Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio that produced many fan-favorite movies. What makes Studio Ghibli peculiar is how movies are directed, and their rewatch value is insane, all thanks to the genius of Hayao Miyazaki.
Studio Ghibli has over 23 films and nearly 40 hours of viewing time to its credit. But if you’ve already seen these films or are looking to experience that distinct Ghibli ambiance in a new medium, there’s a range of manga out there that evoke a similar feeling to Ghibli movies.
Here are some breathtaking manga that Studio Ghibli fans will enjoy reading.
5. Mushishi
Mushishi is a seinen manga written and illustrated by Yuki Urushibara.
The series follows the story of Ginko, a traveler and researcher about the relationship between nature and humanity.
Mushishi is the only manga that explores this theme prominently, similar to Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke.
The manga provides a standalone story in each chapter. The mysterious themes of the manga are similar to Studio Ghibli.
The story takes place in Japan’s fictitious era of the Edo and Meiji period. Ginko travels around Japan to learn about mysterious organisms known as Mushi.
4. The Ancient Magus Bride
The Ancient Magus Bride is a manga written and drawn by Kore Yamazaki.
The story follows a girl named Chise Hatori, who is sold as an enslaved person in an auction to an extremely powerful mangus named Elias Ainsworth.
As the story progresses, Chise learns magic and finds herself in various conflicts in their supernatural world.
The Ancient Magus Bride takes some deep notes from Studio Ghibli as it blends the themes like folklore and explores the bond between magical lifeforms and humans.
It was also adapted into an anime by Wit Studio and has its second season on the way.
Also Read: Hayao Miyazaki Is Directing A New Ghibli Film
3. Nausicaa Of The Valley Of The Wind
Nausicaa Of The Valley Of The Wind is a manga written and illustrated by the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki. It is considered the most outstanding work ever penned by Hayo Miyazaki.
The series follows the story of a princess and skillful pilot named Nausica, who is stuck in a conflict between two nations.
Walt Disney Studios produced an animated film, but it is still considered a movie by Studio Ghibli as Disney hired multiple staff from Ghibli.
Just like Mushishi, the manga also dwells on the themes of the relationship between humanity and nature.
2. A Silent Voice
A Silent Voice is a manga written and drawn by Yoshitoki Oima. A Silent Voice follows the story of two teenagers, Shoya Ishida, and Shoko Nishimiya.
Shoya Ishida used to mistreat Shoko Nishimiya as she was deaf. Including Shoyo, many other students also used to make fun of Nishimiya.
The story’s main themes are forgiveness, redemption, and exploring complex emotions that the human mind can’t explain, resonating with other Ghibli movies.
1. Hirayasumi
Hirayasumi is a manga written and illustrated by Shinzo Keigou and published by Shogakukan.
The manga was also nominated for the annual 15th Manga Taisho Awards.
Hirayusumi is a slice-of-life manga that follows the story of a 29-year-old man Hiroto Ikuta and a college freshman Natsumi Kobayashi.
Hirayasumi is about each character’s perspective, which Studio Ghibli casually does. The art style is soothing and similar to Studio Ghibli, which lands it at the top.
Anyone can read Hirayasumi as it does a great job engaging adults and teenagers.
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