From rediscovered manga and super-rare short films to little-known literature and immersive theme parks, Ghibliverse plots a course through the expanded Ghibli universe, a wonderful web of inspiration and influences for fans to enjoy.
Covering dozens of innovative projects, expert authors and hosts of the hit Ghibliotheque podcast Michael Leader and Jake Cunningham shine a light on a world that begins when the film credits roll.
From the Introduction:
Whereas our previous books followed a linear, chronological itinerary, this excursion is expansive and sprawling, taking us away from cinema into various art forms and disciplines. Some of the chapters in this book are dedicated to aspects of the Ghibliverse which are as beloved and renowned as what you see on screen: the gorgeous, life-affirming soundtracks; the blockbusting stage productions; and the Ghibli Park and Ghibli Museum, two wholly unique endeavours that seek to recreate the magic of the films in the real world.
Other chapters journey to oft-unplumbed depths: surveying the “deep cuts” of the filmography, from shorts to music videos to documentaries; investigating the books written by and about Ghibli, as well as the authors whose work they’ve chosen to bring to the big screen; and tracing back the careers of both Miyazaki and Takahata to highlight some of the important works they made in the years before they set up their own studio, many of which still haven’t been widely released – at least, not in our corner of the world. No matter how obscure or esoteric, it is all part of the Studio Ghibli story – and there are delights to be found.
We even answer the question that every self-respecting fan has asked themselves at least once: What does Totoro taste like?
Since starting this project in 2018, the films of Studio Ghibli have ventured into places unthinkable mere years before: onto the streaming services Netflix and HBO Max, and even to the top of the US box office charts, where Hayao Miyazaki’s much-anticipated The Boy and the Heron found itself in 2023. After years of being a relatively niche concern, adored by English-speaking fans and switched-on families but still quite separate from the mainstream, they are now more available and accessible to curious audiences than ever before.
And what’s exciting is that there is still so much more to explore, to learn and to enjoy.
And we’re giving away a copy to a Forces of Geek reader!
To enter, send an email with the subject header “GHIBLIVERSE” to geekcontest @ gmail dot com and answer the following question:
What is your favorite Studio Ghibli film?
Please include your name, and address (North America. only. You must be 18 years old).
Only one entry per person and a winner will be chosen at random.
Contest ends at 11:59 PM EST on November 15th, 2024.
