Ito's 13 Scariest Manga Tales

Junji Ito: A Master of Macabre Storytelling

Since his professional manga debut in 1987, Junji Ito has reigned supreme as a horror storyteller, captivating readers with his chilling tales and iconic creations. His exquisitely illustrated comics delve into deep, devastating secrets, each story haunting and horrifying in its unique way. He's rightfully earned his place as one of the most renowned horror mangaka of his generation.

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 13 of his most bone-chilling stories was a challenge. While many of his scariest short stories circulate online, his works are also compiled into physical collections. Some, like Tomie and Uzumaki, follow specific narratives, while others, such as Shiver and Smashed, present standalone stories grouped thematically.

The Scariest Junji Ito Stories

From ominous ghost stories and gothic horror to bizarre modern fables, these 13 tales showcase Ito's mastery of horror manga.

13. The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads

Ito often explores the destructive power of love, and "The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads," the opening story in Lovesickness, exemplifies this. We meet Ryusuke, a teenager returning home after years away, haunted by a devastating secret. His arrival coincides with a series of brutal murders of schoolgirls seeking "crossroads fortunes," creating a chilling mystery that connects to Ryusuke's past.

12. Village of the Siren

A chilling tale of folk horror, "Village of the Siren" depicts Kyochi's return to his seemingly deserted hometown, where a strange factory and hypnotic sirens hold the village captive. This story explores strange rituals, cults, and the occult, with a high body count featuring a diverse range of victims.

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 alarming signs until the truth, darker than he could imagine, is revealed.

10. The Strange Hikizuri Siblings

This darkly humorous story follows a dysfunctional family who delight in tormenting each other and unsuspecting victims. Their schemes, though often deadly, are punctuated by their own haplessness.

9. The Mystery of the Haunted House

A haunted house turns a town into a scene of terror as visitors fall prey to its twisted games. Souichi Tsujii, one of Ito's recurring characters, plays a significant role in this darkly comedic tale of heinous crimes.

8. Honored Ancestors

This psychedelically deranged story revolves around Risa, suffering from amnesia, and Makata, whose family traditions lead to a shocking revelation.

7. Uzumaki

A classic for a reason, Uzumaki tells the story of a town cursed by spirals, exploring themes of obsession, paranoia, and the bizarre transformation of the mundane. Its impact is undeniable, with various adaptations in development.

6. Fashion Model

A more visceral horror tale, "Fashion Model" introduces a monstrous model whose image consumes a young man, leading 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, terrorizing those around her. Her ever-shifting true face is the stuff of nightmares.

4. House of the Marionettes

This classic story explores a family obsessed with marionettes, leading to a shocking discovery years after a young girl's friendship with the puppeteer's son.

3. Used Record

An eerie and atmospheric tale of a hypnotic record that consumes its listeners, taking the relatable experience of musical obsession to a nightmarish level.

2. Greased

A stomach-churning story of a family above a barbeque restaurant, where grease becomes a source of obsession and grotesque transformation.

1. The Hanging Balloons

A bizarre and claustrophobic tale of giant balloons resembling the face of a deceased celebrity, leading to a series of chilling copycat deaths.

What's Next for Junji Ito?

Pre-Order### Uncanny: Origins of Fear

2Releasing October 15See it at Amazon

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