Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit

[Jingai]

 Chagum's development is central to the story, but I like the way it is

very deliberate in its portrayal. He is still very much showing the signs of

his former life, there is no sudden skill advancement involved. I love the

running fight between Balsa and the hunters. It is interesting because

they are all highly trained fighters, and the fighting style shows it.

  Torogai just reminds me of a Miyazaki character. As much as I try to

avoid that thinking, she just does. I don't know if it is the way her face is drawn,

or the mannerisms, maybe a bit of both, but I keep picturing a Miyazaki film

when I see her.

[doxiedachsie]

I knew she reminded me of something.  I just couldn't remember what.  She also has a bit of the look of a mountain witch from Russian fairytales about her.

[Jingai]

You mean like Baba Yaga?
I think she is more akin to the old witch from Howl's moving castle myself.

[Revenant]

I was thinking of something like Baba Yaga; but Howl's Moving Castle works, too.

[Jingai]

Baba Yaga though is a monster whose ugly face is a reflection of her ugly heart.

Torogai is just older.

I find it funny though that Torogai and the Star Readers can correspond, even though they disdain each other. It is another
little detail that really makes the series come alive, the way that
even though people disdain each other, they still come together
in times of crisis.

[DoxieMoxie]

Everyone has a little piece of the puzzle.  It will take all of them to put the entire picture together.  What is remarkable is Chagum's adaptability.  He seems to take his enormous fall in status in stride.  The kid has the makings of a very wise king, if he should manage to live so long.