Hayao Miyazaki: Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind

Overall rating: 5/5 stars
Title (Japanese): 風の谷のナウシカア(need to check spelling)
Author (English): Hayao Miyazaki
Author (Japanese): 宮崎駿（みやざきはやお）
Publisher (U.S.A): VIZ, Inc.
Summary: What if only pockets of livable land remained on Earth, and they were growing ever smaller? A complete masterpiece. An underlying message of the sanctity of life and the importance of the environment.

Detailed review:
Miyazaki is far more well known for his movies and his animation studio, Studio Ghibli, but his most well-known manga is truly magnificent. Considering the fact that it took him more than 10 years to finish this story, perhaps magnificance is only natural.

The characters are realistic. Nausicaa is an inspiring and fascinating heroine. Gieve and Nausicaa's other mentors have great loyalty. Kushana, while darker, has completely understandable motivations. Human greed and selfishness and the surprising selflessness and courage of individuals.

The plot is far-reaching and masterfully done.

While Miyazaki has a specific artistic style, it's a highly skilled style. The backgrounds and character designs are lovely.

For more information, http://miyazaki.net is a good place to start.