Ito's 13 Scariest Manga Tales

Junji Ito: A Master of Macabre

Since his 1987 debut, Junji Ito has reigned supreme in the horror manga world, captivating readers with his chilling tales and iconic imagery. His masterful blend of beautiful illustration and deeply unsettling narratives has cemented his place as one of the genre's most celebrated figures. Each story is a unique descent into the horrifying, 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 Amazon

Narrowing down Ito's extensive body of work to just thirteen of his most terrifying creations was a daunting task. While many of his most frightening short stories circulate online, they are also compiled into physical collections. Some, like Tomie and Uzumaki, follow a continuous narrative, while others, such as Shiver and Smashed, present standalone stories unified by 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 dark 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 home after years away, his homecoming shadowed by a haunting secret. His arrival coincides with a series of brutal murders, creating a chilling mystery that intertwines with Ryusuke's past, introducing one of Ito's most memorable and terrifying creations.

12. Village of the Siren

A chilling tale of folk horror, "Village of the Siren" depicts Kyochi's return to his seemingly deserted hometown. A strange factory and all-consuming sirens dominate the landscape, hinting at strange rituals and a terrifying cult. This story delivers a high body count and explores taboo subjects, satisfying fans of occult horror.

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 ignores increasingly alarming signs, only to discover her true, horrifying desires.

10. The Strange Hikizuri Siblings

A darkly humorous tale of two siblings who delight in tormenting each other and unsuspecting victims. Their schemes, though often hapless, can have deadly consequences, making them unforgettable antagonists.

9. The Mystery of the Haunted House

A haunted house turns a town upside down, with dark humor and gruesome crimes at the heart of the story. Souichi Tsujii, one of Ito's recurring characters, plays a key role in this wild ride of a tale.

8. Honored Ancestors

This story features a psychedelically deranged family and their bizarre traditions. Risa's amnesia and haunting visions lead to a shocking revelation about Makata and his family's disturbing practices.

7. Uzumaki

A classic for a reason, Uzumaki weaves a supernatural curse into a chilling ghost story. The town of Kurouzu-cho is haunted not by spirits, but by spirals, transforming the mundane into something terrifying. This story explores themes of obsession, paranoia, and the bizarre.

6. Fashion Model

A more direct horror tale, "Fashion Model" introduces its monster early on. A young man's obsession with a model whose mouth is filled with dagger-like teeth leads to a brutal and terrifying encounter.

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 Tomie's terrifying reign of terror, making her a pop culture icon.

4. House of the Marionettes

A classic horror story utilizing the inherent creepiness of puppets. Kinuko's friendship with Haruhiko and their connection to a family of puppeteers leads to a horrifying discovery.

3. Used Record

An eerie and atmospheric tale of a record that hypnotizes its listeners. Ogawa and Nakayama's obsession with the vinyl leads them down a tragic path, making this story as addictive as the song itself.

2. Greased

A stomach-churning tale of a family's obsession with grease. Yui's brother, Goro, embraces the cooking oil, leading to grotesque consequences.

1. The Hanging Balloons

Ito's scariest story, "The Hanging Balloons," is a bizarre and claustrophobic tale of copycat suicides and giant balloons that hunt those who resemble their victims.

What's Next for Junji Ito?

Pre-Order### Uncanny: Origins of Fear

2Releasing October 15See it at Amazon

Ito's latest release, Uncanny: The Origins of Fear, is a memoir and analysis of the horror genre. A new collection, Moan, is set to release on October 7, promising more obsession, persistence, and reality-warping horror.