Reddit user u/Jiimboart has created a remarkable and accurate cosplay of the adored character, Howl Jenkins Pendragon. He is featured in Hayao Miyazaki’s groundbreaking Studio Ghibli film, Howl’s Moving Castle as one of the lead protagonists, and Sophie’s love interest. Howl is a truly intriguing and dynamic character and this incredibly detailed cosplay definitely captures these aspects of his character.
The photo showcases Jiimboart in front of a stunning pink and purple stained-glass window, evocative of the mystical interior of Howl’s castle in the film. Howl wears a few different outfits throughout the movie, but this cosplayer dons his most recognizable ensemble. This is the outfit he wears when he first meets Sophie: long blonde hair, a pink cardigan with a purple diamond pattern, a white, flowing shirt, and a pair of black pants. The cosplay also includes precise details, such as Howl’s jewelry which includes a pendant necklace and a signature pair of green, dangly gemstone earrings with gold backings.
This Cosplay Includes Every Detail, Including a Nod To Another Character
Original film produced by Studio Ghibli
Jiimboart captures all the elements of Howl’s signature look, but the accuracy goes even deeper than these parts of the cosplay. The cosplayer looks down into their clasped hands held in front of them. Their hands contain a crackling ball of fire, which is meant to represent Calcifier, another important character in the film. He is the fire demon who is cursed to remain in Howl’s castle, obeying his orders. When Sophie comes along, Calcifier begs her to break his curse and the two make a deal, promising to help each other break the curses inflicted on them.
Calcifier and Howl have an interesting bond with each other. If one of them dies, so will the other. Howl saved the fire demon, who was a falling star at the time, and these two characters made a deal. Howl saved Calcifer from death and gave him his heart, so in return, he granted the wizard access to his powers. Jiimboart including Calcifier in their cosplay makes sense with the gogrgeous backdrop, and shows the cosplayer’s exceptional attention to detail. This element makes the cosplay more vibrant and is a nod to fans of Howl’s Moving Castle, who will recognize the character.
Howl Is a Beloved Character From the Studio Ghibli Film
The film became an instant classic due to his iconic personality & looks
Howl’s Moving Castle has received critical acclaim, fan appreciation, and a number of nominations and awards. These include awards from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and the Hollywood Film Awards. Howl’s Moving Castle is admired for its gorgeous musical score, extraordinary dialogue, and memorable and lovable characters. Howl is one such character. His wizard powers are intriguing, and his nature is mysterious. He can be secretive, and he possesses many alter egos. Finally, his growth and character development throughout the film is astounding, as he transforms from a fearful man in hiding to a brave protector of those he loves.
Jiimboart perfectly designed this cosplay to highlight every one of these elements of Howl’s multifaceted character. Even the expression on their face is a tad mischievous and very pensive, two qualities that the character certainly possesses in the movie. They have included a number of incredible details in the cosplay, including Howl’s trademark jewelry and identifiable outfit, a noticeable background that emulates the scenery of the film, and even a clever nod to his “sidekick”, Calcifier. This truly delightful recreation of Howl Pendragon shows great appreciation for the character and recreates his appearance in Howl’s Moving Castle almost identically.
Howl’s Moving Castle
From Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki, Howl’s Moving Castle is based on the novel by Diana Wynne Jones. The story follows Sophie, a shy hat-maker living in a fictional magical kingdom who is cursed by a witch into looking like an elderly woman. Leaving her home in search of a cure, Sophie encounters Howl, a powerful magician, and becomes the housekeeper for his magical ambulatory castle. The English dubbed version stars Emily Mortimer and Christian Bale as Sophie and Howl.
