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Obsession and persistence warp reality in this collection of macabre stories set in Junji Ito’s bloodcurdling world.
A dark evil lurks in the unreachable depths of a pipe, groaning out moans that echo through the house of a germophobe mother and her daughters. In another tale, flowers blooming in the shape of eyeballs are only the beginning of the strange phenomena surrounding a mysterious transfer student. Could he have supernatural abilities? Also, a man in a village deep in the mountains shares memories of his wife. What happened to her after she said she would give freely of her blood?
Legendary horror author Junji Ito presents six stories that will make your blood run cold!
A dark evil lurks in the unreachable depths of a pipe, groaning out moans that echo through the house of a germophobe mother and her daughters. In another tale, flowers blooming in the shape of eyeballs are only the beginning of the strange phenomena surrounding a mysterious transfer student. Could he have supernatural abilities? Also, a man in a village deep in the mountains shares memories of his wife. What happened to her after she said she would give freely of her blood?
Legendary horror author Junji Ito presents six stories that will make your blood run cold!
272 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 1994
92 people are currently reading
9745 people want to read
About the author
Junji Ito
225 books14.8k followersJunji Itō (Japanese: 伊藤潤二, Ito Junji) is a Japanese cartoonist and illustrator, best known for his horror manga.
Ito was born in Gifu Prefecture, Japan in 1963. He was inspired to make art from a young age by his older sister's drawing and Kazuo Umezu's horror comics. Until the early 1990s he worked as a dental technician, while making comics as a side job. By the time he turned into a full time mangaka, Ito was already an acclaimed horror artists.
His comics are celebrated for their finely depicted body horrors, while also retaining some elements of psychological horror and erotism.
Although he mostly produces short stories, Ito is best known for his longer comic series: Tomie (1987-2000), about a beautiful high school girl who inspires her admirers to commit atrocities; Uzumaki (1998-1999), set in a town cursed with spiral patterns; Gyo (2001-2002), featuring a horde of metal-legged undead fishes. Tomie and Uzumaki in particular have been adapted multiple times in live-action and animation.
Ito was born in Gifu Prefecture, Japan in 1963. He was inspired to make art from a young age by his older sister's drawing and Kazuo Umezu's horror comics. Until the early 1990s he worked as a dental technician, while making comics as a side job. By the time he turned into a full time mangaka, Ito was already an acclaimed horror artists.
His comics are celebrated for their finely depicted body horrors, while also retaining some elements of psychological horror and erotism.
Although he mostly produces short stories, Ito is best known for his longer comic series: Tomie (1987-2000), about a beautiful high school girl who inspires her admirers to commit atrocities; Uzumaki (1998-1999), set in a town cursed with spiral patterns; Gyo (2001-2002), featuring a horde of metal-legged undead fishes. Tomie and Uzumaki in particular have been adapted multiple times in live-action and animation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
November 18, 2025
new favorite junji ito!!!!
October 12, 2025
Most iconic Junji Ito collection title ever, change my mind.
December 12, 2025
Closer to a 3.5
I love short story collections from Junji Ito! This on was pretty good and I found one new favorite. Here are my ratings for each story…
Supernatural Transfer Student - 3/5
•started off really strong but ended kind of weird
Moan - 5/5
•so creepy and twisty, this is the kind of story I love from Junji Ito
Blood Orb Grove - 4/5
•ew wtf, it’s like some Suffer the Children type of shit and some of this imagery will stay in my head forever
Flesh Colored Mystery - 3/5
Cool concept but it didn’t really land for me
Near Miss - 3.5/5
Really interesting but it was so short, only 10 pages
Under the Ground - 2/5
The last line was the best part, but this was otherwise forgettable
I love short story collections from Junji Ito! This on was pretty good and I found one new favorite. Here are my ratings for each story…
Supernatural Transfer Student - 3/5
•started off really strong but ended kind of weird
Moan - 5/5
•so creepy and twisty, this is the kind of story I love from Junji Ito
Blood Orb Grove - 4/5
•ew wtf, it’s like some Suffer the Children type of shit and some of this imagery will stay in my head forever
Flesh Colored Mystery - 3/5
Cool concept but it didn’t really land for me
Near Miss - 3.5/5
Really interesting but it was so short, only 10 pages
Under the Ground - 2/5
The last line was the best part, but this was otherwise forgettable
October 15, 2025
a solid new release that was an immediate 5 stars for me. also the name plus the color of this physical copy? irresistible to add to my shelf. some of these stories were quick but had some great horror elements. the shower one made me super uncomfortable, just the thought of the pressure of being yanked into the (redacted for those who haven’t read)…. either way great read for october!
