There are very few names that have managed to carve a niche in the genre of horror manga. Junji Ito is one of them. From Tomie to Uzumaki, the mangaka brings out fear and terror through his gory visuals. His blood-curdling and spine-chilling works are among the finest horror masterpieces.
As opposed to the cliche horror stories based on folklore, the author turns to Western influences. Most of his works incorporate urban legends and body horror influences. His medical expertise and prowess in anatomy add to the finesse of his manga.
Junji Ito’s stories reflect Western influences.
Be it Tomie or Marionette Mansion, Junji Ito’s works differ from most archetypal horror manga. The use of body horror and grotesque imagery along with exaggerated facial features is what makes it unique. As opposed to Japanese folk legends, the author draws inspiration from several Western novelists and filmmakers.
Most Japanese horror tales center around supernatural beings as well as urban legends. While the mangaka incorporates urban legends in his works, his stories are far from the stereotypes. Moreover, his knowledge of anatomy coupled with his blood-curdling illustrations reinstated fear and repugnance among several readers.
In an interview with Automaton, the author revealed the Western influences behind his work. He quoted:
And while I do like yūrei and Japanese horror, in my own works, I find myself pursuing something closer to Western horror, which features more physical, palpable horrors, such as Dracula or Frankenstein. The idea of horror which is unquestionably real is something that attracts me, which results in the more realistic horror depictions art-wise and real-life horrors such as Tomie being featured in my works.As for the theme of the fear of the unknown, I was largely inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft. The progression in which a fearful unknown entity is gradually unveiled really draws me in.
The author’s rendition of Mary Shelley’s magnum opus Frankenstein is a refreshing and unique take on horror. It offered a more dreadful and terrifying image of the famed monster. Furthermore, his works outline the minuscule details and anatomy that define and outline the aura of fear in his works.
Uzumaki is a blend of the author’s medical prowess and body horror genre
It is a lesser-known fact that Junji Ito holds expertise in dentistry. His medical prowess is reflected in his finesse as a manga artist. Be it blood, gore, or anatomy, the author’s detailing of bodily features instills fear in the readers. Most of his stories reflect grotesque visuals and deformities that are sure to send a chill down the spine. However, there’s more to it.
His painstaking efforts in studying anatomy are outlined in most of his works. From the nauseating and repulsive visuals in Greased to body contortions in Uzumaki, the author’s medical expertise paid off. His understanding of the visceral and graphic nature of injuries uniquely defines terror. Furthermore, the spiral scene in Uzumaki is one of the highlights of the manga.
All in all, Junji Ito’s works aren’t run-of-the-mill horror. They’re not for the weak-hearted people. From spirals and blood to gore and deformities, his manga push the boundaries of fear. Grotesque is merely an understatement when it comes to his manga. His medical expertise and knowledge of anatomy carve a new meaning of terror and fear in the genre of horror.
Uzumaki is set to release in September 2024. The manga is available for reading on Viz Media.
