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While I was a little disappointed by the text (translation by Alex Dudok De Wit), much of this fable, which was inspired by a Tibetan folktale, is carried by Miyazaki‘s glorious watercolour images. A young prince sets off on a quest through a fantasy central Asia, encountering slave traders and possibly cannibalism along the way. The English edition reads in Japanese-style, right to left. Ages 10–up

The watercolour art is fabulous. The prose is somewhat stilted — not sure if that‘s the intended style (a fable), or because this was an early film concept by Miyazaki, or a result of the translation. Example: “On all four sides, the walls were pierced by great gates, through which streamed a constant traffic of people and vehicles.” Also, there are no text boxes, so there‘s sometimes not much contrast when the background is dark.

I enjoyed this illustrated version of an early film concept from Miyazaki. Not long after publishing, he formed Studio Ghibli. This is his only "graphic novel" (his other publications have been what is categorized as manga). The art is beautiful, and it tells a strong, dramatic story about a bit trying to raise his village out of poverty.

If you‘ve ever seen a Miyazaki, than you will love Shuna‘s Journey. This is an older story so you can see the beginnings of the skill and style that makes him an amazing storyteller. And the ART! 😍

Gorgeous. Simple. Stunning.

Vacation read: 7

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Definitely reminded me of Nausicaa, but it seems this was published in the 80s in Japan, so that makes sense. The story wasn‘t super riveting to me. Pretty, watercolor, blurry artwork. Narration style was odd.

This is the English translation that was recently published for the first time in the US.released in the 80s.It‘s beautiful!The story is very Miyazaki.If you have liked his other stories/films you‘re in for a treat.It‘s simple,imaginative and full of heart.It‘s based on Tibetan folklore.If I had to give one critique it would be about the rifle Shuna is carrying through part of his journey.That‘s influenced by the current happenings in the USA.

Inspired by a Tibetan folktale, this is a pre-Ghibli Miyazaki story that will feel familiar to his fans. The stunning watercolors, the nature-magic commentary around environmentalism, it's all here. According to the translator a blend of this tale and Le Guin's Earthsea books are the foundation of the early Ghibli films. If you love Miyazaki, read this. If you don't yet love Miyazaki, read this and you soon will.

Published in Japan in 1983, two years before Studio Ghibli launched, just now published in English, this graphic novel is a gift for fans of the beloved animator Hayao Miyazaki. Inspired by a Tibetan folktale about their staple grain barley, Shuna‘s Journey is a sparely written but beautifully told and richly illustrated fable about the power of interdependence, working in relationship with the land, and sowing the seeds for a brighter future.

I can‘t believe it took so long for the English translation but I‘m grateful it was published nonetheless. I‘m a huge fan of his work and just had to snag this one when it came out for preorder. It was a quick read, but I tried to savor every illustrated detail and every word. It‘s based on a Tibetan folktale but with Miyazaki‘s magical touch. It was a beautiful, sometimes eerie tale with an important hidden theme and a perfect ending.

Like watching a Ghibli movie. First published in 1985 in Japan and only just now translated into English. It‘s stunning. Stunning stunning stunning. Classic storytelling. Reminiscent of Princess Mononoke and Nausica. So many stars for this one. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I had a hard time finding a book for my last #BBRC prompt #AdultAGraphicNovelFromTheYearYourWereBorn but this Miyazaki 1983 classic has just been translated into English for the first time. It‘s an amazing little story based on a traditional Tibetan legend about barley becoming their staple crop. With adaptations that tell a larger political story. It‘s beautifully done and unlike anything I‘ve read before. Very glad I picked it!

I saw the physical book in the bookstore yesterday. I‘m not tempted at all🙈. Yeah, right!