Japanese Horror Manga: Historical Roots and Modern Creations

Research Education at University Libraries workshops equip researchers with the tools, concepts, and skills needed for every stage of the research lifecycle.

Today, the Japanese word “manga” is recognized around the world. The wide variety of genres, topics, and drawing styles of these graphic novels capture the attention of millions of people and entertain a devoted fandom, aided by streaming platforms, translations, and amateur creator circles. In this talk, Dr. Mason traces contemporary horror manga back to Japan’s inventive and haunting history of horror storytelling that created a pantheon of decidedly deadly and disturbing creatures that will have your hair standing on end. Highlighting key historical roots as well as modern innovations, this talk illuminates the imaginative monstrous creations of Mizuki Shigeru, Junji Ito, Eiji Otsuka, and Kazuo Umezu.

Stick around after the talk to view related materials from the Prange Collection!

Dr. Michele Mason is an associate professor of Modern Japanese Cultural Studies in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures, also currently serving as Director of the Japanese program. She is an affiliate faculty member in Women’s Studies, Film Studies, and Comparative Literature. Her research interests include modern Japanese literature and history, colonial and postcolonial studies, gender and feminist studies, and masculinity studies. She is also engaged in the study of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, nuclear studies, peace and nuclear abolition movements, and environmental humanities.