January 31, 2024
Happened to my buddy eric once
December 27, 2025
Another solid collection closer to a 3.5. This one definitely had a more “unexplained mystery” angle to it which was cool to see this time around. I particularly enjoyed the smaller stories near the end and would love a collection of bite sized Ito works. It’s hard to say anything new about Ito given his work is consistently horrifying and he always delivers on the scares. Definitely one of horror’s most inventive voices today.
November 12, 2025
Another collection of eerie short stories from body horror master Junji Ito. It's not his best work, but it's good enough for a few chills among the fails.
Supernatural Transfer Student ~ 3 stars ~
A school club focused on the supernatural welcomes the new transfer student into their midst, but his ability to find new paranormal places in their home town causes tension in the group as it reveals some secrets the members have been keeping from each other.
Campy fun mingles with the rising horror in an interesting manner, though the ending is a little weak.
Moan ~ 3 stars ~
An unlikable family of a mother and her two daughters are vexed by a stalker and some plumbing problems. Killer visuals on the final two pages.
Blood Orb Grove ~ 3 stars ~
A car accident finds a couple stranded in a nearly-deserted village. They shelter with a strange made with weird story to tell about how he came to be there.
There's a cool body horror twist on vampires, though it feels incomplete as a story.
Flesh-Colored Mystery ~ 2 stars ~
A kindergarten teacher finds that her creepy little student has an even creepier mother. A little too long and convoluted.
Near Miss ~ 3 stars ~
Less a story than a urban legend update of a campfire story.
Under the Ground ~ 2 stars ~
A dull and obvious tale about a class reunion and a time capsule opening.
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: Supernatural Transfer Student -- Moan -- Blood Orb Grove -- Flesh-Colored Mystery -- Near Miss -- Under the Ground
Supernatural Transfer Student ~ 3 stars ~
A school club focused on the supernatural welcomes the new transfer student into their midst, but his ability to find new paranormal places in their home town causes tension in the group as it reveals some secrets the members have been keeping from each other.
Campy fun mingles with the rising horror in an interesting manner, though the ending is a little weak.
Moan ~ 3 stars ~
An unlikable family of a mother and her two daughters are vexed by a stalker and some plumbing problems. Killer visuals on the final two pages.
Blood Orb Grove ~ 3 stars ~
A car accident finds a couple stranded in a nearly-deserted village. They shelter with a strange made with weird story to tell about how he came to be there.
There's a cool body horror twist on vampires, though it feels incomplete as a story.
Flesh-Colored Mystery ~ 2 stars ~
A kindergarten teacher finds that her creepy little student has an even creepier mother. A little too long and convoluted.
Near Miss ~ 3 stars ~
Less a story than a urban legend update of a campfire story.
Under the Ground ~ 2 stars ~
A dull and obvious tale about a class reunion and a time capsule opening.
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: Supernatural Transfer Student -- Moan -- Blood Orb Grove -- Flesh-Colored Mystery -- Near Miss -- Under the Ground
December 27, 2025
Junji Ito keeps saying he’s running out of ideas, and that is so clearly not true because his books just keep getting better! He is the king of making everyday things, like a gurgling pipe or a rowdy group of children, absolutely terrifying. I feel like I get so repetitive in my Ito reviews, but I remain so obsessed with his work!
December 11, 2025
The Junji Ito hype will never die, not for me at least.
Every time I write a review on one of his works, I end up repeating myself.
This man is golden. He’s such a talented mangaka— with phenomenal artistry and a brain that works with such creativity, I’m constantly in awe.
I just want to sit inside the mind of Junji Ito for one day.
Moan is the latest English release from the horror powerhouse, and this one is body horror heaven. The stories are outrageously bizarre and full of imagination.
He ate this one right on up.
