Book Review: Tomie by Junji Ito

Tomie by Junji Ito
My rating: 6 of 10 stars

Pages :  750p

Year :  2016

Genre : Horror

Series : Anthology Tomie

This was not my best book of Junji Ito. So you've got this girl that was butchered in the first story and came back to life. I Thought the all other stories were connected, like a revenge thing but they were not. there were some yes, but the vast majority is just normal people who encounter and go crazy. First they love her then kill her, probably due to loving her so much. It's a bit repetitive to be honest. I am not saying it's bad, it's not. But it's repetitive. It's 720 pages of some guy/gal find her, fell in love with her and go crazy. Mayhem and depravity.

There is some nudity so if you shy against it, well though luck. It's not that much but there is some. And now I am going to give you a spoiler , after reading it... she is a minor! ;)

True, this nudity has nothing to do with sexuality per se. 99% is well pure physics. You can't be born with clothes right?

I enjoy it. My goal of reading everyhing Junji Ito is almost over, only one more book to go... No Longer Human.

6/10

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Book Review: The Drifting Classroom, Vol. 3 by Kazuo Umezz

The Drifting Classroom, Vol. 3 by Kazuo Umezz
My rating: 8 of 10 stars

Pages : 752

Year : 1974

Genre : Post Apocalpytic

Series : The Drifting Classroom, Vol. 3

This is the third and final novel on the series and it was a very entertaining, depressing journey to say the least. In this volume they are in the future and trying to escape some monsters that appear, they turn on each other like Battle Royal or Lords of the Flies, they kill, they died, they eat (cannibalistically) yet some are trying to do the right thing and finally there is a way to return home... will they do it? Well not going to spoil you but since is a 2000 page manga I am going to do it for you in the end.. I will warn you before

So what's bad about this all series, well is the easy way some stuff is resolved - like an operation, or battle scars or even forgiving your enemy after tens of death's through their hands. BUT this are child, lest we forget, this are kids from 6 to 10/11. Yet they are more prepared at times than grownup's.

So, I promised spoilers.. here you go

In the end, they meet a computer who says they can return in the same place where they went. They must replicate the energy released back in that day. It seems one of the boys brought a dynamite stick to school (yes....). So they try and failed. But after some, intervention they learn how they should yet they decide not to go. The world is going to die. So the vast majority (except one) stay behind. Poor mother...

Spoilers end.

I would advise anyone to read it if they enjoy Lord of Flies stuff 

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Book Review: Gyo by Junji Ito

Gyo by Junji Ito
My rating: 7 of 10 stars

Pages : 393p 

Year : 2002

Genre : Horror

Series : Solo

I rate this a 7 out of 10.

This is a novel , not a short story collection as Junji Ito is more famous. There is also an anime movie on it (never watch it, so far).

This novel follows a couple of characters as they are having vacations on the south of Japan and something weird starts to happened there. Fish and other sea creatures are coming out the sea. They are not totally violent (although the shark ones are) and they segregated a lot of Gas. What are they? They have all like an appendage underneath the monster torso with legs attached to it. In turn they are connected with the fish through some cables on the mouth and ... well ass and other orificies. The story progress as the monsters start invading other cities, going throughout Japan and the world.

The vast majority of the novel is set on Tokyo where a guy must save his girlfriend which is dead and linked to one of those machines.

There are some questions that one may ask, some have answers, per example, how and why these monsters appear (we know it's due to the gas) but it's never really stated what are they or came to be. Well to be fair, it's hinted the gas is something sentient and created by some mad Japanese war scientists. In this tale, as the previous Remina you know earth is doomed. So what's making our main character do anything? Well first of all is the dedication to give somekind of peace to his girlfriend which he feels morally connected.

The ending is quite strange, to be honest, okay we know that he is immune and he finds some people who are also immune. I question what has happened to his uncle & apprentice. We will never know since there is no truly an end there.

Not the best of Junji.

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Book Review: Soichi by Junji Ito

Soichi by Junji Ito
My rating: 9 out of 10 ⭐

Pages : 416

Year: 2023 

Genre: Horror

Series : Solo

Soichi is a great compilation of short stories by the master of horror Junji Ito. I would rate 9 out 10.
The vast works of Junji are mix-match stories, sometimes of similar themes. But here is a bit different. It's the compilation of short stories involving the same character Soichi (and his immediate family).

We've got an interesting character here, he is weird, completely chaotic (sometimes evil, or to be honest most of times) but at the same time he can become somewhat lenient (not good). He thinks the all world is against him and so he tries to punish and curse all people around him. Probably the person that suffers more is his brother Koichi.

