Here are some manga authors and artists whose art styles will look perfect in a horror series!
True horror, with elements of suspense, disturbing imagery, and an overall sense of terror, is one of the hardest genres to create across any media. When it comes to manga, the genre has been blessed with the works of masters such as Junji Ito, Kazuo Umezu, Kanako Inuki and many others. But for those who live and breathe horror and patiently wait for Halloween to roll around every year…it’s never enough.
One of the main features of a great horror manga is its art style. Sometimes, even if the story isn’t too strong, a few well-detailed panels can invoke a sense of true dread. That’s why this Halloween, we've listed out some manga creators and illustrators whose art style will work extremely well in a horror manga. Even though none of these creators are yet to make a true horror series, some of their work looks like they were made to evoke fear into the readers’ hearts.
Special Mention: Kei Urana (Gachiakuta)
The only reason Kei Urana isn’t in the main list is because her main manga series Gachiakuta already has a lot of horror elements. Although it’s mostly a dystopian dark fantasy, there are a lot of factors, such as the trash beasts, that evoke a sense of fear. However, it’ll be a disservice towards all manga readers if I didn’t include her in this article at all!
Kei Urana’s art style is so well-suited for horror that even her dark fantasy manga sometimes sends chills down my spine. From character designs to backgrounds, the way Urana composes the scenes builds up tension in the most perfect way. Although I adore Gachitakuta, I do sincerely hope Urana dabbles into true paranormal/ monster horror someday.
5. Yuto Suzuki (Sakamoto Days)
Yuto Suzuki’s Sakamoto Days is a great shonen manga that incorporates action, drama, and comedy in a perfect blend. The characters are intriguing, and most of them have outrageous yet non supernatural powers that set the manga apart from its contemporaries. When it comes to Suzuki, both his storytelling and art can be perfect for the slasher/comedy horror genre.
The serious plot paired with the exaggerated yet captivating action sequences will work really well in a slasher fic. Even with the tension building, Suzuki’s storytelling will be able to bring out moments of laughter and relief. Overall, I think Suzuki’s fluid and sharp art style will work really well in a horror manga filled with action and gore.
4. Tatsuya Endo (Spy x Family)
Although Spy x Family is a mostly sweet and chaotic action drama, there are some deeply traumatising moments that can genuinely surprise you. In some of these darker panels, Tatsuya Endo’s style reminds me of Tim Burton’s work. Similar to the OG horror movie genius, I think Tatsu’s art and storytelling will be perfect for cosy horror, instead of something overly terrifying and gory.
If you have watched Tim Burton movies, or even played cosy horror games, you’ll know that they focus more on characters and storytelling, while maintaining a comforting but dark atmosphere. In Spy x Family, which is a mostly wholesome story, Tetsu’s dark twists often catch you by surprise. The crafty storyteller will definitely be able to create a masterpiece horror manga that everyone can read and enjoy, even for those who don’t love the horror genre too much.
3. Kousuke Oono (The Way of the Househusband)
Almost every die-hard anime fan knows about The Way of the Househusband. Created originally as a manga by Oono, it was adapted into a popular light anime, which follows retired yakuza Tetsu, who has turned into a devoted househusband. The comedy series is heartwarming and funny, because despite becoming a househusband, Tetsu still carries his scary persona around. Both the storytelling, and the art in the manga is phenomenal, which brings us to the main point of this article.
Based on his art and storytelling, I think Oono will be able to create a perfect thriller horror with spine chilling dark twists. The way he draws expressions and action perfectly lines up with the genre. A horror manga focusing on a psychopathic serial killer with gritty and gloomy art by Kousuke Oono will be a perfect treat for thriller fans.
2. Yusuke Nomura (Illustrator of Blue Lock)
As a die-hard fan of sports anime and manga, I can confidently say that Yusuke Nomura’s art in Blue Lock is completely unique. Although it matches with Muneyuki Kaneshiro’s storytelling, some panels of the manga truly make me wonder if I’m reading a story about football. Sometimes, the players’ aura looks like they have been possessed by a monster, and it’s one of the reasons why I enjoy Blue Lock so much.
Although I love Blue Lock, it would be a waste if Yusuke Nomura doesn’t dabble into the horror genre one more time. He did some amazing work in Yukiaki Kurando’s horror manga Dolly Kill Kill. As a fan of all of Nomura’s work, I hope he will once again illustrate a monster or folk horror manga focusing on elaborate monsters and gore.
1. Saka Mikami (The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity)
Saka Mikami will probably be the most surprising name in this list for many people, and with good reason. Her most popular manga series The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity is a sweet and adorable romcom with some of the best depictions of teenage love and friendship. However, when you take a closer look at her work, especially how she portrays both positive and negative emotions on the characters’ faces, you’ll see why she’s on here.
Mikami’s storytelling and art are both perfectly capable of invoking emotions in the heart of the reader. If she ever chose to step into the world of horror (which I hope she does), I’m confident she’ll do an amazing job. Since she writes love stories so well, I hope the romance components are also there. A dark, gothic horror, with romance and angst will be absolutely perfect in Mikami’s style.