Tombs by Junji Ito is a short story horror collection. Ito is a master at making you feel uncomfortable through the use of body horror illustrations. He uses close ups to his advantage to really make you feel the ick. I like how each plot is slowly revealed to the main character along with the reader. There are nine stories inside, here are my three favorites:

• Tombs - tombstones appear in the exact spot where a person dies
• Slug Girl - a girl's tongue turns into a slug
• The Window Next Door - a creepy neighbor who appears at night

Some of the stories had an abrupt ending that felt incomplete. This was my first Ito book and I will definitely look for others.

Junji ito continues to create visceral horror, drawing influences as varied as Alan Schwartz, Edgar Allan Poe and David Cronenberg while maintaining his own style. Anyone familiar with with Ito will have a sense of repetition to some stories. Other stories feel incomplete. There are enough moments of shock and queasiness to make up for any missteps.

Junji It rarely disappoints and this was not one of those times. His artwork is the kind that gives you flashbacks in shadowy places and haunts even your waking moments. I liked this one a lot. Not my favourite of his work but I'll recommend it to fans.

4.5 stars rounded up!

A fantastically creepy read! This collection of short stories really shows off Ito's writing style. I was excited, scared, and amazed all throughout. I like Junji Ito's idea that anything can be scary if we try hard enough, it breaks down the idea that all horror has a double meaning or a psychological undertone. Sometimes it's just super scary to have a slug as a tongue!

Washed Ashore was his weakest one and I honestly think if it was cut then this would have been a perfect collection. My favorite ones are "The Bloody Story of Shirosuna" and "The Strange Tale of the Tunnel."

Junji Ito continues to deliver with another good work of short stories. The opening story Tombs gives this volume a strong start with a well conceived eerie small town with good body horror twists. Club house and Washed Ashore are probably the weakest of the stories mostly because they don't really go anywhere. While Ito is the master of short stories his best ones tend to be the slightly longer 60 page ones as opposed to the 20-30 page ones as it gives him more time to develop the world before the horror twist. Was excited to see Slug Girl finally get an English adaptation after how much merch she has been on over the last few years. Always a good time and fans of his previous work will continue to do so.

Tombs: Junji Ito Story Collection is a horror manga anthology by Junji Ito that includes nine stories.

Tombs: Junji Ito Story Collection
Written by: Junji Ito
Publisher: Asahi Shimbun Publications Inc.
English Publisher: VIZ Media
Release Date: March 28, 2023

The first story in the collection is “Tombs.” Not only is it the story that provides the title for the anthology, it’s also the longest story in the volume. A girl named Kaoru receives a letter from her friend, Izumi, inviting her to come visit her strange town. Kaoru’s brother, Tsuyoshi, drives his sister there. On the way, he hits a girl who walks into the middle of the road. As they’re heading toward a hospital, the girl dies. When they realize she’s dead, instead of taking her to a hospital, the girl is put into the trunk of Tsuyoshi’s car. When they reach the town where Izumi lives, they discover tombs in the middle of the road. They learn it’s a custom to put a tomb where the person died, because if they don’t, the deceased will not find peace. It’s also revealed that Izumi’s sister, Ayumi, went into the woods and hasn’t come home. If you guessed that the girl Tsuyoshi hit was Ayumi, then you’d be right. The rest of the story focuses on what happens to Kaoru and Tsuyoshi after they realize the truth. As soon as it was mentioned that Ayumi had gone missing, I knew she was the girl that was hit. Outside of that easy prediction, though, I thought that “Tombs” was a rather solid story.

Next is “Clubhouse,” which sees three high school friends (Yukari, Chikako, and Minae) going to a haunted house, but Yukari refuses to enter. When Chikako and Minae go inside, Minae goes to the second floor while Chikako stays on the first. After this incident, Chikako and Minae stop talking to each other, and Yukari is trying to figure out what’s going on. Chikako takes Yukari to the house and they find a group of university students who are part of a student movement. Things get strange, though, when Yukari is accused of being a spy for the group on the second floor. After learning from her father that the building has been abandoned for 20 years after a student movement group experienced infighting, split into two groups, and things got so bad that the fighting led to bloodshed. When Yukari realizes that she and Chikako must have been seeing ghosts of these activists, she talks to Minae, who promises to take her to a psychic… who happens to be on the second floor of the abandoned building. Let’s just say that things get strange quickly for Yukari. This story was kind of weird, but that’s what I’ve come to expect from Junji Ito. Even though it was strange, it was still interesting and intriguing.

