No Longer Human (Junji Ito)

This book is truly Ito at his absolute best. The original book, is truly an amazing story. But I honestly prefer Ito's version. Ito not only builds onto the story with his an insanely horrific, yet strangely beautiful illustrations. He adds on to the storyline in ways that make sense and elevated the reading experience. If you've never read the original, or know little of the story, here's a forewarning. There is a reason this book is known as one of the most depressing books every written. And Ito does not hold back on illustrating some pretty horrific things. It can be a tough read if you're sensitive to these topics. If it's a read you're willing to take on, I say 100% go for it!! I finished it the night I got it. As painful as the story is, it's an amazing story. And Ito's art makes any book worth the purchase. I'm happy I took the chance and got it!

So Junji Ito ... my wife is addicted to his writing and manga ... so when he was at SDCC ... I knew I was in trouble. So we went to his speaking engagement and the man is really brilliant (honestly I had no idea who he was prior to this) ... I felt bad for him because his hands are very badly gnarled because of years of drawing. But no one can take away the horror he inspires with everything he writes and draws. He creates horrors that give nightmares horrors ... the things he writes and draws is amazing and terrifying and beautiful at the same time. The stories are all enthralling and tell tales that will give you nightmares but you will soon realize that even your nightmares pale in comparison to the nightmares he is writing. It's truly awe inspiring to be honest. One day we will lose this horror genre master but for now, I recommend everyone buy his books and be both inspired and terrified.

The artwork in this is superior compared to his other short story manga as far as the clothing of the characters. If you read the short stories first you can see it has elements of Tomie, and Painter. It has a lot more characters in it. It has the ancestor spirits in it. I read it along with "Nihilism" by Seraphim Rose, and "Afraid: demon possession and spiritual warfare in America." I knows it's easy to interpret a lot of what happens to the main character as psychological but it can also be viewed as spiritual. What the character is going through is like a black void nihilistic view of life and his journey, but marred by deep either demonic or psychological issues. I viewed them more as demonic as the story unfolded in that well, not to spoil it but things did not get better despite him wanting them to get better. I thought about it and I think you can also view the main character as the physical "embodiment" of nihilism in human form because nihilism leads to death and as Seraphim Rose said, is satanic/demonic. The book had characters adhering to Amida or Shin buddhism but it didn't seem to help the characters. Also, according to that demonology book, Christians must be cognizant of 3 enemies: the devil, the world, and our sinful nature. The main character acknowledged the last 2 but I think his unrecognized problem, and even the other characters in the book, were the real demons haunting them; they all really needed an exorcist. So for me this was enlightening, and helped me focus on relying on "extra nos" and hopefully I dont spiral mentally like the characters in this book. I really believe almost every character had some kind of demonic element to them except for maybe his brother or his mother. Also, for those who catch it he literally went through "aerial tollhouses" for his 10 misfortunes during a possible out of body experience(one must float upwards to heaven by conquering vices). At least that might be how an Eastern Orthodox interprets that part, See Lazar Puhalo's book on death and the soul

I know Junji Ito will make it beautiful to read. A vivid portrayal of someone's life falling apart. Good read.

Originally a (1948) novel by famous Japanese author Osamu Dazai, No Longer Human is an absolutely gut wrenching tale of misfortune and despair and this manga adaptation is no different. While I’ve heard that this version is somewhat different from the original novel it is still worth the read if you know what you’re getting yourself into. The illustrations add a whole new layer to the storytelling and I opted to read this manga adaptation because I knew a novel wouldn’t hold my attention like this version would, and I’m a big fan of Junji Itos work. If you struggle with things like mental health, addiction/substance abuse, childhood trauma, are a victim of SA, or anything of that nature I HIGHLY suggest that you evaluate if you are in a healthy mental state to read this story and do your own research because it is heavy from start to finish and there is no reprieve from the suffering in this story. This is by all means a 18+ story and I don’t recommend that you read this or gift it to someone under that age. That being said I do think if you know what you’re signing up for and are comfortable with the subject matter this is one of those reads that makes you look at your life and the world differently and of course as always Junji Itos art is nothing short of amazing.

Quality prints, Nice Thick pages. Cover Sleeve is White and Glossy, so will pick up Dirt, but is washable with a cotton swab & some soapy water. Book itself is a great story by Osamu Dazai adapted for Junji Ito's art.

