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A review by kayemac
Shiver by Junji Ito
5.0
Disclaimer: This review might include spoilers!
Just finished "Shiver" by Junji Ito, and wow, what a ride! As a huge fan of horror, this collection of short stories was exactly what I needed. If you love eerie, unsettling tales with a psychological twist, you'll want to dive into this one.
Why I Loved It:
The Stories: Each story in "Shiver" is a page-turner. Junji Ito's ability to weave grotesque, creepy narratives is unparalleled. One that stood out (and grossed me out) was about a girl whose father owns a yakiniku restaurant. The scene with her brother squeezing his pimples and squirting pus and oil – some of which goes into her mouth – was revolting. Definitely not for the faint-hearted or those with trypophobia!
Atmosphere: The atmosphere Junji Ito creates is similar to "The Twilight Zone," but with a distinctly Japanese flavor. Both feature standalone stories that delve into the bizarre, the supernatural, and the psychologically disturbing.
Pacing: At 400 pages, I breezed through it because it was impossible to put down. Every story kept me hooked and wanting more.
Growing up, I used to watch "The Twilight Zone" with my family, and it became a big part of my childhood. Some episodes were so terrifying they kept me up all night! Junji Ito's stories in "Shiver" brought back those same chills and thrills.
Similarities to "The Twilight Zone":
Standalone Stories: Like "The Twilight Zone," "Shiver" presents individual, self-contained tales, each with its own plot and characters.
Psychological Horror: Both Ito and "The Twilight Zone" excel at exploring the darker sides of human nature and the supernatural, leaving you with a lingering sense of unease.
Twists and Turns: Expect unexpected twists and thought-provoking endings that stay with you long after you've finished.
Differences:
Cultural Context: "Shiver" is steeped in Japanese horror traditions and cultural elements, while "The Twilight Zone" reflects Western, particularly American, sensibilities and themes.
Medium: Junji Ito's horror is expressed through highly detailed and often grotesque manga illustrations, whereas "The Twilight Zone" relies on live-action television storytelling techniques.
If you're a horror enthusiast looking for something that will make your skin crawl, "Shiver" is a must-read. Can't wait to delve into more of Junji Ito's work!
Just finished "Shiver" by Junji Ito, and wow, what a ride! As a huge fan of horror, this collection of short stories was exactly what I needed. If you love eerie, unsettling tales with a psychological twist, you'll want to dive into this one.
Why I Loved It:
The Stories: Each story in "Shiver" is a page-turner. Junji Ito's ability to weave grotesque, creepy narratives is unparalleled. One that stood out (and grossed me out) was about a girl whose father owns a yakiniku restaurant. The scene with her brother squeezing his pimples and squirting pus and oil – some of which goes into her mouth – was revolting. Definitely not for the faint-hearted or those with trypophobia!
Atmosphere: The atmosphere Junji Ito creates is similar to "The Twilight Zone," but with a distinctly Japanese flavor. Both feature standalone stories that delve into the bizarre, the supernatural, and the psychologically disturbing.
Pacing: At 400 pages, I breezed through it because it was impossible to put down. Every story kept me hooked and wanting more.
Growing up, I used to watch "The Twilight Zone" with my family, and it became a big part of my childhood. Some episodes were so terrifying they kept me up all night! Junji Ito's stories in "Shiver" brought back those same chills and thrills.
Similarities to "The Twilight Zone":
Standalone Stories: Like "The Twilight Zone," "Shiver" presents individual, self-contained tales, each with its own plot and characters.
Psychological Horror: Both Ito and "The Twilight Zone" excel at exploring the darker sides of human nature and the supernatural, leaving you with a lingering sense of unease.
Twists and Turns: Expect unexpected twists and thought-provoking endings that stay with you long after you've finished.
Differences:
Cultural Context: "Shiver" is steeped in Japanese horror traditions and cultural elements, while "The Twilight Zone" reflects Western, particularly American, sensibilities and themes.
Medium: Junji Ito's horror is expressed through highly detailed and often grotesque manga illustrations, whereas "The Twilight Zone" relies on live-action television storytelling techniques.
If you're a horror enthusiast looking for something that will make your skin crawl, "Shiver" is a must-read. Can't wait to delve into more of Junji Ito's work!