Introduction
Horror manga excels at bringing eerie atmospheres, unsettling visuals, and disturbing tales to life. From psychological horrors to supernatural terrors, the genre taps into deep-seated fears, making it a thrilling experience for readers.
Here’s a list of the ten best horror manga you need to check out in 2024, each one masterfully crafted to send chills down your spine.
1. Uzumaki
Plot: In a small town plagued by a mysterious curse, spirals become an obsession that drives residents to madness and grotesque transformations. Kirie and her boyfriend Shuichi try to escape, but the curse soon spirals out of control.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Horror, Supernatural |
| Author | Junji Ito |
| Publisher | Shogakukan |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 1998 – 1999 |
| Volumes | 3 |
| Read at | VIZ Media |
Junji Ito’s Uzumaki is a horror classic, blending body horror with psychological dread, and is widely considered one of the most terrifying manga ever created.
2. The Drifting Classroom
Plot: After an earthquake, a Japanese elementary school is transported to a barren wasteland. The teachers and students must survive in the face of chaos, psychological terror, and deadly encounters.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller |
| Author | Kazuo Umezu |
| Publisher | Shogakukan |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 1972 – 1974 |
| Volumes | 11 |
| Read at | VIZ Media |
The Drifting Classroom is a gripping survival horror manga that delves into the psyche of children and adults under extreme pressure and fear.
3. Tomie
Plot: Tomie is a mysterious, beautiful girl who drives men to madness. Despite repeated deaths, she returns again and again, bringing ruin and obsession wherever she goes.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Horror, Psychological, Supernatural |
| Author | Junji Ito |
| Publisher | Asahi Sonorama |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 1987 – 2000 |
| Volumes | 3 |
| Read at | VIZ Media |
Tomie’s endless resurrection and eerie allure make her one of manga’s most iconic horror characters, showcasing Junji Ito’s expertise in psychological horror.
4. Parasyte
Plot: Shinichi Izumi’s life changes when an alien parasite named Migi takes over his right hand. Together, they face off against other parasites that feed on humans, while questioning their own morality and humanity.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller |
| Author | Hitoshi Iwaaki |
| Publisher | Kodansha |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 1988 – 1995 |
| Volumes | 10 |
| Read at | Kodansha Comics |
Parasyte is a mix of body horror and philosophical questions, examining what it means to be human while delivering visceral, unforgettable scenes.
5. Another
Plot: When Kouichi transfers to a new school, he notices a strange girl named Mei who is ignored by everyone. After discovering a class curse that brings violent deaths, Kouichi and Mei race to unravel the mystery.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Horror, Mystery, Supernatural |
| Author | Yukito Ayatsuji, adapted by Hiro Kiyohara |
| Publisher | Kadokawa Shoten |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2009 – 2011 |
| Volumes | 4 |
| Read at | Yen Press |
Another is a supernatural horror mystery that keeps readers on edge with its chilling atmosphere and suspenseful plot twists.
6. Higurashi: When They Cry
Plot: In a small rural village, Keiichi and his friends experience eerie events and violent deaths, tied to an ancient festival and a long-standing curse. As they investigate, they uncover disturbing secrets.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Horror, Mystery, Psychological |
| Author | Ryukishi07, adapted by Karin Suzuragi |
| Publisher | Square Enix |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2005 – 2006 |
| Volumes | 38 (different arcs) |
| Read at | Yen Press |
Known for its haunting themes of paranoia and mistrust, Higurashi delivers horror through a layered narrative and disturbing psychological exploration.
7. I Am a Hero
Plot: Hideo Suzuki, a struggling manga artist, witnesses the beginning of a zombie apocalypse. As society collapses, Hideo must confront his own fears and insecurities to survive.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Horror, Psychological, Zombie |
| Author | Kengo Hanazawa |
| Publisher | Shogakukan |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2009 – 2017 |
| Volumes | 22 |
| Read at | Dark Horse Manga |
I Am a Hero offers a unique take on the zombie genre by focusing on a protagonist with psychological struggles and an unreliable point of view.
8. Doubt
Plot: A group of teens are trapped in a survival game where they must discover the identity of a killer among them. Paranoia grows as alliances break and the group fights for survival.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Horror, Mystery, Thriller |
| Author | Yoshiki Tonogai |
| Publisher | Square Enix |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2007 – 2009 |
| Volumes | 4 |
| Read at | Yen Press |
With its tense atmosphere and mystery-driven plot, Doubt keeps readers guessing with its deadly game of betrayal and survival.
9. Gantz
Plot: After dying in an accident, Kei and Masaru find themselves resurrected in a room with a black orb called Gantz. They are forced to complete dangerous missions against alien beings to survive.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Horror, Sci-Fi, Action |
| Author | Hiroya Oku |
| Publisher | Shueisha |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2000 – 2013 |
| Volumes | 37 |
| Read at | Dark Horse Manga |
Gantz is renowned for its intense violence, ethical dilemmas, and exploration of life, death, and morality.
10. Junji Ito’s Cat Diary: Yon & Mu
Plot: A horror artist documents his humorous and sometimes eerie experiences with his two cats, Yon and Mu. Despite the lighter tone, Junji Ito’s unique style brings a creepy yet entertaining look at pet ownership.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Horror, Slice of Life, Comedy |
| Author | Junji Ito |
| Publisher | Kodansha |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2009 |
| Volumes | 1 |
| Read at | Kodansha Comics |
This autobiographical manga shows Junji Ito’s ability to blend horror with humor, making it a unique, lighter choice in the horror genre.
Conclusion
The horror manga on this list showcase a range of terrifying tales, from supernatural curses and psychological mysteries to survival horror and otherworldly monsters. These stories delve deep into the human psyche and fear, delivering suspense, thrill, and often grotesque visuals. Whether you’re a seasoned horror fan or new to the genre, these titles are essential reads for a hauntingly good experience in 2024.