O mangaka japonês Junji Ito parece estar vivendo um surto de popularidade no Brasil.Eu já o conhecia No Longer Human é um dos trabalhos mais recentes de Ito e iniciou sua publicação no Japão em 2017, sendo terminada em 3 volumes, aqui compilados em um volume único em capa dura pela Viz. Aliás, a edição é linda, um dos mangás mais bonitos de minha coleção. A obra é adaptação em mangá do livro Ningen Shikkaku de Osamu Dazai. A história segue a vida de Oba Yozo desde sua juventude. Acompanhamos uma jornada desoladora de abusos, compulsão e inadequação social. Aliás, é este último tema o mais importante e que é desenvolvido com absoluta maestria por Dazai e transcrito para imagens com perturbador brilhantismo por Ito. Yozo segue uma busca por alguma felicidade e aceitação que a cada página se torna claro que nunca serão alcançadas. È uma leitura penosa e dolosora, e que aborda bastante a temática do suicídio. Trata-se de um mergulho brutal em uma mente perturbada ao mesmo tempo em que traz relevante crítica à opressão social. É importante destacar que Osamu Dazai é considerado um dos mais importantes escritores do Japão e que Ningen Shikkaku foi seu último livro, ele cometeu sucidio dias após entregar o último capítulo a seu editor. Não deixa de ser irônico que o melhor trabalho da vida de Ito não seja sobre monstros ou terrores sobrenaturais. No fim das contas nada é mais assustador e terrível que o drama humano. Uma obra de arte!

Zwarte vlekken op de kaft. Kon het niet helemaal uitpoetsen. En was een beetje stoffig. Manga nog niet gelezen

To be honest I read this version before reading the original work No longer human and I love this version more than the novel! The illustrations add something spooky to a story that is already very creepy! So far, it’s my favorite book from Junji Ito

This graphic novel is a harrowing exploration of the human psyche, depicted through Ito’s signature unsettling artistry and profound storytelling based on true events! "No Longer Human" chronicles the life of Yozo Oba, a man who feels perpetually disconnected from the society around him. This sense of alienation begins in his childhood and deepens as he grows older, leading him down a path of self-destruction and despair. Yozo’s life is marked by a series of tragic events and personal failures, exacerbated by his inability to form genuine connections with others. Junji Ito’s artwork is nothing short of mesmerizing. His ability to capture the grotesque and the beautiful in the same frame is unparalleled. In "No Longer Human," Ito’s illustrations amplify the emotional weight of Yozo's story, making the reader feel the protagonist's anguish and hopelessness. The detailed expressions and haunting imagery create a visual experience that is as disturbing as it is captivating. The adaptation remains faithful to Dazai’s exploration of existential dread and social alienation. Yozo Oba is a complex character, whose internal conflicts and descent into madness are portrayed with a nuanced sensitivity. Ito delves deep into themes of identity, mental illness, and the human condition, making the reader question what it means to be 'normal' or 'human.' The graphic novel does not shy away from depicting the darker aspects of Yozo’s life, including his substance abuse and suicidal tendencies, offering a raw and unfiltered look at his troubled existence! Reading "No Longer Human" is an intense emotional journey. Ito’s adaptation is not just a horror story but a profound commentary on the fragility of the human spirit. The narrative’s unrelenting descent into despair is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking. It challenges the reader to empathize with Yozo despite his many flaws, and to reflect on their own experiences of alienation and despair. Junji Ito’s "No Longer Human" is a masterful adaptation that transcends the boundaries of horror and psychological drama. It is a compelling exploration of a troubled soul, rendered with exquisite artistry and deep emotional insight. Whether you are a fan of Ito’s previous works or new to his storytelling, this graphic novel is a must-read, offering a haunting and unforgettable experience. In sum, "No Longer Human" by Junji Ito is a tour de force that vividly brings Osamu Dazai's poignant narrative to life. It stands as a testament to Ito’s prowess as a storyteller and an artist, solidifying his place as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary manga.

Si vous avez aimé tout les recueils de nouvelles d'Ito, faites gaffe à ce livre qui retrace l'histoire d'un homme sur plusieurs périodes de sa vie, de jeune à adulte, sur 600 pages assez mouvementées. Assez inhabituel de la part d'Ito, le livre est plus mature, plus adulte, plus trash dans ses thématiques et n'hésite pas à exploiter des mots, et des images, qui étaient peu habituelles pour ses autres oeuvres. Toutefois une excellente lecture, un de mes livres préférés d'Ito, je recommande si vous aimez les thématiques sombres et adultes qui font réfléchir sur la vie... et la dépression d'un Homme.