Best of Best: Itou Junji Tanpenshuu
Venus in the Blind Spot

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Let’s be honest here, unless this is you first Junji Ito manga, you know very well what to expect here. His stories are unique and creative, yes, but the style and the quality is also very stable. Meaning that you should expect around the same level of enjoyment as you had from most of other Junji’s works. This is amplified even more by the fact that half of this anthology was already published as parts of different works, so even if you haven’t started *this* manga yet, chances are high you’ve already read parts of it.

My favourite part of this collection was the titular Venus ... in the Blind Spot, which again showcases Ito’s craft with fear as yet another creative way to induct dread in the characters and veil the story in a mysterious atmosphere. For fans of Ito I would also like to point out the Master Umezz and Me story which is more unique one – it’s not a straight out horror story, but instead an autobiographical one-shot, which is certainly something that would of interest to the fanbase.

Overall, while I wouldn’t call this the “Best of Best” collection, it’s definitely a good and entertaining read.

Mod Edit: This review was originally posted for Umezu-sensei to Watashi (85533) and has subsequently been merged into Best of Best: Itou Junji Tanpenshuu (119021).


This is a short story in which Ito Junji relates the influence which Umezu Kazuo had on his art and storytelling.

Story, 7: This isn't a horror story, but it does deal with Ito's influences in horror storytelling. it was an interesting tale about Ito's artistic influences growing up.

Art, 7: There are several panels using horror-stricken faces for comedic effect, which were actually pretty amusing for their over-the-top nature. Other than that, the art is good as always.

Character, 6: Ito and Umezu ... are the only characters that are developed/fleshed out in any capacity, but it was nice to see the more personal side of the author.

Enjoyment, 6: It was a nice read, but I don't know if I'll be coming back to it any time soon.

Overall, 6: I would recommend this to fans of Ito's work, if only to see his influences while younger.

Venus in the Blind Spot – Spoiler Free – Not Recommended

TLDR
Billions Alone – 7/10
The Human Chair – 5,5/10
An Unearthly Love – 2/10
Venus in the Blind Spot – 1/10
The Licking Woman – 2/10
Master Umezz and Me – 2/10
How Love Came to Professor Kirida – 2/10
... The Enigma of Amigara Fault – 3/10
The Sad Tale of the Principal Post – 1/10
Keepsake – 2/10
Overall: 3/10

Disclaimer: due to the nature of this work – a collection of short stories –, my normal parameters of Story, Art, Characters and Enjoyment with a weighted average won’t be applied. Instead, a global overview will be offered.

Venus in the Blind Spot is a compilation of ten short stories by Junji Ito, although this is definitely not why he is known to some as a master of the horror genre. Verily, most stories are downright bad. With the exception of the first one – Billions Alone –, and in some degree the second one – The Human Chair –, most stories are neither memorable, scary, gory, nor incite any type of feeling, such as with The Sad Tale of the Principal Post, How Love Came to Professor Kirida, Master Umezz and Me or An Unearthly Love, Others, while being not scary, are also quite funny, such as The Licking Woman, or touch once again upon the topic of the senseless mass hysteria, such as is found in Remina – in this case, the very Venus in the Blind Spot story. Only two stories are somewhat memorable: the famous The Enigma of Amigara Fault for its good and gory panels, as well as the sense of claustrophobia, and The Human Chair, for its concept. Other stories, such as The Sad Tale of the Principal Post, are just too short and dull to have any effect on the reader. On the other hand, the only good story in this book – Billions Alone – is eerie and has an interesting atmosphere.
Technically, the stories are comprehensible and the art is good, as would be expected from Junji Ito.
Junji Ito does have some good short stories; however, they are (almost) nowhere to be found here. For this reason, this book receives a Not Recommended stamp.