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Zashiki Onna
雷のなる深夜、森ヒロシはドンドンという音で目が覚めた。外を覗（のぞ）いてみると、隣の部屋の前に、ロングコートにロングヘアー、紙袋とバッグを提げた異様な大女が立っていた。翌日から、突如その大女に付きまとわれるようになった森。サチコと名乗る女の行動は次第に異常さを増してきた。彼女の目的は何？ そして彼女は何者!? ひたひたと迫りくる恐怖に、あなたは耐えられるか？ 望月峯太郎の傑作ホラー！
215 pages
First published July 2, 1993
6 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Minetarō Mochizuki
68 books65 followersMinetarō Mochizuki (望月峯太郎) is a manga artist. He is best known for his apocalyptic thriller series Dragon Head (ドラゴンヘッド Duragon Heddo), as well as the comedy series Mai Wai. Mochizuki has also written one-shot manga such as Zashiki Onna.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
September 17, 2021
No sé si cumplió con la premisa de ser el manga más escalofriante, pero sin duda me resultó una gran experiencia. Los dibujos son excelentes, muy perturbadores. La historia es lo que me pareció un poco floja, no hubo muchos elementos novedosos, se limita un poco a la típica historia de venganza. Aun así, tuvo sus momentos sorpresivos y tenebrosos, la mirada de esa mujer no es fácil de olvidar.
August 20, 2023
This story stands out because of how plausible and realistic it is.
April 30, 2025
PT Uau. Este surpreendeu-me — e pela positiva.
Um manga bastante desconhecido do público em geral, mas de grande qualidade. É a prova de que o horror e o suspense japoneses em manga vão muito além de Junji Ito.
Aqui não temos exatamente horror, mas sim um thriller de terror psicológico, extremamente bem executado.
Adorei. É daqueles livros que, quando termina, deixa-te meio à deriva — sem saber o que pegar a seguir, porque tudo o que querias era continuar a ler mais daquilo.
Recomendo vivamente a fãs de Junji Ito e de thrillers/terror psicológico no geral.
--
EN Wow. This one really took me by surprise — in the best way.
A manga that's largely unknown to the general public, but of remarkable quality. It’s proof that Japanese horror and suspense in manga go far beyond just Junji Ito.
This isn’t quite horror per se, but more of a psychological horror thriller — and it’s brilliantly executed.
I loved it. It’s one of those books that leaves you adrift when you finish it — not knowing what to read next, because all you want is more of what you’ve just read.
Highly recommended for fans of Junji Ito and psychological thrillers/horror in general.
Um manga bastante desconhecido do público em geral, mas de grande qualidade. É a prova de que o horror e o suspense japoneses em manga vão muito além de Junji Ito.
Aqui não temos exatamente horror, mas sim um thriller de terror psicológico, extremamente bem executado.
Adorei. É daqueles livros que, quando termina, deixa-te meio à deriva — sem saber o que pegar a seguir, porque tudo o que querias era continuar a ler mais daquilo.
Recomendo vivamente a fãs de Junji Ito e de thrillers/terror psicológico no geral.
--
EN Wow. This one really took me by surprise — in the best way.
A manga that's largely unknown to the general public, but of remarkable quality. It’s proof that Japanese horror and suspense in manga go far beyond just Junji Ito.
This isn’t quite horror per se, but more of a psychological horror thriller — and it’s brilliantly executed.
I loved it. It’s one of those books that leaves you adrift when you finish it — not knowing what to read next, because all you want is more of what you’ve just read.
Highly recommended for fans of Junji Ito and psychological thrillers/horror in general.
January 25, 2025
"Listen if you don’t behave yourself… I don’t know what I’ll do."
Ibitsu meets Cuckoo! Don’t mess with the tall trench coat ladies of the night!
I didn’t know what to expect from this since I went into this blind. I saw the cover and I didn’t need to know anything else. The cover screamed creepy at me and I was set.
This was disturbing and really reminded me of ‘Ibitsu’ a bit. I think because of the breaking and entering and don’t forget the stalking. The art was just as creepy as the story. I even had to go back through and take another look at the art. Some of those illustrations are definitely nightmare inducing.
‘Hauntress’ was a great and terrifying story. One of my favorite reads of the year!
