Dark view on souls and understanind souls vs. traditional matrerial life. Abother though provoking manga by Junji Ito

I will never turn down an opportunity to read Junji Ito's work. This creator's work was some of the most creeping and visceral experiences I had in the realm of horror, and who could say no to that. Overall, The Liminal Zone is a very solid read, offering glimpses into a world of horror that we live in every day and yet don't realize.

At least an attempt was made. I have to be honest when I say this isn't my favorite read. The stories, while enjoyable, feel somewhat pointless. More than likely because of the length, they all feel unfinished, like there's some sort of message or end goal that the reader isn't privy to.

WEEPING WOMAN WAY
Sometimes, one of the most unnerving things about horror, and about this story in particular, is that the horrible events depicted could happen to anyone. Mako and Yuzuru (mostly Mako) fall victim to this. In a spur of the moment decision while on a trip, they find themselves at a wedding, where they hear the cries of the weeping woman. The rest of the story wavers between fate and chance. Was it destiny that Mako heard the cries that day? Or was it simply the wrong place, at the wrong time? This story takes that mystery, and the depths of sadness that grief can bring, and offers it to the reader to decide. In the end, all that's left are tears and loss. (4/5)


MADONNA
Never underestimate the ability of man to corrupt, especially by twisting faith to benefit himself. This story was an intense and frightening view into religious devotion and what that can mean. Honestly, the folly of man will always shine through, no matter how they try to hide it. It felt like this story ended abruptly, though. As if there should have been one more horrible reveal. Left me wanting a bit. (3/5)

THE SPIRIT FLOW OF AOKIGAHARA
This story was more on the weird side than it was on the horror side, but it was definitely compelling. A mysterious light that cuts through a place of death, and people who became slaves to it. Definitely one of the better stories, though not as enjoyable as the Weeping Woman Way story. (4/5)

SLUMBER
Where dreams and reality blend in a terrifying amalgamation of horrible acts and guilt. To be honest, I felt that this story had the most potential, and a lot of that potential was wasted. It felt like there should be a rich story behind this, complete with lore as to why this might happen or what might cause it. Again the shortness might be the downfall of this, but we are given no context or history, and the storytelling really suffers from it. Also, the further mention and use of Dissociative Identity Disorder for what it ISN'T feels like an ableist trope that should be dead and gone by now. (2/5)

Overall, this wasn't a bad collection, but I wouldn't go as far as saying it was good, either. The stories are vignettes with twisted takes on things that make a person both deeply flawed and filled with merits, however, they lack the sinking dread of his earlier works. These just don't capture the true horror that these stories could have.

Disclaimer: I work for a bookstore, all thoughts and opinions are my own and not affiliated with the store or company.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viz Media for providing me with a digital version of this manga.

With this story please check content warnings before going into it as it had some graphic depictions, mentions of suicide, religious themes, comments linked to pedophilia, murder, and more.

This was my first time reading Junji Ito and it lived up to my expectations. Although I was not scared throughout, it definitely had disturbing imagery that left me on the edge of my seat. My favourite of the collection is Slumber as the story itself creeped me out and wondered about if this could happen in real life, and the ending was truly a classic but great twist. Followed by the story, Madonna. This one was set in a religious school with many religious elements. Some elements were particularly disturbing as many of the themes are reflected in our current religions, relating to priests and some of the corrupt acts that can occur behind closed doors. The other two short stories, Weeping Woman Way, and The Spirit flow of Aokigahara were also interesting and compelled me to keep reading.

While there isn’t much explanation or reasons for why these stories happen, I didn’t mind. It added another layer of mystery and added to the element of it being creepy.

My one complaint overall is within Slumber and the mention of dissociative identity disorder. Although the author confirms the main character doesn't have this disorder I still wish it was left completely out as it still connects the idea of mental illness and violence/danger.

I will be continuing to read Junji Ito’s works as I enjoyed this one immensely and would recommend this to those that enjoy or think they will enjoy more disturbing elements but as always check warnings. If needed I can attempt to compile a list.

They were entertaining and fairly spooky, I just don't feel like he's ever really captured the horror of his early works.

Another Junji Ito collection of tales, with four new terrifying stories. Classic horror with stories about weeping women, suicide in the forest, sleepwalking murders and more. My only complaint is that these might not be Ito's strongest stories. The reasoning behind each story is a bit weak, but no less horrific. Fans of Junji Ito or just horror in general will enjoy this book.

Junji Ito does it again. I can’t decide if I like when his stories correlate or if they’re random. The Liminal Zone consist of random stories and all of them are creepier than the last. I will say Madonna was my favorite, scary person self proclaiming they’re the Virgin Mary chasing me? No thanks! Always looking forward to his next books!

Junji Ito never fails to have me both laugh and panic within the same waking breath. This compilation hit the ground running. Within minutes I too felt swallowed up!

The latest from Junji Ito, The Liminal Zone, features four short stories originally written for manga streaming apps. As these stories were written for digital platforms, they were unbounded by the strict page limits of magazine serializations and one can really tell Ito was able to flexibly tell these one-shots without having to size down.

