VIZ Media will host a number of Junji Ito-themed events at San Diego Comic-Con 2023.
As detailed in a recent press release, VIZ is co-sponsoring two panels, hosted by Ito himself, dedicated to the artist’s prolific 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 exhibit to date, with over 100 pieces of artwork on display. Additionally, the publisher is spotlighting the upcoming English-language release of Ito’s upcoming anthology, Soichi: Junji Ito Story Collection.
The first panel, titled “Horror at the Library: Junji Ito,” is a Q&A event where Ito will answer fan inquiries about his life and career. This event will take place on July 20 at the San Diego Public Library from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. The second panel, titled, “Welcome to the Ito-Verse: Junji Ito” dives into the artist’s mind as he discusses his greatest inspirations and personal horrors. Attendees will also get the chance to see Ito at work as he draws “something truly terrifying for his faithful, macabre-loving fans.” This event will take place in Room 6DE of the San Diego Convention Center on July 21 from 10:00 to 11:00 am. The “Ito-Verse” art exhibit is located at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina in Torrey Pines Rooms 1-2 and will be open to the public from July 20-23.
Who Is Junji Ito?
Four-time Eisner Award Winner Junji Ito has created dozens of horror manga stories over the course of his career. The artist’s latest work published in North America is Tombs: Junji Ito Story Collection. Released in March of this year, this anthology collects stories that revolve primarily around supernatural and body horror, two of the artist’s go-to genres. Studio DEEN also adapted 20 of Ito’s stories to animation in the anthology series, Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre, which premiered on Jan. 19.
Soichi, the subject of Ito’s upcoming book, is a recurring villain within the Ito-Verse. Although he is only 11 years old, Soichi specializes in Black Magic, allowing him to manipulate those around him to do his bidding. However, his schemes typically backfire in comical 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, is scheduled for release on July 25.
English-speaking Ito enthusiasts can find Tombs and other works by the beloved artist from VIZ.
Source: VIZ Media