Ibitsu meets Cuckoo! Don’t mess with the tall trench coat ladies of the night!
I didn’t know what to expect from this since I went into this blind. I saw the cover and I didn’t need to know anything else. The cover screamed creepy at me and I was set.
This was disturbing and really reminded me of ‘Ibitsu’ a bit. I think because of the breaking and entering and don’t forget the stalking. The art was just as creepy as the story. I even had to go back through and take another look at the art. Some of those illustrations are definitely nightmare inducing.
‘Hauntress’ was a great and terrifying story. One of my favorite reads of the year!
November 4, 2017
I have started and not finished close to 15 books in the last 3 months. So this is what a reading slump feels like. Not. Good. Anyway, today in the early hours of the morning as I was browsing desperately for something small and non-challenging to read, I found this manga recommended to me by my Manga App in the spirit of Halloween. It only had 11 chapters so I said OKAY!
Zashiki Onna has terrible, truly terrible art but it somehow weirdly compliments the story - a creepy horror story. Its a little old-timey but I have been into old-timey things lately thanks to my obsession with It and Stranger Things.
The horror element is mostly atmospheric and psychological with very little gore and the creepiness is very well built up. But I do feel that this is not something everyone will like and only a few people with a particular taste can enjoy it. I really had to put aside my hatred of the art to look at it objectively. I wasn't sure how I should rate it, until I asked myself a very simple question. Did I enjoy it? Thoroughly.
Zashiki Onna has terrible, truly terrible art but it somehow weirdly compliments the story - a creepy horror story. Its a little old-timey but I have been into old-timey things lately thanks to my obsession with It and Stranger Things.
The horror element is mostly atmospheric and psychological with very little gore and the creepiness is very well built up. But I do feel that this is not something everyone will like and only a few people with a particular taste can enjoy it. I really had to put aside my hatred of the art to look at it objectively. I wasn't sure how I should rate it, until I asked myself a very simple question. Did I enjoy it? Thoroughly.
June 1, 2025
De Mochizuki conocía Dragon Head —un cómic con un comienzo brutal que siempre me viene a la cabeza cuando voy en tren por un túnel— y sabía que se trata de un autor con talento para la creación de atmósferas inquietantes. Había leído, además, que hay gente que considera La mujer de la habitación oscura uno de los cómics más terroríficos de la Historia. Así que, con estos antecedentes, se pueden figurar ustedes la ilusión con que comencé la lectura. ¿Se han imaginado mi carita risueña? Pues ahora péguenme una bofetada.
Reconozco que tiene alguna viñeta efectiva, pero en conjunto le veo bastantes más fallos que aciertos. Es demasiado reiterativo. Las escenas de acción son muy confusas, el autor hace que los personajes piensen o digan ciertas cosas con el único propósito de que el lector entienda algo que debería haber entendido con solo mirar los dibujos. Y lo peor (algo muy común en el género fantástico y de terror): los personajes se empeñan en no aceptar una explicación sobrenatural de los hechos cuando TODO apunta hacia esa posibilidad. El recurso de la duda potencia lo fantástico cuando en el contexto que plantea la obra resulta sensato dudar. Si no, solo potencia la imbecilidad de los personajes.
Reconozco que tiene alguna viñeta efectiva, pero en conjunto le veo bastantes más fallos que aciertos. Es demasiado reiterativo. Las escenas de acción son muy confusas, el autor hace que los personajes piensen o digan ciertas cosas con el único propósito de que el lector entienda algo que debería haber entendido con solo mirar los dibujos. Y lo peor (algo muy común en el género fantástico y de terror): los personajes se empeñan en no aceptar una explicación sobrenatural de los hechos cuando TODO apunta hacia esa posibilidad. El recurso de la duda potencia lo fantástico cuando en el contexto que plantea la obra resulta sensato dudar. Si no, solo potencia la imbecilidad de los personajes.
November 24, 2019
*Rilettura*
Bellissimo manga. Non me lo ricordavo proprio quindi è stato un piacere rileggerlo.
Bellissimo manga. Non me lo ricordavo proprio quindi è stato un piacere rileggerlo.
July 14, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC.
