Junji Ito: A Master of Horror Manga
There’s no storyteller quite like Junji Ito. Since his 1987 manga 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 is turned.
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 body of work to just thirteen of his most terrifying tales was a daunting task. While many of his scariest short stories are readily available online, they are also compiled into various physical collections. Some, like Tomie and Uzumaki, follow a continuous narrative, while others, such as Shiver and Smashed, present standalone stories united by a common theme.
The Scariest Junji Ito Stories
From chilling ghost stories and gothic horror to grotesquely bizarre modern fables, these thirteen tales showcase Ito's mastery of the horror genre.
13. The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads
Ito often explores the darker side of love, and "The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads," the opening story in Lovesickness, is a prime example. We meet Ryusuke, a teenager returning to his hometown after years away, his return coinciding with a disturbing trend: young women seeking "crossroads fortunes" are turning up brutally murdered. This chilling mystery, one of Ito's most memorable, introduces a truly terrifying creation.
12. Village of the Siren
A foray into folk horror, "Village of the Siren" depicts a bleak homecoming. Kyochi returns to his family's village, only to find it a ghost town, dominated by a strange factory and haunting sirens. This story is perfect for fans of unsettling rituals, cults, and taboo-breaking horror.
11. I Don't Want to Be a Ghost
When Shigeru rescues a mysterious woman, his life takes a dark turn. Blinded by her beauty, he ignores the increasingly ominous signs, leading to a terrifying revelation about her true desires.
10. The Strange Hikizuri Siblings
A darkly humorous tale, "The Strange Hikizuri Siblings" follows a dysfunctional family who delight in tormenting each other and unsuspecting victims. Their schemes, while often deadly, are presented with a darkly comedic touch.
9. The Mystery of the Haunted House
The arrival of a haunted house throws a town into chaos. Two young boys, sneaking into the house, uncover a horrifying truth about its sinister owner and his victims. This story features Ito's recurring character, the scheming Souichi Tsujii.
8. Honored Ancestors
Family secrets take a disturbing turn in "Honored Ancestors." Risa's amnesia leads to terrifying visions and the unveiling of her family's bizarre traditions.
7. Uzumaki
Arguably Ito's most famous work, Uzumaki is a classic for a reason. This story of a town cursed by spirals is a masterclass in creating an atmosphere of dread and paranoia. Its unique impact is undeniable, with numerous adaptations in development.
6. Fashion Model
A more visceral horror tale, "Fashion Model" introduces a monstrous figure from the very beginning. A young man's obsession with a model from a magazine leads to a terrifying encounter.
5. Tomie
Ito's most iconic creation, Tomie, is a stunningly beautiful woman whose murder only leads to her reappearance. This collection of tales follows her various terrifying encounters.
4. House of the Marionettes
Puppets take center stage in this ghastly story about a family obsessed with marionettes. A young girl's friendship with a puppeteer's son leads to a terrifying discovery years later.
3. Used Record
An eerie and atmospheric tale, "Used Record" centers around a hypnotic vinyl record that drives its listeners to obsession and tragedy.
2. Greased
A stomach-churning story about a family's obsession with cooking grease, "Greased" explores themes of abuse and obsession in a truly disturbing way.
1. The Hanging Balloons
Claustrophobic and inescapable, "The Hanging Balloons" is arguably Ito's scariest story. Giant balloons in the shape of a deceased celebrity's head terrorize those who resemble her.
What's Next for Junji Ito?
Pre-Order### Uncanny: Origins of Fear
2Releasing October 15See it at AmazonIto's latest release, Uncanny: The Origins of Fear, is a memoir and analysis of the horror genre. A new collection, Moan, is also set to release on October 7th, promising more obsession and reality-bending horror.
