What do you think?
Rate this book
Mushishi Collectors Edition #1-2
Mushishi Collector's Edition 1
The beloved fantasy manga returns in a hardcover omnibus edition featuring a completely original translation and new cover designs.
Before life as we know it, there existed entities that don't obey the laws of our reality—primordial beings known as mushi. In Japan, a man named Ginko wanders the land, investigating incursions by mushi into the human world—and by us into theirs. He is a mushi master…a mushi-shi.
Includes Japanese volumes 1-2.
Though invisible to most, tiny creatures known as mushi lurk beneath the surface of everyday reality. They exert a strange and occasionally terrifying influence on people's lives, and only experts known as mushishi carry the knowledge of how to deal with them. A mushishi named Ginko wanders the Japanese countryside, following rumors of various unusual occurences: a young man who dreams the future; a child with horns growing from his forehead; a boy with the power to write creatures into being; and more...
Upon its release in the 2000s, Mushishi earned global acclaim for its poetic episodic storytelling and delicate, beautiful artwork, winning the Japan Media Arts Prize, selection as a Best Manga by the Japan Agency for Cultural Affairs, and recommendation as a top read for teens by the American Library Association. The series inspired two TV anime adaptations in 2005 and 2014 and a live-action film directed by the legendary Katsuhiro Otomo, creator of AKIRA. Unfortunately, after being out of print for 15 years, English copies of Mushishi became as elusive as the strange creatures that populate its pages—until now.
Kodansha's new edition of Mushishi features an all-new translation and lettering, and beautiful color pages and cover illustrations never seen in the U.S. before.
Before life as we know it, there existed entities that don't obey the laws of our reality—primordial beings known as mushi. In Japan, a man named Ginko wanders the land, investigating incursions by mushi into the human world—and by us into theirs. He is a mushi master…a mushi-shi.
Includes Japanese volumes 1-2.
Though invisible to most, tiny creatures known as mushi lurk beneath the surface of everyday reality. They exert a strange and occasionally terrifying influence on people's lives, and only experts known as mushishi carry the knowledge of how to deal with them. A mushishi named Ginko wanders the Japanese countryside, following rumors of various unusual occurences: a young man who dreams the future; a child with horns growing from his forehead; a boy with the power to write creatures into being; and more...
Upon its release in the 2000s, Mushishi earned global acclaim for its poetic episodic storytelling and delicate, beautiful artwork, winning the Japan Media Arts Prize, selection as a Best Manga by the Japan Agency for Cultural Affairs, and recommendation as a top read for teens by the American Library Association. The series inspired two TV anime adaptations in 2005 and 2014 and a live-action film directed by the legendary Katsuhiro Otomo, creator of AKIRA. Unfortunately, after being out of print for 15 years, English copies of Mushishi became as elusive as the strange creatures that populate its pages—until now.
Kodansha's new edition of Mushishi features an all-new translation and lettering, and beautiful color pages and cover illustrations never seen in the U.S. before.
464 pages, Hardcover
Published November 4, 2025
38 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Yuki Urushibara
34 books218 followersYuki Urushibara (漆原友紀) is a Japanese manga artist from Yamaguchi Prefecture.
She is best known for the series Mushishi, for which she received an Excellence Prize for manga at the 2003 Japan Media Arts Festival and the 2006 Kodansha Manga Award for general manga.
She is also known by the pen name Soyogo Shima (志摩 冬青 Shima Soyogo).
She is best known for the series Mushishi, for which she received an Excellence Prize for manga at the 2003 Japan Media Arts Festival and the 2006 Kodansha Manga Award for general manga.
She is also known by the pen name Soyogo Shima (志摩 冬青 Shima Soyogo).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
December 8, 2025
I want to start this review by saying that this is a great collector's edition. I read the e-arc, but the physical edition is a high-quality hardcover that's over 450 pages long, coming with many color pages and an all-new translation. If you already love this series and want something nice for your shelves then this is a good way to go. I didn't know anything about this series, but I've seen it around and I always wanted to check it out. As it turns out it's not really my thing. The whole premise is interesting, though. It's all about this life form called Mushi that is found in nature and sometimes in people, giving them strange abilities. It's hard to explain what they actually are and I think that I never really understood it. But the series follows a man called Ginko who is traveling around and investigates different Mushi and the people who are afflicted by them. It was a surprisingly episodic story – historically not my favorite narrative choice in manga – and it was really hard for me to care without an overarching plot. Some episodes were intriguing, like the boy who grew horns that interfere with his hearing or the traveling swamp, but it also was all very random to me. There's also very little information given about Ginko, so I was indifferent about his character too. The story is originally from the early 2000s and that's clearly noticeable in the art style, especially when it comes to the characters. The color pages looked nice though and I liked the nature spreads and the use of patterns. Overall I'm glad that I was able to take a look at this series, even if this (probably very beautiful) story was a bit lost on me. Maybe I will try the anime.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2025
Having watched some of the anime and loved it, I was curious if the source material had the same eerie/mystical feeling to it. I can safely say that not only does it live up to the anime, but it is far better than it at times!
Where the anime could drag a bit, the manga felt a lot more deliberate and concise. Part of this is due to the fact that the stories go by a lot quicker. However, there is something to be said about the atmosphere created by the show itself. Since there were some stories that I had not watched yet, I was able to see what it was like to experience one of the stories for the first time in manga vs. anime format and it still holds up quite a great deal.
For those who haven't watched the anime, the stories in Mushishi are some of the most unique and poignant stories that I have ever read. I will say, at first I was disappointed when I realized that the story doesn't necessarily focus on Ginko, just his interaction with the world around him. However, after having watched/read several stories I realized that was beside the point, and that even without a character driven story, the author still told tales that have an impact.
Additionally, I loved the anecdotes from the author sprinkled throughout and the appendix at the back of the book to describe some terminology. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has read the anime and loved it or is interested in episodic manga that asks the reader to ponder philosophical questions.
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley but all reviews are my own
Where the anime could drag a bit, the manga felt a lot more deliberate and concise. Part of this is due to the fact that the stories go by a lot quicker. However, there is something to be said about the atmosphere created by the show itself. Since there were some stories that I had not watched yet, I was able to see what it was like to experience one of the stories for the first time in manga vs. anime format and it still holds up quite a great deal.
For those who haven't watched the anime, the stories in Mushishi are some of the most unique and poignant stories that I have ever read. I will say, at first I was disappointed when I realized that the story doesn't necessarily focus on Ginko, just his interaction with the world around him. However, after having watched/read several stories I realized that was beside the point, and that even without a character driven story, the author still told tales that have an impact.
Additionally, I loved the anecdotes from the author sprinkled throughout and the appendix at the back of the book to describe some terminology. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has read the anime and loved it or is interested in episodic manga that asks the reader to ponder philosophical questions.
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley but all reviews are my own
January 1, 2026
Very gently told story of a wandering man, helping humans who have come in contact with magical elements of nature, usually to the detriment of the humans. The magical elements weren't evil or malicious, just completely...OTHER from the humans. No malice, no understanding and no real caring. Just like nature I suppose.
