Viz Media to release massive book of Hayao Miyazaki's essays in July

by Chris MaGee

Here's some very good news for Hayao Miyazaki fans. Viz Media are currently putting on an English translation of a 500-page book of 90 of the anime master's essays, notes, interviews and concept sketches titled "Starting Point: 1979-1996". Originally published in Japan in August of 1996 it gives readers an insight into not only Miyazaki's creative process, but his opinions of other animators with a critique on the godfather of manga and anime Osamu Tezuka, memories of his father who ran an airplane parts manufacturing company in WW2, as well as a humorous manga titled "Meals in Midair" about the quality of airplane food.

Frederik L. Schodt, author of such books as "Manga! Manga! The World of Japanese Comics" and "Dreamland Japan: Writings on Modern Manga" along with Beth Cary are currently putting the finishing touches on the translation and Viz Media is planning a July 7th release date. (You can pre-order it at Amazon.com.)

Thanks to Anime News Network for the heads up, and for those rabid Miyazaki fans out there make sure to check out this interview with Viz Media editor Nick Mamatas conducted by the folks at Ghibli World about bringing "Starting Point" to North America.