Junji Ito: A Master of Horror Manga
There's no storyteller quite like Junji Ito. Since his 1987 debut, he's captivated and terrified readers worldwide with his chilling tales and iconic creations. His masterful blend of beautifully illustrated comics and deeply unsettling narratives has cemented his place as one of the most renowned horror mangaka of his generation. Each story is a unique descent into the macabre, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page.
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 work to just thirteen of his most terrifying stories was a daunting task. While many of his scariest short stories circulate online, they are also compiled into physical collections. Some, like Tomie and Uzumaki, follow continuous narratives, while others, such as Shiver and Smashed, offer themed collections of standalone tales.
The Scariest Junji Ito Stories
From haunting ghost stories and gothic horror to bizarre modern fables, these thirteen tales exemplify Ito's mastery of the horror genre.
13. The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads
Ito frequently explores the dark side of love and its potential for destruction. This opening story from Lovesickness perfectly encapsulates this theme. We meet Ryusuke, a young man returning home after years away, haunted by a devastating secret. His arrival coincides with a series of brutal murders, creating a chilling mystery that intertwines with his past. This memorable tale introduces one of Ito's most frightening creations.
12. Village of the Siren
A chilling blend of folk horror, this story follows Kyochi's return to his seemingly deserted hometown. A strange factory, ominous apparitions, and all-consuming sirens create an atmosphere of dread and mystery. Fans of strange rituals, cults, and taboo-breaking horror will find this story particularly captivating.
11. I Don't Want to Be a Ghost
A chance encounter with a mysterious woman leads Shigeru down a dark path. Blinded by her beauty, he overlooks increasingly disturbing signs, only to discover her true, horrifying desires.
10. The Strange Hikizuri Siblings
A darkly humorous tale featuring a dysfunctional family who delight in tormenting each other and unsuspecting victims. Their schemes have deadly consequences, but their hapless nature adds a unique twist to Ito's usual brand of horror.
9. The Mystery of the Haunted House
A haunted house turns a town upside down as derision gives way to terror. Two young boys stumble upon a house of horrors, filled with victims who claim to be the owner's family. Featuring the recurring character Souichi Tsujii, this story blends dark humor with genuine horror.
8. Honored Ancestors
Family secrets and disturbing traditions take center stage in this psychedelically deranged story. Risa's amnesia leads to terrifying visions and the revelation of a family's unsettling customs.
7. Uzumaki
A classic of the genre, Uzumaki follows the inhabitants of Kurouzu-cho, 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 introduces a monster from the very first pages. A young man's obsession with a model whose mouth is filled with dagger-like teeth leads to terrifying consequences.
5. Tomie
Ito's most famous creation, Tomie, is a stunningly beautiful woman whose murder only leads to her reappearance. This collection of stories follows her terrifying reign of terror.
4. House of the Marionettes
Puppets take center stage in this ghastly tale of a family obsessed with marionettes. A childhood friendship leads to a dark reunion and a horrifying discovery.
3. Used Record
An eerie and atmospheric story about a hypnotic record that consumes its listeners. The relatable nature of musical obsession is twisted into a supernatural nightmare.
2. Greased
A stomach-churning tale about a family's obsession with cooking grease and its grotesque consequences. This story is not for the faint of heart.
1. The Hanging Balloons
A bizarre and claustrophobic story about giant, inflated heads that hunt those who resemble them. This psychedelic nightmare is arguably Ito's scariest work.
What's Next for Junji Ito?
Pre-Order### Uncanny: Origins of Fear
2Releasing October 15See it at AmazonAlley is Ito's most recent short story collection, but Uncanny: The Origins of Fear, a memoir and analysis of the horror genre, was his most recent release. A new collection, Moan, is set to release on October 7th.
