Because it's summer, I would like to bring everybody's attention to the genre that chills away the summer heat-horror. (of course, this is an entirely Asian concept, and horror movies in North America usually target Holloween, but whatever works) Although I don't watch horror movies too often (usually because it's difficult to find a good one), I do enjoy them from time to time, and same is the case with horror comic books as well. Since I can recall very few horror manga in the recent works, please feel free to recommend any other great horror manga you know.Ito Junji's works-Tomie,Uzumaki,Ito Junji short collections, etc.Some of his stories can be a tad typical, but his level of expression is amazing. By that I mean there are very few manga artists who can describe the level of grotesque, bizareness, freakishness, beauty and ugliness as well as he can. Also, his tendency to obsess over extremely mundane everyday objects and turning them into the scariest things through the wierdest method possible can be quite convincing, and might give you fears ofthings like drains, fungus, balloons, snails and etc. (especially with what he does with snails...I personally had no hard feelings against those slimy garden creatures until...)He also seems to have a terrible fearof women...come to think of it, he did say so in an interview.His works can also be wildly hilarious at times.Even if you don't generally read horror, his art is worthwhile seeing, especially if you're into bizarre images.Some of his works are availiable in English.Hyakki Yakoushoby Ima IchikoOkay, I know it's not exactly a horror manga, but itcan besurprisingly creepy and scary.Although the artwork is not as gory or detailed as Ito's (in fact, it's not even violent), theexpression is unique and gives you the kind of chill when you feel like somebody'swatching youand turn around, but nothing's there. Since the theme is very much aboutdifferent kinds of boundaries and the complications with mortalshaving contact with"those who are not alive," perhaps it's not such afar-off explanation of the manga. Personally I found some scenes of the earlier volumes more scarier than a hack-and-slash scene from a splatter horror movie.A perfectchoice if you're into a subtle yet efficient kind of horror, or would just like to see a great manga.Unfortunately, no English versions are availiable, although I think it's a way better choice than some random cookie-cutter fantasy/bishoujo/shonen/etc. manga.Jigoku Sensei Nube,Vampire Princess MiyuandParasyteare some titles that cross my mind, butNubeis more about Japanese horror stories and urban legends themselves rather than actually being a horror manga (still, it was quite...cute),Miyudid have some horror elements but was largely fantasy+shojo, andParasyteis more of a thriller I guess, although it can be darn creepy in many levels. Also, I wouldn't recommend the manhwaIsland, because however good the artwork is it's still a complete waste of traditional legends, turning ancient demons into Alien (the ones with acid blood)rip-offs, so don't you ever listen to people recommending it as an exampleof horror manhwa. (well, it can be abadexample I suppose...) Too... tired to...think more...so I'll stop for now.And please do post yourfavourite (or least favourite)horror comic books!!
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Life can be a pain. But it ain't that bad, either.
