Junji Ito stands unrivaled in the realm of horror manga, captivating readers with his macabre narratives and hauntingly iconic visuals since his professional debut in 1987. As a master of the genre, Ito's beautifully crafted comics delve into deep, devastating secrets, weaving tales that linger in the minds of his audience with unparalleled horror.
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 AmazonNarrowing down Junji Ito's extensive body of work to just 13 of his most bone-chilling stories was a daunting task. While many of Ito's scariest short stories can be found online, they are also compiled into physical collections. Some collections, like Tomie and Uzumaki, follow a specific narrative, whereas others, such as Shiver and Smashed, feature standalone stories grouped by theme.
The Scariest Junji Ito Stories
Junji Ito's mastery spans from eerie ghost stories to heart-wrenching gothic horror and grotesquely bizarre modern fables. Here, we explore 13 of the most terrifying tales from this horror manga maestro.
13. The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads
Ito frequently explores the darker side of love, and The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads from the Lovesickness collection is a prime example. The story follows Ryusuke, a teen returning to his hometown, haunted by his past. As young women seek "crossroads fortunes," their brutal murders unfold, connecting mysteriously to Ryusuke's history. This chilling mystery introduces one of Ito's most terrifying creations.
12. Village of the Siren
In Village of the Siren, Ito delves into folk horror. Kyochi returns home after a strange phone call and an ominous apparition, only to find his village transformed into a ghost town, dominated by an eerie factory and nightly sirens. This tale is perfect for fans of strange rituals, occult themes, and taboo-breaking horror.
11. I Don't Want to Be a Ghost
Shigeru's life changes when he picks up a disoriented woman who claims to "love his ghosts." Despite her frequent bloodied appearances, Shigeru is drawn into a secretive affair, only to uncover her dark desires too late.
10. The Strange Hikizuri Siblings
This darkly humorous tale from Lovesickness follows the Hikizuri siblings, whose pleasure in tormenting others leads to deadly consequences. Their schemes may be hapless, but you wouldn't want to be on their dinner guest list.
9. The Mystery of the Haunted House
A haunted house turns a town's derision into terror as visitors enter its doors. Two boys become entangled in the proprietor's twisted games, discovering a true house of horrors. This story blends dark comedy with heinous crimes, featuring Ito's recurring character, Souichi Tsujii.
8. Honored Ancestors
In Honored Ancestors, Risa suffers from amnesia, haunted by visions of a giant caterpillar. The truth lies in her friend Makata's family's strange traditions, revealed in Ito's signature, unsettling style.
7. Uzumaki
Uzumaki is perhaps Ito's most renowned work, weaving a supernatural curse around the town of Kurouzu-cho, haunted by spirals. Ito's linework transforms the mundane into the terrifying, exploring themes of obsession and paranoia. The impact of Uzumaki is evident in its numerous adaptations, including an anticipated anime.
6. Fashion Model
In Fashion Model, a young man becomes consumed by a magazine model with dagger-like teeth. When the model reappears during a student film casting, the horror becomes brutally real, cementing its place in Ito's monster horror canon.
5. Tomie
Tomie, Ito's most famous creation, is a stunningly beautiful woman who returns after being murdered by her classmates. Her stories are collected in a volume that showcases her ever-shifting, nightmarish visage. Tomie's pervasive influence extends beyond manga, appearing in various forms of pop culture.
4. House of the Marionettes
House of the Marionettes taps into the eerie allure of puppets. Kinuko befriends a puppeteer's son and years later, marries him. A return to his family home reveals horrifying secrets, making this one of Ito's classic yet shocking tales.
3. Used Record
Used Record tells of a hypnotic vinyl that obsesses its listeners. As Ogawa and Nakayama become fixated on the song, their lives spiral into tragedy. Ito's tale is terrifyingly relatable, capturing the universal experience of a song that won't leave your mind.
2. Greased
Greased is set above a barbeque restaurant near Mount Fuji, where Yui is overwhelmed by the accumulated grease. Her brother Goro, however, embraces it, leading to grotesque physical changes. This stomach-churning story is one of Ito's most unsettling.
1. The Hanging Balloons
The Hanging Balloons is Ito's scariest tale due to its bizarre and claustrophobic nature. Following a celebrity's suicide, giant balloons resembling the deceased chase those they resemble, aiming to hang them with metal nooses. This story is a vivid nightmare come to life.
What's Next for Junji Ito?
Pre-Order### Uncanny: Origins of Fear
2Releasing October 15See it at AmazonJunji Ito's latest release, Uncanny: The Origins of Fear, is a memoir and analysis of the horror genre. A sneak peek is available on Viz Media's website. Looking ahead, a new collection titled Moan is set to release on October 7, promising more tales of obsession and macabre reality within Ito's haunting world.
Looking for more manga guides? Explore our guide to the best manga for beginners or check out some of the best free manga websites and apps. You can also find our updated guide on where to buy manga if you're interested in physical copies of Junji Ito's work.
