Review: Gyo

Gyo by Junji Ito
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Warning: This story contains mature, graphic body horror; Not for snowflakes. Reader discretion required.



A man going out on a swim, encounters a mysterious fish. When he returns to land, he finds that the fish has followed him home; one its four legs. Yes, the fish has legs and is walking on land. Jaws, stand aside.





Believe me when I say, this is the least horrifying thing one would be subjected to, when reading Ito Junji's Gyo. Even though this is par for course, for those who've Connosseur'd the horror maestro's previous works, such as Uzumaki or Tomie.



But Ito Sensei seems to have taken the gross horror to a new plane. Now it seems we should not only be afraid of that which lurks in the shadows; but also, those that dwell in the depths. If H.P. Lovecraft, one of the mangaka's inspirations in horror, were to somehow get a copy of this book in the afterlife, he would be re-traumatized by all the 'nameless things floundering on the slimy (ocean) bed. In fact, Lovecraft's quote below, might perfectly summarize the feeling that this story invokes.

"Loathsomeness waits and dreams in the deep, and decay spreads over the tottering cities of men."

He takes the sensibilities of a B-Grade mad scientist pulp flick, like Sharktopus and applies his own dark horrific twists upon them. You're not entirely sure whether to be soak in the chills or feel nauseated.



As usual, in the story, there is this one unfortunate soul, being tormented by the fishy monstrosities, and has to go through hell and high water, chasing after their malformed loved ones. This guy would definitely know the right answer to the infamous "would you still love me, if I was ____" test; cause that's what he does for most of the story.

Plus, one of the bonus stories, 'The Enigma of Amigara Faults', is quite the 'treat' for those like me, who are terrified of tight spaces. Make sure your stomach empty before you start reading it. In fact, unless you have an Iron Stomach, I don't recommend any food before or after reading.

Enjoy....



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