It was a bit creepy, as only this type of story can be in the hands of a good storyteller. Not quite my thing, but an enjoyable way to spend some time and I can see this being very popular with those who are into body horror, though it wasn't so bad that I was left feeling ill. I'm not into body horror, but this wasn't OTT for me.
3, not quite my wheelhouse but not bad and definitely recommended, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for an eARC of this book to read and review.
It was a bit creepy, as only this type of story can be in the hands of a good storyteller. Not quite my thing, but an enjoyable way to spend some time and I can see this being very popular with those who are into body horror, though it wasn't so bad that I was left feeling ill. I'm not into body horror, but this wasn't OTT for me.
3, not quite my wheelhouse but not bad and definitely recommended, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for an eARC of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2025
I received a copy from Kodansha Comics through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ginko is a traveling Mushishi who can never stay in one place too long because he’ll attract the very mushi he helps people deal with. The mushi exists somewhere between the living and the dead, and not everyone can see them, but he knows what to do once he’s looked into the situation. Along the way, he meets a variety of people he finds who are being affected by the mushi, including other Mushishis.
I’ve read Yuki Urushibara’s work before and really enjoyed it, so I was excited to get a chance to start this series. The story is absolutely wonderful. We follow Ginko on his adventures and see him helping several people, including those who don’t necessarily want his help. Along the way, we slowly begin to learn about Ginko and his life along with the characters he’s helping.
If you’re looking for a super mellow series, this might be up your alley. It’s a pretty slow burn, but we get a peek into the lives of those Ginko helps and get a little attached to some of them before it’s time for him to move on. The artwork is beautiful as well, so I really enjoyed going through the ups and downs with the characters. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store for Ginko along with what characters and different types of mushi we’ll see along the way.
Ginko is a traveling Mushishi who can never stay in one place too long because he’ll attract the very mushi he helps people deal with. The mushi exists somewhere between the living and the dead, and not everyone can see them, but he knows what to do once he’s looked into the situation. Along the way, he meets a variety of people he finds who are being affected by the mushi, including other Mushishis.
I’ve read Yuki Urushibara’s work before and really enjoyed it, so I was excited to get a chance to start this series. The story is absolutely wonderful. We follow Ginko on his adventures and see him helping several people, including those who don’t necessarily want his help. Along the way, we slowly begin to learn about Ginko and his life along with the characters he’s helping.
If you’re looking for a super mellow series, this might be up your alley. It’s a pretty slow burn, but we get a peek into the lives of those Ginko helps and get a little attached to some of them before it’s time for him to move on. The artwork is beautiful as well, so I really enjoyed going through the ups and downs with the characters. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store for Ginko along with what characters and different types of mushi we’ll see along the way.
October 14, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Kodansha for early access to this book
I had heard about the anime a lot and was recommended to watch it so I was very happy when I got the opportunity to read the manga.
I really enjoyed the world building and the concept of mushi. I think it's very interesting the way the mushi are not necessarily the villains of the story. Just another aspect of life that can sometimes be a problem.
I like the main character and the way he analyzes to figure out what mushi he's dealing with.
Now I want to read more and watch the anime!
I had heard about the anime a lot and was recommended to watch it so I was very happy when I got the opportunity to read the manga.
I really enjoyed the world building and the concept of mushi. I think it's very interesting the way the mushi are not necessarily the villains of the story. Just another aspect of life that can sometimes be a problem.
I like the main character and the way he analyzes to figure out what mushi he's dealing with.
Now I want to read more and watch the anime!
November 6, 2025
Mushishi was one of the first anime I watched when I was younger that made me really GET IT, like "Oh yeah, this medium is an art form and this is a masterpiece." However, I had never gone back to read the manga until this Collector's Edition.
It's definitely safe to say that the manga lived up to the very high expectations I had from my childhood memories of the anime. It's beautiful, it's heartwarming, it's chilling at times, its world is rich and vibrant and mysterious. There's so much empathy and humanity packed into these stories that some of them just stick to you and refuse to let go. Just truly an amazing piece of fiction.
Highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the review copy!
It's definitely safe to say that the manga lived up to the very high expectations I had from my childhood memories of the anime. It's beautiful, it's heartwarming, it's chilling at times, its world is rich and vibrant and mysterious. There's so much empathy and humanity packed into these stories that some of them just stick to you and refuse to let go. Just truly an amazing piece of fiction.
Highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the review copy!
September 29, 2025
I remember this series from nearly 20 years ago when I was first getting into anime, and a friend recommended it as one of his favorites. While I did watch the adaptation, this is my first time reading the story. Mushishi is a timeless classic that tugs at your heartstrings as it explores mystical happenings surrounding the “mushi” present in the lives of the people the main character visits in his travels.
The art does an amazing job of eliciting the melancholic, peaceful vibe that makes the story come to life. The translation to English here is also well done, as the prose is comes across as rich and never clunky, as sometimes manga translations can be, allowing the reader to sink into the story and really be immersed in the world.
With regard to this edition, I’m not sure if it was just the review copy that I have, but the kerning between letters is frequently off, breaking a word in half. A bit annoying, as when you read the affected words, your brain pauses and throws off the flow.
If you’re looking for a mellow, slow-burn manga series and you want to really feel something, you can’t go wrong here. 4.5/5 stars, check it out.
*An uncorrected proof of this book was provided by the publisher at the reviewer’s request in exchange for a fair and uncompromising review.
The art does an amazing job of eliciting the melancholic, peaceful vibe that makes the story come to life. The translation to English here is also well done, as the prose is comes across as rich and never clunky, as sometimes manga translations can be, allowing the reader to sink into the story and really be immersed in the world.
With regard to this edition, I’m not sure if it was just the review copy that I have, but the kerning between letters is frequently off, breaking a word in half. A bit annoying, as when you read the affected words, your brain pauses and throws off the flow.
If you’re looking for a mellow, slow-burn manga series and you want to really feel something, you can’t go wrong here. 4.5/5 stars, check it out.
*An uncorrected proof of this book was provided by the publisher at the reviewer’s request in exchange for a fair and uncompromising review.
January 21, 2026
A big thank you to Kodansha and NetGalley for providing me with a free electronic copy. I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunity to discover this manga, and the following thoughts are entirely my own.
As a fan of The Apothecary Diaries, I kept seeing Mushishi recommended, and now I understand why. While the two series are quite different in structure and tone, they share a similar spirit. Ginko and Maomao both possess a quiet intelligence and a deep understanding of healing that goes beyond medicine alone.
Each chapter introduces a different mushi and a self-contained story, all of them carefully crafted and emotionally resonant. Many of these stories are tinged with sadness, but it’s the kind that lingers gently rather than overwhelming you. At first, I wasn’t sure I fully grasped the world of Mushishi, yet as I kept reading, its rhythm drew me in—and by the end, I was truly glad I gave it a chance.
Mushishi is not a loud or flashy manga. It’s a calm, thoughtful experience that rewards patience. If you enjoy quiet storytelling, subtle emotions, and immersive world-building, this manga is absolutely worth your time.
As a fan of The Apothecary Diaries, I kept seeing Mushishi recommended, and now I understand why. While the two series are quite different in structure and tone, they share a similar spirit. Ginko and Maomao both possess a quiet intelligence and a deep understanding of healing that goes beyond medicine alone.