With six distinct short stories, I can say that this time I enjoyed every one of them— though Moan, Blood Orb Grove, and Flesh-Colored Mystery were my absolute favorites. They were creepy, unexpected, and a little bit bolder than what I’ve seen from Ito in the past.
Here are short descriptions of each tale:
Supernatural Transfer Student: An odd teenager obsessed with the supernatural transfers to a new school in a new town. When he arrives, strange and unsettling changes start taking place in the community. Things become increasingly bizarre, really fast.
Moan: A family of clean freaks can’t seem to figure out what’s causing the disgusting clog in the drain pipes. Moans echo around the home and an unsettling, familiar scent from the pipes causes terrifying concern. Something is very wrong.
Blood Orb Grove: A young couple’s car accident on the mountainside leads them to the home of a peculiar man living in an abandoned village. Harboring a dark secret inside of his home and a raging bloodlust— things take a twisted, unusual turn.
Flesh-Colored Mystery: A kindergartener with strange skin wreaks havoc on fellow students and acts out in desperation. Something more is going on at home behind closed doors— and his teacher is determined to find out.
Near Miss: After a commercial flight carrying a friend as a passenger mysteriously goes missing— a young man, his little sister, and his best friend go searching for flight 303 in the dead of night. What happens next remains a frightening mystery.
Under the Ground: A twenty year high school reunion reunites a group of old classmates. But one previous student is not there, creating speculation on her whereabouts. Well, the class of 1974 is in for a horrific surprise. Sometimes people truly remain stuck in the past.
While Ito’s previous release, Tombs, was holding first place for some time— I think that Moan has officially knocked it down the ladder for me. Of course, I’m excited for all future releases and will continue to throw my money to get my hands on Junji Ito books for my shelf. This manga is a deserved ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ stars because my boy has been working overtime to make an incredible comeback.
Every time I write a review on one of his works, I end up repeating myself.
This man is golden. He’s such a talented mangaka— with phenomenal artistry and a brain that works with such creativity, I’m constantly in awe.
I just want to sit inside the mind of Junji Ito for one day.
Moan is the latest English release from the horror powerhouse, and this one is body horror heaven. The stories are outrageously bizarre and full of imagination.
He ate this one right on up.
With six distinct short stories, I can say that this time I enjoyed every one of them— though Moan, Blood Orb Grove, and Flesh-Colored Mystery were my absolute favorites. They were creepy, unexpected, and a little bit bolder than what I’ve seen from Ito in the past.
Here are short descriptions of each tale:
Supernatural Transfer Student: An odd teenager obsessed with the supernatural transfers to a new school in a new town. When he arrives, strange and unsettling changes start taking place in the community. Things become increasingly bizarre, really fast.
Moan: A family of clean freaks can’t seem to figure out what’s causing the disgusting clog in the drain pipes. Moans echo around the home and an unsettling, familiar scent from the pipes causes terrifying concern. Something is very wrong.
Blood Orb Grove: A young couple’s car accident on the mountainside leads them to the home of a peculiar man living in an abandoned village. Harboring a dark secret inside of his home and a raging bloodlust— things take a twisted, unusual turn.
Flesh-Colored Mystery: A kindergartener with strange skin wreaks havoc on fellow students and acts out in desperation. Something more is going on at home behind closed doors— and his teacher is determined to find out.
Near Miss: After a commercial flight carrying a friend as a passenger mysteriously goes missing— a young man, his little sister, and his best friend go searching for flight 303 in the dead of night. What happens next remains a frightening mystery.
Under the Ground: A twenty year high school reunion reunites a group of old classmates. But one previous student is not there, creating speculation on her whereabouts. Well, the class of 1974 is in for a horrific surprise. Sometimes people truly remain stuck in the past.
While Ito’s previous release, Tombs, was holding first place for some time— I think that Moan has officially knocked it down the ladder for me. Of course, I’m excited for all future releases and will continue to throw my money to get my hands on Junji Ito books for my shelf. This manga is a deserved ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ stars because my boy has been working overtime to make an incredible comeback.
September 9, 2025
"A- A hand. A slimy hand came out of the drain and grabbed my arm. Look! My arm… it’s covered in slime! Has everyone in this house lost their mind?"
Is there any author whose brain you would just like to travel through to see what is hanging around in there? Ito would be that author for me because I always think that there is no way that he can shock me anymore than he already has. He proves me wrong every single time with his demented tales.
