Customer Reviews

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, Vol. 1

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Where do I start? I'll try this... Nausicaa of The Valley of Wind is absolutely the best manga ever created! It is the epitome of what manga, literature even, should be. For those who recognize it as the same story seen in "Warriors of The Wind", the horribly mutilated translation of the anime version of Nausicaa, all I can say is that "WOTW" is a travesty to the story displayed in this graphic novel. For those who have seen some of the works by Mr. Hayao Miyazaki (Kiki's Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro, Mononoke Hime), Know now that Nausicaa is his greatest achievement. This story deserves to be recognized by the public as one of the greatest works of storytelling ever created. I will not spoil the story for you, but believe me, it will not dissappoint. Enemies become friends, friends become enemies, plot twists abound and some of the most likable (and lovably despicable) characters in the literary world. I haven't even gone into the artwork. Miyazaki is an accomplished artist, with extraordinary skill and talent. It shows in this masterpiece. Wonderful character designs and the use of art and look to help tell the story can be spotted. When reading, realize that one can recognize a character in disguise by examining the way the character stands, holds him/herself, and talks. I have never seen that before in a manga. Imagine the characters not as drawings, but actors upon a magnificent and beautifully crafted stage. In ending, this manga deserves not just 5 stars, but all the stars in the heavens above.

When I was very young I saw the movie The Warriors of the Wind(which is based on Nausicaa)on cable. I was mesmerized, I had never seen anything like it. When they repeated it a few hours later I had my mother tape it(I was too young to understand the controls). I've had that tape for almost two decades, it's clearly marked with bold lettering "DO NOT TAPE OVER!" and I've watched it more times than I can count, I've literally almost worn it out. It has never lost a bit of its magic over me, in fact I enjoy it more now that I can understand all it's themes.

Then about a year ago I was walking through a book store and spotted the first volume of the perfect collection out of the corner of my eye. The art work on the cover was unmistakeable, I picked it up thinking it was a novelization of the movie. Imagine my suprise when I saw it was a comic book! But comic book or no, it was my all time favorite story so I bought it. Flash forward 4 hours, I finished the first volume in one sitting. Just 1/4 of the way through the books, I knew that the movie was like a pale shadow in comparison, the comic was much, much deeper, at the same time darker and more hopeful. I immediately ordered the rest of the series and was similarly blown away by volumes 2,3, and 4. The movie is a great story but the comic is an epic, legitimately compared to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings series and all the great works of literature. Don't let it's medium, comics, turn you away. Yes most comics are trash but then again so are most novels, the medium is independent from the content. In fact you might want to read Scott McCloud's book Understanding Comics (also available at Amazon) just to prepare yourself for Nausicaa.

I've read through all the previous glowing reviews (and there are a lot of them) and I won't rehash all that praise here. Just wanted to say that something about this series strikes a chord with people, it touches them, and when they finish it they mourn that its over. It's a story you don't want to end, in fact you might find yourself slowing down as you read, savoring the intricate art work, trying to delay the inevitable last page. But don't fret, if you buy the series you can have it on you bookshelf forever and you can go back to the elysian-like Valley of the Wind, hop onto the mehve and fly like a bird, man the controls of a gunship straight out of Mad Max, sleep in the palm of the hand of a monster that can destroy the world(and once almost did)but who's as innocent as a child, venture into the dark heart of the Crypt of Shuwa and come face to face with the embodiment of evil, charge into a huge battle with a mix of futuristic and medieval weaponry, or brave the strange, dangerous and heart breakingly beautiful Sea of Corruption anytime you want.

Highest Possible Recommendation!

These days, there are only a few graphic novels out there that can really be called graphic novels. This small, elite group include "Maus", "Ghost in the Shell", and "Akira". And one of the greatest and most unique of these graphic masterpieces is Hayao Miyazaki's "Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind".

When reading this four book series, anyone familiar with the movie "Warriors of the Wind", a horribly-butchered version of the Japanese version, will immediately recognize how superior the graphic novel is to the movie; anyone who hasn't even heard of Miyazaki, let alone the movie, will discover why Miyazaki is considered a legend in Japan and a god to US animators. While the Japanese movie is excellent, the true essence of the movie is found within the graphic novels.