As you read the tales, you get two feelings a bit of horror (although he tries to make it rather supernatural there are times that the veil is lifted and there isn't anything supernatural - sometimes...). At the same time it's rather funny and charmy(is this a word) and although evil you kind of root for him (at times).

I think there are more stories with Soichi but why only these are included here? I wonder if it was a choice on the length of the novel. The rest of the series by Viz have the same number (around 400 pages). Maybe a second novel would be created?

Either way, if you enjoy so far Junji please go ahead and dive in. If you never watch anything by him, I would say this isn't the best place to start - not because it's bad; I am giving a 9 out of 10 but because it focus in the same character and if you don't enjoy it probably you won't try again BUT also because is rather different from other works from him. Mainly the funny part, not visceral, not supernatural etc. Is it horror? YES. Is it good? YES.

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Book Review: Tombs by Junji Ito

Tombs by Junji Ito
My rating: 9

Pages 344

Year  2023

This is probably one of the best anthologies Junji Ito grace us with so far.

We've got 9 tales.

The first one , is the title of the novel and deals with two siblings as they experience a traffic accident leaving dead a young girl. As they arrive to a town where they were meeting another friend. But so far, what's strange? well everywhere in the city there are tombs appearing and our duo will soon learn why and their own fate. It's a eerie tale filled with mystery. 10/10

The Second tale is about ghosts and time travelling (kind of). It's probably one of my least favourite tales but it's good nevertheless. 7/10

The third one is spooky as shit as Master Ito have grace us. It's about a young girl who is having problem talking and we learn that their house yard has a lot of snails. So, of course she is growing a snail instead of her tongue. Horrible! The art is amazing and the end almost comically scary. 10/10

Next tale is about a young man who has a weird neighbour and every night she comes out and scares the shit out of him. It's good, I've already knew from an anime. Probably the only tale with an happy ending if you can call it that. 7/10

Washed Ashore is something only Ito could have create. Imagine a strange fish/whale monster being dead on the sand, now imagine that it attracts a lot of people, all with the same dreams. Now imagine... nah not going to spoil but the monster is something really interesting and the ending quite good 9/10

The Strange Tale of the Tunnel is probably one of the best so far. We've got this weird tunnel where our main protagonist mother has killed herself. The daughter is being drawn and the boy must try to find her out. Afterwards his father also disappeared and he is trying to find out what is happening. Why people disappear? Why the photos being taken there have blurs and other stuff. There is even a scientific explanation , which I found out very interesting and means Junji is very knowledge in not that known scientific stuff. 10/10 Really enjoy this

Bronze Statue is a good tale, unexpected. I Thought the tale was going one way and by the end the author throws us a curve ball that I Bet the vast majority would not think of. 9/10

Floaters is a tale about strange stuff that is leaving people's bodies, like those white stuff that are released by some flowers here in Portugal. But they have the people inner thoughts. It was a very interesting tale (not that scary) but very cool. 9/10

The last tale is about a hidden town and the strange case of epidemic with the loss of blood of the inhabitants. Very cool story and nice ending. 9/10

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Book Review: The Liminal Zone by Junji Ito

The Liminal Zone by Junji Ito
Pages 210

Year 2021

First of all, this is very beautiful book (as other Junji Ito). They are almost worth for the covers.
We've got 4 stories;

Weeping Woman Way - this tale was strange as hell. So, they find some woman who is a professional weeper. After that encounter our main protagonist starts crying to the point that she can't control, even when sleeping. So they try to investigate and has any junji Ito tale it goes dark pretty soon... Very good story. 9/10

Madonna - Madonna is a interesting Christian story that delve in ancient scripts with people turning to salt and such and it's also an interesting way of seeing prophets and how people decide on the all worshipping thing. So good story. Interesting characters (mainly Maria). 9/10

The Spirit Flow of Aokigahara - If you live in Japan and when you want to commit suicide, you go to Aokigahara the suicide forest. It's one of the places on earth with most suicides attached. But why? A guy who is slowly dying go there to commit suicide and goes there with his girlfriend (who is also committing suicide - why dumbass?) so he finds there a torrent of souls and as he bathe himself in a spirit flow and become better. It's strange story because explanations are not that interesting. Probably my least favourite story. 4/10

Slumber - is an interesting tale about a guy who dreams he is killing people while he is sleeping. Interesting resolution on it. 7/10

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Book Review: Dissolving Classroom - Junji Ito

So, another Junji Ito book read. They keep publishing and I keep reading. I think I have yet to read 4 out of 20 (?) of his novels. They all sit very nicely on the shelves, all hardcovers - except this one.

