How a dental technician became the master of modern horror
How this artist turns your own brain against you.
Junji Ito Reading Guide
Beginner’s Guide:
Uzumaki - amzn.to/3FoVsNY
If you’re just getting into Ito, Uzumaki is a great starting place. It begins as almost self-contained short stories, but they do gradually build into an ongoing narrative, so it gives you a taste of his larger narrative arcs as well.
Shiver - amzn.to/48ZHfUZ
I personally feel that Ito’s talents are best on display in his many short story collections, and this one is a “best of” selected by Ito himself along with commentary on each story. A must have.
Tomie - amzn.to/46Rx3w3
Ito’s earliest work, Tomie is an example of Ito’s approach to some series, where stories are independent but feature recurring themes or characters.
Advanced Guide:
The rest of Ito’s work generally breaks down into longer works like Uzumaki, and short story collections. I haven’t read all of it, but I’ve read a lot, and nothing has ever been a letdown, so it’s really about choosing what format you like and diving in.
Short Story Collections:
Fragments of Horror - amzn.to/46RxZk3
Tombs - amzn.to/46Zhse5
Smashed - amzn.to/3FlGjg3
Deserter (early stories) - amzn.to/3ZYLegH
Venus in the Blind Spot (includes his best story) - amzn.to/3rXuN7G
The Liminal Zone - amzn.to/46AlAkO
Frankenstein (Adaptation of the novel + other stories) - amzn.to/3rZNAPN
Longer Works:
Black Paradox - amzn.to/490n2i8
Gyo - amzn.to/3M8UIjD
Remina - amzn.to/3rVz1N2
Dissolving Classroom - amzn.to/3tBoqHN
Sensor - amzn.to/3tIOmB0
Interconnected Short Stories:
Soichi - amzn.to/3S8nLHR
Lovesickness - amzn.to/45DUgRx
Other:
The Art of Junji Ito - amzn.to/3FlSmKn
Junji Ito’s Cat Diary (yes, a manga about his cats) - amzn.to/46TY023
No Longer Human (novel adaptation) - amzn.to/491v3De
Non-Ito Comics I mention
Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud - amzn.to/3Q1LTcv
This book changed my life when I read it 20 years ago and still blows my mind every time I reread it since then.
Kazuo Umezu’s The Drifting Classroom (Perfect edition complete in 3 volumes)
1 - amzn.to/3Qoela6
2 - amzn.to/3rVSwFc
3 - amzn.to/3QwIvYR
Hideshi Hino
Sadly, while there ARE solid translations of Hino’s work, they are all out of print. If you work for a publisher please fix this!! Someone tweet at Viz or something. If anyone publishes them I will promote it for free.
Sources
• Drawing Inspired by "E...
• A Talk with Junji Ito ...
• Conversation with Junj...
• Junji Ito Live Drawing...
web.archive.org/web/202011020...
web.archive.org/web/202107301...
web.archive.org/web/201903061...
web.archive.org/web/201603101...
alienexplorations.blogspot.com...
Credits
Nic Cage Illustration by Laura Racero: www.flickr.com/photos/dphuonq...
I gotta say matt, the fact that your channel is so new and produces such quality content is just amazing... Keep it up!
yeah I thought this guy had honed his production skills over the course of years, but his recent video is from like yesterday, and it's produced to such a degree I thought ok, this guy is a professional editor, but no he just started the day before. impressive!
My name isn't Matt
@@cxa24hello matt
New sub here, totally agree!
@@cxa24sup matt! wanna go hang out and eat bugs?
I'm not Nicolas Cage, but up until this video, I'd go to my local bookstore and pass by entire shelves dedicated to Junji Ito, not giving them much thought besides "oh, neat how he has an entire shelf to himself". After this video, I'm tempted to go back and grab a book from that shelf. I love your videos.
Grab Uzumaki and be traumatized like the rest of us.
😂 can you explain the Nicolas Cage reference to me?
It's at 1:26 in this video. :)
I'm also not Nicolas Cage, but I think we should all preface our replies with "I'm not Nicolas Cage".