The first story, "Weeping Woman Way," follows a young couple who chance upon a funeral while traveling and learn of an unlikely custom of women paid to mourn the dead, and become ensnared by this practice themselves. The next, "Madonna," centers on an all-girls missionary boarding school with darkness underlying it. I'm always one to enjoy Ito's explorations of faith and fervour and I was totally compelled by how this tackles the Madonna complex. The third story, "The Spirit Flow of Aokigahara", again follows a travelling couple who this time head to the infamous "Suicide Forest" upon receiving a terminal diagnosis. While there he experiences a mystical transformation connected to the forest -- think Junji Ito indulging his cosmic horror side heavily. Finally, "Slumber" follows a young man terrorized by visions of himself murdering strangers. Each morning he is wracked with guilt as he watches the news report on these murders and is forced to confront whether his nightmares could be reality.

This is a varied collection that reflects the full range of Ito's interests delving into themes including Japanese lore, Christian theology, cosmic horror, and criminal psychology. In light of that, I think it would make an excellent introduction to Ito for those unfamiliar with him. I also think for those of us who are familiar fans this would also make for an excellent addition to the collection. I will definitely be ordering this in to my store come July.

It's a fantastic read in general. Something new and disturbing. Here are my opinions after reviewing each story:
Women weeping is the first story in this series. 4/5

Story 1; Weeping Woman way 4/5

Imagine being unable to stop crying even after death. That's right, you read it correctly. Consider how unsettling it would be for your family and friends if your dead body continued to weep. This latest twisted narrative might end up on my list of things to be afraid of.

Story 2: Madonna 5/5

Consider a woman who has the ability to transform you into a salt statue. The story takes place in a boarding school with no access to the outside world, and there is nothing you can do to get out.

Story 3; The spirit flow of Aokigahara 4/5

Spirit flows through the forest on the strange mountain, but why? Is the goal to cure those who want to live or to transform humans into one?

Story 4: Slumber 5/5

There are a lot of homicides going on in town, and they're all tied to someone's dream.

An excellent latest collection from Junji Ito. It includes four experimental stories that have deep complexity and overall terrifying. Highly recommend for Junji Ito fans or newbies getting into horror manga!

I really enjoyed Junji Ito's latest collection of horror comics. He has a unique way of telling stories about the small horrors that happen to women. I agree with some of the other criticism on here that short really is the keyword for both the collection and the stories themselves. They stories (particularly Madonna and the last one in the collection) feel very rushed and not fully fleshed out as to why the events in the story happen. However, the art, as always, is stunning.

Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

This is certainly solid Junji Ito, though a couple of the stories were (imo) stronger than the other two. The scope of this collection is fairly broad, so that was fun, and the art was glorious, as ever.

Another delightfully weird collection of stories from Junji Ito, with the horrific yet beautiful artwork that we know and love. This collection contains four stories, each very different but all of which have the trademark Ito style. My favourite of the collection was 'Madonna', which I found very creepy with all of the Catholic overtones and subtle hints at grooming. Overall, I would say this is a very solid set of work and would be a great entry point for anyone looking to start exploring Ito as an author and artist. For me, I just wish there were a couple more stories as the book felt very short and was a super quick read.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Not the best Junji Ito, but still a very great horror manga, even the worst Ito would be better than most. A collection of short stories like he often does. If you're a fan you will recognize the style and enjoy!

A decent collection of Ito's work, with some minor clunkiness in the translation. The short stories could have benefitted from a title page separating them and the previous comic, but enjoyable as a collection overall.

Another excellent collection without any throw always. I loved the artwork throughout specifically “Weeping Woman” and “Madonna” and the storylines were great throughout with my favorite being slumber. I am definitely going to recommend this collection upon release! Thank you to the publisher for providing me with this drc available through netgalley.

I was introduced to Junji Ito through a course designed to incorporate horror manga into art and writing classrooms. Throughout my years of teaching, I have known many students that are interested in Japanese manga. Students also respond well to gothic literature, so the marriage of both interests makes sense at a high school or college level. As a parent, I would not approve of Junji Ito’s stories as prescribed reading. But if my child chose these stories based on a recommendation that aligned with their interests, I would find that appropriate.

In this collection, Ito tells several short stories that make the reader think. He has a real talent for short story writing. When he comes up with a far-fetched concept, such as a citizen who develops false memories while watching reports of a local serial killer, Ito employs only a few panels to suspend the reader’s disbelief. Another character arrives with more information about false memories (or whatever is happening in the story), and suddenly the reader must accept the rules of the story’s universe. Some of the stories are universal, such as “Madonna” which could take place in any country or culture. Others, like “Weeping Woman” or the story of the spirit river on Mt Fuji, are inextricably tied to Japanese culture and folklore. With or without an understanding of this background, anyone can recognize the horrifying concepts in this manga.

Comparing this set of stories to the “Shiver” collection, I think that “Liminal Zone” is less disturbing. Ito even says in the author’s afterward that he is “running out of ideas.” However, this would be a good introduction to horror manga as a result. It allows for a good opportunity to investigate Japanese culture and superstition, while also weaving rich horror stories that will thrill anyone who enjoys mysteries, thrillers, or the supernatural.

I have always loved the work of Junji Ito and this book is no exception. So many mundane experiences twisted to become horrifying.

Junji ito is typically at his best with short stories and this collection is no exception. In the afterward he mentions that the stories here were an experiment in story length and being able to let them expand to the length the story demanded and that flexibility really aids the pacing and tension incoming from a horror master.

If you're looking for a horror manga, this is it. Super creepy both in atmosphere and story line, Junji Ito really has a way of weaving different pieces together to make even a short story feel deep and complex. Each one was very different, yet they flowed together in this book very well. I personally liked the Weeping Woman one the most, but both that and The Spirit Flow of Aokigahara drew on folklore of Japan that was super interesting to read about and see utilized in this way.