Joseph Luster
November 5, 2024 
One of the pillars of the manga world is no longer with us, as it was announced that horror manga legend Kazuo Umezu has passed away. According to the statement, Umezu passed on October 28 at the age of 88.
“Umezu wanted to spread his work throughout the world, to be read by all forever,” the statement from his art company UMEZZ read. “He believed in the intrinsic artistic value of his work. May that aspiration rest forever in the hearts of all.”
The author’s death also prompted a joint statement from Shogakukan and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, which said, “Umezu leaves behind legendary works in not just horror, comedy, and science fiction manga, but also in film and in the recent 101 acrylic paintings of ‘Kazuo Umezz: The Great Art Exhibition,’ with his expressive techniques transcending the boundaries of manga.”
Kazuo Umezu created countless revered works of horror manga over the years following his professional debut at the age of 18. Some of his most well-known works include The Drifting Classroom—which inspired a live-action film adaptation—as well as Cat-Eyed Boy, Orochi, My Name is Shingo and many more. The aforementioned books are all available in English through VIZ Media, and remain staples of horror manga.
Beyond horror, Umezu was known for the likes of comedy manga Makoto-chan.
Following his passing, a private funeral was held with Umezu’s family and close friends. Our thoughts go out to everyone whose lives he touched along the way.
Source: Anime News Network
