HORROR SPECIAL: Tombs
Author: Junji Ito
Illustrator: Junji Ito
Publishers: Viz Media
Age Group: Older Teen
Genre: Horror
Type: Manga; Short Stories
Content Warnings: Disturbing Imagery; Blood
Spoilers ahead
Plot
Countless tombstones stand in rows throughout a small community, forming a bizarre tableau. What fate awaits a brother and sister after a traffic accident in this town of the dead? In another tale, a girl falls silent, her tongue transformed into a slug. Can a friend save her? Then, when a young man moves to a new town, he finds the house next door has only a single window. What does his grotesque neighbor want, calling out to him every evening from the lone window?
Character Development
Characterization isn’t as important in these short stories. We do get names so we can differentiate the protagonists and the people they interact with. Junji Ito is very good at differentiating his characters beyond the realm of their names. Each character is drawn unique enough that you don’t need to remember their names to enjoy the story.
Characterization happens best in this story collection through the narration. We get a little bit of what their personality is like as they recount the stories that happened to them. It’s enough to keep the story moving and engaging but not to get too attached to the characters.
I believe this was done on purpose so when the story ends, we aren’t focused on what happened to the character. We don’t get sad knowing their ending isn’t a happy one.
World-building
Through the different stories we get a slice of life style feel with a twist. It’s done very well. It’s comfortable enough that we recognize it, but unnerving enough to draw our attention to the things that aren’t quite right with each story.
Themes
The most mundane experiences could turn into your worst nightmare.
Observations & Predictions
I thoroughly enjoyed how easy it was to read this volume. If I compared his style to any horror writer, I would say R.L. Stine. Now before you come after me, I grew up devouring every single goosebumps and fear street novels I could get my hands on. To me, comparing Junji Ito with R.L. Stine is one of the highest honors I can give.
He has the creep factor of turning something mundane, or an interesting thought of what if…. Into something that unnerves you. It leaves a lasting impression.
Because seriously, where do creepy stories come from? The mundane with a twist.
I would also recommend it to anyone younger than an older teen with parental consent. You know your children best. If you think they can handle it, let them read it.
Recommendations
Any of Junji Ito’s works!
My Ranking
Plot: 8
Character Development: 6
World-Building: 10
Overall: 8/10
