Stitches (Junji Ito)

Yet to read it but it’s arrived timely and is in great condition. Possible the most amazing cover of any horror manga.

great manga

So far, I've read just over half of these short stories. The writing isn't poor. If anything, the stories are short enough that you want more. That may be a legit complaint but also means the writing isn't bad. And Ito's accompanying art definitely helps. The short manga story isn't bad but had an abrupt ending in my opinion. If anyone is looking for Junji Ito in novel form, you may be disappointed. But that's not what this is. But for a quick decent read or something to check out in your travels, Stitches isn't a bad option.

It's not your typical graphic novel read. It's more of a short story compilation with some really good artwork throughout. There is also a bonus manga at the end! I haven't finished reading it yet but overall I'm very happy.

Mild spoilers-A selection of true life horror tales involving young girls, for the most part. I found it interesting that tales such as those involving tumors with faces on them or a girl with no face are outshined by simpler “stitches.” For example, a few friends are on the beach and they begin to see balls of light rising out of the ocean and floating up the side of a mountain. They give chase, not much happens. The end. For whatever reason this tale alone really stuck with me after reading it. There is a manga after all the stitches are presented. Longer than a fragment but still pretty short, I found this tale of two girls visiting a strange spa to be very creepy. Ultimately the writing is just ok and Ito’s art is not his best. However, I enjoyed it enough to pass a long to a young girl I know.

This book might not leave you in Stitches, but the character is. As always it's a great writing and drawing. I have yet to steer wrong with any of his books.

Junji Ito's art is the only thing great about this small book. This is a small book of short stories written by Kihara. The stories have the same theme, ghost(s) appears then is not seen again, the end. The only difference among the stories is the setting where it takes place. These stories have the same level of quality as a 13 year old school boy writing an assignment. Short, unoriginal, and abrupt(lazy) endings. The only reason to buy this book, is to add the artwork, to your Junji Ito collection.

Stitches is the perfect name for this book. Short stories with a stich a horror weaved into the fabric of the larger storyIt reminds me of the "scary stories to tell in the dark" series, being mostly narrative with an accompanied illustration of horror. Although not as engaging or horrifying as a standalone Junji Ito manga, this is worth a read for those interested as a horror writer. These vignettes are a powerhouse of horrific moments. Imagine a somewhat normal moment, now inject it with a hiccup of the supernatural....this is what stitches brings to the table. You may not be able to suspend belief throughout the narrative, but the tales are entertaining and have stitches of horror woven throughout the fabric of its storytelling. Well worth the price, and well worth the read.