No Longer Human
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Existential Despair, Now with Even More Haunting Illustrations
This one. Whew.
No Longer Human is Junji Ito’s adaptation of Osamu Dazai’s classic novel, and it’s a whole different kind of horror. Less jump scares, more soul-crushing dread. This is the story of a man named Oba Yozo as he spirals through isolation, addiction, and deep-rooted self-loathing. Junji Ito’s signature art takes those feelings and cranks them up to eleven.
If you’re looking for a story that hurts, like, emotionally, this is it. There are no monsters here (except maybe Yozo himself). Just trauma, depression, and a slow descent into losing what it means to be human.
What I Liked:
Junji Ito’s art style fits this story so well; it makes the sadness feel even more raw.
It’s uncomfortable in the best way.
The storytelling is intense and beautifully adapted.
What I Didn’t Love:
It’s heavy. Like, “go stare at the ceiling for 3 hours” heavy.
This isn’t your typical horror manga; it’s more literary and psychological.
My Rating: 4/5
Beautiful, tragic, and deeply unsettling. You’ll either love it or need therapy after. Maybe both.