A Beginner’s Guide to Junji Ito

As a longtime enthusiast of horror and Japanese manga, I’ve had the pleasure of delving into the chilling world of Junji Ito, a master storyteller who has made fear a fine art. From the spine-tingling “Enigma” to the bizarrely terrifying “Gyo,” Ito’s work never fails to deliver an unsettling experience that leaves you squirming in your seat.

The debut episode of “Uzumaki,” Adult Swim’s latest adaptation from Junji Ito, was greeted with immediate praise upon its release. Despite not being the first anime adaptation from this horror manga creator, it stood out as the best due to its atmospheric mood and exceptional animation. While the second episode didn’t quite live up to the first, it still provided a captivating glimpse into Ito’s immense storytelling abilities. Indeed, tales like “Uzumaki” have solidified him as not only a renowned horror manga author worldwide but also one of the most recognizable figures in the entire comic book medium.

If you’ve fallen under the spell of “Uzumaki,” here are 14 tales penned by Ito, drawn from nearly four decades of manga creation. Ito’s work encompasses a wide range of subgenres, from the chilling realm of body horror to the cosmic terror that leaves you breathless, from the dark humor that tickles your funny bone to adaptations of classic novels. Even if you thought you weren’t a fan of horror manga, I promise there’s a story in Ito’s extensive career that will resonate with you. His reputation wasn’t built overnight; it’s something he’s been honing from the very start…

Tomie (1987)

Originally published in the monthly comic anthology magazine called “Monthly Halloween”, the captivating series “Tomie” by author Junji Ito first emerged. Despite being his debut work, the foundational elements that have since become synonymous with Ito’s style – notably the spiraling obsession – are vividly presented from the start. The “Tomie” series eventually expanded into science fiction and dark fantasy realms, yet it is the initial chapter, where a deceased classmate comes back to life and progressively torments her peers and educators, that showcases the story at its zenith. Throughout his career, Ito revisited the visual motif of the enigmatic, lethal woman with dark hair on multiple occasions (take note of the maniacal “Dissection Girl”), and there are numerous narratives about individuals being pushed to the brink of insanity (such as the compelling “Used Record”). However, “Tomie” stands as his most impactful exploration of these themes.

“The Long Hair in the Attic” (1988)

Following the success of “Tomie”, Junji Ito honed his skills as a highly productive artist. A notable demonstration of this growth can be seen in “The Long Hair in the Attic”. This work showcases Ito’s increasing mastery, with the character of a vengeful, dark-haired girl standing out – she is a tormented teenager whose long hair appears to possess a sinister, independent mind. While the narrative unfolds gradually, building tension, it eventually explodes into scenes of unsettling brutality. Ito excels at creating suspense in this piece, a challenging feat in manga due to the reader’s control over the pace of consumption. However, Ito, whose paneling has noticeably improved since “Tomie”, manages to make the reader follow his tempo, making the experience even more impactful.

“Shivers” (1991)

Drawing inspiration from various horror storytellers, Junji Ito consistently blended elements of cosmic and bodily horror throughout his work. A unique fusion of the surreal and revolting is evident in “Shivers,” a tale about a young man who persistently sees people with grotesque, dark cavities (which others claim are hallucinations). This story plays a significant role in Ito’s artistic development, as it brims with anguish and paranoia that intensify the haunting visuals. As his career progressed, he became particularly acclaimed for his portrayals of distorted human bodies, a trait evident in stories such as “Slug Girl,” Uzumaki, or the ending of “The Enigma of Amigara Fault.

“Scarecrows” (1991)

One less common description for Junji Ito’s work might be “oddly touching,” but his story “Scarecrows” presents an intimate exploration of grief through the transformation of a scarecrow into a deceased daughter and former girlfriend. Despite being a Junji Ito tale, it delves into a widespread panic as more people recognize the connection between the scarecrow and their loved ones, leading them to erect their own effigies in an attempt to reconnect with the departed. Ultimately, this story is a lesser-known gem that deserves recognition as a classic.

“Fashion Model” (1992)

Ito skillfully weaves a mix of suspenseful storytelling and vivid human characterizations amidst the terror in his works, yet he also handles straightforward thrillers competently. The narrative “Fashion Model” may not be rich in profound themes, but it does provide an unsettling atmosphere reminiscent of a campfire tale. In this story, a young man is tormented by visions of a monstrous model, ridiculed by aspiring filmmakers. However, the twist comes when she’s revealed to be a real monster! Despite its gruesome elements, Ito adds an eerie sense of dread and even sprinkles in some dark humor, as the oblivious men dismiss the escalating horror, convinced that everything is going smoothly. They seem unbothered by her sharp teeth designed for tearing and consuming flesh – it’s all just part of the plan!

Frankenstein (1994)

In a nod to the original horror and science fiction classic, Ito’s interpretation of “Frankenstein” is often strikingly beautiful. By this stage in his career, Ito had honed his ability to portray tormented young men, particularly Victor Frankenstein who embodies the romantic archetype. Unlike traditional interpretations that find beauty in the monster, Ito crafts a tragic, hideous creature of a man instead. Ito has a penchant for eerie visages, and the grotesque depiction he gives to the monster shares similarities with, say, the ominous neighbor from “The Window Next Door” from around the same era. However, this face serves not only to frighten but also to glare at its creator, and Ito’s “Frankenstein” excels in portraying a man pursued by his own monstrous decisions.

