_{A graphic novel by Oscar-winner Hayao Miyazaki is finally being issued in the US the first time nearly 40 years after it was first published in Japan}

A graphic novel by Oscar-winner Hayao Miyazaki is finally being released in the United States on November 1st—almost 40 years after it was initially published in Japan.. The book, Shuna’s Journey, will be published the Macmillan imprint First Second, translated into English by Alex Dudok de Wit

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Shuna’s Journey, Miyazaki’s 1983 graphic novel contains components he later built out in his films Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, and Princess Mononoke.

Announcing the release, First Second’s editorial and creative director of Mark Siegel, issued a statement Tuesday.

“Fans of Princess Mononoke and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind — there are millions of us — will delight in finding early hints of these masterworks in gorgeous watercolor pages by Miyazaki’s own hand.”

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In November of last year, Miyazaki announced he was coming out of retirement to make another film. The legendary animator and filmmaker announced he will direct a new feature-length film called How Do You Live? The film is based on Yoshino Genzaburō’s 1937 novel of the same name.

How Do You Live? follows 15-year-old Honda Junichi, and his uncle as the Junichi grapples with poverty, spiritual growth, and overall experience of being human.

Hayao Miyazaki, 81, is considered to be one of the world’s greatest animators. Other notable films include Kiki’s Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro. His film, Spirited Away won the 2001 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. 

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He received a 2013 Oscar nomination for his feature film The Wind Rises.

Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli is one of the most successful animated motion picture studios in the world. Tours of the Japanese studio are open to the public, and are often sold out weeks in advance.