I'm not Nicholas cage either, but I think walking around book stores is a fine hobby as long as you don't wear a long coat and try to lure children to your van
I once read _Hellstar Remina_ in one sitting as a teenager and nothing else has ever made me feel quite so much existential dread.
I didnt grow up with H.P. Lovecraft so Hellstar Remina is my first exposure to cosmic horror and it scared the sh*t out of me
Never name a star after your child...not once ever...😂
Hellstar Remina is one HELL of a metal name
@@cxireen2193 it might be a pretty good name for a beautiful daughter or new planet, who knows
That’s how I felt first reading the entirety of uzumaki and the ending
Junji Ito's work had always stuck with me. It's so inventive and truly terrifying that I can't get some of those imaged out of my head. That's what you call powerful art.
The "slow motion" art forcing our brains to picture all the in-between frames is such a powerful technique, genuinely made the spiralification of the tongue too horrific to look at for me. Learning so much from these videos, thank you for sharing!
Of course he was a dentist.
Junji Ito has created some of the most haunting cosmic horror I've ever read and after reading Uzumaki I just had to buy and read more. His short stories are my favorite because they're little slices of strangeness.
you should read I forgot what it called but people are infected and revert to primate violence dystopian world and their all cannibals comic book
@@ericx6969 crossed?
Crossed? @@ericx6969
@@ericx6969 who's it by?
Great to see how you cover the full spectrum of comics instead of focusing just on US comics, makes for some really interesting and varied content
It's very nice to see someone who likes and talks american/english comics talk about japanese comics. At least in my country, Italy, there are very few content creators that talks about both, since a lot of people seems to divide "classic comics" an "mangas", almost like they are two different genres, when in reality both are influenced by each other. Please continue to talk about comics of any nationality and genre with the same passion you put into each of your videos (it would be really cool if you could also talk about european and argentinian comics).
Manga, manhua, manhwa and comic books are all "comics" to me because I am American. I read many different pieces and find a lot of enjoyment in many directions.
Hello, I'm Nicholas Cage
Hi Nicholas
hi nicholas cage
Hallo nicholas
Nuh uh
Prove it
Your ability to weave the story together with multiple strands of narratives, to go "but we'll come back to that" is really really underrated. Instead of just going chapter by chapter, each focusing exclusively on one aspect of the artist/their works, you speed up/slow down each strand to eventually crescendo to a reveal at the same moment. Great stuff.
As a non-comic book reader, these videos showcase why the medium is so valued, and i just want to support this content by commenting.
I still think the first chapter of Tomie is one of the best pieces he's ever done, and one of the best I've ever experienced. Fascinating to think that that chapter started his entire career...
I’ve been drawing comics professionally for about 30 years… mostly dc and 2000ad… always been far more influenced by manga (Akira, Alita, and Appleseed mostly) without really breaking down why. Never seen a break down on a genre as good as this. As I’ve just started work on my own horror comic, for self publishing… you can bet your life I’m going to apply pretty much every point here. So glad I found this so early in the current book. Amazing breakdown.
The way Junji Ito drawn characters and the backgrounds is absolute insane. I don't even really read manga.
And berserk
Junji Ito is the only manga i read
5:45 Speaking of the Disney-style mangas of the legendary Osamu Tezuka, the development he gave to one of his earliest and most famous character, Rock Holmes, is quite fascinating. At first, Rock was the typical Disney protagonist: an adorable kid with a good heart who solved mysteries and befriended other heroes like Astro Boy or Kenichi. However, the character HEAVILY changed when Tezuka's works started to get really dark and bizarre. In mangS published between the late '60s and early '70s (such as "Vampires," "Phoenix: Future" and "Alabaster"), Rock became a psychopathic, sunglasses-wearing teenager whose love for humanity is simply non-existent, as he commits really horrible things like kicking dogs, murdering in cold blood and even r*ping a female protagonist. This dark version of Rock became the most popular, to the point of being the only one depicted in anime productions based on Tezuka's work, such as the beautiful 2001 movie "Metropolis". I have a theory that the evil grown-up Rock Holmes served to Hirohiko Araki as an inspiration for the creation of Dio Brando
I'm really not a manga person, but still, after semi-randomly stumbling into it, Uzumaki gotta be one of the best and most impactful things I've read.
