The manga world mourns the loss of the legendary horror creator Kazuo Umezuwho passed away last week at the age of 88. With a diverse portfolio spanning science fiction, comedy, and horror, Umezu’s most lasting legacy lies in his pioneering work in the horror genre, which earned him the revered title of “Godfather of Japanese Horror Manga.” While Western fans may be more familiar with horror manga through the works of horror manga pioneers like Junji Ito, Umezu was an absolute icon whose influence is impossible to underestimate.
As reported by Yomiuri ShimbunEnglish language newspaper, Japan newsthe renowned manga creator passed away on October 28, 2024. According to the story, Umezu’s health problems began in July when he collapsed and was later diagnosed with stomach cancer. Further tests revealed the cancer was terminal, which led to the start of end-of-life care in September. Fortunately, Umezu passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.
Umezu was a pioneer in horror manga
Umezu was a legend in the world of manga and one of the best manga artists in the history of the medium. Determined to become a manga artist from a young age, he published his first two works, Bessekai and Mori no Kyodaias an 18-year-old high school student. Within a few years, he found his true calling in the industry, namely creating horror stories that mixed supernatural and paranormal elements with grotesque, boundary-pushing art styles. His first horror series wasn’t the trilogy Reptilesthe final part of which was published in 1966. He followed it in 1969 with Orochiwhich helped firmly establish him as a horror mangaka extraordinaire.
A few years later, in 1972, he began what would become his most famous series, The drifting classroom. The story follows an elementary school who is suddenly and inexplicably transported in the middle of a school day to an alternate post-apocalyptic reality. Without anyone understanding why they were sent there or how to get home, the story delves into the horrors of the unknown and how it affects children and adults differently. In 1974, the series won the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award.
Kazuo Umezu’s legacy
Not unlike other pioneering manga artists who emerged from the industry during its golden age, Umezu had a profound influence on the development of horror manga as a genre, as well as younger horror manga authors. Legendary horror manga artist Junji Ito named Umezu as one of his childhood influences. But horror wasn’t his only interest. Later, Umezu wrote a series of popular and critically acclaimed science fiction stories such as My name is Shingoas well as several comedy stories, including fan favorite Makoto-chan.
Regardless of what work fans know him for, Umezu left a huge legacy in the world of manga, including some of the scariest horror manga of all time. Few horror creators can truly claim industry titan status like Kazuo Umezuand although he will be forever missed by his loved ones and fans, he is leaving behind an impressive body of creative work that will continue to inspire future generations of mangaka for a long time to come.
Source: Japan news