(I introduced this book previously in one of my Digest posts.)

Japanese publisher Tokuma Shoten’s “Roman Album” series for Ghibli’s animated films have always been abridged versions of the “Art Of” books, with a smaller collection of art work and more pages dedicated to interviews and text articles.

This is markedly different for The Wind Rises (Kaze Tachinu) Roman Album Extra, which running at 285 pages covers serves up a huge collection of beautifully drawn layout boards and genga pieces, as well as character sheets and technical “making of” articles, including compositing and camera work.

(above & below) Character sheets. I believe some of these are unique to the book and do not appear in the Art Of Wind Rises book.

(above) Compositing (Called “Gousei” in Japanese) techniques used in the film. (below) A personal note by Miyazaki-san to animators working on the film, with regards to the movement/timing of walk cycles, eye blinks and the look of trousers during the WWII era.

(above & below) These gorgeous layout boards are pieces of art work themselves. You can imagine my joy visiting the Ghibli Layout Exhibition years back.

There is amazing value in this book with its sumptuous collection of beautiful layout boards and genga, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. A perfect companion to the excellent Art Of Wind Rises and Storyboard book.

“The Wind Rises – Roman Album Extra 風立ちぬ (ロマンアルバム)” details :

– Dimensions – 10.9 x 8.3 x 1.1 inches
– Softcover, 285 pages
– Full color, in Japanese language

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