In this column, I feature comic book reviews written by my students at Oxford College of Emory University. Oxford College is a small liberal arts school just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. I challenge students to read and interpret comics because I believe sequential art and visual literacy are essential parts of education at any level (see my Manifesto!). I post the best of my students’ reviews in this column. Today, I am proud to present a review by Joseph Dominguez.
Joseph Dominguez is a first-year student at Oxford College and is considering majoring in Finance and QSS. His home is Los Angeles, California, where he walks on the beaches. Joseph’s favorite writers include George Orwell, Ed Brubaker, and Jeff Kinney, and his favorite book is Animal Farm. His other interests include video games and financial literacy.
Gyo by Junji Ito (writer and artist)
Junji Ito’s Gyo, a masterpiece in the realm of horror manga, is another one of Ito’s works of art that masterfully blends grotesque horror with a deeply engaging narrative. This horror manga plunges its readers into an apocalyptic world brimming with terror, showcasing Ito’s amazing ability to combine complex themes with striking visuals. The story centers on Tadashi and his girlfriend, Kaori, navigating through a landscape filled with horror, which explores human obsession, the consequences of past actions, and the strain of survival on personal relationships.
Tadashi serves as the everyman, providing readers with a relatable entry point into the manga’s extraordinary and terrifying world. His ordinariness, set against the backdrop of chaos, highlights the stark contrast between the mundane and the horrific. Kaori, with her heightened sense of smell, is the first to notice the looming disaster. Her sensitivity to the “death stench” not only sets the tone for the unfolding narrative but also adds a layer of immediacy and dread to the story. The manga intricately portrays the dynamics of Tadashi and Kaori’s relationship, showcasing how extreme situations can test, and often strain, the bonds of love and companionship. Kaori’s occasional selfishness and insecurities, juxtaposed with Tadashi’s unwavering support, provide a great dynamic for exploring themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the human instinct for survival.
The introduction of Koyanagi, Tadashi’s uncle, into the narrative, adds a complex layer, exploring the thin line between scientific curiosity and obsession. His character arc, from a rational scientist to a figure consumed by madness, reflects the manga’s broader thematic concerns, such as the dangers of unchecked human curiosity and the ethical boundaries of scientific pursuit. This transformation is reminiscent of the moral lessons in Jurassic Park, where the pursuit of scientific innovation without ethical consideration leads to disaster. Koyanagi’s obsession and the resultant chaos serve as a microcosm for one of the manga’s central themes which is the repercussions of humanity’s past actions and how unfortunate human history tends to repeat itself.
The legged fish, central to the manga’s horror, are not merely monsters but symbols of humanity’s past mistakes. Their grotesque appearance and the destruction they cause are direct consequences of human actions, serving as a potent reminder of our collective history and the enduring impact of our sins. This allegorical element of Gyo highlights the manga’s critique of human arrogance and the environmental and ethical repercussions of our curiosity and new creations. The story uses these creatures to explore themes of disease, decay, and the inevitable consequences of human confidence in creating weapons of mass destruction, all while maintaining an amazing story to keep readers engaged.
Junji Ito’s artistry in Gyo is extraordinary. From the initial panels depicting Tadashi’s near-fatal encounter with sharks, Ito crafts a visual narrative that is as repulsive as it is fascinating. The manga’s black and white presentation enhances the gloomy, oppressive atmosphere, allowing the detailed artwork to convey the story’s themes without distraction. Ito’s ability to create iconic imagery that lingers in the reader’s mind is unparalleled, with each panel meticulously designed to enhance the story’s mood and themes. Even without color, this works in favor of the story. The black-and-white art style does not diminish the visual impact, but instead adds to the manga’s eerie and foreboding ambiance.
Despite its strengths, Gyo is not without its pacing issues. At times, the narrative seems to rush through certain developments, introducing elements that feel abrupt or under-explored. These moments can momentarily pull the reader out of the immersive world Ito has created but it does not significantly detract from the manga’s overall impact. The ending, while leaving much to interpretation, encapsulates the manga’s bittersweet essence, reflecting on the themes of guilt, survival, and the indelible scars left by history.
In conclusion, Gyo is a testament to Junji Ito’s prowess as a storyteller and artist. It offers some of the best horror, beauty, and philosophical depth, making it a compelling read for both horror veterans and newcomers alike. The work’s exploration of human nature, ethical dilemmas, and the consequences of our actions makes it a poignant and memorable addition to the horror genre. Through Gyo, Ito invites readers to reflect on the darker aspects of human curiosity and the legacy of our choices, in a narrative that is as good as making you reflect as it is terrifying. Given its intricate narrative, exceptional artistry, and deep thematic exploration, I give Gyo a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. This score reflects both the manga’s profound impact on the horror genre and a few minor narrative elements that could benefit from further development. Nonetheless, Gyo remains a monumental work that pushes the boundaries of horror manga, solidifying Junji Ito’s status as a master of the genre.
Nicely, done, Joseph! Thank you for introducing us to Gyo!