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A review by itshaldun
Tomie by Junji Ito
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
“Es ist verboten, einen Manga von Junji Ito mit weniger als 5 Sternen zu bewerten”
- Angela Merkel
“Damn, maybe the second one was too much”
- Harry S. Truman
“If Junji Ito took a shit between the pages of an empty book and sent it to me, I’d still rate it 5 stars”
- Haldun Bucak
It’s hard for me to decide if I like Uzumaki or this more. Uzumaki certainly feels more complete of a story with a distinct plot, whereas this feels more like a collection of short stories. There is no conclusion to be reached, or a narration to close.
But strangely, I like that as well. It gives the feeling that Tomie is still out there, and that your life is just a one small encounter with her away from completely crashing down. It adds to the existential horror of it.
Compared to Uzumaki, the horror in this book is much more human. Tomie is an embodiment of sexism in culture, a woman consumed by material desires and good looks, that ruins the lives of “proper” men she comes across. But at the same time, she is a perpetual victim, fated to be murdered and mutilated by the same men whom she manipulates and plays with.
Her effect on other woman are also toxic. She is either in a never-ending power struggle with other woman and other copies of herself, or she is an object of jealousy and frustration. Her harsh altitude towards other woman who she deems uglier than her (read: everyone) causes these poor woman to either completely lose self-esteem, go insane, or give in and turn into a copy of her. Simply brilliant.
I believe Junji Ito does a phenomenal job highlighting the toxic effects of sexism and sexist culture in both men and women, and it’s crazy to think that this was written in 1987.
It goes without saying that it is beautifully illustrated, disturbing, and sometimes absurdly funny. Although there are some stories that felt out of place, or repetitive, I cannot rate this book any lower than a perfect 5, but that’s hardly a surprise for anyone.
Buy gold, bye!
- Angela Merkel
“Damn, maybe the second one was too much”
- Harry S. Truman
“If Junji Ito took a shit between the pages of an empty book and sent it to me, I’d still rate it 5 stars”
- Haldun Bucak
It’s hard for me to decide if I like Uzumaki or this more. Uzumaki certainly feels more complete of a story with a distinct plot, whereas this feels more like a collection of short stories. There is no conclusion to be reached, or a narration to close.
But strangely, I like that as well. It gives the feeling that Tomie is still out there, and that your life is just a one small encounter with her away from completely crashing down. It adds to the existential horror of it.
Compared to Uzumaki, the horror in this book is much more human. Tomie is an embodiment of sexism in culture, a woman consumed by material desires and good looks, that ruins the lives of “proper” men she comes across. But at the same time, she is a perpetual victim, fated to be murdered and mutilated by the same men whom she manipulates and plays with.
Her effect on other woman are also toxic. She is either in a never-ending power struggle with other woman and other copies of herself, or she is an object of jealousy and frustration. Her harsh altitude towards other woman who she deems uglier than her (read: everyone) causes these poor woman to either completely lose self-esteem, go insane, or give in and turn into a copy of her. Simply brilliant.
I believe Junji Ito does a phenomenal job highlighting the toxic effects of sexism and sexist culture in both men and women, and it’s crazy to think that this was written in 1987.
It goes without saying that it is beautifully illustrated, disturbing, and sometimes absurdly funny. Although there are some stories that felt out of place, or repetitive, I cannot rate this book any lower than a perfect 5, but that’s hardly a surprise for anyone.
Buy gold, bye!