Now this collection of stories is no different. They are weird and downright spooky. That is the reason why I love Ito's work. You know that you're going to get something that makes you wide-eyed and shiver from your head all the way to your toes in terror, all of that in the best way possible.
After reading this collection, it makes me hungry for those juice filled fruit snacks (Gushers)... you'll understand after you read this!
Is there any author whose brain you would just like to travel through to see what is hanging around in there? Ito would be that author for me because I always think that there is no way that he can shock me anymore than he already has. He proves me wrong every single time with his demented tales.
Now this collection of stories is no different. They are weird and downright spooky. That is the reason why I love Ito's work. You know that you're going to get something that makes you wide-eyed and shiver from your head all the way to your toes in terror, all of that in the best way possible.
After reading this collection, it makes me hungry for those juice filled fruit snacks (Gushers)... you'll understand after you read this!
January 3, 2026
Oh how Junji Ito never disappoints! This was another great collection!
Again, I enjoyed all, but faves in this collection are Moan, Blood Orb Grove, Flesh-Covered Mystery and Under The Ground!
Again, I enjoyed all, but faves in this collection are Moan, Blood Orb Grove, Flesh-Covered Mystery and Under The Ground!
November 5, 2025
More along the lines of a 4.5 absolutely loved Moan and Flesh Colored Mystery the most.
December 20, 2025
feel this is a solid return to form...after reading some recent so so collections.
December 27, 2025
ça va, c'est le fun mais je commence à trouver qu'il a fait le tour :(
October 15, 2025
I enjoyed every one of these stories, which isn’t something I can say about most of the other Junji Ito collections.
November 23, 2025
thoroughly horrifying in true junji ito fashion, just some stories were more interesting/scary than others. i’ll always come back for the art style tho.
October 11, 2025
Lots of body horror in this one, with mixed results. Sometimes it's horrifying, but other times just gross. Flesh Colored Mystery was my favorite of the stories. It's tragic, bizarre, and although it ends abruptly, it felt complete. Hopefully more of these story collections will continue being printed.
October 12, 2025
Another great collection of short stories! My ultimate favs where
Moan - the shower scene 👀
Flesh coloured mystery - what in the name of Ed Gein!
Under the ground - such a unique creepy one!
Highly recommend this one 👌
Moan - the shower scene 👀
Flesh coloured mystery - what in the name of Ed Gein!
Under the ground - such a unique creepy one!
Highly recommend this one 👌
December 29, 2025
I always love a Junji Ito collection. Very enjoyable.
November 2, 2025
Solid comeback collection from sensei. All stories are fresh, spooky, bizarre, and just Ito-fied. I love every second of it, especially the cover story!!
November 28, 2025
There were actually some parts that made me squirm. Thank you, Junji Ito
October 21, 2025
i want to be inside Junji Ito's brain for like one day, one hour even.
also "I finally passed out" that is so valid momoko bestie i would too great ending to that story
also "I finally passed out" that is so valid momoko bestie i would too great ending to that story
August 25, 2025
Well, I was going to have a snack, but I'm a little nauseous now so maybe not. All jokes aside, Junji Ito is such a talented writer and illustrator and as usual I couldn't have possible prepared myself for the stories in this collection!
A strange transfer student leaves doom and oddities in his wake. A child is expelled from kindergarten for violent tendencies. A few friends go out looking for a lost flight their friend is on. Here are my short reviews of each of the stories:
Supernatural Transfer Student: Oh, weird
Moan: Ew
Blood-Orb Grove: What the fuck
Flesh-Colored Mystery: WHAT THE FUCK
Near Miss: Spooky
Under the Ground: I will never go to my middle school reunion now
I always enjoy these collections, both for their creativity and the truly disturbing visuals, and I look forward to seeing what Junji Ito comes up with next!
Thank you to Junji Ito and Viz Media for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!
Happy reading!
A strange transfer student leaves doom and oddities in his wake. A child is expelled from kindergarten for violent tendencies. A few friends go out looking for a lost flight their friend is on. Here are my short reviews of each of the stories:
Supernatural Transfer Student: Oh, weird
Moan: Ew
Blood-Orb Grove: What the fuck
Flesh-Colored Mystery: WHAT THE FUCK
Near Miss: Spooky
Under the Ground: I will never go to my middle school reunion now
I always enjoy these collections, both for their creativity and the truly disturbing visuals, and I look forward to seeing what Junji Ito comes up with next!