The plot is built around Nausicaa, the princess of the Valley of Wind, but the story encompasses many other figures that are equally important. The sheer scope of the story reads like an epic, and it isn't filled with the usual good-and-evil, black-and-white ideals found in children films. No one is good, no one is evil. Every person in the story is a human being: realistic, fleshed-out, and flawed. To try and explain the plot of "Nausicaa" would degrade how beautiful it really is. A reader can only truly appreciate its by actually reading it.

Accompanying the excellent plot is Miyazaki's truly unique artistic style. Most Japanese manga artists use tones (pre-rendered shades and styles) to "color" their work, but "Nausicaa" is different. Instead of tones, he uses pencil strokes that give different shades depending upon the strokes' size and distance from each other. This creates a magnificent sight not found anywhere else in graphic novel literature. Of course, since VIZ released all four novels in "perfect collection" volumes, the artwork can sometimes appear a little blurred and blended. Luckily, the overall artwork isn't ruined and does justice to Miyazaki's masterpiece.

But a great story and beautiful artwork can be ruined by a terrible translation. Thankfully, the translators of "Nausicaa" didn't allow such a thing to happen. They obviously put their hearts and souls into this story, and it only increases the reader's enjoyment. There is a reason why it was on a list of the best manga translated into English!

All in all, "Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind" is a superb graphic novel of epic proportions. While some might think of "Nausicaa" as a comic book meant only for children, "Nausicaa" is far more than that. It is a beautiful work that is considered by many as Miyazaki's greatest accomplishment. Several scenes of violence and death might make this suitable only for older readers. But other than that, anyone who loves a good story will enjoy "Nausicaa".

Forget the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids, the Space Shuttle... Nausicaa is the final word, the ultimate in human ambition and creativity. Never before have I been so touched by anything! The 13 years it took Miyazaki to finish this project make the 10 hours it takes for a complete read almost seem like an injustice. But, it is nigh impossible to read it only once. Miyazaki's vision of the earth ruined by pollution and war is simply incredible. Magic, reincarnation, monstrous insects - the stuff of fantasy, yet presented here in a way that seems much more tangible than even everyday life. And in the midst of it all is one small girl who has a heart and spirit that remains pure, even amidst the corruption of earth and the human soul. There are simply not enough superlatives in the English language to describe these books. Buy them today, and better yourself tomorrow!

If there was ever a reason to get into reading manga this is it. Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind tells of the legacy of a devoted Joan of Arc esque princess born in a small peaceful valley. An intricate tale is woven through absolutely masterful drawings to depict Princess Nausicaa's walk of life to save not only her home but her despotic rulers, their enemies and the sea of destruction that would destroy them all.

Set in the distant future, man has all but lost the battle against the poisonous jungles which now cover much of the earth. What remnants remain of human society wage war for their own interests further culling the dwindling human population. With more and more people dying young and fewer children living past infancy, Princess Nausicaa takes a quest of compassion to save the world from itself.

Miyazaki presents a world of hand to hand sword fighting, huge flying barges, giant insects and a truly admirable princess in a short skirt.

If you die without having experienced these books then you have never truly lived.

I have never been a fan of anime or manga. In fact, I often find myself debating against the format and tend to look upon it with disgust. All that changed when I received these books as a present from a friend of mine. Casually glancing on the cover and the back, nothing seemed to captivate my interest. But when I first opened the books on a slow day at home, I was entranced. The art and the characters are extraordinary. I lost track of time as I went through the wonderous (but troubled) world of Nausicaa. I laughed, gasped, smiled, and frowned while reading; something that I do not do even for other famous books that I consider amazing. And this was just during the first book as well.

I won't bother giving a plot summary; you will greatly enjoy the books if you let it unfold without having prior knowledge. But I will say that the story is definitly not a simple tale; it has great numbers of themes, conflicts, and changing characters. The author's method of switching from group to group of characters creates a constant flow of excitement and intrigue. I can honestly say that I have never had the opportunity to gaze upon such a series of works as this.

If you somehow find yourself unhappy with the first novel, do not give up hope yet. I will admit that it does not come close to the later books. In fact, the entire course of the story turns as you read through the series; never predictably either. Unlike other literature (note: literature, not just manga, anime, or comics) which often forces the reader to feel sympathy for one side or character, it is certainly possible to associate with any of the characters or factions.

