When you’ve had enough of horror films, TV shows or YouTube videos, horror manga may become your next new fixation.
You must be thinking, ‘comics aren’t scary, how can illustrations on a page frighten me?’. The truth is, horror manga isn’t meant to scare. They’re ambitious, discomforting, allegorical and push thematic boundaries more than other mediums. The iconic works of Junji Ito and Kazuo Umezu contain psychological depth, detailed art and an unsettling atmosphere and so, the only limitation to horror manga is one’s imagination. But as popular as they are, it is time to explore the underrated creations of other artists. Female mangakas have been producing high-quality horror mangas for decades; this curated list aims to give them the long-awaited recognition they deserve.
1. Helter Skelter: Fashion Unfriendly
Who should read this? Anyone who is particularly interested in the modern discourse surrounding beauty, cosmetic surgery and celebrity culture. If you’re also a fan of the 2024 body-horror film, The Substance, you may find that it has a strong resemblance to this manga
Author – Kyoko Okazaki
Volumes – 1
Chapters – 9
While not an intense horror manga, Helter Skelter: Fashion Unfriendly leaves a lasting impression on anyone who reads it. The plot follows Haruko ‘Liliko’ Hirukoma who sits as one of the top supermodels in the industry, wearing luxury brands and drowning in fans and acclaim. She’s the epitome of perfection, achieved through full-body plastic surgery. One day, however, Liliko experiences her body breaking down as a result of the surgery and her life begins to spiral. Her biggest fear as a supermodel, becoming utterly irrelevant, begins to manifest after meeting Kozue Yoshikawa, a newer and younger model with natural beauty. A tale filled with rage, fear, sabotage and self-destruction, Helter Skelter: Fashion Unfriendly is a psychological horror that speaks to contemporary themes.
2. You Will Hear the Voice of the Dead
Who should read it? This manga does not have a specific target audience and its episodic nature means that in every chapter, there is practically a new story. And with each new story, enters a ghost, a demon, a murderer or a Lovecraftian creature. You Will Hear the Voice of the Dead also does not take itself too seriously and is filled with many comedic moments.
3. Fetish
Author – Sachiko Uguisu
Volumes – 12
Chapters – 79
You Will Hear the Voice of the Dead is a horror-mystery manga that follows an unpredictable, yet effective storyline. Jun Kushida is a high school student with psychic abilities, most notably being able to see the dead. He ignores the supernatural beings that he encounters, not wanting to complicate his life. That is until one ghost captures his full attention: Ryouko Hayakawa, his childhood friend. She proceeds to follow him everywhere but doesn’t speak. This manga is unassuming at first, but the quiet and ghastly presence of Hayakawa soon alters the course of Kushida’s entire life – that is, in a positive way. She’s wholesome, trustworthy and helps him confront his future encounters. Together, they become an iconic duo in navigating paranormal danger.
Who should read it? Fetish is a horror and drama manga geared towards older readers because of the dark and graphic nature of particular panels. But, for those who enjoy analysing and exploring twisted narratives in-depth, this anthology will provide you with that satisfaction.
Author – Kaoru Fujiwara
Volumes – 1
Chapters – 5
Fetish is a horror anthology featuring thought-provoking and atmospheric short stories. Kaoru Fujiwara, aside from her work as a mangaka, is known for her sentimental and feminine art style that is reminiscent of early 2000s shoujo anime. This psychological horror sensation is notably her most popular manga and it is divided into five chapters: ‘Our Vast Loneliness’, ‘Love Letter’, ‘All of Sully/Lily’, ‘Airport and Fetish’. Each story may seem surface-level disturbing or nonsensical, but with further examination, they offer a symbolic message through themes of misery, obsession and love. However, don’t let the name of the manga deter you from reading it; Fetish does not address actual fetishisation, except in the very last story. It’s best to read this without turning to the synopsis first.
4. Be Very Afraid of Kanako Inuki!
Who should read it? If you’re looking for a casual read and are not a fan of longer storylines, this book should be a priority on your reading list. It’s also a great manga to read for anyone who is into quick gratification from camp and exaggerated terror, as opposed to the conventional horror seen in Junji Ito’s works.
Author – Kanako Inuki
Volumes – 1
Chapters – 6
This classic Japanese horror manga is what can only be described as a hidden gem of the genre. Released as a physical copy in English in 2022, Be Very Afraid of Kanako Inuki! is an anthology from the ‘queen of horror manga’ herself, Kanako Inuki. Eight short stories; eight different ways Inuki can get you hooked on her entertaining storytelling. While each chapter is unique, the whole collection is a mix of dark humour, self-induced fear and mild cynicism presented in a horrifyingly cute drawing style. While there is a lack of supernatural entities and monsters, the dread in this manga derives from more grounded scenarios like being bullied, growing old and family relationships. Be Very Afraid of Kanako Inuki! is the perfect fictional embodiment of girly and creepy.
5. Ludwig Revolution
Who should read it? You should read it if you ever grew up with a fascination for the original Brothers Grimm fairy tales after learning that your favourite Disney films were based on them. If you also tend to gravitate towards horror mangas with gorgeous, expressive and detailed art, Ludwig Revolution must be your next read.
Author – Kaori Yuki
Volumes – 4
Chapters – 16
An unlikely pairing: romance and horror. Ludwig Revolution is one of the few mangas that successfully delves into both genres. It has a strong gothic aesthetic and follows the gruesome fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm collection, except it makes them even more gruesome. The plot follows Prince Ludwig, though he is not the typical Prince Charming. His father heavily disapproves of his disturbing hobby, which is collecting female corpses, and demands that he find himself a bride. Ludwig is accompanied by his servant, Wilhelm, as they embark on their journey. Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and other classic fairy tales gradually feed into the main storyline. Ludwig Revolution is devoid of innocent princesses and happily-ever-afters; instead, it contains manipulation, sexual activity and gore.