Deserter isn’t just a manga, it’s a time capsule of Junji Ito’s earlier horror work, packed with short stories that range from “mildly cursed” to “I’ll never sleep again.” This collection is best for readers who want bite-sized, classic Ito weirdness with plenty of haunted boys, obsessive love, and unsettling what-the-hell moments. It’s uneven, but that’s the charm, some stories hit you in the throat, others just vibe.

New to Junji Ito’s horror manga? This starter guide breaks down where to begin, what to skip (for now), and which stories are best for different fear levels; from spirals and sea creatures to Satan and short stories.