Each chapter introduces a different mushi and a self-contained story, all of them carefully crafted and emotionally resonant. Many of these stories are tinged with sadness, but it’s the kind that lingers gently rather than overwhelming you. At first, I wasn’t sure I fully grasped the world of Mushishi, yet as I kept reading, its rhythm drew me in—and by the end, I was truly glad I gave it a chance.
Mushishi is not a loud or flashy manga. It’s a calm, thoughtful experience that rewards patience. If you enjoy quiet storytelling, subtle emotions, and immersive world-building, this manga is absolutely worth your time.
October 6, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy in return for a fair review.
One of my friend has been a big Mushishi fan since the original anime. I figured this collector's edition was the perfect opportunity for me to discover what they like so much about the series - and it'll also be the perfect opportunity for you!
Mushishi is a very interesting series and that our hero doesn't come in guns a-blazing to destroy the mushi that are disrupting people's lives. The solutions to the problems created are often bittersweet, and people don't get healed. They get transformed and have to live with the changes they went through. I especially found the last story very poignant, where a woman's children turn out to not be children at all...
I read the digital edition, and the black and white (and sometimes colour) are was crisp and evocative. I was annoyed at a couple of typesetting and spelling errors, and on first read I was disappointed I didn't get to know the meaning of the different mushi types. But I was very happy when I came to the end of the volume and found the translator's notes! The translation in general is fluid and unobtrusive, hence the not translating of the mushi stood out to me.
One of my friend has been a big Mushishi fan since the original anime. I figured this collector's edition was the perfect opportunity for me to discover what they like so much about the series - and it'll also be the perfect opportunity for you!
Mushishi is a very interesting series and that our hero doesn't come in guns a-blazing to destroy the mushi that are disrupting people's lives. The solutions to the problems created are often bittersweet, and people don't get healed. They get transformed and have to live with the changes they went through. I especially found the last story very poignant, where a woman's children turn out to not be children at all...
I read the digital edition, and the black and white (and sometimes colour) are was crisp and evocative. I was annoyed at a couple of typesetting and spelling errors, and on first read I was disappointed I didn't get to know the meaning of the different mushi types. But I was very happy when I came to the end of the volume and found the translator's notes! The translation in general is fluid and unobtrusive, hence the not translating of the mushi stood out to me.
January 14, 2026
The reprinting of this series is a thing I hadn’t even dared hope for since I first discovered the story after it’d already been out of print long enough for English copies to become outrageously priced collectibles. So I was beside myself excited to get the news that it was getting another run in these Collector’s Edition omnibuses. It’s gorgeous! The art is lovely and yes there are a couple typos here and there (largely small words missing), but the overall story is at once charming and eerie in that way that draws you back for more. It feels like such a unique take on the paranormal genre, and I’ve just really enjoyed these episodic adventures of strange creatures and the different ways they intersect with humans.
January 23, 2026
While I do own the original, English version of the manga, I felt like I couldn't pass upon getting this collector's edition, too.
I am something of a Mushishi collector after all. *glances at the DVD box, art books, and Ginko nendoroid on my Mushishi shelf* 😏
Yeah, I have read this manga before, and I have watched the anime plenty of times, but having this edition, with the colour pages added, feels special.
It remains my favourite manga - and anime. 💚✨
I am something of a Mushishi collector after all. *glances at the DVD box, art books, and Ginko nendoroid on my Mushishi shelf* 😏
Yeah, I have read this manga before, and I have watched the anime plenty of times, but having this edition, with the colour pages added, feels special.
It remains my favourite manga - and anime. 💚✨
November 1, 2025
i dont have any words to describe how much i love this series. im so happy to revisit it.
November 15, 2025
"Though seldom seen, there are certain mysterious lower life forms that seem to differ entirely from everyday plants or animals. People have long feared this strange class of creatures, which have come to be known as Mushi."
Ginko is a traveling Mushishi who helps out those who are troubled by Mushi. But unlike other Mushishi he doesn't always kill the Mushi, depending on the case. Some are terrifying and shouldn't be taken lightly while others seem to be able to semi exist alongside humans. There's still so much people don't understand about Mushi, and he aims to uncover more. Teaching those along the way.
Supernatural phenomena, mysteries, intense forces of nature, parasitic like Mushi, and more. Ginko will investigate all and try to help anyway he can.
"His power defies human understanding. That's the sort of thing that rattles people."
I've gotten into anime and manga later in life, not having grown up with any of them sadly. I find that I'm drawn more to the supernatural genre and Japanese Yokai, I just can't get enough of! The mythology and stories revolving around the individual yokai! Mushi are similar to yokai but they're more relatable to flora and fauna. Being microscopic organisms.
So, I'm in love and been on a bit of a kick with the "Witcher" games and books and Ginko gave me that vibe. I know, I know it's a VERY odd comparison but hear me out. What drew me to Ginko is the fact that he handles things differently, in one of the stories a character even points it out. How most Mushishi come in with tales of victory and how they defeated a Mushi and rid them from the land or host they latched onto. While Ginko takes a different approach. Analyzing the situation and understanding things from all angles. Ginko is very laid back, approachable, and easy going, a far cry from my grumbly and gruff Geralt.
I enjoyed the deeper meanings behind some of the stories. I was intrigued and understood some of the reasonings behind why the humans who were hosts to a Mushi wished to keep the organism. Some of the stories have happy endings and some there's a sweet sadness to them. This is a relaxing and comforting read in an interesting way. The pacing is medium/slow and it's a collection of Ginko's tales of travel. I also liked his form of payment, and I hope to see the Mushi in the last story of this edition again.
I was excited by how the Mushi had parallels to some of the fungus and parasites we currently have on our planet. Watching how Ginko broke down how they adapted and survived. I didn't pick up any language with this read. There are some creepy Mushi and in order for them to thrive there's some things that are non-reversable. I'd say light horror but nothing too crazy or overly gory! Some violence, blood, griefs, deaths, difficult decisions regarding Mishi, and misfortunes.
This read has made me want to watch the anime! The art style is beautiful and whimsical at moments giving a fever dream feel. We get spoiled with panels of full color! The moments that are intense and the Mishi's true form or nature are shown it felt like you had been slowly lulled into it. I loved the author's bonus stories of real-life supernatural encounters! The notes she sketches out as well! I also appreciate the translation notes! I cannot wait to read the next volume and see where Ginko travels to next and what Mushi he will have to deal with!
Enjoy the read and maybe have some moments of reminiscing and nostalgia. Don't forget to give the author some stars!
Thank you, Kodansha Comics and NetGalley!
shutupandbookup.com
Ginko is a traveling Mushishi who helps out those who are troubled by Mushi. But unlike other Mushishi he doesn't always kill the Mushi, depending on the case. Some are terrifying and shouldn't be taken lightly while others seem to be able to semi exist alongside humans. There's still so much people don't understand about Mushi, and he aims to uncover more. Teaching those along the way.
Supernatural phenomena, mysteries, intense forces of nature, parasitic like Mushi, and more. Ginko will investigate all and try to help anyway he can.
