VIZ Media Announces Release Date For THE ART OF CASTLE IN THE SKY

VIZ Media announced today that the new book The Art of Castle In The Sky will be released on October 18th 2016. This beautiful hardcover edition joins VIZ Media’s highly commended series of art books showcasing Studio Ghibli films. THE ART OF CASTLE IN THE SKY’s debut also coincides with the 30th Anniversary of the original release of the film. THE ART OF CASTLE IN THE SKY will carry an MSRP of $34.99 U.S. / $39.99 CAN.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Castle in the Sky was the first feature film produced by the legendary Studio Ghibli. Sheeta, a girl who has the power to defy gravity, is on the run from pirates when she meets the young inventor Pazu. Together they explore the secrets of Laputa, a flying city constructed by a long-lost race of people. All of Miyazaki’s major themes – the power of flight, the bravery of young women, and a world wrecked by change – are captured with beautiful animation and joyous storytelling.

“We are proud to release this gorgeously illustrated book that celebrates the extraordinary artwork of Hayao Miyazaki’s groundbreaking film,” says Masumi Washington, Senior Editorial Director. “This comprehensive edition is packed with the film’s art, from conception to final release, as well as commentary and insights from Miyazaki himself. It makes a fitting addition to our extensive Studio Ghibli library.”

Hayao Miyazaki is one of Japan's most beloved animation directors. His first feature, The Castle of Cagliostro, was released in 1979 and his critically acclaimed film, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, which was based on his own manga, was released in 1984. In 1985, Miyazaki cofounded Studio Ghibli, through which he directed the box office smashes Princess Mononoke (1997) and Spirited Away (2001), which won the Golden Bear at the 2002 Berlin International Film Festival and the Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature Film in 2003. Howl's Moving Castle (2004) received the Osella Award for technical achievement at the 2004 Venice International Film Festival. In 2005, VIFF awarded Miyazaki the Golden Lion Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Miyazaki’s other acclaimed films include My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service and Ponyo. Miyazaki's essays, interviews and memoirs have been collected in STARTING POINT: 1979–1996 and TURNING POINT: 1997–2008. His final film, The Wind Rises, was nominated for both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award®. In November 2014, Miyazaki received an honorary Academy Award® at the academy's sixth annual Governor's Awards.

Anime For Newcomers

So much anime, so little time. It can be overwhelming for a newcomer to enjoy anime because some don't know where to begin. Well I am here to tell any newcomers who are just new into anime, some choices I know will help you get a feel for what is to come within the realm of anime. Some may disagree with my list but that is fine. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. These are just my choices and is in no way a reflection on anyone else on the site. So let's begin.

1. Most or All of Hayao Miyazaki Films
     In order to get into the animation of anime, I feel that Mr. Miyazaki films are the best way to start. His stories are timeless, heartfelt, fun, and beautiful. His animation in all of his movies show both the realistic and whimsical aspect of the world and characters. I definitely recommend people seeing "Spirited Away" and "Howl's Moving Castle". Those are my two favorite films by Mr. Miyazaki.




 2. Mamoru Hosoda's "Summer Wars" and "Wolf Children"
       I have never seen such great animation and story lines that is next to my heart with Mr. Miyazaki. Mr. Hosoda's two stories about family and growing up in society is great and its a good set of movies to show anybody who wants to get into anime. I almost cried with "Wolf Children" and "Summer Wars" was another heartfelt story that must be shared. I highly recommend these movies. You won't regret it.





3. "Chrono Crusade"
     In my earlier days of being a writer for OtakusandGeeks, I wrote a review about an anime called "Chrono Crussade" and I mentioned that I cried at the end of the series. The story line was so good and the two main characters will keep you watching from beginning to end. It's also a great love story, plenty of action and drama with comedy. It's another anime for people for the beginners to the experienced anime lovers.





