Junji Ito, the genius of Japanese horror – 3 mangas by the author

In this article, we will get to know one of the greatest and most well-known horror mangakas of all time: Junji Ito [伊藤潤二].

Author of the classic Uzumaki [渦巻き] and several short horror stories, Junji Ito became famous worldwide for the quality of his art and his impressive ability to develop a scary and tense atmosphere in his mangas.

Below, we will discuss a bit about his works and also give some reading suggestions.

Peculiarities of Japanese horror

First of all, it is easy to notice the difference in style between Japanese horror and American horror. The first relates to the fact that Japanese horror tends to be more visual. The second is evident in the way mangas are constructed, with the psychological atmosphere and the tension that builds over time taking center stage. In Junji Ito’s works, it is no different.

While North American horror tends to be filled with deaths, apparitions, murders, ghosts, dolls, and things of that sort, Japanese horror focuses on the psychology of situations, the bizarre, and the tension of the environment (something that causes this genre in Japan to blend a bit with suspense and sci-fi).

In this sense, it may be easier to feel uncomfortable reading a manga of this genre in Japan than (although it also happens) watching common Western films, like Hollywood horror movies.

Uzumaki and worldwide success

Uzumaki is undoubtedly Junji Ito’s most popular work in the West. The manga was published twice in Brazil. The first release came from the publisher Conrad, in three volumes. Later, the publisher Devir launched a complete luxury edition of the series in a single volume, with about 656 pages.

Uzumaki, literally, means “Spiral” and illustrates exactly the main theme of the manga. For those who enjoy the horror genre, it is an essential read. Therefore, I prefer not to provide spoilers here.

Fragments of Horror

Another quite interesting manga by Junji Ito was published in Brazil under the title “Fragments of Horror (2014),” in a hardcover edition. The mangaka, in turn, spent a good amount of time without publishing horror genre mangas until the release of this new compilation of horror stories.

It is highly recommended for those who want to get introduced to Ito’s works, considering that Uzumaki may end up being a less palatable work for novice or unsuspecting readers. If you want to get accustomed to the atmosphere of Junji Ito’s tales, we recommend starting here.

The Enigma of Amigara Fault

Here we have a bizarre tale involving geological faults with human shapes. For no apparent reason, people begin to identify their own silhouettes in the faults and develop a sick desire to enter them. The manga is covered by an atmosphere of mystery, nonsense, and terror.

It is also recommended for those who are already familiar with some other manga by the author.

If you want to purchase any of the mangas, you can buy them through the Amazon website.

And you? Have you read the work of this incredible mangaka? Comment, like, and share with your friends.