Synopsis:
A collection of horror stories from Junji Ito, a four-time Eisner Award winner. The book, titled *Alley*, includes ten self-contained stories: “Alley,” “Descent,” “The Ward,” “The Inn,” “Blessing,” “Smoker’s Club,” “Mold,” “Town of No Roads,” “Memory,” and “Ice Cream Bus.” Translation by Jocelyne Allen, lettering by Eric Erbes.
Review:
Junji Ito is a name synonymous with horror manga, renowned for his disturbing and imaginative works. His latest English release, *Alley*, brings together ten short horror stories, each standing alone but unified by Ito’s signature unsettling style.
The titular story, “Alley,” features a room with a view of a sinister alley where the new occupant occasionally hears eerie children’s voices. Other stories explore diverse themes, such as a home hastily converted into a creepy inn, a father refusing to approve his daughter’s marriage, a house overtaken by mold with its caretakers missing, and a bizarre town with no roads or privacy.
The stories in *Alley* are characteristic of Ito’s ability to create eerie atmospheres and unsettling scenarios. While none of these tales reach the iconic status of his best-known works, they remain engaging and demonstrate Ito’s versatility in horror, ranging from psychological dread to grotesque body horror, all illustrated in his distinctive, chilling art style. Personal favorites include “Alley” and “Mold,” while “Smoker’s Club” and “Town of No Roads” stood out as less impactful.
Despite the quality of individual stories, *Alley* can feel somewhat disjointed as a collection. Many stories revolve around the theme of confined spaces, such as hospitals and houses. However, others like “Descent,” “Blessing,” “Smoker’s Club,” and “Memory” seem to deviate from this theme. While one might stretch to find thematic links, such as internal confinement in the mind or heart, this doesn’t fully resolve the feeling of fragmentation.
For some readers, the lack of a cohesive theme might be a positive aspect, offering a diverse sampling of Ito’s horror. However, a well-curated collection typically enhances the reading experience by providing a sense of unity. While *Alley* does achieve this at moments, it often shifts focus, leaving a sense of disconnection.
Overall, *Alley* is a notable entry in Ito’s oeuvre, though not as compelling as some of his other collections. It offers a variety of horror experiences in one volume, serving as a broad sampler of Ito’s work. Despite some disjointedness, the collection is a solid offering for fans and newcomers alike, promising a range of terrifying tales that will leave readers eager for more.
