Junji Ito: A Masterclass in Horror Manga

Junji Ito, a name synonymous with chilling horror manga, has captivated readers since his 1987 debut. His distinctive style and unsettling narratives have cemented his place as a leading figure in the horror genre. Ito's meticulously crafted comics delve into the darkest corners of the human psyche, leaving a lasting impression of dread and fascination.

Essential Junji Ito Collections

### Alley

5See it at Amazon### Uzumaki: Deluxe Edition

15See it at TargetSee it at Amazon### Tomie: Complete Deluxe Edition

7See it at Amazon### Mimi's Tales of Terror

0See it at Amazon### Remina

1See it at Amazon### Shiver

0See it at Amazon### Gyo: Deluxe Edition

5See it at Amazon### Smashed

2See it at Amazon### Lovesickness

2See it at AmazonNarrowing down Ito's extensive body of work to just thirteen chilling tales was a daunting task. While many of his most frightening short stories are available online, his collections offer a curated experience. Some, like Tomie and Uzumaki, follow overarching narratives, while others, such as Shiver and Smashed, present thematically linked standalone stories.

Thirteen Terrifying Tales

From haunting ghost stories to grotesque modern fables, these thirteen tales showcase Ito's mastery of horror:

13. The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads

Ito frequently explores the destructive nature of love. "The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads," from Lovesickness, exemplifies this theme. The story unfolds around Ryusuke's return to his hometown, coinciding with a series of gruesome murders. This chilling mystery introduces one of Ito's most memorable creations.

12. Village of the Siren

Ito's foray into folk horror, "Village of the Siren," features a desolate village and a mysterious factory emitting haunting sirens. This tale explores themes of strange rituals and occult practices, with a high body count and unusual victim demographics.

11. I Don't Want to Be a Ghost

A chance encounter leads to a disturbing relationship in "I Don't Want to Be a Ghost." Shigeru's affair with a mysterious woman spirals into a terrifying ordeal, revealing her dark desires and unforeseen consequences.

10. The Strange Hikizuri Siblings

A darkly humorous tale, "The Strange Hikizuri Siblings," follows a dysfunctional family who delight in tormenting others. Their schemes have deadly consequences, creating a darkly comedic yet unsettling narrative.

9. The Mystery of the Haunted House

A haunted house turns a town into a scene of terror in "The Mystery of the Haunted House." Two boys stumble upon a house of horrors, encountering victims who claim to be the owner's family. Souichi Tsujii, one of Ito's recurring characters, adds a layer of dark comedy to this chilling story.

8. Honored Ancestors

Family dynamics take a disturbing turn in "Honored Ancestors." Risa's amnesia leads to unsettling visions and the revelation of her family's strange traditions, creating a psychedelic and nightmarish experience.

7. Uzumaki

A classic in the horror genre, Uzumaki centers on a town cursed by spirals. Ito's distinctive art style transforms the mundane into something terrifying, exploring themes of obsession, paranoia, and the bizarre.

6. Fashion Model

A more direct horror story, "Fashion Model," features a model with dagger-like teeth. A young man's obsession with her image leads to a brutal and terrifying encounter.

5. Tomie

Ito's most famous creation, Tomie, is a stunningly beautiful woman who reappears after being murdered. Her ever-shifting true face and unsettling presence have made her a pop culture icon.

4. House of the Marionettes

"House of the Marionettes" explores the creepy world of puppets and a family obsessed with them. A young girl's friendship with a puppeteer's son leads to a terrifying discovery years later.

3. Used Record

"Used Record" tells the story of a hypnotic record that consumes its listeners. Ogawa and Nakayama's obsession with the song leads them down a tragic path.

2. Greased

"Greased" explores the disturbing obsession with grease and its effects on a family. Yui's brother Goro's addiction to cooking oil leads to grotesque consequences.

1. The Hanging Balloons

"The Hanging Balloons" is a nightmarish tale of giant balloons resembling the faces of suicide victims. Their appearance and pursuit of those they resemble create a claustrophobic and inescapable sense of dread.

What's Next for Junji Ito?

Pre-Order### Uncanny: Origins of Fear

2Releasing October 15See it at AmazonIto's recent work includes Uncanny: The Origins of Fear, a memoir and analysis of the horror genre, and the upcoming collection Moan, promising more obsession and reality-warping tales.