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

Edit

What would you like to edit?

SynopsisBackgroundAlternative TitlesPictureChapters/VolumesPublishing DatesRelationsTypeExternal Links  

Español / Spanish
Este recopilatorio de historias cortas representa de excelente manera el estilo de trabajo (Narración y dibujo) de Junji Itou, siendo este muy único. Pero realmente no lo recomendaría leer si esta es la primera obra que te acerca a el autor, sería mejor empezar con sus historias más populares, ya una vez que conozcas más sobre Junji-sensei será muy interesante y divertido leer este tomo, ya que encontrarás anécdotas de su infancia, fuentes de inspiración, historias originales y adaptaciones de historias, pero ahora con el toque de Junji Itou.

Inglés / English
This compilation of short stories represents in an excellent way the work ... style (Narration and drawing) of Junji Itou, being very unique. But I would not recommend read it if this is the first work that brings you closer to the author, it would be better to start with his most popular stories; and once you know more about Junji-sensei it will be very interesting and fun to read this volume, because, you will find anecdotes of his childhood, source of inspiration, original stories and adaptations of stories, but now with the style of Junji Itou.

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.