Review of Hauntress by Minetarō Mochizuki
Hauntress, a psychological horror manga published in 1993, is an extraordinary work that blends urban legend, psychological terror, and nightmarish surrealism into a story that feels as timeless as it is chilling. The manga's ability to transform a seemingly simple concept—stalking—into an unrelenting and deeply disturbing exploration of fear is a testament to its brilliance. Though initially unaware of its cultural and artistic significance, I was enthralled by its originality, the depth of its narrative, and the unsettling beauty of its artwork.
The story unfolds with the introduction of a mysterious figure—a woman whose identity, origins, and motives are entirely unknown. The lack of context surrounding her character is not a narrative oversight but a masterstroke. By withholding her backstory, the author amplifies her terror. She is neither fully human nor monstrous, existing instead in an unnerving liminal space that defies comprehension. Her relentless stalking of the protagonist, Hiroshi, and his social circle transforms the mundane into a landscape of paranoia and dread.
This anonymity is one of the manga’s greatest strengths. In horror, overexplaining an entity or offering excessive detail about its origins can often dilute the fear it generates. By avoiding this pitfall, Hauntress preserves the enigmatic nature of its antagonist, leaving the reader to grapple with their own interpretations of her existence. The narrative does not just ask questions; it offers no answers. Where does she live? What motivates her actions? Why are her victims chosen? These uncertainties mirror the helplessness and confusion of the characters within the story, deepening the reader's anticipation.
The psychological horror is heightened by the manga’s refusal to provide closure. Much like the protagonist never learns what happened to Yamamoto, a neighbor who was seemingly her previous victim, the reader is left in a state of suspended horror, unable to fully grasp Hiroshi’s fate. The events unfold with a dreamlike inevitability, and the ambiguity is deliberate and masterful. This lack of resolution is not a flaw but a feature of the story’s brilliance. The terror is not only in what happens but in what remains unknown, feeding the creeping dread that lingers long after the final page.
Hauntress excels in its ability to weave psychological horror with the folklore-like quality of an urban legend. The story does not merely end; it leaves a void that feels intentional, as though the events have passed into myth. The transformation of Hiroshi's ordeal into an unsolvable mystery echoes the way real-life tragedies are often obscured by time and retelling, evolving into legends that retain their power to unsettle.
Hauntress is a masterpiece of psychological horror. It avoids the traps of predictability and cliché, delivering an experience that is both deeply disturbing and profoundly intriguing. The manga’s ability to maintain suspense, mystery, and terror without resorting to over-explanation is a rare achievement. Its timeless quality and artistic merit make it essential reading for fans of horror and manga alike. This is a story that lingers, haunting you long after you’ve put it down—just like the titular character herself.
Review of Hauntress by Minetarō Mochizuki
Hauntress, a psychological horror manga published in 1993, is an extraordinary work that blends urban legend, psychological terror, and nightmarish surrealism into a story that feels as timeless as it is chilling. The manga's ability to transform a seemingly simple concept—stalking—into an unrelenting and deeply disturbing exploration of fear is a testament to its brilliance. Though initially unaware of its cultural and artistic significance, I was enthralled by its originality, the depth of its narrative, and the unsettling beauty of its artwork.
The story unfolds with the introduction of a mysterious figure—a woman whose identity, origins, and motives are entirely unknown. The lack of context surrounding her character is not a narrative oversight but a masterstroke. By withholding her backstory, the author amplifies her terror. She is neither fully human nor monstrous, existing instead in an unnerving liminal space that defies comprehension. Her relentless stalking of the protagonist, Hiroshi, and his social circle transforms the mundane into a landscape of paranoia and dread.
This anonymity is one of the manga’s greatest strengths. In horror, overexplaining an entity or offering excessive detail about its origins can often dilute the fear it generates. By avoiding this pitfall, Hauntress preserves the enigmatic nature of its antagonist, leaving the reader to grapple with their own interpretations of her existence. The narrative does not just ask questions; it offers no answers. Where does she live? What motivates her actions? Why are her victims chosen? These uncertainties mirror the helplessness and confusion of the characters within the story, deepening the reader's anticipation.
