Kara Dennison
October 29, 2024 
Eventually, everyone stumbles across the work of Junji Ito in their own way. For some of us, it was The Enigma of Amigara Fault popping up on our Tumblr dashboard at 2am. Others dove in via film or anime adaptations. But for some of you, Adult Swim’s Uzumaki will have been your first taste of the horror master’s work. And if you find yourself wanting more, we’re here to help!
Junji Ito has been terrifying us with his work for decades, so it can be hard to decide where to start. If you can’t decide, try one of these three on-ramps and see where they take you!
Welcome to the Ito-Verse
If you’re interested in Ito’s work but not quite ready to throw money down on a terrifying manga, VIZ has you covered. Welcome to the Ito-Verse is a free digital sampler of some of his more famous work, including Chapter 6 of Uzumaki. Titled “Medusa,” it’s the one about Kirie’s unexpected hair battle with the attention-hungry Kyoko Sekino.
The free volume includes samples of lots of other Ito hits, including his adaptation of Frankenstein and short pieces Tombs and Deserter. It also dips into some of his more speculative work, like Venus in the Blind Spot and Sensor. You’ll get a great idea of what Junji Ito can do, and all for the price of nothing!
Uncanny: The Origins of Fear
What kind of mind dreams up stories like Uzumaki? Junji Ito’s memoirs will tell you! Newly translated and published in English, Uncanny: The Origins of Fear is a deep dive into Ito’s early life, career, and philosophy about writing horror. Whether you’re a horror fan or a writer yourself, there’s lots to gain from this book. The second half is devoted primarily to breaking down his more famous works—detailing his inspiration for legendary characters like Tomie.
If you want to know more about Uncanny: The Origins of Fear, be sure to read Otaku USA’s full review!
Soichi: Junji Ito Story Collection
Junji Ito is largely known for stand-alone stories, but he’ll occasionally do longer pieces like Uzumaki. Even in his short subjects, though, he has recurring characters who tend to pop up when you least expect them. One of these stars from the Ito stables is Soichi. This creepy little boy chews nails (the metal kind) and inflicts curses on everyone from classmates to teachers. And Soichi: Tales of Terror collects ten such stories in one volume.
While he may not be as legendary as the lovely and dangerous Tomie, Soichi is a major player in Ito’s work. And his stories tend to be one of the most telling blends of Ito’s horror and comedy: darkly humorous but also legitimately threatening.
More Junji Ito titles are available from VIZ Media.