I promise youre missing out on some wonderful tales!
I hope you do then after Uzumaki, try to pick up any of his short collections or maybe his interpretation of Mary Shelly's Frankenstein.
Try berserk💀
Try usogui.
Ironically, while you are explaining the genius of Ito's pacing in his work, the way you paced your own video was also really compelling (and very easy to suggest). As an artist it really made me realize how huge of an impact design elements have in affecting the mood of the viewer. These days I'm lazy and usually just draw whatever looks cool, so it activated the psychological aspect of art in my brain again. Thanks matt and kudos for the great vid!
What a great way to start off the night with a video discussing Junji Ito’s work
Your discussion of the contrast in detail kind of blew my mind. I’ve never consciously noticed that before, other than One Punch Man, where it’s used mostly for comedy. I think Junji Ito is the greatest creative mind in horror since Lovecraft. Thanks for another fantastic video.
Please do more on horror stuff. I’ve always been face aged at the psychological manipulation of art, like when it’s horrifying even when it’s not bloody/gory. This video was so enlightening, so thanks for that.
Matt, I can’t get enough of this your sequential art content. So good dude.
Honestly, it’s amazing how consistent this channel is. And this is a minor thing, but in the earlier videos I could see your eyes following the script, but you’ve mastered it now!!!
Ok so not only are all your videos very interesting, but you're also capable of being genuinely funny. I never laugh at jokes KZheadrs make. At most I will smile and exhale from my nose, but this 5:12 genuinely made me laugh out loud. I just had to comment about it 😂 Great video as always!
Yeah, that was really good😂
i just smiled and exhaled from my nose
I really appreciate how succinct and efficient you are with your script! I feel like I learned in fifteen minutes what would have taken other channels half an hour. It’s excellent, fantastic job.
Your content is so high quality that I always enjoy it regardless if it's a new topic for me or not. But the fact that you dedicated this one to one of my favourite manga artists made it even better! Keep up the good work
This channel is fantastic, I'm immediately watching every new uploaded video, cant wait to see what's next. Best graphic novel videos out there
Just made an inter-library request for Uzumaki. Thanks for the recommendation! Great video as always.
I don't really comment on youtube videos, but I have to praise you! As a kid born in '89 and first saw Batman as Keaton in Burton's film I was obsessed. I got into Batman comics later in life, with a growing appreciation of the art. Your channel is so amazing! This video shows one major artist Ive been really wanting to get into after seeing one of his books at a second hand shop, and being blown away. As a huge horror fan every page jumped out at me. Anyway, I ramble. Please keep up the great work. Documenting the history of this art and story telling is so important. Again, thank you!
Junji ito is such an amazing artist. I have some of his books and they’re so terrifying that I love it. I’m not much of a horror person, but this stuff is so interesting while being so grotesque and scary at the same time. His works have given me nightmares, but that won’t stop his books from being so amazing and well-detailed. His style is so unique! I also like how his book Soichi isn’t fully based on horror, but has an element of comedy. His stories aren’t just scary, but interesting enough to be enjoyable. He really gets you immersed in the stories even if they’re short! He’s one of my favorite manga authors/artists! ❤
Your content is genuinely some of the most comprehensive and well produced stuff on this side of KZhead, I eagerly await each new video.
I read Ito's adaptation of No Longer Human in a single day because of how he was able to just hook me with his portrayal of everything. I'll never forget how I actually jumped when I turned the page and saw those dried plants in the back of the pharmacy. Not man eating, sentient, flesh hungry plants, no, regular dried plants.
Your content is so interesting. I am not into Comics or even manga, but these videos are still fun to watch and I love to learn more about these artist.
By now I've seen all the videos in this channel thus far, and I'm surprised by the quality of them and how interesting they are! Even the longer ones stay engaging through the whole duration of the video. Keep it up, you're doing excellent work and I look forward to seeing more of it in the future!