The psychological horror is heightened by the manga’s refusal to provide closure. Much like the protagonist never learns what happened to Yamamoto, a neighbor who was seemingly her previous victim, the reader is left in a state of suspended horror, unable to fully grasp Hiroshi’s fate. The events unfold with a dreamlike inevitability, and the ambiguity is deliberate and masterful. This lack of resolution is not a flaw but a feature of the story’s brilliance. The terror is not only in what happens but in what remains unknown, feeding the creeping dread that lingers long after the final page.
Hauntress excels in its ability to weave psychological horror with the folklore-like quality of an urban legend. The story does not merely end; it leaves a void that feels intentional, as though the events have passed into myth. The transformation of Hiroshi's ordeal into an unsolvable mystery echoes the way real-life tragedies are often obscured by time and retelling, evolving into legends that retain their power to unsettle.
Hauntress is a masterpiece of psychological horror. It avoids the traps of predictability and cliché, delivering an experience that is both deeply disturbing and profoundly intriguing. The manga’s ability to maintain suspense, mystery, and terror without resorting to over-explanation is a rare achievement. Its timeless quality and artistic merit make it essential reading for fans of horror and manga alike. This is a story that lingers, haunting you long after you’ve put it down—just like the titular character herself.
February 18, 2025
A translated classic manga, Hauntress follows Hiroshi, a college student who gets involved with a creepy tall women who keeps ringing the doorbell of his next door neighbour's apartment.
The art style of this manga is unsettling and creepy, certainly serving a point. The story keeps the reader on edge not really knowing what is going on and why things are happening. It has such an unsettling atmosphere that raises the hair on the back of the reader's neck.
The ending really makes the reader ask more questions than it answers. It's quite abrupt and open ended. I don't require all my stories to have a black and white answer at the end but I just kind of hoped for a bit more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha comics for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The art style of this manga is unsettling and creepy, certainly serving a point. The story keeps the reader on edge not really knowing what is going on and why things are happening. It has such an unsettling atmosphere that raises the hair on the back of the reader's neck.
The ending really makes the reader ask more questions than it answers. It's quite abrupt and open ended. I don't require all my stories to have a black and white answer at the end but I just kind of hoped for a bit more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha comics for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 19, 2021
Sebuah manga seram one-shot dengan plot yg betul2 creepy dan misteri (manga ni dikatakan diadaptasi dari sebuah urban legend yg popular di Jepun). Tapi endingnya kurang memuaskan, tak berapa faham. Lukisan manga ni pula boleh dikira cantiklah, sesuai dengan tema creepy cerita ni. Mengisahkan tentang seorang pemuda bernama Hiroshi Mori yg tiba2 menjadi mangsa stalk seorang perempuan creepy berambut panjang yg memakai kot dan membawa 2 shopping bag di kedua-dua belah tangannya. Sejak itu, kehidupannya mula menjadi huru-hara.
February 20, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the digital ARC of this volume.
Don't open the freakin door! This manga was WILD. The suspense was suspending. The horror was horroring. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the ride. It is a really quick read because it's so hard to put down. Very nice!
Don't open the freakin door! This manga was WILD. The suspense was suspending. The horror was horroring. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the ride. It is a really quick read because it's so hard to put down. Very nice!
October 17, 2019
3.2/5
Weeei. Tenía este manga hace rato en mi librero -creo que me lo regaló mi papá para navidad o mi cumple- pero no me había dado el tiempo de leerlo. Mi tema con los manga es que 1) desde chica me da vergüenza ser otaku así que no soy capaz de leerlos en el transporte público y 2) como no puedo leerlos en público, prefiero leer libros en ese sentido, entonces cuando llego a mi casa, continúo leyendo el libro y no pesco los manga que tengo. Catacosas.
Dejando de lado eso, me gustó mucho la historia!!! es muy rápido de leer, -creo que lo que más he leído son mangas de horror porque me gusta mucho el tratamiento que le dan- y da miedo así que cumplió su objetivo ?? No cachaba al autor -sé que escribió Dragon Head pero nunca le he dado una oportunidad- pero espero leer más de él en el futuro.
El único pero: no me gustó mucho el estilo de dibujo, lo encontré un poco descuidado u-u pero es horror así que a veces se entiende jjjjjj.
