Alvaro Lopez Martin, the publisher of Spain's Generacion Ghibli, released his latest book in June, titled El Viaje de Chihiro. This book is devoted exclusively to Hayao Miyazaki's 2001 blockbuster hit Spirited Away (or The Spiriting Away of Sen and Chihiro, to translate the Japanese title).
Martin also co-wrote (along with Marta Garcia Villar) two previous books about the careers of Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, Mi Vecino Miyazaki and Antes de Mi Vecino Miyazaki. I contributed a short blurb to the first and wrote the introduction to the second, and they're both magnificent books and must-haves for all Ghibli Freaks. This newest title seeks to continue that successful streak.
Published once again by Diablo, the layouts are terrific, bursting with full-color screenshots and packed with information. You will learn about the many themes and motifs in the movie, commentary by the author, and production artwork.
Once again, I am inspired and a little bit jealous. The writing is impeccable and comprehensive, the art design is lively and readable, and the extensive use of movie screenshots can be enjoyed by all people, regardless of language. It is this final point where Martin has one key advantage over me. Spain and the EU have greater leeway in terms of Fair Use and copyright law. They don't need to seek Studio Ghibli's formal approval for the use of their art assets, where such permission is required in the US.
Lucky for Alvaro Lopez Martin. Lucky for all us readers.
Buy your copy here: El Viaje de Chihiro.
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