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: “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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Lenni Reviews: “The Color of Always” Edited by Brent Fisher & Michele Abounader

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

This LGBTQ+ anthology features different romance stories across the LGBTQ+ perspective. I love the idea and the various art styles are gorgeous but I honestly wish there was more. A lot of emotion is packed into these shorts but some could have benefitted from more length. But it’s not a crime for a story or stories to be so good, you wish you could spend more time with it. You have self-acceptance, transitions, POC, and a whole lot of heart. In case it triggers you, there are some instances of homophobia, religious judgement, and transphobia. If collections like this are your jam, I’d absolutely check this out. 3.9 out of 5.

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