body horror

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Lenni Reviews: “Parasyte Paperback Collection” Vol. 1, by Hitoshi Iwaaki

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

In a world where humanity is slowly being taken over by alien parasites, Shinichi ends up infected. While he manages to contain the being to his arm, he is thrust into a dangerous life with the alien Migi as an ally.

This is another series that I’ve gone so long without interacting with up until now. Finally getting to it, I can see why it’s such a classic. It has horror elements I enjoy, the clueless but well-meaning protagonist, a greater threat looming in the future… I can see where Ajin got its inspiration, while this is, of course, very different. Since it is an older series, the tone and art are very nostalgic, and maybe younger readers will be affected by that, as it’s a completely different vibe from more modern titles. As for me, I like it, and I’m glad I’m able to experience it. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Statues: Junji Ito Story Collection”by Junji Ito

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

The actual summary works here, so I don’t spoil or sound rambly: “Art teacher Okabe creates strange, headless statues. One day, he is found murdered, his corpse headless. From that day on, art club member Shimada seems off somehow… Elsewhere, in a curious town custom, the dead are placed on a tatami mat and set out on the river. Kanako’s grandmother lives alone in a house near this river. What did she witness at one of these funerals long ago? And a mysterious disease makes girls suddenly become more beautiful. But soon they all die. The only way to survive might be worse than death itself”

This collection of stories is pretty good, but also very rapid-fire and short. Some of these could easily be expanded a bit more so they don’t feel like they’re incomplete. I still enjoy them, but a couple more pages would have helped them feel more fleshed out. No pun intended. 3.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Fool Night” Vol. 5, by Kasumi Yasuda

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

As Ivy’s existence highlights very reasonable debates over transfloration, Kamiya and Hourai look into who is behind the anti-transfloration protests: Dr. Koudai.

While we get a funny story involving Kanaero hunting for a special goldfish, the cracks in the system are widening and it’s looking like this mysterious doctor is gonna make things very dangerous for the transfloration company. This may not be such a bad thing since the way people are being taken advantage of is horrific. It’s not sustainable. Why the doctor has been absent for 40 years, why he helped create a murderous plant, how all this will shake out morally for Kamiya and Hourai as their jobs are on the line will all remain to be seen. I can feel things ramping up and it’s all very interesting. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “After God” Vol. 1, by Sumi Eno

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

In this world, strange creatures that have been named “gods” came from the sea and the areas where they exist have been blocked off as danger zones. Waka frequents one such zone in search of her friend who had been taken by a god and happens to meet Tokinaga; a researcher for the Anti-God Science Institute as well as a deranged Uzuki, who is recruiting followers to her god.

This volume hits the ground running and gets through a lot of world-building and lore in less than 200 pages. It’s full of twists and turns, deep character moments, it’s a LOT for one volume but it’s decent. The art for the gods is unique and grotesquely beautiful with amazing details. There is some gross body horror that will make you cringe since the art style supports it so well. We do have a comic relief-ish cat character, Nyababa, who I hope is used sparingly. I give this a tentative 3 out of 5 since the fast pace makes me nervous for the future volumes.

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Lenni Reviews: “Alley: Junji Ito Story Collection” by Junji Ito

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

This collection of short horror stories leans heavily towards urban legends like spirits in creepy alleys and cursed ice cream trucks. Your scare milage may vary throughout this as the stories are hit or miss for me. The hospital one freaked me out the most. The body horror alone gave me chills and is the best in the volume, in my opinion. It isn’t perfect and I don’t wanna say too much lest I spoil something but it’s a decent collection but if body horror isn’t your thing, best skip this one because Ito is very good at that. 4 out of 5.

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