Review by C.J. Bunce
High in the clouds is another world, powered by an element that lets its people float and allowd large objects–even huge masses–to defy gravity. There floats the island of Laputa. When a robot falls from the sky, schemers track down a girl named Sheeta, who has a pendant that may be the secret to acquiring the power of Laputa. A mix of fantasy and science fiction with retro futurism, Castle in the Sky is the first film produced by Studio Ghibli and writer-director Hayao Miyazaki’s first film after Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, another animated film highlighting the importance of environmentalism. VIZ Media has published the Castle in the Sky Picture Book, its latest read-along for fans of the movie, old and new. It’s available now here direct from VIZ Media and here at Amazon.
Released in 1986, Castle in the Sky features concepts, imagery, and ideas from fantasy classics, especially Tolkien’s Middle-earth books, with timeless locations and plot points.
The villains include both pirates and government interests, all scheming to ruin for the sake of personal wealth and greed.
Castle in the Sky Picture Book is the next of the Miyazaki picture books, a library of important adventure books every kid should have, large-sized hardcover storybooks that make the perfect supplement, souvenir, or introduction to the stories of Hayao Miyazaki. This volume perfectly reproduces the colorful artwork of Miyazaki, complete with an introduction of characters and concepts for young readers.
Readers will find Sheeta is another princess in Miyazaki’s world of characters, accompanied by her newfound friend Pazu. Both Sheeta and Pazu are truly good, perfect guides for a classic fantasy hero’s journey. At times the artwork is simple, usually when focusing on his characters, and then in the next frame Miyazaki delivers vistas and horizons that are sharply detailed and visibly stunning. Key images from the sequences dot the pages of the book, accompanied by an abridged, young readers’ take on the narrative. Here is another instance where Miyazaki incorporated his interest in World War II era military aircraft and tanks in his creations, contrasted with the beauty of the pastoral towns of his youth.
Don’t miss this great storybook and read-along. If you grew up with Disney storybooks based on its fairy tale adaptations, you’ll love this book. Castle in the Sky Picture Book is the perfect read-along for fans of the movie, old and new. It’s available now here direct from VIZ Media and here at Amazon. And you can catch the film now streaming on Disney+.
