Waiting another decade forHayao Miyazakito release his next masterpiece is near torture. The good news is that internationalStudio Ghiblifans can now immerse themselves in the legendary animator’s rediscovered graphic novel that was only available in the Japanese market until 2022. Thanks to First Second Books' English translation byAlex Dudok de Wit, the world can now experience the enchanting story that foreshadowed Miyazaki’s most iconic films.
BeforePrincess MononokeorNausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Hayao Miyazaki createdShuna’s Journey,a lesser-known yet deeply influential illustrated manga published in 1983. This long-lost masterpiece was entirely drawn and written by Miyazaki, who used a breathtaking watercolor palette to bring to life a narrative that mirrors his love for European culture and Asian folklore. PerEW,Shuna’s Journeyoffers a profound window into the beloved themes and artistry that would later become central to Studio Ghibli’s cinematic career.
‘Shuna’s Journey’ Is a Reimagined Tibetan Tale About Heroism, Greed, and the Balance Between Civilization and Nature
As one of the greatest living animators of our time,any tangible piece ofartwork from the hands of Hayao Miyazakiis a rare treasure all in itself.Shuna’s Journeyis more than a rough draft of the director’s revered storytelling talents; it’s a nostalgic window into his earliest inspirations.According to Miyazaki’s afterword, “This story was based on the Tibetan folktaleThe Prince Who Turned into a Dog…I have come up with a kind of visual adaptation of my own.” Written decades ago, the animator’s dream of a brave adventure West is reflected in his protagonist’s quest to save his homeland from starvation.
Shuna’s Journeyfollows Prince Shuna, the young heir of a small, impoverished kingdom facing the threat of famine. Upon rescuing a dying traveler on the road,Shuna learns of a mythical golden grain from the land of the god-men, believed to possess the power to save his people from starvation.Shuna, fueled by hope, then breaks the rules of his valley and sets out on a life-or-death quest to obtain this grain.
Throughout his journey,Shuna traverses unforgiving landscapes, confronts cannibalistic tribes, and rescues two enslaved sisters, Thea and her younger sibling, from a bustling castle town in the trade of human trafficking. The young nomad’s unwavering determination leads him to the land of the god-men, where he obtains the golden grain, but with a great sacrifice. With the help of Thea, Shuna returns home and plants the seeds, returning prosperity to his valley andbecoming a hero!
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Miyazaki’s ‘Shuna’s Journey’ Is a Nostalgic Window Into the Beginnings of ‘Nausicaä’ and ‘Princess Mononoke’
It’s plain as day thatShuna’s Journeyis a foundational piece that foreshadows what would lead toHayao Miyazaki’s careerbreakthrough. As stated by translator Alex Dudok de Wit, much of the animator’s “fondness” for European settings can be seen in the Adriatic ofPorco Rosso(1992) or the pseudo-Sweden ofKiki’s Delivery Service(1989). However,the narrative and iconography presented inShuna’s Journeyis a nostalgic windowinto what would shape thepost-apocalyptic adventures of Princess Nausicaäand the feud between the forest gods and humans the hero Ashitaka must rectify.
Shuna’s character exhibits traits reminiscent of Miyazaki’s bravest protagonists, who embark on perilous journeys to unknown lands. Nausicaä and Ashitaka both mirror his courage, compassion, and moral integrity. They also share a deep connection to nature and a commitment to protecting their people. Visually, the elk-like mount, Yakul, introduced inShuna’s Journey, not only shares a name but has an indistinguishable resemblance to Ashitaka’s loyal red-elk, statesEW. What’s more noticeable is the distinctive Indian, Chinese, and Central Asian scenery, portrayed through the gorgeous water-coloring, that embodies the artwork of the Valley inNausicaä.
The director seems to have always favored depicting his heroes with strong bonds with their animal companions, which parallels his belief in harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.Central themes inShuna’s Journey, such as environmentalism, the consequences of human greed, and the pursuit of respect for land, are recurrent in Miyazaki’s filmography. The narrative’s focus on ecological struggles and the exploitation of man-made technology is a staple of several Studio Ghibli stories, likeCastle in the Sky(1986).
According toThe New Yorker, the influence of Western comics, particularly the works of French cartoonistMœbius, is evident in the graphic novel’s art style. Miyazaki’s admiration for Mœbius' work is shown in his use of technical precision, and this cross-cultural inspiration enriches the visual and magical wonder ofShuna’s Journey. Experiencing the origins of Hayao Miyazaki’s storytelling genius reveals the vastness of his imagination,solidifying his status as one of the most celebrated auteurs of all time.
The English publication ofShuna’s Journeyis available to purchase atBarnes & Noble.