The Hardcover edition costs around 25€ and this one was 11€. So, I went for it.

This was a very interesting read of interconnected stories all in the same world/characters. Basically we've got this family (the ones in the cover) of a boy and his young sister. His sister goes around the neighbour scaring people , doing all kind of stupid things and his brother just apologies profoundly.

The problem is, not everything is at it seems.

It starts with dissolving classroom, then beauty and then apartment and finally some stories that give some background to the characters. It's short but it was fun, spooky tale. I think I become a bit sanitized against horror after watching so much. I really enjoy all of the stories and how they were told (chronologic order) and the ending was also very good. Nice characterization and flow... although some of stuff was a bit inconsistent. Like some people only took a couple of minutes others days..

Overall very good story by master horror mangaka.

Book Review: Black Paradox - Junji Ito (Manga)

Do you know Junji Ito? Then you know what to expect from him. IT's weird and it's good and fun. The only difference here comparing with other of his novels (apart from a couple ones) is that we follow 4 characters and their weird experiences after trying to kill themselves and... failing miserable.

They open portals within their own bodies to another weird world... As the story progress you get to learn more of the world beyond, of the characters and start to connect with them. It was a very interesting voyage. The last two chapters were very powerful because we learn a lot about the world and what it means...

It's a mix of X-Files, Stranger Things & Black Mirror. IT's one of the best entry points with this Junji Ito world.

Book Review: Venus in the Blind Spot - Junji Ito

Here we go again. What can I say more about Junji Ito that has not been said before by better reviewers or by even me on other collections. To be honest it's not his best stuff. IF I Had a 10 star rating I would give this a 6. The problem being is that I am reading one per month. And if I had read this one first probably it would be on top - but I've seen so much by him to me this are meh. But If I would have to compare with other artists probably would be a better rating...

Fist of all, the cover is beautiful and if you remove the paper cover the hardcover is all black with grey and it's awesome. In the interior art also are part of stories within this. Very cool decision.

We've got 10 stories. The first one, Billions One is a very interesting horror story that has some criticism of how society involved and people are more isolated. 3,5 Stars

The Human chair is based on a japanese author and it's an amazing tale. Really enjoy. This guy really put horror in simple things like buying a chair. 4 star

An unearthly love is another tale of the same author of the human chair. I didn't enjoy as much but it's creepy. Do you even know who you are married to? Their inner thoughts? 3 stars

Venus in the blind spot started so interesting but then the finale came and didn't enjoyed as much. Either way good tale. 3 stars

The licking women... well well well... you are licked, you are dead. So cool story. Predictable. but good. 3 stars

Master Umezz and Me . Is this autobiographic story about Junji Ito journey to becoming the horror artist that he is? So cool.. If you don't know Umezz really exists.

How love came to see Professor Kirida - strange story and probably one of the weakest in my opinion.

The Enigma of Amigara Fault - This one is one of the weirdest ones that Junji has brought to us. Some strange holes are appearing in a mountain and they have the same form of people who are drawn to it.

The sad tale of the principal post - This story is short and so good. Why did this happen? Oh well

Keepstake - love... love is hard. When do you do, when your wife dies and you have toddler and a new wife? Well.. lets go. This one may offend some people - tough luck . It's good

Book Review: Smashed - Junji Ito

Read in February of 2023
412 pages published back in 2019
Horror Manga

Let's talk about Smashed although of all the ones I've read I think this was one is one of the least favourites. Yet it's good. Don't get me wrong. When you are reading the best , all 5 stars and such. A four star is your least favourite yet better than 90% out there.

• Bloodsucking Darkness is a tale about a way to get thin in a organic kind of way (4)
• Ghosts of prime time, what will you do to make other people laugh if you were a comedian? Take that to extreme (7)
• Roar -memories that will remain forever (6)
• Earthbound - this is one of the best ones yet... how do you deal with guilt? (9)
• Death Row Doorbell - how far would you go to be forgiven (6.5)
• The Mystery of the Haunted House - Very interesting tale, really enjoyed the twists (7.5)
• The Mystery of the Haunted House (Soichi's House) - You know Soichi right? One of the first stories I've read about Soichi (7)
• Soichi's Beloved Pet - This cat really hunts everything... Soichi is such a cool character with horror and comedy in the mix. (8)
• 
  Mirror Valley is and interesting story about old villages superstitions and past. This kind of tales are only good if set in japan. Really mystifying stuff. (7,5)
• I don't want to be a ghost - uhh food (6.5)
• Library Vision - as a person who loves his book and have a 5000 book library I can relate to him. One of the bet stories (9)
• Splendid Shadow Song - where all those beautiful songs come? do they com to artists in a dream? how can not anyone can write a music or book that lives forever and other people can? (6.5)
• Smashed - A food of the gods, ambrosia but with a hidden setback (8.5)

Book Review: Shiver by Junji Ito.