Weeei. Tenía este manga hace rato en mi librero -creo que me lo regaló mi papá para navidad o mi cumple- pero no me había dado el tiempo de leerlo. Mi tema con los manga es que 1) desde chica me da vergüenza ser otaku así que no soy capaz de leerlos en el transporte público y 2) como no puedo leerlos en público, prefiero leer libros en ese sentido, entonces cuando llego a mi casa, continúo leyendo el libro y no pesco los manga que tengo. Catacosas.
Dejando de lado eso, me gustó mucho la historia!!! es muy rápido de leer, -creo que lo que más he leído son mangas de horror porque me gusta mucho el tratamiento que le dan- y da miedo así que cumplió su objetivo ?? No cachaba al autor -sé que escribió Dragon Head pero nunca le he dado una oportunidad- pero espero leer más de él en el futuro.
El único pero: no me gustó mucho el estilo de dibujo, lo encontré un poco descuidado u-u pero es horror así que a veces se entiende jjjjjj.
December 29, 2021
All I can really say about this is...meh.
This had some creepy moments but the ending left a LOT to be desired...so many questions with no real answers. The story had potential but kinda missed it's shot, I think.
The art wasn't great either but I think it helped add a little something to the creepiness factor. It didn't bother me that much.
Overall, it was a quick fun read till that ending. : /
This had some creepy moments but the ending left a LOT to be desired...so many questions with no real answers. The story had potential but kinda missed it's shot, I think.
The art wasn't great either but I think it helped add a little something to the creepiness factor. It didn't bother me that much.
Overall, it was a quick fun read till that ending. : /
May 26, 2013
I read this manga late at night and boy did it make it hard for me to sleep. Great story, creepy and unsettling in the beginning, evolves into disturbing and terrifying by the end. The art style adds to the atmosphere, and the nerve-wrecking ending leaves you reading avidly while you dread the next page.
March 15, 2025
Its creepy with that scary lady suddenly stalking and creeping on you but then kinda weird and unfunny at times
April 13, 2025
What was that ending?!! It definitely creeped me out!
January 19, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.
A college student starts getting night-time visitations from a tall, mysterious woman who seemingly can't be hurt. Things start to escalate as her actions become more erratic.
This was a fairly creepy graphic novel exploring urban legends, and there were some visuals I felt worked really well (the focus on the woman's shoes getting progressively dirtier as time progresses for example), but generally the art style wasn't for me.
The ending also felt a little flat, but it was an enjoyable enough quick read.
A college student starts getting night-time visitations from a tall, mysterious woman who seemingly can't be hurt. Things start to escalate as her actions become more erratic.
This was a fairly creepy graphic novel exploring urban legends, and there were some visuals I felt worked really well (the focus on the woman's shoes getting progressively dirtier as time progresses for example), but generally the art style wasn't for me.
The ending also felt a little flat, but it was an enjoyable enough quick read.
January 16, 2025
ARC from NetGalley.
More creepy than spooky, Hauntress teeters on the edge too much. It doesn’t commit and what could have developed into a haunting urban legend/Ringesque tale simply is…weird.
More creepy than spooky, Hauntress teeters on the edge too much. It doesn’t commit and what could have developed into a haunting urban legend/Ringesque tale simply is…weird.
January 11, 2025
Hiroshi is a college student who lives on his own. One late night, he hears ringing coming from the hall, and, curious as he is, he opens his door. There’s a woman outside. She’s tall, with long hair, and skeletal fingers. And she’s looking straight at him. Hiroshi goes back inside, but he doesn’t realise that he should have never opened the door.
Japanese horror is peculiar, and I find that it’s very hit or miss. Stories often play with everyday objects and our expectations, turning the ordinary into the bizarre. While Hauntress was definitely creepy, I, personally, didn’t find it scary. At least not unless you count the last two pages. I think if you enjoyed Dragon Head, you’ll likely enjoy this one too.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me access to this title. All my opinions are my own.
Japanese horror is peculiar, and I find that it’s very hit or miss. Stories often play with everyday objects and our expectations, turning the ordinary into the bizarre. While Hauntress was definitely creepy, I, personally, didn’t find it scary. At least not unless you count the last two pages. I think if you enjoyed Dragon Head, you’ll likely enjoy this one too.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me access to this title. All my opinions are my own.