"His power defies human understanding. That's the sort of thing that rattles people."
I've gotten into anime and manga later in life, not having grown up with any of them sadly. I find that I'm drawn more to the supernatural genre and Japanese Yokai, I just can't get enough of! The mythology and stories revolving around the individual yokai! Mushi are similar to yokai but they're more relatable to flora and fauna. Being microscopic organisms.
So, I'm in love and been on a bit of a kick with the "Witcher" games and books and Ginko gave me that vibe. I know, I know it's a VERY odd comparison but hear me out. What drew me to Ginko is the fact that he handles things differently, in one of the stories a character even points it out. How most Mushishi come in with tales of victory and how they defeated a Mushi and rid them from the land or host they latched onto. While Ginko takes a different approach. Analyzing the situation and understanding things from all angles. Ginko is very laid back, approachable, and easy going, a far cry from my grumbly and gruff Geralt.
I enjoyed the deeper meanings behind some of the stories. I was intrigued and understood some of the reasonings behind why the humans who were hosts to a Mushi wished to keep the organism. Some of the stories have happy endings and some there's a sweet sadness to them. This is a relaxing and comforting read in an interesting way. The pacing is medium/slow and it's a collection of Ginko's tales of travel. I also liked his form of payment, and I hope to see the Mushi in the last story of this edition again.
I was excited by how the Mushi had parallels to some of the fungus and parasites we currently have on our planet. Watching how Ginko broke down how they adapted and survived. I didn't pick up any language with this read. There are some creepy Mushi and in order for them to thrive there's some things that are non-reversable. I'd say light horror but nothing too crazy or overly gory! Some violence, blood, griefs, deaths, difficult decisions regarding Mishi, and misfortunes.
This read has made me want to watch the anime! The art style is beautiful and whimsical at moments giving a fever dream feel. We get spoiled with panels of full color! The moments that are intense and the Mishi's true form or nature are shown it felt like you had been slowly lulled into it. I loved the author's bonus stories of real-life supernatural encounters! The notes she sketches out as well! I also appreciate the translation notes! I cannot wait to read the next volume and see where Ginko travels to next and what Mushi he will have to deal with!
Enjoy the read and maybe have some moments of reminiscing and nostalgia. Don't forget to give the author some stars!
Thank you, Kodansha Comics and NetGalley!
shutupandbookup.com
October 27, 2025
I requested "Mushishi" because the idea of Mushi sounded really cute and original, but at the same time, I was a bit afraid that I might not enjoy the story and art style.
This is a world inspired by Japanese history and folklore, something I'm not that knowledgeable in, so I'm sure I missed a lot of cultural context. I felt a bit lost sometimes, but since each story could be read on its own, that did not impact my overall enjoyment too much, and the author went to a lot of effort to explain himself.
This is a collector's edition that lives up to its name. The coloured pages were breathtaking, and I could feel the care that went into every page, making it as good as it could be, as well as the gratitude towards the reader for giving it a chance. I enjoyed the mini stories and personal testimonies throughout the book, and the translator's notes at the end were incredibly helpful.
My absolute favourite story was "The Sea of Words", but "Come the Rain, a Rainbow" had a profound impact on me personally, and "The Cotton-Spore Cowl" was absolutely amazing, the perfect way to end the book and leave us staring at the last page, unbelievingly, wanting more. That would be an amazing horror movie.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for this DRC.
I requested "Mushishi" because the idea of Mushi sounded really cute and original, but at the same time, I was a bit afraid that I might not enjoy the story and art style.
This is a world inspired by Japanese history and folklore, something I'm not that knowledgeable in, so I'm sure I missed a lot of cultural context. I felt a bit lost sometimes, but since each story could be read on its own, that did not impact my overall enjoyment too much, and the author went to a lot of effort to explain himself.
This is a collector's edition that lives up to its name. The coloured pages were breathtaking, and I could feel the care that went into every page, making it as good as it could be, as well as the gratitude towards the reader for giving it a chance. I enjoyed the mini stories and personal testimonies throughout the book, and the translator's notes at the end were incredibly helpful.
My absolute favourite story was "The Sea of Words", but "Come the Rain, a Rainbow" had a profound impact on me personally, and "The Cotton-Spore Cowl" was absolutely amazing, the perfect way to end the book and leave us staring at the last page, unbelievingly, wanting more. That would be an amazing horror movie.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for this DRC.
P.s: There's a certain symbol on the map, on page 148, that the publisher might want to look into changing, since it's very similar to a certain symbol that was co-opted by Germany in the 40's and is still associated and in use by certain groups in the Western World.
This is a world inspired by Japanese history and folklore, something I'm not that knowledgeable in, so I'm sure I missed a lot of cultural context. I felt a bit lost sometimes, but since each story could be read on its own, that did not impact my overall enjoyment too much, and the author went to a lot of effort to explain himself.
This is a collector's edition that lives up to its name. The coloured pages were breathtaking, and I could feel the care that went into every page, making it as good as it could be, as well as the gratitude towards the reader for giving it a chance. I enjoyed the mini stories and personal testimonies throughout the book, and the translator's notes at the end were incredibly helpful.
My absolute favourite story was "The Sea of Words", but "Come the Rain, a Rainbow" had a profound impact on me personally, and "The Cotton-Spore Cowl" was absolutely amazing, the perfect way to end the book and leave us staring at the last page, unbelievingly, wanting more. That would be an amazing horror movie.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for this DRC.
I requested "Mushishi" because the idea of Mushi sounded really cute and original, but at the same time, I was a bit afraid that I might not enjoy the story and art style.
This is a world inspired by Japanese history and folklore, something I'm not that knowledgeable in, so I'm sure I missed a lot of cultural context. I felt a bit lost sometimes, but since each story could be read on its own, that did not impact my overall enjoyment too much, and the author went to a lot of effort to explain himself.
This is a collector's edition that lives up to its name. The coloured pages were breathtaking, and I could feel the care that went into every page, making it as good as it could be, as well as the gratitude towards the reader for giving it a chance. I enjoyed the mini stories and personal testimonies throughout the book, and the translator's notes at the end were incredibly helpful.
My absolute favourite story was "The Sea of Words", but "Come the Rain, a Rainbow" had a profound impact on me personally, and "The Cotton-Spore Cowl" was absolutely amazing, the perfect way to end the book and leave us staring at the last page, unbelievingly, wanting more. That would be an amazing horror movie.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for this DRC.
P.s: There's a certain symbol on the map, on page 148, that the publisher might want to look into changing, since it's very similar to a certain symbol that was co-opted by Germany in the 40's and is still associated and in use by certain groups in the Western World.
November 11, 2025
Disclosure: I received an advance review copy of Mushishi Collector’s Edition 1 from Kodansha Comics via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Trigger Warnings: Some mild body horror, eerie supernatural imagery, and unsettling transformations.
Mushishi is a beautifully bound return to a modern manga classic. As someone interested in Japanese folklore and grim, contemplative stories, I found this collection deeply satisfying. Yuki Urushibara’s quiet and meditative storytelling captures the uncanny presence of the mushi, mysterious life forms that exist just beyond human perception. The new translation and restored color pages make this edition a stunning experience, both visually and narratively.