 4. "Ouran High School Host Club"
       So Ouran leans more towards girls however, guys will be able to get into it as well. Trust me its a sweet story. The characters are likable and there are many stories centered on more than one theme. It sounds mushy but it has a lot of heart and comedy. In fact Kyoya is my favorite host and you will see why as you watch the show.

5. "Cowboy Beebop"
      How can I forget one of the classics. "Cowboy Beebop" gives enough sci-fi western action, adventure, heart, and comedy to last you a while. I first saw this anime on Adult Swim, back in the days of watching through the Toonami block to see more anime late at night. You won't regret watching this and they call it a classic for a reason. "See ya Space Cowboy".






If you have anymore suggestions or I missed a show, comment below. Anime Rules!!! ^-^

MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO NOVEL AND FULL COLOR PICTURE BOOK

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, marks the 25th Anniversary of famed director Hayao Miyazaki’s whimsical animated family fantasy, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO, with the release on October 1st of MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO: THE NOVEL and a brand new edition of the MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO Picture Book.

Published under VIZ Media’s Studio Ghibli Library imprint, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO: THE NOVEL carries an MSRP of $17.99 U.S. / $21.00 CAN, and the MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO Picture Book features an MSRP of $19.99 U.S. / $22.99 CAN.

In Hayao Miyazaki’s charming animated classic, eleven-year-old Satsuki and her sassy little sister Mei have moved to the country to be closer to their ailing mother. While their father is working, the girls explore their sprawling old house and the forest and fields that surround it. Soon, Satsuki and Mei discover Totoro, a magical forest spirit who takes them on fantastic adventures through the trees and the clouds – and teaches them a lesson about trusting one another.

MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO: THE NOVEL
MSRP: $17.99 U.S. / $21.00 CAN · Available October 1st
The superbly animated classic by legendary Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki is now retold in a novel written by Tsugiko Kubo. This prestigious hardcover edition also features original watercolor illustrations by Miyazaki himself, accompanying a story written by veteran children's book author Tsugiko Kubo. Sure to delight both existing fans and new readers!

MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO PICTURE BOOK New Edition · Rated “A” for All Ages · MSRP: $19.99 U.S. / $22.99 CAN · Available October 1st
This companion, full-color book to MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO features artwork taken directly from the movie. The updated edition also features new cover design and allows parents and children to relive Totoro's magical adventures with scene-by-scene illustrations and character dialogue.

“MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO is Hayao Miyazki’s timeless fairy tale for all ages and one of the most internationally acclaimed films to ever come out of Japan,” says Masumi Washington, Sr. Editorial Director. “MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO: THE NOVEL and the new edition of the MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO PICTURE BOOK capture the poignancy and emotion of the story of Satsuki, Mei and their loveable fuzzy forest friends and will be wonderful additions to any Miyazaki fan’s personal library.”

MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO was released in 1988 by Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli, which also produced SPIRITED AWAY, PRINCESS MONONOKE, HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE and PONYO. TOTORO is an internationally popular property that has spawned a colorful array of adorable plush characters, toys, collectables and other memorabilia. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment released the DVD/Blu-ray Edition of MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO earlier this year.

Hayao Miyazaki is one of Japan's most celebrated anime directors. His newest film, The Wind Rises (2013), recounts the early days of aviation and the formative years of Japan's famed World War II Zero fighter plane designer, Jiro Horikoshi. In 2005 Hayao Miyazaki was awarded the Venice International Film Festival's Golden Lion Award for Lifetime Achievement. Miyazaki’s other notable films include Spirited Away, which won the 2002 Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature Film, as well as Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, Howl's Moving Castle, and Ponyo, all of which have received great international acclaim. Miyazaki's other achievements include creating the highly regarded manga series Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Starting Point: 1979-1996, a collection of essays, interviews, and memoirs that chronicle his early career and the development of his theories of animation. Both are published in English by VIZ Media.

More information on VIZ Media’s Studio Ghibli titles is available at www.VIZ.com