October 10, 2022
WOW the art in this one-volume scare trip sucks. It only began to get a little scary near the end. For a large part of the book however, I had little to no idea what was going on. Who is this? Where does she come from? And furthermore, what the hell did her main victim do to her? I guess that's part of the fear factor, fear of the unknown...?
Being honest, the manga reads as if it were based off of an urban legend about a crazy stalker. For a long time, Japan's laws concerning stalking were ambiguous and weak. Some woman became the center of national attention in the late 1990s, after being stabbed to death by an obsessed suitor. Afterwards, stalking laws tightened considerably. Judging from the clothes these kids are wearing and the appearance of their rooms (block TVs, old stereos, high-top sneakers, baggy shirts and tight pants), this book was likely written in response to that incident.
Being honest, the manga reads as if it were based off of an urban legend about a crazy stalker. For a long time, Japan's laws concerning stalking were ambiguous and weak. Some woman became the center of national attention in the late 1990s, after being stabbed to death by an obsessed suitor. Afterwards, stalking laws tightened considerably. Judging from the clothes these kids are wearing and the appearance of their rooms (block TVs, old stereos, high-top sneakers, baggy shirts and tight pants), this book was likely written in response to that incident.
July 2, 2019
Hay vida más allá de Ito y Maruo, ¡hayla! He aquí un escalofriante ejemplo, de los que dan asquete e intrigan, ese género que es terror y es thriller y es gore y es, por alguna razón, solo japonés. Ya sabéis a qué me refiero. Pues este cómic es una muestra de todo lo que ha hecho que se popularice lo japonés en todo el mundo. Cuando dan en el clavo, un solo martillazo es todo lo que les hace falta.
July 16, 2019
2.5-3 stars.
Certain graphics were creepy, but the art was definitely subpar. The story itself was a concept that’s been overdone.
Certain graphics were creepy, but the art was definitely subpar. The story itself was a concept that’s been overdone.
September 16, 2020
2.5 stars
Not my cup of tea. There were some certain scary parts. But overall just doesn't work for me. Also a reading slump interrupted.
Not my cup of tea. There were some certain scary parts. But overall just doesn't work for me. Also a reading slump interrupted.
August 20, 2022
so it was just... an urban leyend i guess?
February 28, 2025
Publishing date: 25.02.2025 (DD/MM/YYYY)
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
TLDR: High School student opens his door after hearing non-stop ringing of his doorbell. Now his life is hell ... 3 stars
Hiroshi wakes up to his neighbors doorbell ringing, he inspects and finds a woman outside. Now his doorbell is ringing, the same woman again. Now she has become obsessed with Hiroshi instead and starts to stalk him. Making his life hell.
Hiroshi is a pretty bland guy. So is everyone else. The one person with a lot of intrigue is the woman herself. I found her really interesting and wanted to know why she was doing the things she did and who she really was.
Pacing is fine, looks like the story takes place over a few weeks maybe. Moves quicky.
Story is of course centric to the main character and the struggles with his ... situation. I found it really intruiging. Very tense.
I really liked the artstyle here. The proportions of facial features upped the creep-factor three fold.
This mangas audience is the typical horror-manga enjoyers. Maybe this could be a good entry point too for those who have read little to no horror mangas. Late teens to early twenties age range.
I am giving this three stars. Nothing spectacular, and I have read creepier mangas before. This is just fine, did it's job of creeping me out a little.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
TLDR: High School student opens his door after hearing non-stop ringing of his doorbell. Now his life is hell ... 3 stars
Hiroshi wakes up to his neighbors doorbell ringing, he inspects and finds a woman outside. Now his doorbell is ringing, the same woman again. Now she has become obsessed with Hiroshi instead and starts to stalk him. Making his life hell.
Hiroshi is a pretty bland guy. So is everyone else. The one person with a lot of intrigue is the woman herself. I found her really interesting and wanted to know why she was doing the things she did and who she really was.
Pacing is fine, looks like the story takes place over a few weeks maybe. Moves quicky.
Story is of course centric to the main character and the struggles with his ... situation. I found it really intruiging. Very tense.
I really liked the artstyle here. The proportions of facial features upped the creep-factor three fold.
