When it comes to Horror discussions in anime and mangaThe legendary Junji Ito is typically sitting on the docket. His masterpieces are iconic and widely loved, as seen in the reception of the newest controversial, but popular Uzumaki Anime series. There is one artist, however, whose stories can stand alongside those written by other titans of the genre, but seem to play second fiddle in terms of popularity. The great and highly talented Shuzo Oshimi consistently creates nightmarish stories Which are perfect for the Halloween season.
Stories like The flowers of evil, HappinessAnd the recently completed Blood on the tracks are just a few of the highly psychological and deeply disturbing series that have contributed to Oshimi’s reputation for creating terrifying stories. Only one received an anime, 2013’s experimental TV adaptation of The flowers of evilAlthough some of his completed work would be worthy of similar treatment. And as the spooky season approaches, One of Horror Master’s manga series is perfect for this time of year.
Shuzo Oshimi’s scariest stories are highly psychological
Human rights fears take center stage over creepy monsters
In terms of sheer popularity, cosmic horror largely dominates the genre when it comes to manga. Junji Ito Uzumaki is the most recognizable example, while Kazuo Umezu’s The drifting classroom Paved the way for future Lovecraftian horrors. Shuzo Oshimi’s stories set themselves apart from the popular crowd in this They are deeply rooted in psychological horror. Rather than terrifying eldritch creatures haunting the characters, the tension and scares are often subdued, interpersonal and intimate.
The manga that helped establish Oshimi, The flowers of evilis a deeply uncomfortable, coming-of-age slow-burn story about the loss of innocence and the unraveling of the psyche as young people pass through adolescence. In fact, some of Oshimi’s work Focus on change and transition through stages of life. Blood on the tracks Follows a boy who must deal with an abusive parent as he struggles through life, while Happiness Incorporates the supernatural as another boy transforms into a vampire. Welcome back, Alice Touches on gender in an excruciatingly personal and honest manner.
Although his stories may lack the terrifying monsters or grotesque visuals so common to horror manga, Shuzo Oshimi is able to distort the image of regular humans in Strange and invisible in ways that few creatures can match. His talent for drawing horrifying facial expressions effectively replaces any fear that a jump scare might provide.
The scariest horrors are often mundane
Shuzo Oshimi depicts everyday horrors in his stories
What helps make Oshimi’s stories so effective is precision How grounded in reality many of them are. Choosing to leave the fantastic terrors of other popular series behind, his work focuses mainly on the horrors of man. Many are set in ordinary Japanese cities, Their monsters are plain, ordinary people. Although unfathomable creatures may be horrifying to look at, there is little scary than the possibilities that come with simply living.
While anime and manga host some of the highest quality horror stories, Shuzo OshimiHis work offers something unique to his contemporaries. And for fans of slower, more psychological horrors, the artist’s often underrated manga are the perfect spooky season read.