This is followed by “Slug Girl.” A girl named Yuko, who used to be quite talkative, hardly talks anymore… but when she does, she has trouble speaking clearly. Her friend, Rie, becomes concerned after Yuko quits coming to school. When she goes to Yuko’s house, she finds Yuko’s parents dealing with a slug problem. A few days later, it’s discovered that Yuko’s tongue has turned into a slug… and the rest of the story details the attempts that are made to take care of Yuko’s tongue. There’s a tragic ending to this story, but in a lot of ways, I expected this one to end in this kind of a manner.

“The Window Next Door” sees a family moving into an older house and discovering that one of the houses next door only has one window, which faces their house. They learn that its rumored that a middle aged woman lives in the one window house. However, no one knows for sure because no one ever leaves the house. Hiroshi, the son in the house (who appears to be in his late teens or early 20’s), has the bedroom upstairs, and his window faces the window of the mysterious neighbor’s house. Hiroshi starts hearing a voice calling to him at night, and he sees the mysterious neighbor in the window across from his. The mysterious neighbor is basically stalking Hiroshi, and the rest of the story shows Hiroshi trying to deal with the situation, especially after his parents don’t believe him. I think Ito’s design for the mysterious neighbor was perfect, because he gave her such a creepy vibe that felt like it came straight out of a horror movie.

Next is “Washed Ashore,” which tells the story about the curiosity behind the corpse of a massive sea creature washing up on a beach. Two characters who hate the sea are drawn to the location of the corpse: one who developed a phobia after visiting an aquarium, while the other came to hate the sea after her fiancée was in an accident. Something surprising is discovered inside the carcass, which leads to the conclusion of the story. Of the two characters who are introduced, I thought the one who lost her fiancée at sea had the stronger motivation for hating the sea yet wanting to see the sea creature’s carcass. It wasn’t a bad story, but to me, at least, it wasn’t quite as strong as the other stories in this compilation.

This is followed by “The Strange Tale of the Tunnel.” A young man named Goro returns to his hometown after 20 years in order to see a particular tunnel. He recalls how his mother died during his childhood after walking into this tunnel and being hit by a train. Not long after that, the tunnel went out of use. However, a few years later, Goro’s little sister keeps wandering into the tunnel because she’s being drawn to it. One day, when their father goes to look for her, he disappears and is never seen again. Goro finds his sister, as well as a scientific lab in the middle of the tunnel. Goro’s flashback reaches its peak when he and the scientists discover the truth about the tunnel, and what led Goro to leave his hometown. I really liked how Ito built up this story, and as a reader, I found I really felt for Goro after seeing how this strange tunnel ended up destroying his family.

“Bronze Statue” focuses on the wife of a former mayor who had bronze statues of her and her husband erected in a park. However, the statue looks nothing like the wife, and several of the mothers who visit the park make fun of the statue. A new mother and her child join this group at the park, and the other children insist that the statue of the woman talks to them. One day, all of the mothers receive an invitation to the former mayor’s wife’s home for a meal and to unveil a new statue. But these women learn something about the statue in the park, and the former mayor’s wife takes out her revenge against these mothers. But the former mayor’s wife is in for some shocking surprises, which ultimately lead to the conclusion of the story. Of the stories that appear in Tombs: Junji Ito Story Collection, this was one of the weirdest ones. That’s not to say that it was bad a story, it just was much more on the weird side in comparison to most of the others in this compilation.

Next is “Floaters,” where we see a high school boy named Masao trying to catch some strange, black objects in the middle of the night. At the same time, he hasn’t been at school for a while. The next day, his friend, Ryoichi, finds one of the strange black objects on a tree. It speaks in Masao’s voice and says that he’s in love with Ryoichi’s girlfriend, Kyoko. It’s discovered that these black things are coming out of Masao’s body, and they each include actual thoughts that Masao has. A classmate named Kazuya discovers one of these black hairballs and becomes obsessed with catching them. When more and more people start developing the same issue as Masao, Kazuya becomes even more obsessed. The story reaches its peak in a rather dramatic fashion, and the ending is on the bittersweet side.