The time when I first read this series is forever imprinted on my memory as some of the most happy times I have experienced with the arts. In fact, I have now read the series at least six or seven times through and I still discover new details and ideas every time. After finishing the last book, I am always lost in deep thought. I will conclude my review by saying this; this is not simply a story, but an epic. Perhaps even greater than that. Cast away all conceptions you have about the author, the medium, or the genre. If there is one purchase you could make over the next year, please, make this series it.

I give it 10 stars!!!!!
Nausicaa of the valley of wind is a true master piece!
It is the best story I have ever read! It truely changed the way I thought about the world.
Hayao Miyazaki has a gift for story telling, and Nausicaa is the perfect example! Miyazaki-san is perhaps best known in the U.S. for creating "Kiki's Delivery Service" (Family film)and "Princess Mononoke".
While Princess Mononoke easily can be described as a rival for best story, I believe that the morals of Nausicaa far out weigh P.M.
The story is captivating and holds true to real life, although the story could be described as "sci-fi". Miyazaki-san has a way of making you feel as if you are right there with the characters,learning the lessons of the earth and trying to prevent the war that could end civilization.
While the story seems to take place in the future, it transcends time, as if woven into the very fabric of human nature.
Perhaps you might find yourself looking for "the blue clad one" in times of war.(You will understand the reference when you read the books)
One warning though: If you buy one book, I guarentee you that the second you finish it, you will be in agony if you don't have the whole series. Do yourself a favor and buy all four!
Also: you will not be able to put it down. I stayed up all night once, reading books 3-4 because I couldn't wait to find out what happens next.
YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED IN THIS BOOK. I GUARENTEE IT.

Simply beautiful, a beautiful story, beautifully told and beautifully drawn. Its a kind of story that makes you want to get up and dance for joy. The characters are amazing, their interaction is fanatastic, their development is without parallel, you will read these books (all four) many, many times. In many books you know the character is always making the correct choice, in these books you and the characters are never sure. If you have seen the movie or not, read these books, the movie does not come close, by any stretch of the imagination, to what these books achieve. The detail and emotion the drawings have are incredible. A pure, unbridled masterpiece. You may think me exagerrating here, but I have read many, many books and none have come close to the joy and happiness these four books can give. Buy it, for you will not regret it.

Although familiar with the animated film, "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind," I had never before read the original comic series on which the film was based. In fact, Nausicaa, while good, had never been amongst my favorite Miyazaki films.

Now that I have read the first volume of the Nausicaa comic, I am a full blown Nausicaa junky. Wow! This is such an amazing comic! There is so much more room to flesh out the characters and the plots of the film. There is a lot going on here, and some tough issues are being tackled. The comic is intelligent and yet captivating and entertaining. A rare achievement in comics.

Miyazaki is one of the master storytellers of all times, and this series may be one of his crowning achievements. I am sure the remaining volumes will live up to my now-high expectations.

I wish I knew a young girl that I could pass down "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind" too. I think it is one of those books that could make quite an impression on a young persons life. It sure made an impression on this adult.

Genius. Is there anything else to say? I suppose I should, seeing as that one word gets rather over-used, and besides, one might justly be thinking, "Yes, but will I like it?"

The story is beautiful. Again, what other words can I use? It's complex yet simple, brutal yet wonderfully gentle, hopeless yet filled with an overwhelming hope. It's exciting, heart-rending, joyful, funny, worrisome. It's, it's. . . beautiful, damn it.

This book is about humanity (now that I think about it, that's what all great stories are about). Miyazaki is a master at characterization, which adds to the splendor of the book. Every character has a depth, a truth to them which resonates with the soul.

I love this book. My only saddness is that Miyazaki-sensei hasn't written anything else, and probably never will. I suppose I must content myself with his movies, but it is a hard fate. It is my belief that this book would appeal to anybody. It's that universal -- but don't go off thinking that it's oversimplified, or dumbed down. The fact that it is accesible does not in any way detract from it's greatness.

I rank 'Nausicaä of the Valley of Wind' among one of the greatest works of fiction that I have read, right up next to 'The Lord of The Rings' and 'Dune'. It brought tears to my eyes.

It is, in short, genius.