Great job with the pace here, a lot of other KZheadrs are doing the same content in a painfully drawn out way, so I really appreciate a concise video like this
An illustrated book that I recommend reading if you want to get really scared is "Don't make me go back, mommy", which tells from the first-person perspective of a small kid how he and other children are used in satanic rites and s*xually abused by their tutors. It is quite disturbing to see the worst facet of humanity through the scared and innocent eyes of a child, who does not understand what they are doing with him, but still knows that it's not good at all. The worst thing here is that the book is written in the same style and format as your typical children's book, which gives the story a TERRIFYING false childish appearance.
Amazing video once again! The best part about your videos is learning about amazing artists, stories and works I've never heard of before. Keep up the good work!
I must admit I'm not the biggest manga fan, but gosh darnet Matt once again great episode. Your channel feels like a history class for comics/Manga. Loved every episode so far especially the one on rob liefield. Seriously keep it up, al so eagerly awaiting that Todd McFarlane episode. 😊
another great vid! love to see the coverage of all things comics, not just your average superhero work
You can really feel the time effort and love that you put into your videos man keep up the fantastic work. I look forward to every new upload!
I recently discover your channel, and after watching a few episodes, but I really love how you present comics and artists in this industry The chosen topics are very interesting and I'm glad to watch them. Thank you for all of this inspiring content.
Junji Ito's works is the perfect topic to talk about in the month of October. Another great video!
Your channel is the best out of all of the ones in the comic space bro. There are none I really dislike either, I think comic tropes up there neck and neck with you but if you put him aside you are definitely the best. Keep up the good work man, glad we have people like you.
Can't get enough of these amazing videos. So interesting and shows that comics are amazing form of art that has been unappreciated for so long, always considered not good enough writing to be literature not good enough drawing to be in the galleries. please keep going and focus on nonmainstream comics that show the true capabilities of the medium and of course, Thank you for this amazing content!!!
Man, I discovered Ito for the first time last year when I was at a local book shop and the clerk asked me if I had ever read Ito (I was looking at the Manga, as I'm wont to do). I said I'm familiar with him but had not read his work. He put Remina in my hand - read it in one sitting and it changed my view on what Manga could be. I'm glad I discovered him when I had more appreciation for horror as an adult. Also, great content, man! Keep up the excellent work.
Can’t wait to watch this video, You’re so quality dude
extremely high quality video as always :) great work!
Great channel your voice is perfect for this and not “grating” my ears … your take on jungi is awesome and simple at the core which I never really put much thought on, the less defined art puts the person into the situation… love it makes sense
Just found this channel and loving it so far. I'm not a big comic or manga guy but I love hearing you dive into the artistic skills and innovation involved.
You literally make the best videos, keep it up bro!
I just love this channel so much...
Hes back and finally talking about manga
As a artist that wants to make a graphic novel series this has helped me a lot. Especially the scale between simplistic characters to realistic of how the more simplistic the characters are the more we relate to it. Thank you so much Matt keep doing what you are doing. And if you can please do a video of the monga series "witch hat atelier" its just so beautiful
If you like that i recommend reading Scott Mccloud's comics, especially Understanding Comics and Making Comics.
I recommend reading guess what? The HIDEOUT
great channel, mattttt! You're really doing well in your craft, driving high quality content to your niche. Kudos to you.
This is my first time seeing any of Ito’s work and what jumps out with point #1 is the simpler designs & details of the protagonists make sure their reactions don’t get lost in the detail. It’s a really simple conceit that is incredibly effective.
Love your videos. Super insightful.
The concept of negative space in manga and comics is very powerful in Ito's work. It's always about context and places us as the reader/viewer. But his past as a dental technician - that's nuts. Awesome video and great channel, dude!
Seriously, no other pieces of art make me sit in deep thought for 2 hours like Junji Ito’s manga does. Uzumaki was the first one of his books I read and the way it made me feel got me hooked. Now I’m a full blown fan of Ito’s work, even though I’m a total wimp and don’t usually take horror well.
Another manga that completely terrified me was a biographical one called "High School Girl in Concrete", which recounts in great detail the kidnapping, torture, r*pe and murder of Junko Furuta. I could not sleep for weeks after reading a few pages...
