Ever wondered how a film as perfect as Spirited Away came to be? Or how a quasi-human protagonist ended up as confoundingly attractive as the eponymous Porco Rosso? Well, wonder no more. An upcoming book titled Studio Ghibli Complete Works promises to provide all these answers and more, going behind the scenes of all 26 of the Japanese studio’s animated projects.
The new book will cover everything from 1980s tearjerker Grave of the Fireflies to the company’s as-yet-unreleased 3D venture Earwig and the Witch. It will provide an introduction to each story and its characters, as well as a look at archive material including posters, newspaper ads and old interviews with directors. This means you can fully immerse yourself in the nostalgia of the studio’s crown jewels: going deep into the world of Howl’s Moving Castle, or traversing the fantastical landscapes of epics such Princess Mononoke and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.
But perhaps you’re looking for an insight into some of Ghibli’s less mainstream fare. Studio Ghibli Complete Works also dives into the dreamy 90s vibes of Only Yesterday — a pastel-hued treat of a film with a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, naturally. You can even explore the stories behind deep cut gems you might have missed in the past, such as the effortlessly charming Ghiblies: Episode 2, a 25-minute short featuring comedic vignettes and caricatures of Studio Ghibli staff as they go about their day. Feeling lost? We have a detailed guide to making your way through the esteemed catalogue of the Japanese animation house.
In addition to presenting a commentary on each Ghibli project, there are details of book recommendations for further research, DVD introduction pages, and a full character index. Retailing for ¥3,080 (around about £21), the book also promises access to exclusive information about Earwig and the Witch, the studio’s latest project. In fact, according to Hypebeast, Studio Ghibli Complete Works will “highlight the process of the creation and the secret story of the production from director Goro Miyazaki”. That’s the legend Hayao Miyazaki’s son, FYI. Stunning!
So when will Studio Ghibli Complete Works be made available to the world, you ask? April 21 — a fine day indeed.
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