Reviews with content warning for Trafficking - Shuna's Journey

Fans of Miyazaki are sure to love this; it reads very much like one of his movies, with a lot of narration, quite a few wordless panels, and very little dialogue. The artwork is, of course, beautiful, with many sweeping landscapes throughout the book.

It's an unusual little story, but enjoyable to read. I also recommend reading the afterward, because it gives historical and mythological context, as well as a little history on Miyazaki himself. This book was written just two years before Studio Ghibli became a thing, and I enjoyed reading some of the history behind it. Anyone who is a fan of Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki will love every moment of this book!

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apollos_books's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

whether you're a Miyazaki fan or lover of graphic novels and fantasy, if you haven't read this book what the heck are you waiting for?? i'm so thankful that this book has been translated and made available to English-speaking audiences! i read Miyazaki's magnum opus, "Nausicaa," earlier this year and "Shuna" was just as enjoyable and magical from beginning to end (despite being significantly shorter!). we are blessed here with masterclass storytelling and full, detailed, watercolored illustrations in addition to the subtle, beautiful, and reflective themes of community, nature, religion, & human folly and perseverance that are characteristic of Miyazaki's works. highly highly highly recommend picking this book up!

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mezzythedragon's review against another edition

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adventurous reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot

5.0

I love this story, which is based on a Tibetan folk tale. The artwork is beautiful. While Shuna does bear a resemblance to Nausicaä, and his yakul is reminiscent of Ashitaka from Princess Mononoke, the afterword does explain why that is — i.e., Miyazaki created Shuna’s Journey at the same time as Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, which then planted the seeds for Princess Mononoke.

Do note that, while not terribly graphic, slavery is illustrated. Thea and her sister were children when they were sold.

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yogomagpie's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

It was like reading a dream.

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clarabooksit's review against another edition

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adventurous dark hopeful mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

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asipofcozy's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A story with few words needed as the art speaks volumes in itself. I was enraptured with this watercolored manga brought to life, as most manga I read is inked. This was a beautiful change. The story also captured me about a young prince setting off to go in search of the golden grain to save his kingdom and finds much more. This was my first time experiencing Miyazaki’s work and it won’t be my last.

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kayladaila's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional informative slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Shuna’s Journey is a translation of one of Hayao Miyazaki’s first graphic novels. It’s a retelling with Miyazaki’s signature gorgeous landscapes. The story feels slow, but is evenly paced. The afterword by the translator shows the historical relevance.

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