد مشاهدته كلما امكن واينما وجدته ، واكيدة ان القصة اكثر من رائعة

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite movie, will consume all content

[Dilara:) · Rating 5 out of 5]

IHANA

[Robin Pelletier · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite movies and novels… in manga form. It’s just as beautiful as the movie. Calcifer is still my favorite.

[JttR T · Rating 4 out of 5]

-copy and pasted
-straight from the
-enchanted film

-sophie has such
-strength and courage
-that i so wish
-i had

[Labeba Salameh · Rating 5 out of 5]

لم اتوقع ان انهي الجزء الاول بهذه السرعة بعد انقطاع طويل عن القراءة لسوء الاحوال الصحية
ممتعة
احببتها
اتوقع ان الفلم اكثر بهجة

[Willow Afia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story increased my imagination, and just wish there were more sequels!:D

[Crites Student · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts off by introducing the readers to a teenage girl named Sophie who works in a hat shop. Sophie lives a very mundane and boring life until a magical wizard named Howl enters her life. A spell is cast on Sophie by a jealous witch, making her an old woman. Sophie now relies on Howl to help her reverse the spell. Howl and Sophie make a deal; if Sophie can reverse the spell on Howl, he will reverse the spell on her. In the meantime, Sophie lives in Howl's moving castle, which is operated by magic. Little does Sophie know, she is about to be thrust into the middle of a magic-operated war, all while making lifelong friends and learning to grow as a confident young woman.

This particular picture book is an adaptation that is a mix of the original novel by Diana Wynne Jones and the adapted movie by Hayao Miyazaki.

I really like the themes this book teaches us. Students can learn from Sophie through her growth in maturity and confidence. Sophie doesn't take a chance to get even with her enemies; instead, she decides to befriend them and act with kindness at all times.

I would use this picture book to teach literary themes in a middle school setting.

-EWU student

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

A lengthy picture book that covers the entirety of the film, Howl's Moving Castle. I don't normally like picture books that use screengrabs of movies, but the artwork from this movie is so well done, I really didn't mind. I think you could take any Miyazaki film and easily turn it into a picture book. The art is so full of depth and detail. Stunning visuals.

The book is composed of multiple images per page as well as contiguous text to describe the events. Storywise, there is quite a bit to pack into a picture book. I found some of the spans a little confusing to figure out the order. It's not always clear whether to read the text or look at the pictures first. Some of the images also have speech bubbles added and it wasn't always clear where they fit within the text. Okay flow overall. I'd definitely say it's best to have already seen the movie before going into this.

Includes the lyrics to "Sekai no Yakusoku (Promise of Love)" at the end.

Overall, a nice rendition. Works well for fans of the movie.

[Aarne Pohjois-Koivisto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tämähän oli täysin anime-elokuvan mukainen, kuvituksineen ja teksteineen, joten olin jo kaiken vastaanottanut aiemminkin, joskin nyt tapahtumiin sai hieman erilaisen näkökulman. (Tätä tyyliä kutsutaankin näköjään "movie bookiksi") Vuosia sitten katselin animen. Kiehtova maaginen fantasiamaailmahan tämä on. Noidan langettama kirous, joka muutti nuoren tytön vanhaksi mummoksi, oli jännittävä, ja kirjan keskeisin juonenkäänne. Ja kun kiroukseen liittyy sekin, ettei siitä voi puhua kellekään. Pian tämä Sophie päätyykin Howlin liikkuvan linnan kyytiin, kuin sattumalta, ja kohtaa siellä toisenkin kirotun tyypin, puhuvan nuotion, kohtalotoverin - ja he jo neuvottelevat toistensa kirousten purkamisesta vaihtokauppana. Kuvitukset olivat erittäin värikylläisiä ja täynnä yksityiskohtia. Uskomattomia taideteoksia suorastaan nämä yksittäisetkin ruudut. Tässä oli kyllä kaikki kohdallaan, joten annan 5 tähteä.