Each story follows Ginko, a wandering mushishi, as he investigates strange phenomena throughout rural Japan. The episodic structure feels timeless, weaving together themes of coexistence, transformation, and the fragile balance between the natural and supernatural. The art, soft and textured, mirrors the delicate tone of the stories, never rushing and always allowing the reader space to reflect. I especially admired how effortlessly the volume evokes unease without resorting to horror, instead settling into an atmosphere of quiet melancholy and wonder.
While the tone may feel subdued to some readers, that restraint is what makes Mushishi so haunting. The stories linger like half-remembered dreams, and the new collector’s edition brings their beauty into sharper focus with exceptional presentation and translation quality.
Mushishi deserves to be considered a classic, one that welcomes both longtime fans and new readers. It is ideal for manga readers of all kinds, especially those drawn to thoughtful, folklore-inspired tales with stunning art and quiet emotional resonance.
Trigger Warnings: Some mild body horror, eerie supernatural imagery, and unsettling transformations.
Mushishi is a beautifully bound return to a modern manga classic. As someone interested in Japanese folklore and grim, contemplative stories, I found this collection deeply satisfying. Yuki Urushibara’s quiet and meditative storytelling captures the uncanny presence of the mushi, mysterious life forms that exist just beyond human perception. The new translation and restored color pages make this edition a stunning experience, both visually and narratively.
Each story follows Ginko, a wandering mushishi, as he investigates strange phenomena throughout rural Japan. The episodic structure feels timeless, weaving together themes of coexistence, transformation, and the fragile balance between the natural and supernatural. The art, soft and textured, mirrors the delicate tone of the stories, never rushing and always allowing the reader space to reflect. I especially admired how effortlessly the volume evokes unease without resorting to horror, instead settling into an atmosphere of quiet melancholy and wonder.
While the tone may feel subdued to some readers, that restraint is what makes Mushishi so haunting. The stories linger like half-remembered dreams, and the new collector’s edition brings their beauty into sharper focus with exceptional presentation and translation quality.
Mushishi deserves to be considered a classic, one that welcomes both longtime fans and new readers. It is ideal for manga readers of all kinds, especially those drawn to thoughtful, folklore-inspired tales with stunning art and quiet emotional resonance.
January 15, 2026
I have recieved an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
Mushishi is one of those mangas that most people have at least heard about. It's got a group of fans and it's been around for a while now. Personally, while I was aware of it's existence I've never gravitated towards it, always having something more urgent to check out.
At least until now.
Mushishi is a series of episodic stories connected by the main character Ginko, who travels around helping people deal with their issues causing by creatures called Mushi. The manga has a very rich atmosphere, almost profound and melancholic with every chapter being a snippet of somebody's life that Ginko witnesses and often plays a part in. Some of them end well, some of them don't but after every one Ginko moves on towards another adventure. The manga doesn't really have any underlying story nor recurring characters, which for me personally made it difficult to connect and engage with it on deeper level. We also don't learn much about Ginko - his motivations and past remain mostly a mystery. He is a witness of other people's stories just as much as the reader is.
I don't think Mushishi is the right manga for me. I prefer when the stories connect into a larger plot with returning characters. That being said, this is a completely personal preference. Objectively, Mushishi is a great manga with wonderful atmosphere, lots of thought provoking stories and beautiful art style. It has a fair dose of humor and fascinating world building with every new Mushi bringing a new, interesting case. It has almost an investigative feel to it.
If all of that interests you, make sure to check Mushishi out. If you are like me and have been putting it off for ages, this is your sign to finally get to it. Even if it's not a title you will love, it's certainly one you won't forget about.
Mushishi is one of those mangas that most people have at least heard about. It's got a group of fans and it's been around for a while now. Personally, while I was aware of it's existence I've never gravitated towards it, always having something more urgent to check out.
At least until now.
Mushishi is a series of episodic stories connected by the main character Ginko, who travels around helping people deal with their issues causing by creatures called Mushi. The manga has a very rich atmosphere, almost profound and melancholic with every chapter being a snippet of somebody's life that Ginko witnesses and often plays a part in. Some of them end well, some of them don't but after every one Ginko moves on towards another adventure. The manga doesn't really have any underlying story nor recurring characters, which for me personally made it difficult to connect and engage with it on deeper level. We also don't learn much about Ginko - his motivations and past remain mostly a mystery. He is a witness of other people's stories just as much as the reader is.
I don't think Mushishi is the right manga for me. I prefer when the stories connect into a larger plot with returning characters. That being said, this is a completely personal preference. Objectively, Mushishi is a great manga with wonderful atmosphere, lots of thought provoking stories and beautiful art style. It has a fair dose of humor and fascinating world building with every new Mushi bringing a new, interesting case. It has almost an investigative feel to it.
If all of that interests you, make sure to check Mushishi out. If you are like me and have been putting it off for ages, this is your sign to finally get to it. Even if it's not a title you will love, it's certainly one you won't forget about.
November 30, 2025
It took me a while to get into the flow of these episodic stories, but the last story in the first volume of this omnibus finally made it work for me. In the end, it reminded me of a number of other things I'd read, most or all of which were released after it, such as Annihilation or even Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures. The human-shaped "flowering bodies" in the very last story in this volume felt especially fungus-like to me.
As in many supernatural stories, the characters in each episode must find a way to coexist with the mushi in a way that doesn't kill the other. Or they must each go their own way, despite their desire to stay together, because otherwise a balance will go askew again. Inevitably, sometimes neither is possible, and one must be eliminated. Mushi have nature's cunning on their side, and people have tools, literacy, and consciousness.
I liked how the protagonist, Ginko, seems to be a man out of time, and who has mysteries of his own that the reader only gets hints about.
As in many supernatural stories, the characters in each episode must find a way to coexist with the mushi in a way that doesn't kill the other. Or they must each go their own way, despite their desire to stay together, because otherwise a balance will go askew again. Inevitably, sometimes neither is possible, and one must be eliminated. Mushi have nature's cunning on their side, and people have tools, literacy, and consciousness.
I liked how the protagonist, Ginko, seems to be a man out of time, and who has mysteries of his own that the reader only gets hints about.
I don't believe in ghosts or yokai at all (at least, not at this moment), but a part of me wishes they were real... it wasn't too long ago that people saw themselves as living side by side with yokai. I have to say, I'm a little jealous.
October 31, 2025
This Mushishi manga is my introduction to this anime/manga as I haven’t previously heard of it. I wasn’t sure if this would be something I’d enjoy but I still wanted to give it a shot because the premise and art looks interesting. I liked this manga, I think the Mushi entities were interesting to read about, each chapter in here has its own story and Mushi entity that It follows. I enjoyed following Ginko as a main character, I liked how he went about learning more about the Mushi’s and just how he overall handled them. I do wish some more information was given on his character, i’m curious to know about his backstory and why the Mushi are drawn to him.
