Buzz
If you have a fondness for the horror genre, explore the works of some of these mangaka.
Junji Ito is the horror manga maestro of Japan, renowned for iconic works like Tomie, Uzumaki, Gyo... However, alongside Junji Ito, there are other illustrious authors who have brought the horror manga genre to prominence. From spine-chilling artistic masterpieces to heart-stopping tales, these manga masters truly know how to instill fear in readers.
Below are the top 5 outstanding horror manga authors that even Junji Ito has to contend with seriously.
Note: This list will only include authors exclusively writing comics in the horror genre.
5. Masaaki Nakayama
Number of published manga: 10
Notable works: PTSD Radio, Fuan no Tane, Fuan no Tane+
Masaaki Nakayama is a seasoned comic artist. From a young age, he had a fervent passion for creating comics, particularly in the horror and action genres.
Since 1994, Nakayama Masaaki has consistently crafted horror works, most of which have been positively received. Many horror enthusiasts have become his fans, eagerly anticipating his new releases.
4. Suehiro Maruo
Number of manga series published: 20
Notable works: Shojo Tsubaki, The Laughing Vampire, The Strange Tale of Paranormal Island
Suehiro Maruo's storytelling style leaves readers puzzled, challenged, with exceptionally unique and unconventional content. Maruo's manga itself exudes a dark ambiance from the cover, even when it doesn't delve into somber themes.
3. Hidoshi Hino
Number of manga series published: 25
Notable works: Panorama of Hell, Horror Anthology Comic Shikaku
Hidoshi Hino is a legend in the world of comics, with his works progressively excelling over time. Many find it challenging to adapt to Hidoshi Hino's art style, as it is quite surreal and distorted. Once you immerse yourself, it's hard to break free.
Compared to other horror manga artists, Hidoshi Hino's stories are quite mature.
2. Kazuo Umezu
Number of manga series published: 22
Notable works: The Drifting Classroom, Orochi, (God's Left Hand, Devil's Right Hand)
Kazuo Umezu's impact on the world of horror manga is undeniable. He is regarded as one of the best comic artists in the horror genre. Even Junji Ito started drawing manga after being inspired by one of Kazuo Umezu's works.
While Umezu's artistic style and stories may not appeal to contemporary comic fans, his classic style still holds its own allure.
1. Usamaru Furuya
Number of manga series published: 26
Notable works: No Longer Human, The Music Of Marie, Picasso Hallucination
Direct rival to Junji Ito - Furuya Usamaru is a shining gem of this generation. Usamaru's art style is both realistic and aesthetic. Each frame in his comics is like a painting, conveying a multitude of meanings with every stroke.
His artistic style is akin to Junji Ito's but more diverse and detailed. Among all horror manga artists, Usamaru Furuya excels in storytelling, despite horror being a challenging genre for narration.
