Celebrating 40 Years of Terror: Japan’s First Official Junji Ito Coloring Book Launched
For all the horror manga fans out there, today is a very special day. Japan has finally released its first-ever official coloring book dedicated to the legendary works of Junji Ito. Titled "Junji Ito Coloring Book Selection," this unique publication hit the shelves today, February 20th. If you are looking to get your hands on this piece of history, the price is set at 1650 yen, including tax. It is a must-have for anyone who wants to see exploring horror: the essential guide to Junji Ito's manga and anime masterpieces through their own creative eyes.
A Deep Dive into the Macabre: What’s Inside?
This book isn't just a random collection of sketches. It has been specially planned to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Junji Ito's debut in the industry. Inside, you will find 32 detailed coloring pages and 16 original color drawings. The selection covers some of his most iconic and bone-chilling works that have defined the genre for decades. Fans can look forward to coloring scenes from:
- Tomie: The undying girl who drives men to madness.
- Uzumaki: The terrifying spiral that consumes a whole town.
- Souichi: The mischievous boy with a penchant for curses.
- Dead Man's Love (Lovesick Dead): The haunting urban legend of crossroads fortune-telling.
- Hanging Balloon: One of the most surreal and unsettling stories ever drawn.
What makes this release even more special is the inclusion of an exclusive interview with the master himself. Junji Ito shares personal tips on how to approach painting his work. He specifically recommends starting with Tomie if you are a beginner. He also goes into detail explaining his techniques for drawing with light and perspective, which is quite rare to see. For those who like extra goodies, there is an appendix included that allows you to create your own postcards and pocket bags using the art. Also, keep an eye out for "Junji Ito x garden paper-cutting selection," which is scheduled to launch on March 31st.
Participate in the Official Coloring Contest
To make the launch even more exciting, Asahi Shimbun Publishing is hosting a special contest on their official X (formerly Twitter) account. This contest is for both coloring and paper-cutting enthusiasts. They are giving away some very cool prizes to the lucky winners. If you participate, you could be one of the two people chosen by lottery to win an actual autograph from Junji Ito. Additionally, 30 people will be selected to win a special sticker set.
The application period started today, February 20th, and will run all the way until June 30th, so you have plenty of time to perfect your art. For more details on the entry process and rules, you should definitely check the official website of Asahi Shimbun Publishing. Understanding his art style is crucial if you want to win, so it might be worth exploring horror: the essential guide to Junji Ito's manga and anime masterpieces before you start your coloring journey. This is truly a golden opportunity for fans to engage with the work of a genius in a very hands-on way.
