Remina

This is a strange one, for sure - but then again, that is what makes all of Juni Ito's books so remarkable. The story stars out harmless enough - an astrophysicist discovers a new planet and proudly names it after his daughter Remina. The public is so excited about this mysterious new planet that over the years Remina herself becomes a celebrity by association. That, however turns sour quite quickly as soon as it is discovered that planet Remina not only eats other planets in our solar system - it has also arrived at Earth, with devastating effects.

The planet-eating-planet is a silly idea, but the illustrations are suitably creepy with its otherworldly eyes, tongues and various inhabitants. The real horror, of course, is how the humans are dealing with this sudden threat to their existence (spoiler: They do not band together to overcome this global crisis and instead look for a convenient scapegoat to blame - Alan Moore's ending for "Watchmen" seems more an more optimistic every year).

All of this is done masterfully in Itos signature style of blending an eerie story and at times quite graphic illustrations with just the right amoung of camp to make it fun (again, we are talking about a planet eating other planets with a giant tongue and everything). Highly recommended if you like graphic novels that are weird and enjoy the stark black and white artwork.

A rare venture in sci-fi for one of horror's master mangaka, this new edition of Junji Ito's Remina is a must-have for longtime fans and new readers alike. Ito's work has a tendency to make my stomach twist in a way that no other author or artist can -- and this tale is no exception. It is -- as Ito's work frequently is -- frightening not because of the otherworldliness, though; it's because it's ultimately about the unknowablity of humans themselves.