VIZ Media will be hosting several Junji Ito themed events at San Diego Comic-Con 2023.
As detailed in a recent press release, VIZ is co-sponsoring two workshops, organized by Ito himself, dedicated to the artist’s rich body of work. This includes iconic stories like Uzumaki, Venus in the Blind Spot, and Shiver. VIZ will also host what is confirmed to be Junji Ito’s largest North American art exhibition to date, with over 100 artworks on display. In addition, the publisher is eyeing the release of Ito’s upcoming English-language anthology, Soichi: Junji Ito Story Collection.
The first panel, titled “Horror at the Library: Junji Ito,” was a Q&A event where Ito would answer fans’ questions about his life and career. The event will take place on July 20 at the San Diego Public Library from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The second panel, titled, “Welcome to Ito-Verse: Junji Ito,” delves into the artist’s mind as he discusses his biggest inspirations and personal horrors. Attendees will also have the chance to see Ito at work as he paints “something truly terrifying for his loyal, creepy fans.” The event will take place in Room 6DE of the San Diego Convention Center on July 21 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The art exhibition “Ito-Verse” is located at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina in Torrey Pines Rooms 1-2 and will be open to the public from July 20 to 23.
Junji Who Is This?
Four-time Eisner Award winner Junji Ito has created dozens of horror manga over the course of his career. The artist’s latest work to be published in North America is Tombs: Junji Ito Story Collection. Released in March of this year, this anthology brings together stories that primarily revolve around the supernatural and zombie horror, two of the artist’s favorite genres. Studio DEEN also adapted 20 of Ito’s stories into animation in the anthology series, Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre, which premiered on January 19.
Soichi, the subject of Ito’s upcoming book, is a recurring antagonist in Ito-Verse. Despite being only 11 years old, Soichi specializes in Black Magic, which allows him to manipulate those around him to carry out his orders. However, his plans often backfire in humorous ways. The character has appeared in several previous anthologies, including Voices in the Dark, New Voices in the Dark, and Soichi’s Diary of Delights. Soichi: Junji Ito Story Collection, slated for release on July 25.
English-speaking Ito enthusiasts can find the Tomb and other works of the beloved artist from VIZ.
Source: VIZ Media