Junji Ito’s Cat Diary: Yon and Mu

Junji Ito’s Cat Diary: Yon and Mu

Master of Japanese horror manga Junji Ito presents a series of hissterical tales chronicling his real-life trials and tribulations of becoming a cat owner. Junji Ito, as J-kun, has recently built a new house and has invited his financée, A-ko, to live with him. Little did he know…his blushing bride-to-be has some unexpected company in tow—Yon, a ghastly-looking family cat, and Mu, an adorable Norwegian forest cat. Despite being a dog person, J-kun finds himself purrsuaded by their odd cuteness and thus begins his comedic struggle to gain the affection of his new feline friends.

Biographical Notes:

Junji Ito made his professional manga debut in 1987 and since then has gone on to be recognized as one of the greatest contemporary artists working in the horror genre. His titles include Tomie and Uzumaki, which have been adapted into live-action films; Gyo, which was adapted into an animated film; and his books Deserter, Fragments of Horror, Frankenstein, Lovesickness, No Longer Human, Remina, Sensor, Shiver, Smashed, and Venus in the Blind Spot, all of which are available from VIZ Media.

He is a three-time Eisner Award winner. In 2019 his collection Frankenstein won in the “Best Adaptation from Another Medium” category, and in 2021 he was awarded “Best Writer/Artist,” while Remina received the award for “Best U.S. Edition of International Material (Asia).”

Quotes / Reviews:

“The funniest comic that I’ve read in—please forgive me—a cat’s age. … Ito is the creator of nerve-shredding horror comics like Uzumaki, and even though Cat Diary is an autobiographical story about life as a pet owner, Ito brings all of his skill as a horror genius to the table… Recommended.” -Otaku USA Magazine

“Incredibly memorable…Whether you’re a die-hard Ito fan, a cat lover, or both, you will absolutely adore this manga.” -Dread Central

“Junji Ito proves just as adept at capturing life with kitties as he is at horror, and the story is by turns touching, hilarious, and heartbreaking.” -Anime News Network

Title Notes:

Selected by the Young Adult Library Services Association as one of their Great Graphic Novels for Teens 2017!

One-shot comic from a notable manga artist in the horror genre.

A humor-filled story that certain to appeal to the cat-centric tastes of the Internet generation.

Author’s name will be recognized immediately by fans of horror manga, including comic shop patrons.

With cats being the central focus of its humorous story, it has the potential to reach beyond typical manga readers.

More details on Junji Ito:

Junji Ito’s Twitter Page

More works by Junji Ito