[NOTE this is a rerelease of a review previously publish on uk-anime.net. Additioinally, while there is also an American release of this book by random house, for this review I will be covering the UK release by Puffin books]
While many anime fans will know of the 1989 studio Ghibli release of Kikis delivery service, not many would know that it was adapted from a 1985 novel by Eiko Kadono – and indeed, apart from a brief 2003 release by Canadian publishing company Annick press, the film has for many been their only link to her work.
However that changed this year when Random house in the US and Puffin books in the UK simultaneously released a brand new adaptation of Kadono’s classic series. The early episodes tell a story all too familiar to fans of the film – Kiki, a young witch, leaves her family and familiar village to travel to the city of Koriko to complete her years training as a witch and there makes new friends and starts her own business as the titular Delivery service.
However it here we see many differences to the films story – in this, the first of an 8 book series, we get a series of short, interconnected stories, chronicling her time in Kokori city, the people she meets and the adventures she oft times gets entangled in. however originally Kiki never loses her powers [ this a storyline added by Myazaki for the film, and which resulted with Kadono nearly walking out of the project in disgust].
The artwork is one of two sticking points for me with this release – gone is the original, simplistic artwork by Akiko Hayaashi instead replaced by British childrens illustrator Joe Todd–Stanton whose artwork, while able to convey the elements of the story, do tend to come off as more for children than for adult readers.
Which brings me to my other problem – while many fans of the original film, are of the definite older persuasion, it was strangely decided to market the book via Puffin, whoose releases are usually aimed to a younger target audience – add to that the fact that, due to being released by a non manga company, its release may go under the radar of many fans.
Nonetheless though these gripes do nothing to deter me from recommending this book to fans of the films, or fans with little ones who seek a magical series of adventures. add the fact that Puffins parent company Random house has hinted that, depending on the success of the sale, we could see the rest of the series released for the first time in English, I recommend everyone to either find this book for themselves, or arrange a magical early Christmas present for your younger relative.
Don’t let the simplistic artwork fool you – this book will enchant both new readers and fans of the classic Ghibli film.
bothe the US Random house releae and the UK Puffin books release are available from all good physicla and digital retailers.
Chuo - Dori 