Thank you to Junji Ito and Viz Media for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!
Happy reading!
September 30, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and VIZ Media for the digital ARC for review.
I would unfortunately have to say that this isn't Ito's strongest line-up in my opinion. It was a rough start for me, but the last 3 stories were really good.
My three star rating comes from the average rating I gave to each individual story. I gave most stories a 3, but "Flesh-colored Mystery", "Near Miss" and "Under the Ground" definitely saved this from getting a lower overall rating. I also think that being someone who has read most of Ito's currently released work, that my expectations were pretty high.
I would say to definitely check this out if you are a fan of Ito's, but in my opinion it isn't his best.
Listened to while reading: "Anthem" by Michael Abels from the "Us" Movie Soundtrack
I would unfortunately have to say that this isn't Ito's strongest line-up in my opinion. It was a rough start for me, but the last 3 stories were really good.
My three star rating comes from the average rating I gave to each individual story. I gave most stories a 3, but "Flesh-colored Mystery", "Near Miss" and "Under the Ground" definitely saved this from getting a lower overall rating. I also think that being someone who has read most of Ito's currently released work, that my expectations were pretty high.
I would say to definitely check this out if you are a fan of Ito's, but in my opinion it isn't his best.
Listened to while reading: "Anthem" by Michael Abels from the "Us" Movie Soundtrack
October 8, 2025
Thanks so much to Viz Media for the advance copy of this new Junji Ito collection to read and review.
The newest collection/installment to the Juni Ito horror collection delivers much of the same gore, spooks, dread, and psychological horror that you have come to appreciate with Juni Ito stories, but I can't help but feel like some of the stories are a bit unfinished, like a few extra panels could have really brought the story to a show stopping conclusion. The stories contained in Moan are all very unique and a few (like the namesake "Moan", "Near Miss", and "Under the Ground") really deliver a great all-around story.
Overall I'd say that this collection was solid, but did leave me wanting a bit more in the end.
The newest collection/installment to the Juni Ito horror collection delivers much of the same gore, spooks, dread, and psychological horror that you have come to appreciate with Juni Ito stories, but I can't help but feel like some of the stories are a bit unfinished, like a few extra panels could have really brought the story to a show stopping conclusion. The stories contained in Moan are all very unique and a few (like the namesake "Moan", "Near Miss", and "Under the Ground") really deliver a great all-around story.
Overall I'd say that this collection was solid, but did leave me wanting a bit more in the end.
September 9, 2025
Once again, Junji Ito delivers. It was no better or worse than what I've come to expect from him. There's one story that had the most intense body horror scene (rated on the visceralness of my reaction). Otherwise, it just continues to hold form as an incredible collection of scary, weird and gross. Welcome, my new nightmares.
September 29, 2025
A solid entry but not my favourite Junji Ito collection.
These 6 tales focused on the more gory and grotesque of Ito's works, but after the first couple of stories it felt like the creepy imagery was the focus, more-so than the lackluster stories attached.
Thanks to Netgalley and Viz Media for the ARC!
These 6 tales focused on the more gory and grotesque of Ito's works, but after the first couple of stories it felt like the creepy imagery was the focus, more-so than the lackluster stories attached.
Thanks to Netgalley and Viz Media for the ARC!
May 15, 2024
3,5 stars
The artworks are incredible as usual, but the stories are easily forgettable
The artworks are incredible as usual, but the stories are easily forgettable
December 2, 2025
I thought this was a new release, but clearly not? Either way, when i spotted it, is bought it 😀
Horror manga is my thing, it just itches my brain wonderfully and I love the bizarre nature that JI work has.
My favourites? Moan and Flesh coloured mystery for sure.
As usual, the artwork is brilliant. I love this style and will continue to read this authors work.
Horror manga is my thing, it just itches my brain wonderfully and I love the bizarre nature that JI work has.
My favourites? Moan and Flesh coloured mystery for sure.
As usual, the artwork is brilliant. I love this style and will continue to read this authors work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews