First published by Chuōkōron-shinsha in June 2001 and spanning six books, it follows the journeys and tribulations of a group of young fighter pilots involved in dogfight warfare, and is set during an alternate historical period.

The series was released digitally in English from 2016 to 2022 by The BBB: Breakthrough Bandwagon Books, translated by Ryūsui Seiryōin.

[3] The first novel was adapted into an anime film of the same name, directed by Mamoru Oshii, which was released across Japanese theatres by Warner Bros. Japan on August 2, 2008.

[4][5][6] Animated by Production I.G, the film was written by Chihiro Itō, features character designs by Tetsuya Nishio and music by Kenji Kawai.

[4][5] The series' creator Mori had stated that he felt The Sky Crawlers was the "most difficult" of his works to adapt, and had given his consent to the making of the film after learning of Oshii's involvement as director.