Junji Ito’s New Work is The Darkest One Yet

Junji Ito, a master of the macabre, has long been renowned for his spine-chilling horror tales. His works, such as ‘Uzumaki,’ have not only captivated audiences but also set a high standard for the genre. Ito’s latest collection, ‘Alley,’ continues this tradition of unsettling storytelling, bringing readers into a nightmarish exploration of their backyards.

Released by VIZ Media’s VIZ Signature imprint on July 23, 2024, ‘Alley’ is a new addition to Ito’s expanding repertoire in North America. Unlike his more famous collections, like ‘Soichi or Mimi’s Tales of Terror,’ ‘Alley’ delves into even darker territory. Here, Ito presents a series of short stories that explore the sinister undercurrents lurking within everyday settings.

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The stories in ‘Alley’ range from eerie to downright horrifying. Each tale introduces unique horrors—be it ghostly apparitions, ominous silhouettes, or deadly mould. Some narratives, like ‘Ice Cream Bus,’ use a seemingly innocent premise to unveil a chilling reality, while others, such as ‘Mold,’ incorporate historical elements to amplify the dread.

One particularly striking story, ‘Smokers’ Club,’ centres around the unsettling practice of smoking tobacco grown in the vicinity of a crematorium. The tale not only examines the macabre origins of these cigarettes but also introduces a disturbing historical reflection on the plant’s growth. This story stands out for its unsettling blend of horror and historical commentary, delving into themes of human remains and their influence on local agriculture.

Ito’s exceptional skill in creating haunting visuals is evident throughout ‘Alley.’ Stories like ‘Mold’ feature grotesque imagery, where the Rogi family’s obsession with fungal growth becomes a literal nightmare. ‘Ice Cream Bus’ presents some of Ito’s most shocking conclusions, while ‘The Inn’ explores the unsettling discovery of a hellish portal within a seemingly ordinary hotel.

The collection also explores the thin line between reality and illusion. For instance, ‘The Town of No Roads’ and the titular alleyway in the first chapter evoke a sense of psychological unease. Ito’s ability to provoke feelings of indecision and dread is reflected in his characters, who often face catastrophic outcomes due to their inaction.