I cannot describe the absolute hype and excitement I felt when I saw the title of this video and who the video was from. Literally in tears by the end.
I love your videos, Matt. Relevant topics, enjoyable storytelling and thorough research.
Really amazing video! I love how you broke down Junji Ito's influences and what makes his works so interesting and terrifying. I would love to see a video on Umezz too or even just on the history of horror manga as a whole! That would be really cool! 🤩
Thank you so much for breaking down Junji Ito. I might check him out in the future.
This was so insightful. Subbed, can't wait to go through all of your videos!
I hope you continue to create more videos dedicated to manga, there are so many great stories to be told!
love this channel
Found your channel today and am loving your style. I am also learning about things I previously had no interest in. Nice work.
Came to your channel from time to time to see if anything new is uploaded. Love your videos.
I just love how you broke down how special Ito is as an author, deepening my love for the genre of horror and psychological terror ❤️
Yes!!! Finally you talk about manga!! Love your channel
How is this even a surprise? He already worked in one of those horrific dental office places.
Love this, Matt. Thank you so much.
Appreciate your high quality stuff! Takes are well measured and unique
Loving these in-depth videos on comic creators. Keep it up!
I just stumbled on your channel today and i already finished every video you've made lol. Your content is amazing with fantastic storytelling; keep up the work. It's inspiring to see a brand new channel gain so much traction
Also not Nicolas Cage.
Dude i love your videos and got so excited when i saw new video
Matttt continues to provide a masterclass of quality and informative content. I'm captivated from beginning to end. Thank you.
Another great video by Matt! Thank you a lot, will wait for more new things to know from your videos ❤
great video! would love more videos on the origins and influences on such famous artists!
Loving the stache dude! great video as always!
every video of Mat's that I have watched has been so engaging, I rarely find myself engaged enough to sit still for even a 5 min video, let alone 16, and I don't even read comics outside of some mangs
oh man, I LOVE this artist's stuff ... this was a really cool breakdown of his techniques and influences!
This episode is everything I could have asked for. As a huge Lovecraft fan as well as a writer/ illustrator of cosmic horror you put so many pieces together that I didn't know about. I studied Giger at university and dedicated practical finals to his influence. I used many of these techniques without knowing! I was once told that my work resembles that of Kentaro Miura (useless but interesting fact, we share birthdates) at that very comicon I released my graphic novel and bought my issue of Berserk. I think anyone who draws horror should watch this episode. Huge fan.
Wow, this is truly amazing art!
Insane the views you’ve gotten from so early on but these have all been well made and extremely informative. Keep up the great work
I've only watched two videos from this channel so far and now I'm hooked.
OK I subbed this channel is my new addiction, really like your research and delivery. Quality channel.
Great video ! Congratulations to you for bringing us viewers such a well written and research video !
Your videos are fantastic. Your knowledge combined with your enthusiasm has made me not only care about comic books, but also respect them like never before. Thank you. Please keep going. These are fascinating.
This is a fantastic channel.
Dude, I love your videos they are so easy to follow.
That last part made me smile. This video even has reading guide in the description, deserves my like
Your channels is now one of my favourite KZhead channels the content is amazing
Thank you for helping me find my favorite artists, their favorite artists:)
I've only gotten into manga the past few years, and I've always been drawn to Ito's work.
Another excellent and informative video. I have never read or watched any Manga, but I may do now. Keep up the good work.
I really learnt a lot. I wasn't aware of the influences on Ito's work. Thanks for sharing this!
Another banger!! Tysm
Thanks for another great video! And yeah, Junji Ito... I'm not a horror fan, but there's something so compelling about his work it's managed to draw me in several times to read stories that I'll never be able to forget. "The Enigma of Amigara Fault" is going to stay in the old memory long after I've forgotten most Batman or Avengers stories. Then there's Gyo... Good grief.
This was such a good breakdown of his work, especially that specific pannel because I'll never forget the first time I read Uzumaki and being so unsettled by that scene but not really knowing why until now😅