Story and art by Junji Itou Originally publisher: Shogakukan Length: One Shot While horror has been a genre present throughout the history of manga, it was only with the rise of alternative/adult manga that a diverse range of titles aimed to terrify became prevalent in the mainstream. Contemporary authors like Kazuo Umezu (The Drifting Classroom) … Continue reading The Enigma of Amigara Fault: Classics of Horror
A Catastrophe Report Review
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. … Continue reading A Catastrophe Report Review
Bug Boy | Classics of Horror
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 … Continue reading Bug Boy | Classics of Horror
Kiriko Review
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 … Continue reading Kiriko Review
Zashiki Onna 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 … Continue reading Zashiki Onna Review
Human Chair 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 … Continue reading Human Chair Review
Pokemon | The Ghost of Maiden’s Peak Analysis
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 … Continue reading Pokemon | The Ghost of Maiden’s Peak Analysis