Some of my favorite stories from this collectors edition are The Tender Horns, The Traveling Swamp, The Sea of Words, and Come The Rain, A Rainbow. All of these stories do a really good job of building a mystery and suspense around its characters. I was intrigued to learn more about each stories Mushi and how it was affecting the characters. The art style looks nice, I like the design of the Mushi’s and characters in this manga. I also liked the addition of the colored manga pannels, this art style looks just as good in colored panels as it does in the black and white. I did feel a bit confused sometime during my read but I’m glad there are translation notes at the end, it helped clear up some confusion. I’m curious to know what other Mushi will be introduced in this manga series and if we will find out anymore regarding Ginko. My overall rating is a 3.5 star. Thank you to the publisher for giving me a complimentary review copy.
Some of my favorite stories from this collectors edition are The Tender Horns, The Traveling Swamp, The Sea of Words, and Come The Rain, A Rainbow. All of these stories do a really good job of building a mystery and suspense around its characters. I was intrigued to learn more about each stories Mushi and how it was affecting the characters. The art style looks nice, I like the design of the Mushi’s and characters in this manga. I also liked the addition of the colored manga pannels, this art style looks just as good in colored panels as it does in the black and white. I did feel a bit confused sometime during my read but I’m glad there are translation notes at the end, it helped clear up some confusion. I’m curious to know what other Mushi will be introduced in this manga series and if we will find out anymore regarding Ginko. My overall rating is a 3.5 star. Thank you to the publisher for giving me a complimentary review copy.
October 6, 2025
Ginko is a wandering Mushishi, his job taking him all over Japan to help people deal with Mushi who have made their lives difficult. Mushi are organisms that are not quite living not quite dead but exist somewhere in between. These are the stories of Ginko and the people and Mushi he meets in his travels.
Mushishi is a classic, underrated for sure but a classic nevertheless. Urushibara has crafted a quietly eerie (thanks very much to Sean from Swords Sorcery for that wonderful description) tale that even for all of the tragedy that seems to strike is still very cozy.
On the surface this looks like your average yokai story, however, while you could compare Mushi to yokai they are much more that that. Ginko even describes them as life itself at one point and I find that to be an apt description. While they can and do cause very real harm to the humans that come in contact with them in many cases they also bring life. Because of this they are almost universally killed by Mushishi and yet Ginko opts to take a less violent path, trying to find ways in which the Mushi and humanity can co-exist and thats beautiful.
I genuinely can't recommend this one enough and to be fair whether or not you choose to read this or watch the anime you are in for a treat!
As always thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for the eArc!
Mushishi is a classic, underrated for sure but a classic nevertheless. Urushibara has crafted a quietly eerie (thanks very much to Sean from Swords Sorcery for that wonderful description) tale that even for all of the tragedy that seems to strike is still very cozy.
On the surface this looks like your average yokai story, however, while you could compare Mushi to yokai they are much more that that. Ginko even describes them as life itself at one point and I find that to be an apt description. While they can and do cause very real harm to the humans that come in contact with them in many cases they also bring life. Because of this they are almost universally killed by Mushishi and yet Ginko opts to take a less violent path, trying to find ways in which the Mushi and humanity can co-exist and thats beautiful.
I genuinely can't recommend this one enough and to be fair whether or not you choose to read this or watch the anime you are in for a treat!
As always thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for the eArc!
November 1, 2025
3.5/5
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for an arc. All opinions are my own.
This is a super fun collection of miscellaneous adventures involving mushi (which are little spirit-like creatures). I do wish we got to learn about our protagonist Ginko, but I also know this is only the first volume, so maybe we do later. I had no prior knowledge of the series going into this, but it's super easy to get into. Every adventure stands on it's own, and I found all of them to have pretty satisfying conclusions. Personally, I think this would be best read one story at a time instead of binging through them, since I found that reading several at once kind of made each individual one feel a little less impactful.
The art was nice, and it's always fun to have a few full color pages (I imagine fans of the series would get a bigger kick out of that than I personally did). One thing I noticed, that isn't really a complaint, it was just kind of weird: the first story has a lot of toes in it?? Like, opening shot of the protagonist's bare feet, most of the characters are barefoot or wearing open toe shoes, and the feet always seem to be drawn with a little more detail than necessary. I'm not entirely sure if this went away or if I just stopped noticing it as the series went on.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for an arc. All opinions are my own.
This is a super fun collection of miscellaneous adventures involving mushi (which are little spirit-like creatures). I do wish we got to learn about our protagonist Ginko, but I also know this is only the first volume, so maybe we do later. I had no prior knowledge of the series going into this, but it's super easy to get into. Every adventure stands on it's own, and I found all of them to have pretty satisfying conclusions. Personally, I think this would be best read one story at a time instead of binging through them, since I found that reading several at once kind of made each individual one feel a little less impactful.
The art was nice, and it's always fun to have a few full color pages (I imagine fans of the series would get a bigger kick out of that than I personally did). One thing I noticed, that isn't really a complaint, it was just kind of weird: the first story has a lot of toes in it?? Like, opening shot of the protagonist's bare feet, most of the characters are barefoot or wearing open toe shoes, and the feet always seem to be drawn with a little more detail than necessary. I'm not entirely sure if this went away or if I just stopped noticing it as the series went on.
December 26, 2025
Mushishi
-Consists of volume 1 and 2
-Some pages are in color
-Supernatural, scifi, fantasy
-Netgalley and Kodansha ARC
This is a series where you follow Ginko, a Mushishi, who travels investigating rumors- ones he suspects are Mushi. These Mushi are tiny creatures that can influence one's life and those around them beyond reality. Ginko informs them of the Mushi they have and tries to treat them, each is a unique situation and has varying results.
This was a nice change in reading, giving an eerie feeling without making it feel too much like a horror genre. The incorporation of Japanese culture and folklore is a key aspect to the foundation of the series- there are descriptions of some of the words at the very end if you are not familiar with some of the terms. While there are some details sprinkled in about Ginko, there is not too much information about him so you get more attached to the specific characters affected by the mushi- each chapter specifically focusing on that particular encounter. While the chapters don’t seem to overlap with one another, the flow of the chapters don’t feel awkward transitioning from one to the other.
While this is not a genre I am reading on the regular, I still found enjoyment out of it and for some it may be a read that you have to be in a specific kind of mood to fully enjoy.
-Consists of volume 1 and 2
-Some pages are in color
-Supernatural, scifi, fantasy
-Netgalley and Kodansha ARC
This is a series where you follow Ginko, a Mushishi, who travels investigating rumors- ones he suspects are Mushi. These Mushi are tiny creatures that can influence one's life and those around them beyond reality. Ginko informs them of the Mushi they have and tries to treat them, each is a unique situation and has varying results.
This was a nice change in reading, giving an eerie feeling without making it feel too much like a horror genre. The incorporation of Japanese culture and folklore is a key aspect to the foundation of the series- there are descriptions of some of the words at the very end if you are not familiar with some of the terms. While there are some details sprinkled in about Ginko, there is not too much information about him so you get more attached to the specific characters affected by the mushi- each chapter specifically focusing on that particular encounter. While the chapters don’t seem to overlap with one another, the flow of the chapters don’t feel awkward transitioning from one to the other.
While this is not a genre I am reading on the regular, I still found enjoyment out of it and for some it may be a read that you have to be in a specific kind of mood to fully enjoy.
