Critical Hit Reviews – Kiki’s Delivery Service (Ep. 27)

The guys close out Month-a-zaki with Kiki’s Delivery Service, Miyazaki’s coming-of-age story about a young witch. Kyle initially dislikes the on-the-nose “follow your heart” narrative, but comes around after Dave & Matthew defend it. They also take a look at...

Critical Hit Reviews – Castle in the Sky (Ep. 26)

Next up for Month-a-zaki 2015 is Castle in the Sky – the tale of the mythic city of the ancients lost in a storm in the sky. It’s a story of adventure, hijinx, sky pirates and boyish antics set against...

Castle in the Sky: Breaking from Character Cliches

Written by Sarah Yoon Though Miyazaki’s later works are character-driven roller coasters, his earlier stories rely on structure. The Castle of Cagliostro follows an action-adventure arc. Despite its complex characters, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind retains a high...

Critical Hit Reviews – Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (Ep. 25)

Critical Hit continues Month-a-zaki with Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, Miyazaki’s first film with his original characters. The guys look at the beginning’s of Miyazaki’s major themes of nature, pacifism and flight and compare it with Princess Mononoke.

Writing Prompt: Character Portraits

Written by Sarah Yoon (FireStarters Sneak Peak) Looking for ways to hone your creativity this year? Give this writing prompt from our upcoming book, FireStarters, a try! FireStarters is all about inspiration, the differing creative types, and how to harness your particular creative...

Nausicaa and Social Issues in Science Fiction

Guest post by Elizabeth Kobayashi A dying world is a world to fear. In Miyazaki’s masterfully crafted post-apocalyptic story, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, a toxic jungle encroaches upon the remaining human kingdoms. Gigantic, near-indestructible insects make eradicating the...