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"Venus in the Blind Spot" is a collection of short stories by Junji Ito, a renowned creator of horror manga. The anthology features a variety of standalone tales, each exploring themes of psychological terror, surrealism, and the uncanny. The stories are interconnected not by characters or plot but by their shared focus on unsettling and often grotesque imagery, as well as their exploration of human fears and obsessions.

The titular story, "Venus in the Blind Spot," revolves around a man who becomes infatuated with a woman he observes from a distance. However, he discovers that she is invisible to everyone else, existing only in his blind spot. This premise delves into themes of perception, isolation, and the fragility of reality. Another notable story, "The Enigma of Amigara Fault," follows a group of people who discover human-shaped holes in a mountainside, each hole seemingly tailored to a specific individual. As they are drawn to enter the holes, the narrative explores themes of compulsion, identity, and existential dread.

Other stories in the collection include "Billions Alone," which depicts a world where people are mysteriously compelled to stitch themselves together, creating grotesque human chains. "The Human Chair" adapts a classic Japanese horror story about a man who hides inside a chair to be close to a woman, blurring the lines between obsession and monstrosity. "The Licking Woman" introduces a supernatural entity that licks its victims, leaving them in a state of psychological torment.

The anthology also includes "Master Umezz and Me," a semi-autobiographical piece where Junji Ito reflects on his admiration for Kazuo Umezz, a pioneer of horror manga. This story provides insight into Ito's creative influences and his journey as a manga artist.

Each story in "Venus in the Blind Spot" is self-contained, offering a unique narrative and set of characters. The common thread is Ito's signature style of blending everyday scenarios with elements of horror, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the stories conclude. The anthology showcases Ito's ability to craft tales that are both visually striking and psychologically impactful, making it a compelling read for fans of horror manga.
Information
Venus In The Blind Spot
伊藤潤二短編集 BEST OF BEST
Type: Manga
Company: Planet Manga
Categories
Genre
Horror
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  • Planet Manga · 1