Studio Ghibli’s “The Boy and the Heron” is getting a new art book featuring interviews & illustrations

(Featured Image Source: © 2023 Hayao Miyazaki / Studio Ghibli / Viz Media)

Studio Ghibli‘s latest film, The Boy and the Heron, is getting a new art book offering a behind-the-scenes look at what went into the coming-of-age fantasy anime movie.

“In Studio Ghibli’s Academy Award®–winning fantasy adventure film, The Boy and the Heron, young Mahito loses his mother and is plunged into a journey of discovery led by a mischievous gray heron. This gorgeous art book is filled with hundreds of pieces of concept art, storyboards, character designs, backgrounds, key animation, and more that illuminate the inventive vision of acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki.

This book features commentary and interviews from the incredible team that shaped this film and past Studio Ghibli masterpieces. Readers will gain insight into the extensive production process and the painstaking work that went into the creation of this film from supervising animator Takeshi Honda, art director Yoji Takeshige, background artist Noboru Yoshida, and many more. The book also includes the director’s original memos proposing the creation of the film, the full script, and many other intriguing details.

The Boy and the Heron was written and directed by the iconic animator Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film follows a young boy who, after moving to a small town following his mother’s death, discovers the entryway to a magical world with a talking grey heron. The movie’s music was composed by Joe Hisaishi, with its theme song “spinning Globe” written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu. It stars Soma Santoki, Masaki Suda, Aimyon, Yoshino Kimura, Shōhei Hino, Ko Shibasaki, and Takuya Kimura.”

via Viz Media

The Art of the Boy and the Heron is being published as part of the Studio Ghibli Library imprint and will offer a look into the film’s creation through concept art, storyboards, character designs, backgrounds, key animation, and commentary from the artists who worked on it.

The Art of the Boy and the Heron will be available on May 27, 2025. Journey over to Viz.com to see where to pre-order your copy, or check your local comic/book shops.

(Source: Viz.com)

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