Best Long-Form Stories By Junji Ito, Ranked

As a seasoned gamer with over 20 years of horror gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that Junji Ito has taken the horror genre to new heights. His masterful storytelling and knack for finding terror in the most ordinary of things is nothing short of extraordinary.

As a devoted admirer, I’ve noticed an astonishing rise in the fame of mangaka Junji Ito, and it happened lightning-fast! He appears as the friendliest soul you could ever meet, but once you dive into his works, you’re left reeling from shock and terror. It’s almost unbelievable how some of his panels manage to be so spine-chilling.

Many followers of this manga artist are aware that the heart of his horror comes from the brief but captivating tales he’s illustrated, offering readers a thrilling peek into terrors unseen and delivering a chilling and enigmatic climax. This enigma is crucial in any horror narrative, keeping readers on edge with uncertainty — a powerful technique that elevates the most effective horror narratives.

5 Gyo

2 Volumes, 19 Chapters

Ran from: November 12, 2001 – April 15, 2002

Apart from “Uzumaki,” “Gyo” is another chilling tale that showcases master storyteller Junji Ito’s prowess in long-form manga creation. The narrative unfolds with decomposed fish, equipped with mechanical legs, strolling ashore in Japan, causing widespread fear and panic. However, the horror intensifies when these odious machines, lacking any aquatic hosts, scour for new victims. This situation leaves humans exposed, as they are susceptible to infection by this terrifying gas and transformed into hosts for these machines.

In the latter portion of the manga “Gyo,” unexpected twists occur which somewhat diminish its terror level, yet somehow transform it into a peculiar blend of horror and comedy. However, this doesn’t detract from the consistent horror established in the initial half of the series. The second half of “Gyo” offers a fresh perspective on an apocalyptic event, as it features the return of war machines from World War 2, making the series feel like a groundbreaking work by Junji Ito that is truly terrifying.

4 Remina

1 Volume, 6 Chapters

Ran from: September 16, 2004 – July 24, 2005

It’s well-known that Junji Ito often crafts tales drenched in cosmic horror, and Remina follows suit by embracing this genre deeply. In essence, nothing epitomizes the cosmic more than the concept of an insatiable, planet-sized entity so vast that Earth appears trivial as a mere morsel on its path. Researchers initially view the detection of such a colossal object as groundbreaking news, but they soon uncover a chilling reality that plunges Earth into dismay.

This narrative delves into the phenomenon known as mob mentality, examining how people cope with the overwhelming fear of being consumed by a menace so vast that grasping its perils can drive them to madness. The central character in this story is Remina, a girl who lent her name to this formidable creature. She finds herself at the receiving end of all the rage and hostility the public harbors for this relentless beast.

3 No Longer Human

1 Volume, 24 Chapters

Ran from: May 2, 2017 – April 20, 2018

Osamu Dazai is undeniably one of literature’s most captivating authors, with the novel “No Longer Human” being his most renowned work by far. This piece offers a semi-autobiographical glimpse into his life, exploring a man who experiences a profound disconnect from human existence and repeatedly attempts suicide after enduring a series of heartbreaking tragedies, some self-inflicted and others not. Readers who are either captivated by this narrative or intrigued to explore a fresh perspective on this compelling tale will find Ito’s interpretation of this timeless story truly enchanting.

The manga adaptation of “No Longer Human” showcases Ito at the peak of his abilities, transforming a narrative devoid of supernatural elements into a gripping exhibition of psychological terror. Readers will find themselves both captivated and uneasy by the unfolding events, as it is not only an engaging page-turner but also one of Ito’s finest extended works that highlights his exceptional storytelling skills.

2 Tomie

1 Volume, 20 Chapters

Ran from: 1987 – 2000

As a dedicated gamer, I must admit that the captivating saga of a woman shrouded in mystery and charm, who subtly drains men’s life force, is undeniably one of Ito’s most beloved narratives. The chilling allure of Tomie lies in her seemingly ordinary visage concealing something dark and malevolent. Witnessing once-promising men succumb to her enchantment, losing their sanity bit by bit, is a heart-wrenching spectacle that I can’t help but bear witness to repeatedly. However, there are tales where other characters uncover Tomie’s secret and strive valiantly to vanquish her evil presence for good.

Tomie’s sinister side becomes evident here. She’s an insidious force that can’t be destroyed completely. Regardless of how much her malevolent character is exposed or if she’s killed, Tomie somehow reappears as a captivating young woman. This recurrence occurs wherever she goes to continue hunting her victims. One could argue that the most terrifying aspect of this villain is her persistence, as no one seems safe from her alluring charm, and it appears that annihilating her permanently is an unattainable goal.

1 Uzumaki

1 Volume, 19 Chapters

Ran from: January 19, 1998 – August 30, 1999

One effective way to rephrase the given text in an accessible and natural manner could be: “Junji Ito stands out as a brilliant master of horror manga due to his knack for infusing terror even in the most unexpected scenarios. For instance, something as ordinary as a spiral might seem harmless, but Ito’s unique storytelling techniques transformed it into an integral part of the acclaimed series, ‘Uzumaki.’ The success of this long-form narrative is largely attributed to Ito’s ability to take his strength in creating short horror stories and seamlessly integrate it into a lengthy tale with a clear beginning and end.

As a gamer, stepping into Kurozu-Cho feels like entering an ordinary town on the surface, but beneath that lies an unsettling obsession with a peculiar shape that twists the lives of its inhabitants in bizarre and terrifying ways. The chilling events that unfold here would send shivers down any horror fan’s spine, making Junji Ito’s Uzumaki a gripping read for anyone yearning to experience his unique storytelling firsthand.

2024-09-14 06:33