 So this another anthology by our man Junji Ito. I don't know why I didn't enjoy them as much as previous novels.. One interesting thing, don't know if you've heard or watch but there was an anime with Junji Stories. Several of these stories were within that anime stuff...

Per example Greased which is a disgusting little tale about people who drink oil.. it's very disturbing... Shiver & FAshion Model were other two stories that the anime adapdation don't make them justice and they are just bad compare with this... Marionette Mansion is another tale that there the anime didn't do justice...

Are these a good compilation? For a newcomer yes is. For a hardcore fun of Junji Ito is not the best. I would rate this 7/10

Favorite tale; Used Record & Hanging Blimp

Book Review: Lovesickness - Junji Ito

Year: 2011
Pages: 402
Reading Time: 8 days
Rating: 8 Stars

Lovesickness... This is a short story compilation of interconnected tales... The first take is Lovesickness is biggest overall stories and the most interesting. Basically we follow a young teen who returns to his hometown which he left after a strange situation with a young lady. There is belief that in the densest fog you can ask a random person - like fortune teller - and what they answer will happen.

When he returns to his hometown people start dying - usually young female teens. The problem is that their spirits stay behind. There is a mysterious prince/strange and he wants to find who he is.

Amind the story, this is also a tale of redemption and well love. The art is awesome and very dark.

The next tales are also connected (2) and deal with séance and supernatural vs taking advantage of other people. IT was also very dark and ends with a sense of poetic justice.

The next tale is about a young teen who is contracted to take care of a house - but that house has secrets. A young teen feels pain on his body but the pain is not quench on his body but on the house... so a group of workers go from division to division to help alleviate the suffering of course this turns very dark when people start dying and the human condition comes into place.

Overall I find that this tale was not as good as Uzumaki and unfortunately that was the first I read so high standards. I have all the books and I am going to read one per month or so... I don't want to end them all in one go - because I could - they are so damn interesting.

Remembering the anime show I Watch a couple of years ago-- it doesn't make justice. enough said.

Book Review: The Drifting Classroom, Vol. 1 - Kazuo Umezz

Year: 1972
Pages: 744
Part of Series: 1st of 3
Reading Time: 8 days
Rating: 9

Man that was awesome. I was reading 200 pages per day.

Basically a school is disappears from our time and it seems it exploded but there are no debris. The families are suffering and one mother is grieving more about her son Sho Takamatsu because when he left home they had just argue and both said that they didn't want to talk to one another ever again.

In the paralell story we've got Sho trying to understand what is happening since only the school remains and all around is just sand. The grownups, as the author says can't handle this changes and quickly died (or are killed) while the children stay behind.

Stuff happens, not going into spoilers room but one interesting it was cool to see the interaction of Sho and his mother in the different timelines.

This is Lord of the Flies up a notch. Children died and some of them very horrible; but it wsa interesting that even at earlier stage (this is a classroom from children from 1st grade to 6th grade so what 12 years old?) and it's interesting he tries to explain the differences between mentalities from the 1st vs the 6th grades. It's not for the faint heart - specially if you can read about children brutality and death. BUT highly advisable as a horror manga series.

Book Review: 14 Sai 1 - Kazuo Umezu (Manga)

Year: 2001
Pages: 316
Part of Series: 1 out 13
Reading Time: July 2022 (1 Day)
Rating: 8 Stars

What an interesting concept. This was written around 95 to 00's so Japan was going through a transformation on the society that started in the 80's. If you see some OVAS from that time the theme is always the same. A bleak universe due to corporativism and black ops stuff, the majority of humankind living in proverty and violence going rampage.

Yes, today is a bit different but some stuff stays the same...

What can I say about this, basically imagine that we start growing food out of vat tubes... instead of massive chicken killer zones you just breed the chicken breasts, or wings or foots or whatever. But as you may have learn in science - life always creates a way to never give up and throws a curve ball. There are documented instances of animals changing because of extinction; now imagine those vat's created life? Well here you go... Now imagine that life becomes smarter and started to get revenge from humanity destruction of nature? Well I am game for it and rooting for Chicken George...

This first one really flows... It's not horror but more thriller and the horror is more Lovecraftian and less jumpscare. I will keep reading of course