Across the seas where the moon burns red,
Japan unveils what the restless dread.
Where spirits linger in shrine and street,
And yokai dance with ghostly feet…
Manga masters weave the macabre with care,
Ink and shadow a chilling snare.
From cursed tomes to vengeful eyes,
The dead still whisper, the silence lies.
Lanterns flicker on haunted nights,
Cherry blossoms mask spectral frights.
Each page a spell, a whispered scream,
A paper door to a darker dream…
Brain Damage (Amazon Link)
Fantagraphics | Fall 2025 | One-shot
Explores the fragility of the human mind under extreme stress. Psychological horror is mixed with dark humour and shocking imagery. Characters are pushed to their mental limits, creating intense suspense. The artwork’s surreal and grotesque elements heighten the sense of dread. A standout choice for cerebral horror fans.
Face Meat
Smudge | Fall 2025 | One-shot
Grotesque and unsettling, Face Meat dives into themes of body horror and obsession. The characters are both fascinating and horrifying, drawing readers into their twisted world. Shockingly vivid illustrations enhance the macabre tone. The story challenges traditional horror tropes, creating a unique reading experience. Ideal for fans of avant-garde and experimental horror manga.
Hinatsugimura
Aki Shimizu | Oct 2025 | One-shot
A dark, suspenseful story set in a remote village where strange and horrifying events unfold. Secrets hidden in the village past come to light, challenging the characters’ sanity. The supernatural elements are balanced with tension-driven narrative. Shimizu’s artwork heightens the foreboding mood. It’s a slow-burn horror perfect for Halloween reading.
Junji Ito’s Moan (Amazon Link)
Dark Horse Comics | Oct 7 | Anthology
This anthology of horror short stories by the acclaimed manga artist Junji Ito is sure to please. It delves into the aesthetics that this artist is well known for, and for those who love the grotesque, the tales also play on this expression in a myriad of ways that can be threatening. In one tale, there are strange sounds from the plumbing, and another concerns ritual blood sacrifice by those who don’t know better.
My Gorilla Family (Amazon Link)
Uncivilized Books | Oct 2025 | One-shot
A bizarre, haunting tale of familial dynamics mixed with horror elements. Surreal imagery creates an unsettling environment that lingers in the mind. The narrative examines human nature in extreme circumstances. Psychological tension builds as events spiral unpredictably. Perfect for readers seeking unconventional horror experiences.
The Strange House /
Hen Na Ie (Volumes 3 & 4)
Ichijinsha | Oct 2025 | Manga
Continuing eerie adventures in a house filled with supernatural occurrences. The narrative explores human fears and unknown horrors that dwell within the home. Each volume is packed with twists and chilling revelations. The artwork combines surreal visuals with dark, atmospheric tones. A must-read for fans of haunted house stories.
🛒 Where to Find These Titles
Available at major international comic retailers and online platforms such as Kodansha, Shogakukan, Seirindo, and specialty manga import stores.
The lantern fades, the petals drift… yet something stirs beyond the veil.
To be continued.
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