Art of Ponyo (The Art of Ponyo)

I hadn't purchased a Ghibli art book in the past, so I was unsure what to expect with the Art of Ponyo. Book material and print quality is superb. Sturdy pages with top notch printing. The contents are equally as good. A mix of concept art, story boards, sketches, final images from the film, production notes, and interviews, there's a lot great stuff here. Having already read some large chunks of this surprisingly hefty book, I'm loving the insight into the artistic process. Would absolutely recommend to any Ghibli fan, artist, or animation lover. Great coffee table book too.

I can't believe I actually held off purchasing the original Japanese art book when it came out in August 2008. The long wait for the translated version from Viz Media is finally over! It's cool that they have also used the smooth matte paperback covers typically used by the Japanese Studio Ghibli art books. Nice touch. The Art of Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea is a very beautiful book presented just like the other Studio Ghibli art books. There are background paintings, pencil watercolour sketches and film stills. This time, they have included more concept art than the film stills. We have lots of character designs and town paintings. That's over 220 pages of art work followed by the complete voice-over script. All the concept sketches are drawn by Hayao Miyazaki in his usual pencil and watercolour wash treatment. The concept art and backgrounds by the art staff were supervised by art director Noboru Yoshida, and character sketches and design are by supervising animator Katsuya Kondo. There are interviews with those two as well as with Michiyo Yasuda (Chief Colour Designer) and Atsushi Okui (Director of Digital Imaging). They talk about the watercolour storyboards, how Miyazaki works, how they create the sea and other production stories. This book is highly recommended for all fans of Studio Ghibli. It will put a smile on your face. (More pictures are available on my blog. Just visit my Amazon profile for the link.)

My kids love the ponyo movie especially my oldest daughter. She loves art and drawing as well. This book was so beautifully made. It is very good quality. The pictures are amazing. I am so glad I got this for her. She loves it! A+++

I didn't except it to be so big and heavy! The art is absolutely beautiful! The edges of the book are slightly bent but I'm sure it's from travel, other than that this is like a dream come true! My absolute favourite movie!

Excellent product. Great art. Really cool insights on the movie. My friend I bought it for loved it

Solid

I was excited to see this book on amazon for a few reasons, the biggest being that it's actually by Hayao Miyazaki. I would have been less inclined to order it if it were through a Disney representative. This way I know I'm getting what Hayao wants me to get, and not just whatever the 3rd party feels like printing. The book has nice, full colour, somewhat glossy pages. It has concept art on the characters, as well as the scenery, and also shows complete frames. It goes without saying that with 268 pages there is little that the book doesn't touch on. An excellent buy for artists (who are into this sort of thing), and Studio Ghibli film enthusiasts. If there was a second volume, I would buy that too.

I have learned a lot from this book. The way Hayao Miyazaki creates his work is inspiring to me. I grew up watching the films. From spirited away My neighbor Totoro how's moving Castle princess mononoke I enjoy all of the works and I have all of the art books in my personal opinion these are a must-have.