Junji Ito is the undisputed king of horror manga in Japan, renowned for his iconic works such as Tomie, Uzumaki, and Gyo. However, alongside Junji Ito, there are several other noteworthy creators who have significantly contributed to the horror manga genre. From psychological thrillers to heart-pounding narratives, these manga artists have demonstrated exceptional skill in crafting chilling stories that leave readers on edge.
Below are five outstanding horror manga creators who have made a serious impact in the genre, placing them in direct competition with Junji Ito.
Note: This list exclusively includes creators who specialize in horror manga.
5. Masaaki Nakayama
Manga Works Published: 10
Notable Works: PTSD Radio, Fuan no Tane, Fuan no Tane+
Masaaki Nakayama is a rising star in the horror manga scene. Since he was quite young, he has been passionately committed to creating manga, particularly in the horror genre. Since 1994, Nakayama has consistently produced horror works, and his stories often contain profound themes. Many horror enthusiasts have become fans of his work and eagerly follow his latest releases.
4. Suehiro Maruo
Manga Works Published: 20
Notable Works: Shojo Tsubaki, The Laughing Vampire, The Strange Tale of Paranormal Island
Suehiro Maruo’s unique storytelling style leaves readers both intrigued and unsettled, with content that is often intense and surreal. His manga consistently evokes a dark atmosphere right from the cover, even when the plot itself is not overtly disturbing.
3. Hidoshi Hino
Manga Works Published: 25
Notable Works: Panorama of Hell, Horror Anthology Comic Shikaku
Hidoshi Hino is a legendary figure in the manga world, and his works have become increasingly outstanding over time. Many readers find it challenging to adapt to Hino’s artistic style, which can be quite abstract and unconventional. Once you dive into his work, however, it’s hard to pull away.
Compared to other horror manga creators, Hinoshi Hino’s stories are often more avant-garde.
2. Kazuo Umezu
Manga Works Published: 22
Notable Works: The Drifting Classroom, Orochi, (God’s Left Hand, Devil’s Right Hand)
Kazuo Umezu’s influence on the horror manga genre is undeniable. He is regarded as one of the best horror manga artists, and even Junji Ito has cited Umezu as an inspiration. Despite Umezu’s style and storytelling not being appealing to everyone, his unique approach continues to resonate.
1. Usamaru Furuya
Manga Works Published: 26
Notable Works: No Longer Human, The Music Of Marie, Picasso Hallucination
As a direct contemporary of Junji Ito, Usamaru Furuya is a remarkable figure in the current manga landscape. His artistic style combines realism with surrealism, and each panel in his manga resembles a painting, often conveying deep meanings.
Furuya’s style is reminiscent of Junji Ito’s but is more intricate and detailed. In the realm of horror manga, Furuya’s storytelling capabilities stand out remarkably, even as horror can be a challenging genre to master.
