My first horror manga (and book) ever! I had been meaning to read some horror for ages, especially since getting into horror in film and television. I always thought I’d start with Stephen King since he was the one I knew most about as a horror author and I had watched multiple adaptations and loved them, as well as already having a few books of his. But alas, I didn’t, maybe soon I will. Junji Ito has been on my radar for a little while with my boyfriend being a manga reader, recently getting into manga myself and Ito trending of recent. Shiver was the one both my partner and The Book Leo (YouTuber) recommended so I thought I’d give it a go. I was surprised because it actually gave me a little jump scare and I thought I wouldn’t be creeped out at all since I’ve got used to horror so that was a fun experience. Ito’s Shiver is just a really good short story collection, very different stories and concepts, I had a lot of fun. I think the main take away was how hauntingly beautiful his monsters are and how they are so unique and unforgettable. I think Shiver and Hanging Blimp were my favourites, I keep thinking about them but I also really enjoyed both Fashion Model stories. I enjoyed them all but I’d say Honoured Ancestors and Marionette Mansion were my least favourites. Used Record, Painter and The Long Dream all had very fun concepts and Greased was grossly immersive, reminded me a lot of how I felt while watching David Cronenberg’s The Fly. I’d definitely recommend and I’m keen to read some more horror!