Summary
From paranormal frights to eerie mysteries, the horror genre encompasses many facets that have readers coming back for more. Despite petrifying affairs populating these narratives, the fanbase for these specific storylines has witnessed a steep increase. Much of this success can be attributed to mangaka such as Junjo Ito, known for defining much of today’shorror manga landscape.
Considering their rampant popularity, it comes as no surprise that several new horror manga have sprouted throughout 2023, adding more flavor to an already-vast genre. Be it newer collections of Junjo Ito’s works or fresh stories from novice mangaka, 2023 has been a fruitful year for this prolific niche.
Genres
Supernatural, Suspense
Dobutsu Ningentakes on the bizarre side of horror with its noveltake on the supernatural. After a father and daughter nearly escape death in a horrible car accident, the two find themselves in a world different from their own, one inhabited by animal-like humans. The two are entirely at the mercy of these creatures, as there seems to be no way out for the hopeless family.
Mysterious horrors await the father-daughter duo as they navigate through an odd mansion filled with these bizarre creatures. Author Takuya Okada has a few horror works under his belt, andDobutsu Ningenembodies all of his horror flair. Despite being a newer entry to 2023’s horror lineup, the manga has been picked up by avid horror fans, reflecting the nuances of its narrative.
Supernatural
Despite being a newer addition to the horror genre,Jinrui-Shokuhas made rounds within 2023’s horror lineup. The manga brings back the concept of mummies and mummified creatures, as the premiserevolves around mysterious corpsesthat begin sprouting throughout town. Dubbed “Mummily-sans,” these dainty creatures become a topic of supernatural debate, stirring fear and horror in the populace.
The story follows Seita, who finds himself in the midst of this horror phenomenon after his loved ones start acting mummy-like. Seita teams up with a detective to get to the bottom of this supernatural mystery, marking the beginning ofhis horror-laden journey. Author Maru Mitsuchiyo might be a new name within the horror genre, yet he has dabbled in this niche before, makingJinrui-Shokua much more refined work than its supernatural predecessors.
Drama, Mystery, Supernatural
Kisaragi Ibunfollows an internet-obsessed girl named Nagisa who actively engages in forums related to supernatural mysteries and urban legends. However, Nagisa meets the unexpected after she sees amysterious girl from an urban legendon an internet forum. Suddenly, she finds herself in the infamous Kisaragi Station, a site of otherworldly horrors and unexplained mysteries.
Nagisa mustrun from eldritch monstersand find the truth behind these unraveling mysteries, turning her regular life into a horror-imbued adventure. Bizarre events take place in this realm, though the initial events seem to be tied to the myths and urban legends populated on the internet. Mangaka Itsuki Tsutsui is no stranger to the world of bizarre horrors, a fact that is vividly reflected throughoutKisragu Ibun’sstoryline.
Action, Supernatural
Penned by the famed Sui Ishida,Choujin Xis set in a town ravaged by Choujins – supernatural beings that must be avoided at all costs. However, two kids, Azuma and Tokio, inject themselves with a drug that turns them into these horrid creatures. While Azuma suffers no side effects from the drug, Tokio changes into a bird-like appearance, resembling Choijins. Stuck in this state, Tokio must hide his identity, running from both humans and monsters alike.
WhileChoujin Xwas initially serialized in 2021 for Japanese audiences, its English version was finally serialized and published in 2023 under the Viz Media label.Choujin Xis similar to Sui Ishida’ssupernatural horror workTokyo Ghoul, though he ups the ante on horror elements for this manga-only horror story.
Supernatural, Mystery
Grimaceis a newly serialized horror manga with an oddly eerie narrative, one bound to force even horror veterans to quiver in fear. Grimace initially follows the Shirotani family and their new life in a recently rented apartment complex. However, things soon go awry as they learn about an odd rule followed by all residents – everyone must smile in front of the owner. What initially seems like a harmless oddity turns out to be a devilish ordeal, throwing the Shirotani familyinto a harrowing affair.
Escape is impossible for those who dare to defy this cardinal rule, and a grim fate awaits those unfortunate enough to disobey.Grimaceis a body-horror manga in the truest sense, with an eerily macabre narrative. Author Hiroki Katsumata may not be a recurring name in the horror manga landscape, thoughGrimace’ssuccess will likely change that narrative.
