Scaring People: A Thriving Business in Today’s World
Scaring people has become a major business in recent years, and it seems everyone loves a good fright. This is why we see countless horror films, manga, and anime released each year.
However, with so many terrifying manga coming out of Japan, it can be tough to know which ones are worth your time. Below is a list of the scariest manga that might just leave you breathless.
Tokyo Ghoul (2011 – 2014)
True to its name, Tokyo Ghoul is a chilling tale set in a world where flesh-eating ghouls coexist with humans. The story follows Ken Kaneki, a young man who becomes a half-ghoul after a bizarre accident. He must adapt to his new life while trying to keep his ghoul status a secret.
Parasyte (1989 – 1994)
Parasyte tells a horrifying story of an alien invasion, balancing high-stakes action with an emotional exploration of what it means to be human and the terror of being transformed. The protagonist, Shinichi Izumi, sees his life forever changed when a parasitic alien attempts to take over his body. Luckily, he avoids full possession but gains a strange shapeshifting ability and a sentient right hand he names Migi.
Jujutsu Kaisen (2018 – 2024)
With its dark tones and adventurous themes, Jujutsu Kaisen has carved out a niche for itself. Although Akutami’s work may not be as gruesome or bloody as other horror manga, it remains incredibly frightening. The story revolves around curses, depicting the battle of sorcerers who use their powers to exorcise monsters and cursed spirits born from human negative emotions. The main character, Yuji Itadori, transitions from a regular high school student to a powerful sorcerer after consuming a cursed object’s finger.
Berserk (1992 – Present)
Berserk is not your typical manga; it resembles a Norse saga, rich in layers of content and continuous development. Following the mercenary Guts, the story unfolds as he travels the world seeking vengeance against Griffith, who betrayed him and sacrificed their comrades to become a powerful demonic entity. The world of Berserk is inspired by 13th to 15th century Europe, filled with warring kingdoms vying for expansion.
Hellsing (1997 – 2008)
Hellsing narrates the mysterious and supernatural events in the history of the Hellsing Organization, dedicated to combating vampires and other supernatural threats to England. Their mission is to seek out and eliminate the undead and other evil supernatural forces threatening the queen and the nation.
Tomie (1987 – 2000)
The main character, Tomie Kawakami, is a beautiful high school girl who captivates men with her looks and allure… or so it seems. Tomie harbors a dark secret: she is actually a demon who uses her magical powers to lure men to their deaths. Through her mere presence or psychological manipulation, she incites jealousy that often leads to brutal violent acts.
PTSD Radio (2017)
This manga explores the horrors of life, inspired by the author’s own experiences. The stories in PTSD Radio are not told in a traditional sequence but are a collection of interwoven narratives from various points in history, which is a deliberate choice by Masaaki to present a chaotic yet meaningful storytelling experience. The intensity of this manga led author Masaaki Nakayama, known for his horror works, to abandon the project due to its haunting nature.
This manga is intense, causing the author Masaaki Nakayama, a mangaka specializing in horror, to abandon his passion project due to its “haunting” nature.
Cat Eyed Boy (1967 – 1976)
Cat Eyed Boy revolves around an unnamed protagonist, a monster born from a nekomata on a mountain, who is ostracized from monster society for resembling a human too closely. This monster boy lives hidden away in dark attics of the human world, seeking a place to belong, drawing supernatural threats to every household he tries to inhabit. Through Cat Eyed Boy, artist Kazuo Umezu explores various facets of horror, all centered around the charming yet dangerous Cat Eyed Boy.
Uzumaki (1998 – 1999)
Life in the town of Kurouzu-cho is quite normal until one day, the residents begin to obsess over spirals. As this obsession spreads, Kirie Goshima, a local high school student, starts investigating what is happening, uncovering a horrifying secret about her home. Author Ito believes that the terror created by Uzumaki leaves a lasting impression, breaking down the symbols that Japanese media has firmly established, with themes of characters grappling with a powerful, mysterious force beyond their control.