The final story of the compilation is, “The Bloody Story of Shirosuna.” A young man named Doctor Furuhata arrives in the village of Shirosuna, and he discovers that most, if not all of villagers, appear to be anemic. After encountering a young girl who is bleeding profusely, but then stops bleeding without dying, he learns from the girl’s sister that many people have this same affliction. Doctor Furuhata takes it upon himself to try to determine what’s going on, and what he discovers is a terrifying secret. Unfortunately, Doctor Furuhata does not escape unscathed from this experience. While this is an interesting story, I also have to admit that it’s also on the strange side. However, I’m not sure which story is stranger: “Bronze Statue” or “The Bloody Story of Shirosuna.”

In my more recent reviews of Junji Ito’s collections, I have commented that I felt that several of them weren’t as strong as Venus in the Blind Spot. However, I have to say that Tombs: Junji Ito Story Collection is one of the strongest collection of Ito’s works that I’ve read in a while. I wouldn’t quite rate it as high as Venus in the Blind Spot, but I think it comes a close second.

This collection includes a lot of the types of stories and Ito’s storytelling style that I enjoy. The weirder stories were kept to a minimum, but even the weirder stories were still engrossing and interesting. I really didn’t want to stop reading this compilation after I started it. I think fans of Junji Ito’s work will really enjoy Tombs: Junji Ito Story Collection, and I would highly recommend it to readers who are curious about Ito and his work.

After hearing about Junji Ito’s work for years, I have finally read one of his books! Tombs is a manga collection of nine individual horror stories. The artwork is absolutely stunning and impressively grotesque. I can see why his work is so celebrated! I can see Ito’s influence on some of my favorite graphic novel artists, like Abby Howard.

The actual stories themselves, while interesting, are not particularly mind blowing. The plots are fairly predictable and straightforward, but the illustrations elevate the tales by several levels. While it would be horrific to EXPERIENCE any of the stories first hand, READING them is not very scary at all. There’s not much mystery or suspense, but there’s plenty to be fascinated by. I’m curious to read more of Ito’s story collections because I can’t say how this one compares at this point.

My favorite story in this volume is “The Strange Tale of the Tunnel,” and the first and last ones are some of the best as well—the titular “Tombs” and “The Bloody Story of Shirosuna.” I think I like the longer stories better!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5360393787

rating: 5/5

my god junji ito short stories go so hard. this was my first foray into actually reading a junji ito book (i own a couple but i’m so impulsive at the library that my to-read list on my shelves has basically become a small library itself). i’m obsessed with his storytelling and did not dislike a single story in this collection- a true rarity. it’s absolutely absurd how nothing ever went fully into a direction i expected. it kept me absolutely glued to the pages. this is definitely something i think any horror fan should give a chance- it was unexpectedly entertaining and gripping in so many different ways.

i think one of the biggest strengths of this collection of stories is that junji ito employs a lot of classic horror iconography and sensory experiences but twists them into something completely his own. there’s so many ideas you will never have experienced until you pick up a junji ito book. supremely masterful.

i also love how there is often a human entity that is just super casual about the horrific occurrences of his stories being their reality. whether it’s a witness, a perpetrator, or someone else; it always adds an eerie, contrasting layer to the feverish stress another character inevitably displays.

i had nightmares the night i finished this book and i am totally chill with that. i enjoyed pondering these stories that much. it’s not that he’s that terrifying, it’s just that i could literally sit and analyze ito’s stories forever; and my brain is absolutely still, consciously and subconsciously, processing such an influx of horrific new ideas and symbolism. i’m just a sensitive gorl who loves horror.

this is absolutely something you should read if you are debating. i definitely won’t be passing ito by anytime i see his works on the library, bookstore, or my bedroom shelf from now on.

thank you to netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review!

My favorite Ito collection to date! The stories in this ensemble are varied in tone and pace, making this a perfect primer for Ito's body of work.

Some stories were stronger than others, but overall another eerie and unsettling collection from Junji Ito!

Maybe 3.5? But honestly another win for Junji Ito, his horrors are so satisfyingly contained to me like 'glad im not living in that town' or like 'glad humanity accepted this divine inexplicable punishment as normal and are going about their daily lives', something about it always leaves me satisfied as a reader. I felt that shorter stories didn't manage the staying power that the longer ones achieved so I already can't remember them, but I enjoyed the whole collection while reading.

Floaters and Strange Tale of the Tunnel were stand outs for me.

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc

A Special Thanks Goes to NetGalley and Viz Media for the opportunity to review this title.

