11. Believers (1999) by Naoki Yamamoto
The structure of cults has always fascinated media and pop culture, particularly (and seemingly inevitably) when the group turns violent. “Believers” feels inspired by The Aum Shinrikyo and the Japanese Red Army, focusing on the cult mentality of three individuals undergoing a spiritual program. However, when supplies run out, the three become increasingly paranoid about each other and begin to lash out as starvation takes hold.
Balancing horror, drama, and eroticism, mangaka Naoki Yamamoto offers a well-researched look into cult mentality. Where the title thrives in the horror genre is in the subjects' willingness to harm their bodies and minds in search of enlightenment, which the reader knows will never come. This harrowing journey also ends on such a memorable note that is unforgettably tragic.
12. Panorama of Hell (1983) by Hideshi Hino
Mangaka Hideshi Hino acts as a tour guide in his hell, a post-nuclear landscape full of twisted abominations. Born right after World War II, Hino reflects on his own experience of the horrors of humanity while taking time to condemn his critics and the readers themselves.
Hino approaches his fanbase with comic spite, making him make actual death threats to the readers. On the surface, Hino's work could be called mean-spirited and even nihilistic, but the intent to parody becomes more noticeable on further exploration. Consequently, Hino's work can be seen as dark humor at its most dry and egregious. Adding to the artist's infamy is a dark narrative and visual style wholly unique to him, making his work instantly recognizable. Any Hino is worth checking out for horror fans, but “Panorama of Hell” is an ideal starting point.
“Panorama of Hell” is available through Starfruit Books.
13. Dementia 21 (2011) by Shintaro Kago
In Japan, where the elderly make up most of the population, one of the most admirable and profitable careers is that of a home health aide. These workers undergo extensive and dangerous training to ease the suffering of the older generation. Unfortunately for aide Yuki Sakai, this vision of Japan can transition between absurd, grotesque, or horrific in each job she takes.
“Dementia 21” counterbalances Kago's other entry in this list by embracing the comedic absurdity unique to the mangaka. The content is consistently humorous in each segment, making it possible to classify the work as strictly comedy. However, Kago's art can twist and obscure the human form in a way that is definitely horrific. These stories, all tied together by the endearing and determined Yuki Saki, offer a surreal adventure that only a talent like Kago could conceive.
Buy This Title
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
14. Violence Jack (1973) By Go Nagai
Taking place in a lawless and violent apocalyptic future, “Violence Jack” follows the titular character as he makes his way through the ruined landscape. Having seen the worst of humanity in the desolate landscape, Jack embarks on a quest to revenge those wronged against the ruthless ruler, known simply as “Slum King”.
Considered one of the first post-apocalyptic manga/anime, “Violence Jack” is a classic title that became lost to time. This may lay in the anime adaptations which are overly violent and, at times, uncomfortably pornographic. However, these films are more based on the world of Jack and less an adaptation, with the manga being more tame in content and simple in its narrative approach. Overall, the journey of Jack is undeniably violent but complimented by engaging narrative and defining visual style (Nagai is most well known for his iconic “Devil Man” series), making it a treat for horror fans.
15. Ibitsu (2009-10) by Haruto Ryou
Approached on the street by a mysterious figure resembling a disheveled woman, Kazuki Itou is unaware he has met the legendary demon Lolita. When the creature asks, “Would you like a little sister?” the young man sheepishly says yes, launching a curse into effect. Consequently, his real-life little sister becomes the target of the demon, who looks to replace her as the ‘little sister'.
Similar to the yurei (ghost) the ‘Slit Mouthed Woman', the Demon Lolita is a creature that poses an unanswerable question. Curses have long been a staple of Japanese folklore and urban legends, “Ibitsu” offers a welcomed modern take on an old concept, heightened by sharp creature design. The book is visually haunting, and the story gets wonderfully dark. This is also a single-volume release that exemplifies the best of quick and efficient storytelling in the horror genre.
16. Gannibal (2024) by Masaaki Ninomiya
“After the mysterious disappearance of a countryside cop, the role is reassigned to Officer Daigo Agawa. He finds the remote village quaint, and he looks forward to an easygoing post among the warm and welcoming citizenry. Then… He gets a call. The body of a local grandmother has been found.”
In a world where horror is often overlooked, Masaaki Ninomiya's “Gannibal” offers a unique addition to the genre that leaves a lasting impression and highlights how effective well-written scary stories can be. It delivers everything a potential reader would want and expect while going above and beyond in art and suspense. It's the kind of manga fans will want to read multiple times just to see if they missed any clues the first time around. (Nubia Jade Brice)
Buy This Title
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
17. The Climber by Shinichi Sakamoto
Taken at face value, Shinichi Sakamoto's “The Climber” is a sports manga, a well-researched one that tackles extreme sport with brutality and sensationalism. However, as one digs into the series, it becomes a psychological nightmare, with the titular climber often hallucinating cosmic horrors as he grapples with the loneliness and the extreme challenge he has set for himself.
The art here is truly stunning, both in capturing the sport as well as its use of surreal imagery to relay internal struggles. The mountain is also unforgiving, and there is no shortage of death and gloom encountered throughout the series. It may not be strictly horror, but it is a masterpiece that will crawl under the reader's skin and evoke that sense of unease fans of the genre always crave.
18. The Summer Hikaru Died(2023) by Mokumokuren
The series presents a unique take on the horror and BL genre, amalgamating the two in a way that does not isolate fans of either genre. The general confusion of coming of age and terms with sexuality merges with horror in an abstract way that evokes cosmic and body horror in equal measure.
“The Summer Hiraku Died” touches on both authentic and abstract concepts of terror while maintaining a sincerity grounded in the realism of the experiences of many youths in trying to discern their identity. It is a precarious balance that Mokumokuren navigates with mastery few mangakas' can tap into.
Buy This Title
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
19. Emerging (2004) by Masaya Hokazano
A bloated man with bloodshot eyes wanders to a crowded intersection in Tokyo, blankly staring into the distance before blood explodes from his eyes and his body, killing him on the spot. The splatter lands on several bystanders and those trying to attend to the man, leading to an outbreak that threatens all of Tokyo.
This one also acts as the perfect companion piece to Masaya Hokazano by Tetsuya Tsutsui's “Manhole” as both releases offer a ghastly vision of a violent pandemic spreading through the metropolitan areas of Japan. “Emerging” is our pick, though, given its focus on emotional storytelling as one man races to save his sister and the over-the-top explosive art of Masaya Hokazano. Hokazano would go on to find success with his series “Pumpkin Night,” which comes recommended for those who like extreme horror.
20. Mieruko-chan Official Comic Anthology (2023)
While the “Mieruko-chan” series is worthy of mention, with Tomoki Izumi's nightmarish creations among the best to ever be presented in the medium, the series' episodic and comedic nature makes it less of a raw horror experience many fans will crave.
However, the official comic anthology, which brought together many of the best and upcoming in the horror genre, acts as a lovely tribute to the series while also allowing indulgence in Izumi's ghastly creations to make short, shocking shorts in the world of Mieruko-chan. “Mieruko-chan Official Comic Anthology” presents thirteen wonderfully macabre re-imaginings of the work of Tomoki Izumi that fans won't want to miss, but also stands alone as a sampling of some of the most creative storytellers in the genre.
Buy This Title
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
