A Castrophe Report (Shuumatsu no tenki) Story by Kenji Sakumoto, art by Keiichi Tsuha Published by Kodansha (2015) Length: 3 Volumes (25 chapters) Why oh why does it have to be like this? After the first few chapters of this manga, I was already visualising the fairly positive review I would be writing for it. It seemed to know when to use classic elements of … Continue reading A Catastrophe Report Review
Bug Boy Story and Art by Hideshi Hino Originally published in Soubisha (1975) Length: 1 Volume “One part Kafka, one part Spidey” Everyone loves a good allegory. Finding an entertaining piece that is layered with substance adds extra value in experiencing it. Not only can we immerse ourselves in a story, but we can then spend hours excavating what is left unsaid. These personal findings … Continue reading Bug Boy | Classics of Horror
Kiriko Story and art by Shingo Honda Original Publisher Bessatsu Manga Goraku (2014) Length: 1 Volume (5 Chapters) My manga-themed horror binge has led to me two conclusions. The first is that the medium can be used to create many terrifying experiences with the right use of balance. The second is that many horror sub-genres underutilise aspects of storytelling, which lessens the fear they are … Continue reading Kiriko Review
Zashiki Onna Story and art by Minetaro Mochizuki Originally Publisher: Kodansha (1993) Length: 1 Volume (11 chapters) Usually, I try to avoid comparing manga with each other when basing an opinion on them. I don’t like the idea of constructing my thoughts on a standalone piece by differentiating it with similar ones. But in this instance, it was incredibly hard to enjoy Zashiki Onna, as … Continue reading Zashiki Onna Review
The Human Chair (Ningen Isu) Originally story by Edogawa Rampo, Art and adaptation by Junji Itou Publisher: Shogakukan (2007) Length: Oneshot (One Chapter) Despite my bumpy relationship with Junji Itou, works like Human Chair prove to me that the mangaka can create short, frightening stories when he wants to. The bizarre plot of this piece, when explained, may seem like anything but scary. But when coupled … Continue reading Human Chair Review
Pokemon: The Ghost of Maiden’s Peak Analysis The Pokemon franchise is known for many things, but darker storytelling is not one of them. Its child friendly brand is reassuring to parents, but can be frustrating for adult fans. This is what makes the more sombre examples in Pokemon’s history so intriguing. For a franchise so focused on providing kid-friendly experiences, it has created a lot … Continue reading Pokemon | The Ghost of Maiden’s Peak Analysis
Mail Story and art: Housui Yamazaki Originally publisher: Kadokawa Shoten (1999) Length: 3 volumes (18 chapters) Mail is scary. There’s no doubt about it. I experienced genuine fear when I was reading it. If that was the only criteria for a horror manga, Mail would get full marks. But unfortunately, this episodic horror series dipped in quality very early on, seemingly forgetting what made it … Continue reading Mail Review
Blue Heaven Story and Art by Tsutomu Takahashi Original Publisher: Shueisha (2002) Length: 3 Volumes Blue Heaven was, at times, an engaging manga that I kept me connected throughout my read. Its ability to combine unrelated themes in way that was succinct and flowing was very impressive, and made it hard to predict what was going to happen next. However, what is considered to be … Continue reading Blue Heaven Review
Yami no Koe (Voices in the Dark) Story and Art by Junji Itou Original Publication: Asahi Sonorama (2002) Length: One Volume (7 Chapters) To leave Junji Ito’s skills unacknowledged is a slap in the face to all fans of horror manga. He is considered the heir of the genre, passed down from the likes of Kazuo Umezu (The Drifting Classroom) and Hideshi Hino (Panorama of … Continue reading Voices in the Dark Review
Portus Story and Art by Jun Abe Originally Published by Shogakukan (2006, 1 volume) Synopsis: Portus follows the 17-year-old high school student Asami Kawakami, who’s friend, Chiharu, has, effectively, disappeared. She no longer answers her phone calls, or even comes to school. She has become obsessed with Portus, an old video game she found under mysterious circumstances. There is an urban legend that a secret … Continue reading Portus Review