“The Thing That Drifted Ashore” (1995)

Ito rarely spares on payoff, whether it’s through intensifying visuals or setting up that whatever chaos the story ends with is just the start. “The Thing That Drifted Ashore” effectively blends these aspects. It revolves around an undersea creature that has washed up on shore, filled with partially-digested, still-alive people it consumed (Ito excels at merging the grotesque with the human body, as demonstrated in “Honored Ancestors”). The narrative then delves into the mental state of a young man who has had a deep fear of the depths of water and the creatures that dwell there. Although the story technically ends with a brief summary of what became of the creature’s survivors, the lasting impression is of the terrified young man fascinated by what they might have observed as fish food.

“The Long Dream” (1997)

Although “The Long Dream” contains unsettling visuals, it’s a masterpiece by Junji Ito that capitalizes on his knack for making horrors seem real and tangible to us. In a research hospital, we come across two individuals: one who is fraught with fear of death, while the other is tormented by dreams that stretch from days to centuries. As their narratives converge and a doctor’s curiosity deepens, we witness an ending that prioritizes existential dread over shock factors. However, Ito leaving much of the interpretation up to the reader is simply another demonstration of his extraordinary storytelling prowess. The most impactful Ito stories linger in our minds long after the final page has been turned.

Uzumaki (1998)

If someone asks me which Junji Ito story they should start with, I’d hands down recommend “Uzumaki.” It’s not just because it’s widely popular, but because it showcases Ito at his absolute best as an author and illustrator. The story unfolds like a well-timed tale that starts off with eerie delusions and the disintegration of relationships, eventually evolving into a mind-bending exploration reminiscent of H.P. Lovecraft’s work, altering our perspective on reality itself.

“The Enigma of Amigara Fault” (2000)

Among Ito’s numerous mangas, “The Enigma of Amigara Fault” stands out as one that is frequently read without knowledge of its author. A popular topic on message boards during the 2000s, it continues to inspire memes (the phrase “This is my hole! It was made for me!” often appears in discussions about personal pop-culture preferences). Despite its widespread recognition, the story of eerie human-shaped fissures exposed after an earthquake that attract those who seem to fit, remains impactful. Although person-shaped spaces are a common theme in Ito’s work, “Enigma” stands alone in its ability to deliver a shocking punch. Moreover, Ito’s most distinctive panel, the chilling ending, still manages to give you a slight shiver.

Gyo (2001)

In simpler terms, some of Junji Ito’s works don’t get more cinematic than “Gyo”, a tale where sea creatures terrorize land with their mysterious legs, resembling a walk by great white sharks. Although the story progresses to involve hidden World War II experiments, a brush with catastrophe, and numerous mutated individuals, Ito seldom explores fantastical elements as openly as in “Gyo”. For the most part, it’s an entertaining read, though not as rich in emotional depth as his finest stories. However, be warned that the narrative veers off course a bit in the second half, as Ito’s imagination seems to outpace his ability to control it. But if you want to experience Ito at his most unrestrained, “Gyo” is definitely worth checking out.

“Glyceride” (2003)

Ito’s work is known for its shocking and memorable moments, and “Glyceride” is one such instance that stretches the boundaries of disgust. It follows the life of a family living above a barbecue restaurant, where grease seeps into their everyday lives. The story delves deep into the cycle of abuse across generations, as well as the universal fears of teenage exclusion and the discomfort of dealing with first pimples. Given that it’s by Junji Ito, these adolescent struggles take on a grotesque form through his signature body horror and dream sequences. While “Glyceride” may not be praised for its emotional depth, it undoubtedly showcases Ito’s best work in terms of providing the most stomach-churning content.

Junji Ito’s Cat Diary (2008)

Over the past few years, Ito has gained recognition on the international stage, participating in various activities such as Anime Awards sketches, reaction videos, and Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding. For those who wish to explore more personal works by Ito, Junji Ito’s Cat Diary is a delight for fans of his unique humor and talent for creating melodramatic suspense from everyday situations. This comic book series presents a fictionalized account of Ito and his interactions with two pet cats, offering a blend of heartwarming animal love and humorous horror elements. For those who may be a bit apprehensive about diving into Ito’s other works due to potential nightmares, Cat Diary provides a gentle introduction to his body of work without any scary repercussions.

Sensor (2018)

In contrast to many horror creators, discussions about Ito often revolve around whether or not his ideas are frightening. However, his latest work, “Sensor”, demonstrates that he’s not afraid to experiment with his creations and their perceived impact. The narrative spans through time, focusing on a puzzling young woman and the intriguing events connected to her. Ito skillfully explores various themes such as a cult dedicated to a deceased Christian missionary, an unusual volcanic material enabling telepathic communication among villagers, UFOs, and transitional realities. Not all the storylines converge in the end, and it’s not heavily reliant on traditional horror elements. Yet, “Sensor” underscores that after three decades of manga production, Ito is still taking bold risks. And today, this modern master of horror manga shows no signs of slowing down.

2024-10-09 22:54