The Western influences behind Junji Ito’s manga work

In recent years, horror manga artist Junji Ito has gained increased global recognition for his rich, elaborate works, such as "Tomie," "Uzumaki" and "Gyo." He’s won praise from famous admirers like filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and taken home multiple Eisner Awards (the U.S. comic book equivalent of an Academy Award).

Ito’s dark illustrations are filled with grotesque yet fascinating images, some of which draw inspiration from Western sources, including Steven Spielberg’s "Jaws," the stories of H.P. Lovecraft, and the Winchester Mystery House in California. Here are some of the influences that have informed his ever-popular manga nightmares.

Steven Spielberg’s 'Jaws'

In "Gyo," Japan is invaded by the putrid Death Stenches, parasitic robots that latch onto fish and other forms of marine life as hosts, turning them into undead terrors. One of the first to come ashore and go on the rampage is a Great White Shark.

The manga has swimmers spot a shark fin and flee the water, much like the residents of Amity Island in "Jaws," but they soon realize in horror that Ito’s zombified Great White can follow them right onto dry land. It’s the kind of story where the protagonist looks out the window to see a walking shark, which subsequently breaks down the doors and carries out a full-on home invasion on robotic legs.

For Ito, who also spoke of his fear of death, bringing the shark from "Jaws" on land like this was a way of challenging the false sense of security he felt by not going into the ocean.

H.P. Lovecraft and Guillermo del Toro

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