The latest review finds us stepping into the dark depths of the unknown, a realm filled with uncertainty and a world of horror. If there is one thing I can say about Junji-Ito, he is incredible at crafting a horrific tale. TOMBS: Junji Ito Collection is another collection of stories worth checking out.
Countless tombstones stand in rows, forming what appears to be a town. What does fate hold for a brother and sister after a traffic accident in a town of the dead? Meanwhile, a girl has fallen silent after her tongue has transformed into a slug! Can her friend save her? Then, a young man and his family move into a home next to a house with only one window, one night, he finds that it is home to a grotesque neighbor that calls on him at his window. What does the neighbor want?

When it comes to Junji Ito, I am familiar with his work but still a new reader in terms of his rendition of horror. Amid the current environment due to financial hardship, getting out of a pandemic known as COVID served as a way of escapism for many readers. It is incredible to read something so twisted and yet creative in terms of the macabre, collecting nine stories for one thrilling experience.
This lovely collection contains nine horrific tales, each filled with different variations of creepy situations. Several stories in this collection have been adapted from recent Junji Ito Anime. Keep in mind that each description will include a reference to the anime.

TOMBS– The Basic Elements of a Good Horror Story, a tragedy, and a small town with a supernatural twist. (Featured In Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre.)
Clubhouse– A Fun Ghost Story with a lesson in why you shouldn’t hang out in a haunted house!
Slug Girl– A New meaning to Body Horror, this is not a tale for those who have Molluscophobia. (Featured in Junji Ito Collection)
The Window Next Door– Stranger Danger Personified. (Featured in Junji Ito Collection)
Washed Ashore– Curiosity about a washed-up creature on a distant shore leads to a Horrific Discovery. (Featured in Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre.)
The Strange Tale of the Tunnel– A sad tale involving an old abandoned railroad tunnel with an unexpected twist. (Also featured in Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre. And Junji Ito himself shared his thoughts on the tale, and the animated adaption.)
The Bronze Statue– A Horrifying Lesson on the toll of Avarice.
Floaters– A strange and terrifying tale involving the price of eavesdropping and gossip. (One of my favorite stories in this collection.)
The Bloody Story of Shirosuna– A Doctor arrives in a Small Town that hides a terrible, dark secret.

Overall, each horrifying story contains well-drawn expressions and detailed backgrounds. The artwork is another great quality of this collected edition, truly an item worthy of any Junji Ito fan and a fan of Horror and Suspense.

This was my first book of Junji Ito's but it definitely won't be my last. Some authors really struggle with making short horror stories feel complete and not fully fleshed out but Ito has it down.

Since I first read Uzumaki back 15 years ago, Junji Ito has been a favorite of mine. Every time a new one is released here, I make sure to read it. So when I saw netgalley offer this one, I jumped at the chance to read it. I'm sorry to say that it left me disappointed. Most of the stories were too short, underdeveloped, and worst of all boring. I can excuse the first two, but boring is more unforgivable. I did like THE BLOODY STORY OF SHIROSUNA. I thought that had an interesting premise and execution. Definitely cannot recommend this one. Hopefully, the next one will be better. If nothing else, there is always the art. Nothing to complain about there.

Some of the stories were a little less exciting, but overall another amazing Ito read! I particularly preferred the first story, and the visuals of it were the most disturbing.

Definitely going to carry this title in store!we are slowly building a graphic novel section. Thank you for the opportunity to read this before release.

This is the second Junji Ito book I have read and I loved it as much as the first. I am both entranced with the story and filled with terror at the same time, I could not put this book down, The artwork is wonderful too?

Another frightening and intriguing short story collection by Junji Ito. I read most of his collections. I love the graphics and story lines. Tombs was interesting and horrific. I just recently watched Tombs on Netflix. Junji Ito Maniac: Tales of the Macabre is a well done series featuring some of Ito's best stories. Keep them coming and thanks to NetGalley for letting me read them before they get here.

This is my first time officially reading Junji Ito. Now I’m upset that I waited this long.

Delightfully grotesque and horrifyingly imaginative, Ito’s mind is a chaotic masterpiece. Absolutely loved some of these stories, with quite a few leaving their mark. They have the mystery and depravity of Poe’s stories with the terrifying addition of graphic depictions that manage to outdo the worst of your imagination. It’s so fun to have modern stories like this.

I look forward to reading more of Junji Ito’s work. Will definitely be buying his collections. I honestly wish these stories were longer - I would read a whole book willingly.

Once again, Junji Ito manages to make me both be enthralled and freaked out. There is a delicate balance to the way he tells a story. He never goes too far into one thing or the other. Everything could be totally psychological until that one moment when it all seems real. Excellent storytelling. The visuals are always exceptional and keep bringing me back.