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Green Stories |
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Manga and Anime with Environmental Inspiration |
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by Gina Reams |
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You recycle, avoid plastic bags, and buy eco-friendly products, but you still want to do more to help the environment. Going green doesn’t just have to be work. Why not enjoy these green-friendly manga and anime titles? Call it inspiration and entertainment all rolled up into one.
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Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Hayao Miyazaki’s feature-length film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, was released Stateside in 2005. The story takes place on a post-apocalyptic Earth, destroyed by an ancient and terrible war. Only patches of civilizations remain, divided by extensive tracts of toxic forests protected by large insects known as Ohms. When war between the colonies threatens to destroy what’s left of the earth, it’s up to Nausicaä, a young princess from the Valley of the Wind, to stop it. Over 20 years have passed since the film’s release and its message still rings true. Everything in nature has its purpose! Think of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind next time you get the urge to whack a spider or have to toss out moldy leftovers.
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Earth Maiden Arjuna
Studio: Bandai
The anime series Earth Maiden Arjuna, released in the US in 2004, rolls up a hefty serving of drama, environmentalism, and Hindu inspiration all into one unique sci-fi anime. Juna Ariyoshi was an average high school student until one day a devastating motorcycle accident leaves Juna on the brink of death. A deity, in the form of a young boy named Chris, offers to save her life under one condition: She must save the world! Juna must not only overcome the imbalances between modern society and nature but also fend off Raaja, mysterious entities that threaten to destroy the planet.
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Mushishi
Publisher: Del Rey Manga
If you’re one of the people who took a liking to the bobble-necked kodama spirits from Princess Mononoke, then Mushishi might be just the manga for you! Released in the US in early 2007, Mushishi chronicles the travels of Ginko, a man with the special ability to interact with ancient, mysterious life forms known as mushi. People are generally unaware of the mushi’s presence. From time to time, however, mushi and humans find themselves stepping on each other’s toes, as they struggle to survive side by side. These clashes between humans and mushi call for Ginko’s expertise. It’s a long road to cohabitation in this unique traveler’s tale.
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Princess Mononoke
Studio: Miramax
Publisher: VIZ Media
Another Hayao Miyazaki animated masterpiece, which is also a five-volume film comic, follows the adventures of Prince Ashitaka. He must broker a truce in the war between the aggressively expanding Irontown and the forest, whose mystical inhabitants are threatened with destruction. Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke examines both sides of the battle, crafting an eloquent and powerful message about the importance of balance between society and nature.
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"Green Stories" has been edited for shojobeat.com.
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