October 7, 2025
Mushishi is all about these creatures called ‘Mushi’ which are like the building blocks of life (kinda like a fungi but more primitive), but are not actually living or dead.
Our MC, Ginko, is a Mushishi (rough translation: insect master) who investigates these mushi which seem to be causing unpleasant things to happen. Set across the Japanese countryside in a fictional time between the Edo and Meiji periods, you get a cosy feeling being ensconced in nature but are also haunted by these eerie tales.
Great to read in between something else because each chapter is a different investigation so you can put it down and pick it up after a while!
It is also a book of discovery as we travel along with Ginko - beautiful landscapes, wonderful stories, desolate places and troublesome mushi to uncover! For example, some mushi make people infatuated with chasing rainbows, eat the silence in your head and can even make you feel like a ‘living god’...
I loved the translation notes at the end - especially as I dabble in learning Japanese myself. My advice, flick to this section after each chapter to better understand it!
Thank you Yuri Urushibara, Kodansha Comics, Netgalley for this ARC!
Our MC, Ginko, is a Mushishi (rough translation: insect master) who investigates these mushi which seem to be causing unpleasant things to happen. Set across the Japanese countryside in a fictional time between the Edo and Meiji periods, you get a cosy feeling being ensconced in nature but are also haunted by these eerie tales.
Great to read in between something else because each chapter is a different investigation so you can put it down and pick it up after a while!
It is also a book of discovery as we travel along with Ginko - beautiful landscapes, wonderful stories, desolate places and troublesome mushi to uncover! For example, some mushi make people infatuated with chasing rainbows, eat the silence in your head and can even make you feel like a ‘living god’...
I loved the translation notes at the end - especially as I dabble in learning Japanese myself. My advice, flick to this section after each chapter to better understand it!
Thank you Yuri Urushibara, Kodansha Comics, Netgalley for this ARC!
December 6, 2025
Yuki Urushibara’s ten-volume manga series Mushishi is a gentle but eerie collection of short stories about the uneasy relationship between humans and the natural world.
Mushishi is set in Japan during an unspecified era around the late nineteenth century. Some people wear Western clothing and smoke cigarettes, but traditional ways of life still persist in isolated rural areas, which seem untouched by time.
Ginko is a mushishi (“mushi scholar”) who travels to remote villages to study and document “mushi,” a collective term for a variety of lifeforms that exist partially in our world and partially in the realm of the supernatural. Mushi are tiny, but problems arise when they form large colonies, especially within human bodies. Even as he studies and admires mushi, Ginko is often compelled to eliminate them in order to restore health to their human hosts.
The tone of Mushishi occupies a liminal space between nostalgia and horror. Many of the stories have happy endings, but they’re nevertheless pervaded with the uneasiness of living at the edge of an unseen world that has little regard for human life.
Yuki Urushibara’s artwork delights in wild spaces, from mountain roads to deep forests to ocean vistas to overgrown villages, and her depictions of premodern architecture and clothing are equally impressive. The inkwork in the manga is gorgeous, as are the watercolor inserts, and Kodansha’s new release of the title in a series of hardcover Collector’s Editions allows the eerie beauty of Urushibara’s art to shine.
Mushishi is set in Japan during an unspecified era around the late nineteenth century. Some people wear Western clothing and smoke cigarettes, but traditional ways of life still persist in isolated rural areas, which seem untouched by time.
Ginko is a mushishi (“mushi scholar”) who travels to remote villages to study and document “mushi,” a collective term for a variety of lifeforms that exist partially in our world and partially in the realm of the supernatural. Mushi are tiny, but problems arise when they form large colonies, especially within human bodies. Even as he studies and admires mushi, Ginko is often compelled to eliminate them in order to restore health to their human hosts.
The tone of Mushishi occupies a liminal space between nostalgia and horror. Many of the stories have happy endings, but they’re nevertheless pervaded with the uneasiness of living at the edge of an unseen world that has little regard for human life.
Yuki Urushibara’s artwork delights in wild spaces, from mountain roads to deep forests to ocean vistas to overgrown villages, and her depictions of premodern architecture and clothing are equally impressive. The inkwork in the manga is gorgeous, as are the watercolor inserts, and Kodansha’s new release of the title in a series of hardcover Collector’s Editions allows the eerie beauty of Urushibara’s art to shine.
January 11, 2026
Thank you to Kodansha Comics, NetGalley and Yuki Urushibara for the eARC. I also want to separately give thanks for the new translation (Andres Oliver) and especially the new lettering (Phil Christie).
A bit of personal context here is that I had watched the first season of the anime adaptation of Mushishi around 15 years ago. My memory is a bit spotty so I was able to enjoy these stories almost as if they were new to me.
I enjoyed most of the chapters here with two exceptions for my preference in content (The Flock that Breathes the Dew and The Cotton-Spore Cowl). My personal favorites here were The Traveling Swamp and The Sea of Words. Something about how the mushi affected the central characters in those chapters stuck with me.
I love reading about folklore and local mysteries and each chapter was a glimpse into the life a person could lead in communication with or harmfully affected by mushi that exist as natural beings and are not seeking to do harm but simply incidentally do.
The episodic structure and the slow journey through the world of Mushi with Ginko as a guide is the biggest appeal of the series to me, but also why I would be discerning about whom I recommend this to.
A bit of personal context here is that I had watched the first season of the anime adaptation of Mushishi around 15 years ago. My memory is a bit spotty so I was able to enjoy these stories almost as if they were new to me.
I enjoyed most of the chapters here with two exceptions for my preference in content (The Flock that Breathes the Dew and The Cotton-Spore Cowl). My personal favorites here were The Traveling Swamp and The Sea of Words. Something about how the mushi affected the central characters in those chapters stuck with me.
I love reading about folklore and local mysteries and each chapter was a glimpse into the life a person could lead in communication with or harmfully affected by mushi that exist as natural beings and are not seeking to do harm but simply incidentally do.
The episodic structure and the slow journey through the world of Mushi with Ginko as a guide is the biggest appeal of the series to me, but also why I would be discerning about whom I recommend this to.
October 7, 2025
There is something grounding in reading Mushishi.
This is the best way I can describe it.
If I try to explain the feeling further, I might add that it offers you an illustration of living with nature, embracing its wildness, not as something good or bad, but as something that governs absolutely everything, bigger, more powerful, more terrifying, more mystical, more amazing than anything else.
It is a contemplative, cosy read, that will ask uncomfortable questions and turn and twist things around and make you think about what makes humanity human. But mainly, Mushishi makes you feel.
Emotions run very bittersweet in this manga. It's not about preventing the bad, but living through it, coming out the other end and having learnt.
I can't recommend it enough. I have rarely read, seen or played, in any kind of medium, a story that gave me quite that feeling. This is in my top 5 favourite graphic novels (all styles and origins put together), and this new edition is lovely. A must-have for anyone who likes depth in what they read and is interested in the people side of fantasy stories.
This is the best way I can describe it.
If I try to explain the feeling further, I might add that it offers you an illustration of living with nature, embracing its wildness, not as something good or bad, but as something that governs absolutely everything, bigger, more powerful, more terrifying, more mystical, more amazing than anything else.
