A little while back I did a post on “Kiki’s Delivery Service picture/poem book”, a light, children’s read along picture book. For fans and artists who are more keen on taking a closer look at the art behind the anime, this volume should pique your interest .
(above) Early character designs for Kiki, sporting a longer hairstyle. Miyazaki-san commented that the design was abandoned mostly for practical reasons – its just harder ( or more time consuming ) to animate ! (below) Character studies for Kuroneko ( black cat ) Jiji, as much a star of the film as Kiki is.
To get inspirations for the setting behind the film, Miyazaki-san took some of his key staff to several locations in Europe for research, including places like Stockholm and Sweden, and they were particularly smitten by a town called Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland.
(above) Character designs for Tombo. As a kid I was always getting him mixed up with Jean Roque Raltique from Gainax’s Nadia – Secret of Blue Water because they look somewhat alike.
(above left) Absolutely love the poster – I think it captures the sentiments and mood of the film perfectly. ( below ) The book also comes with a full transcript of the film’s original Japanese screenplay, an excellent tool if you’re learning Japanese.
Flipping through the book gives me the rush to watch the film again. And Ghibli really need to release the film on blu-ray !
The Art of Kiki’s Delivery Service Art Book details :
– Dimensions – 11.6 x 8.4 x 0.9 inches
– 209 pages
– Soft cover
– Color, comes with english introduction by Miyazaki-san
Buy From Amazon.com | Buy From Amazon CA | Buy From Amazon UK
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Kiki’s Delivery Service Picture/Poem Book
The Art of Kiki’s Delivery Service – The Storyboard Book
Kiki’s Delivery Service – Nissin Cup Noodle CM
Miyazaki Hayao’s My Neighbour Totoro Picture Book
Ono Hiroshi Background Art Book Review
January 19th, 2011 at 9:56 am
Yes, I love the artwork behind this film, and pretty much all films directed by Miyazaki. I would love to see a blu-ray version of this as well.
January 19th, 2011 at 10:47 am
I saw copies of the artwork at a small poster shop in Esplanade. Really a neat piece. Incidentally, they managed to find a few more prints from Princess Mononoke and Porco Rosso too. I wish they had original artwork or at least much higher quality reproductions… but at 10 bucks a pop, I cannot complain 🙂
January 19th, 2011 at 10:23 pm
I still have yet to see this film. Hoping to have the time in the spring at least to start watching some anime. Especially Studio Ghibli movies.
January 20th, 2011 at 11:48 am
The scenery and set pieces in Kiki’s Delivery Service are simply spectacular. From a serene and tranquil cottage in harmony with nature to a majestic European city, every location is Kiki’s Delivery Service is created with such painstaking care and an infinite amount of subtle details. I’d also love for Miyazaki-san or somebody else at Studio Ghibli to work on another movie with broomstick flights. The prospect of flying high in the sky over the calm countryside or a bustling city fills me with such a sense of adventure and awe.
Oh and Jiji! <3
January 27th, 2011 at 2:11 am
Adric – As do I ! In fact, I’ll love to have all Ghibli films on blu-ray !
Nat – I think I know which shop you’re referring to, gotta drop by one day. :]
Tom – The first chance you have ! :]
Hina – Haha, yes, Jiji ! He’s the best.