One of the primary differences between Princess Mononoke and typical anime series lies in its standalone nature. While many anime series span multiple episodes, providing extensive development of characters and plots over time, Princess Mononoke encapsulates its entire story within a single two-hour movie. This constraint necessitates a densely packed narrative, where every scene serves to propel the plot forward and flesh out character arcs with efficiency and precision.

In Princess Mononoke, Hayao Miyazaki masterfully utilizes this format to create an immersive world. For instance, the character of Ashitaka is introduced with a sense of immediacy as he battles a cursed boar demon in the film's opening scene. His subsequent journey, driven by the need to find a cure for his curse, unfolds with a relentless pace, reflecting the urgency of his mission. In contrast, an anime series might have the luxury of dedicating several episodes to similar character introductions and developments, allowing for a more leisurely exploration of backstories and motivations.

Another notable distinction is the visual and auditory experience. Princess Mononoke benefits from the high production values typical of Studio Ghibli films, with meticulously detailed animation and a richly orchestrated soundtrack by Joe Hisaishi. The lush, hand-drawn landscapes and the fluidity of the animation contribute to the film's epic scope, creating a sense of grandeur that is often challenging to achieve in episodic anime due to budget constraints. For instance, the depiction of the ancient forest, with its towering trees and ethereal spirits, is brought to life with a level of detail and artistry that elevates the film's environmental themes. The scenes where Ashitaka encounters the Deer God and the Forest Spirit are imbued with a mystical quality, enhanced by Hisaishi's evocative score.

Princess Mononoke's themes of industrialization, environmentalism, and the clash between humans and nature are distilled into a potent narrative arc. The film's portrayal of Lady Eboshi, the leader of Iron Town, exemplifies this thematic focus. Her character embodies the complexities of industrial progress, depicted as both a visionary leader improving the lives of her people and a destructive force encroaching upon the natural world. The moral ambiguity surrounding her actions is conveyed through succinct dialogue and impactful scenes, such as her interactions with the lepers and her relentless pursuit of the Forest Spirit. In a series format, such moral complexities might be explored through prolonged subplots and character-driven episodes.

Princess exemplifies how the constraints and opportunities of a movie format can be leveraged to create a narrative that is both expansive and tightly focused. Its differences from traditional anime series highlight the unique storytelling possibilities offered by a standalone film, showcasing the distinct strengths of Studio Ghibli's cinematic approach.

After the cinematic release of Princess Mononoke in 1997, Studio Ghibli recognized the opportunity to expand the story into a new medium, adapting the film into a manga. This adaptation allowed the rich narrative and intricate details of Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece to be explored from another perspective. 

The manga, published in a four-volume set, follows closely the plot of the film, yet it provides deeper insights into the characters and their motivations. Hayao Miyazaki, the creative genius behind the original film, played a pivotal role in the adaptation, ensuring that the essence and thematic depth of the story were preserved. The manga format offers readers the chance to delve into the minds of characters like Ashitaka and San, exploring their internal conflicts and growth with greater intimacy.

Additionally, the illustrations in the manga retain the lush beauty of the film’s animation, allowing readers to linger on the detailed depictions of the ancient forests, mythical creatures, and industrial landscapes of Iron Town. The adaptation enhances the experience by offering a more focused view of key scenes, such as the ethereal moments with the Forest Spirit or the intense confrontations between San and Lady Eboshi. The Princess Mononoke manga not only complements the film but also stands as a testament to the story’s enduring power and appeal.