It is a contemplative, cosy read, that will ask uncomfortable questions and turn and twist things around and make you think about what makes humanity human. But mainly, Mushishi makes you feel.
Emotions run very bittersweet in this manga. It's not about preventing the bad, but living through it, coming out the other end and having learnt.
I can't recommend it enough. I have rarely read, seen or played, in any kind of medium, a story that gave me quite that feeling. This is in my top 5 favourite graphic novels (all styles and origins put together), and this new edition is lovely. A must-have for anyone who likes depth in what they read and is interested in the people side of fantasy stories.
November 23, 2025
Mushishi is a manga that has been sitting on my TBR list for literal years at this point. So naturally, I jumped at the chance to read an ARC of the Collector's Edition. This series follows a "Mushishi" named Ginko, who wanders Japan and helps those who are suffering from supernatural creatures called "Mushi". The series is essentially a collection of short stories that involve Ginko helping various people with the Mushi they are plagued with. I found it interesting how the mushi are portrayed in this series. They're never referred to as something evil, but rather a natural phenomenon that can cause harm to humans when they interact. In the way that black mold isn't an "evil entity", but can kill a human just by existing. Each story was very well paced, and nothing dragged. This series doesn't seem to have an overarching plotline that connects any of the stories, but it's fine. It's a relaxing and interesting read, and I did really like the art style. It leans towards a more sketched art style, which adds to the tone of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
January 15, 2026
It took me a few stories to understand the magic of this series, but once it did, I was hooked and eager to devour Gingko’s next adventure. The art shows its age with the first few stories but you can really tell when the mangaka found her stride. There are also about a dozen or so pages that are in gorgeous water colour that truly captures the soft and eerie essence of Gingko’s travels and work. It would be extremely expensive but I would love to see a whole story or a whole volume done entirely in the water colour style. It would be a gorgeous piece of art.
.
Still, it is so cool that there is this new collector’s edition to a new audience. My personal favourite stories from this collector’s edition were Sea of Words and The Cotton Spore Cowl. Words was so hopeful and felt like someone claiming their destiny, while on the other side, The Cowl delivered a kind of devastation that is hard to put into words.
.
Take your time with these stories and let Gingko and his adventures lure you into a beautiful and inspiring world. You won’t regret it.
.
*I received an eARC from Kodansha Comics & NetGalley. All opinions are my own*
.
Still, it is so cool that there is this new collector’s edition to a new audience. My personal favourite stories from this collector’s edition were Sea of Words and The Cotton Spore Cowl. Words was so hopeful and felt like someone claiming their destiny, while on the other side, The Cowl delivered a kind of devastation that is hard to put into words.
.
Take your time with these stories and let Gingko and his adventures lure you into a beautiful and inspiring world. You won’t regret it.
.
*I received an eARC from Kodansha Comics & NetGalley. All opinions are my own*
December 3, 2025
A re-release of the first two volumes of "Mushishi" by Yuki Urushibara. The original manga began in 1999 and became popular during 2005 with an anime series. This is a great way to introduce newer readers to the stories of the mysterious Ginko and his investigations of the living organisms: mushi. There is a timeless quality to the stories that would make fans of Ghibli movies enjoy the complications of nature and mankind, with some chapters ending happily and some bittersweet. It also manages to be a little scary in a quiet unnerving way that wouldn't traumatize younger readers since body horror like losing your eyes is pretty terrifying, but the images trend toward surreal rather than gory.
Each chapter is self-contained and there are no cliffhangers, so binding the two volumes together won't create any pacing errors. While I have a digital copy, I can say the artwork I saw via the screen was still as beautifully rendered as the original pages. Highly recommend to get in collections where slower, ruminative manga flourishes.
Each chapter is self-contained and there are no cliffhangers, so binding the two volumes together won't create any pacing errors. While I have a digital copy, I can say the artwork I saw via the screen was still as beautifully rendered as the original pages. Highly recommend to get in collections where slower, ruminative manga flourishes.
February 2, 2026
Thank you Kodansha Comics / NetGalley for allowing me to read this chuck manga of Mushishi Collector's Edition 1. It was a interesting story to reads, it about Mushi things and each part of stories happen because of Mushi. The tiny creatures known as mushi lurk beneath the surface of everyday reality. They exert a strange and occasionally terrifying influence on people's lives, and only experts known as mushishi carry the knowledge of how to deal with them.
The beloved fantasy manga returns in a hardcover omnibus edition featuring a completely original translation and new cover designs.
Before life as we know it, there existed entities that don't obey the laws of our reality—primordial beings known as mushi. In Japan, a man named Ginko wanders the land, investigating incursions by mushi into the human world—and by us into theirs. He is a mushi master…a mushi-shi.
Includes Japanese volumes 1-2.
I am looking forward for the next book of Mushishi Collector's Edition 2 (3-4 volumes). Rating this a 3 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
#MushishiCollectorsEdition1 #NetGalley
The beloved fantasy manga returns in a hardcover omnibus edition featuring a completely original translation and new cover designs.
Before life as we know it, there existed entities that don't obey the laws of our reality—primordial beings known as mushi. In Japan, a man named Ginko wanders the land, investigating incursions by mushi into the human world—and by us into theirs. He is a mushi master…a mushi-shi.
Includes Japanese volumes 1-2.
I am looking forward for the next book of Mushishi Collector's Edition 2 (3-4 volumes). Rating this a 3 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
#MushishiCollectorsEdition1 #NetGalley
September 26, 2025
I've loved Mushishi since I first saw the anime many years ago. Although I've had the opportunity to read a couple volumes of the manga since that time, it has been years since I last held a physical copy in my hands. I am familiar with the stories, of course, from watching the anime many, many times (it is and has been one of my comfort shows since that very first viewing), but seeing them in their original form is wonderful. I'd be hard-pressed to pick one story from this first volume of the collector's edition as my favorite, but if I must, it would be "The Sea of Words". I hope Tanyuu succeeds in her wish to explore the world someday.
Throughout its many stories, most of which are connected simply by Ginko and the presence of mushi, Mushishi has a quiet, wistful, ethereal quality to it. Though the art often feels rough-hewn, it suits the stories well, giving them the rustic but mysterious feeling of folktales being shared around a fire by strangers who find a brief connection through a shared fascination with the unknown.
I will absolutely be snatching up a physical copy of this hardcover as soon as it's available, along with the other collector's edition volumes as they release. Readers who enjoy gently paced, episodic fantasy stories will likely be just as fascinated as I am by Ginko's experiences as he travels ever onward.
Throughout its many stories, most of which are connected simply by Ginko and the presence of mushi, Mushishi has a quiet, wistful, ethereal quality to it. Though the art often feels rough-hewn, it suits the stories well, giving them the rustic but mysterious feeling of folktales being shared around a fire by strangers who find a brief connection through a shared fascination with the unknown.
I will absolutely be snatching up a physical copy of this hardcover as soon as it's available, along with the other collector's edition volumes as they release. Readers who enjoy gently paced, episodic fantasy stories will likely be just as fascinated as I am by Ginko's experiences as he travels ever onward.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews