Junji Ito, Manga's Own Stephen King, Will Soon Earn One of the Industry's Top Awards

Manga creatorJunji Itois Japan’s reigning king of horror—a household name akin to Stephen King in the West. Several of Ito’s blood-curdling tales have been adapted into anime, including Gyo and Uzumaki. However, he is best known for his extensive manga work, much of which has been translated into multiple languages and embraced by generations of readers worldwide.

Now, Junji Ito, renowned for his contributions to both horror and manga, has been nominated for induction into the Will Eisner Comic Awards Hall of Fame. This nomination is part of the 2025 selection process, in which 18 candidates have been put forward, with six to be chosen by voters for induction. Voting is open to eligible industry professionals, including comic creators, publishers, retailers, and historians, with the deadline set for March 20, 2025. The final inductees will be officially announced during the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards ceremony at Comic-Con International in San Diego, scheduled for July 2025.

Junji Ito Is a Modern Horror Icon

A Legacy of Fear and Great Art

Born on July 31, 1963, in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, Junji Ito developed an early fascination with horror, influenced by writers such as H.P. Lovecraft and Kazuo Umezu. Initially working as a dental technician, he pursued manga as a passion, eventually winning the prestigious Kazuo Umezu Prize in 1987 with his debut work, Tomie, who has grown to become Ito's most iconic character. This success launched his career, leading to a prolific output of deeply disturbing and beautifully drawn horror stories.

Ito’s works are characterized by psychological dread, grotesque imagery, and cosmic horror themes, with notable series like Uzumaki, Gyo, and The Enigma of Amigara Fault. His unique ability to blend everyday fears with supernatural terror has earned him international acclaim. His stories have been adapted into films, anime, and even video games, solidifying his reputation as a master of horror manga.

Junji Ito Will Be Joining the Ranks of Manga Legends

A Lasting Influence

If Junji Ito is selected for induction into the Will Eisner Comic Awards Hall of Fame, he'll be in good company. Several legendary Japanese manga artists have received this honor, including Osamu Tezuka (Astro Boy), Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima (Lone Wolf and Cub), Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira), Rumiko Takahashi (Inuyasha), and Moto Hagio (The Poe Clan). In 2025, horror manga pioneer Shigeru Mizuki (GeGeGe no Kitaro) was posthumously inducted. If chosen, Ito will join this prestigious list, further cementing his legacy in horror storytelling.

Related

Uzumaki Review: The Junji Ito Adaptation Sticks the Landing, Even With a Shaky Lead-Up

Despite some shaky buildup due to pacing issues and animation downgrades, Uzumaki still stuck the landing to make a fantastic adaptation of the manga.

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Still, whether or not he’s inducted, Junji Ito’s influence on horror manga is undeniable, and his chilling legacy will continue haunting readers for generations to come.

Source: comic-con.org