This mangas audience is the typical horror-manga enjoyers. Maybe this could be a good entry point too for those who have read little to no horror mangas. Late teens to early twenties age range.
I am giving this three stars. Nothing spectacular, and I have read creepier mangas before. This is just fine, did it's job of creeping me out a little.
November 18, 2025
3.5 - was surprised to find this at the bookstore as I try to keep up with reprints of older horror manga and hadn't heard a thing about this one. I was a little wary since I knew nothing about it, but decided to take the risk. while it's not a huge stand out, I did like how restrained it was and how much it leaned into urban legends and how they come to exist. there's not a "satisfying" ending to this one, which tends to be what I prefer, so I was pleased.
the back claims this manga "introduced the concept of stalking to Japan" which I find hard to believe, but assume it kicked off a wave of stalker horror and that's more of what the blurb is referring to. Wikipedia says this ranked high in various Japanese polls as "manga to keep you awake at night" and "the most traumatizing horror manga" and I cynically have to assume that it's because it has a male protagonist being stalked by a woman that can overpower him, a concept that would be unheard of to a lot of men at the time. it's also a case where the character being stalked truly did "nothing wrong", so I could see it sticking with people.
a decent read and one that'd be good to round out anyone's interest in horror manga throughout the decades.
the back claims this manga "introduced the concept of stalking to Japan" which I find hard to believe, but assume it kicked off a wave of stalker horror and that's more of what the blurb is referring to. Wikipedia says this ranked high in various Japanese polls as "manga to keep you awake at night" and "the most traumatizing horror manga" and I cynically have to assume that it's because it has a male protagonist being stalked by a woman that can overpower him, a concept that would be unheard of to a lot of men at the time. it's also a case where the character being stalked truly did "nothing wrong", so I could see it sticking with people.
a decent read and one that'd be good to round out anyone's interest in horror manga throughout the decades.
April 6, 2025
One night, college student Hiroshi opens his door to see a strange, tall woman pounding at his neighbor's door. But his politeness has sinister consequences when she becomes fixated on him instead.
This is an older manga that's credited with introducing the concept of stalking into the mainstream in Japan. It's a quick and horrifying read about a young man whose life spirals out of control all because of a seemingly inconsequential interaction with a stranger. The art is bone-chilling - I'm glad I didn't read this at night!
The ending is unsettling and ambiguous though - I would have liked a few more questions answered about the woman, who clearly has something supernatural going on. Also I wished the sound effects were also translated into English - it seems an odd choice that they were not, especially as there's some pages with no other text.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is an older manga that's credited with introducing the concept of stalking into the mainstream in Japan. It's a quick and horrifying read about a young man whose life spirals out of control all because of a seemingly inconsequential interaction with a stranger. The art is bone-chilling - I'm glad I didn't read this at night!
The ending is unsettling and ambiguous though - I would have liked a few more questions answered about the woman, who clearly has something supernatural going on. Also I wished the sound effects were also translated into English - it seems an odd choice that they were not, especially as there's some pages with no other text.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
February 7, 2025
love a revenge story, this graphic novel was gripping i kept turning the pages to know the ending
so i found the ghost woman kinda cool, I mean she was here to get a revenge for the living girl she used to be, and for that, slay !
*keep in mind that my opinion is entirely based on my own experience as a kid who was bullied at school.*
thank you net galley for the copy
so i found the ghost woman kinda cool, I mean she was here to get a revenge for the living girl she used to be, and for that, slay !
*keep in mind that my opinion is entirely based on my own experience as a kid who was bullied at school.*
thank you net galley for the copy
June 3, 2025
La historia no tiene gran cosa, pero qué mal cuerpo se me ha quedado. Es difícil que la cara de la mujer no se te grabe hasta lo más profundo y probablemente viva en tus pesadillas después, me ha recordado un poco a los titanes de Attack on Titan y la cara a la estatua de Solo Leveling, pero qué mal rollo...
September 26, 2025
I really like Mochizuki's art style. It's emotive and well-suited to horror. Hauntress starts strong, takes a few fun turns, but ultimately peters out by the end. However I'm really looking forward to rereading Dragon Head when the new omnibus editions arrive later this year
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