Tag: Fantagraphics

Halloween 2025: Horror Manga Roundup – Must-Read Titles (Part Three)

A curated selection of chilling horror manga releases for September–November 2025. Perfect for fans of supernatural horror, psychological thrills, and eerie atmospheres this Halloween season.

Japanese horror manga book coversAcross 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)

Brain Damage horror manga coverFantagraphics | 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

Face Meat avant-garde horror manga coverSmudge | 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

Hinatsugimura dark suspense manga coverAki 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)


Junji Ito horror manga anthology coverDark 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)

My Gorilla Family horror manga one-shot coverUncivilized 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)

The Strange House Hen Na Ie horror manga cover volumes 3 and 4Ichijinsha | 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.

May the Fourth Be Coming to Free Comic Book Day

Free Comic Book DayBy Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Free Comic Book Day is coming, and it’s happening after May the Fourth. Star Wars fans can rejoice as a tale featuring Han Solo is offered. Bounty Hunters Zuckuss and 4-LOM have found these smugglers for hire, and just what happens will require stopping by a comic shop so I can find out! The brief synopsis offered online does not say much, but it’s enough to get me curious.

Fans who are unaware of this saga’s long history in this medium can also talk to the staff of their local comic book store in what else to look at, or pick up. I followed the run back when they started at Marvel. Dark Horse continued the love a decade later with a terrific Dark Empire saga (and much more), but these days they are back with Marvel. Other chapters include a Star Wars: Rebels tie-in with Kanan. I miss this computer-animated series and honestly, the poster tease for the new Resistance looks too bright and colorful. With IDW on board to publish tales from the Forces of Destiny line, no shortage is planned as long as Lucasfilm/Disney is involved! Just how well received it will be depends on the story direction.

At least there are other franchises to consider on Free Comic Book Day. Teasers to Overwatch, Riverdale, Street Fighter and Transformers are just a sample of what people can find at their local comic book store.

These works are usually one-offs. Some have even become collectibles because of the extra work put behind releasing them. Gold Comics are titles which the publishers put a touch more work behind to release “free,” and those Mouse Guards I have from previous years will forever be treasured.

The following are my top ten picks of what must be considered. They are not necessarily collectible, but as a primer for what’s planned by the big publishers, to start here is a must!

Continue reading “May the Fourth Be Coming to Free Comic Book Day”