Junji Ito, the undisputed master of horror manga, renowned for his terrifyingly detailed and grotesquely imaginative works, takes a surprising turn. Instead of cosmic entities or body horror, Ito delves into a different kind of dread – the everyday horrors of living with… cats. This isn’t your typical cute cat manga; this is Junji Ito’s take on feline companionship, and it’s as hilariously unsettling as you might expect.
Junji Ito's Cat Diary: Yon & Mu cover, blending horror and humor
For those familiar with Ito’s work, the idea of him focusing on domestic cats might seem absurd. Yet, Junji Ito’s Cat Diary: Yon & Mu is a brilliant comedic-horror manga that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever welcomed these enigmatic creatures into their homes. It speaks to the unique blend of affection and exasperation that cat owners experience daily.
Mu the cat, depicted with unsettling, wide eyes in Junji Ito's manga style
This manga is an autobiographical account of Ito himself, a self-proclaimed dog person, as he navigates the world of cats when his fiancée brings her two feline companions, Yon and Mu, into their shared life. The narrative humorously chronicles his journey from apprehension and bewilderment to eventual, albeit grudging, acceptance of these furry overlords.
Yon the cat, staring intensely in a panel from Junji Ito's Cat Diary
Ito’s manga captures the quintessential cat behaviors that are both endearing and infuriating. He portrays the cats’ stubbornness with exaggerated, horror-infused imagery, turning everyday feline antics into scenes of comedic terror.
Junji Ito drawing cats with horror manga style exaggeration
Close-up of a cat face drawn in Junji Ito's distinctive, detailed manga style
The manga details Ito’s internal struggle as he transitions from a dog lover to a reluctant cat cohabitant. He humorously depicts his initial fear and suspicion towards Yon and Mu, portraying them as almost monstrous figures intruding into his life.
Junji Ito's manga panel showing a character reacting with exaggerated fear to cats
Another manga panel depicting fear and suspicion towards cats in Junji Ito's style
This emotional rollercoaster involves Ito’s attempts to bond with the cats, driven by a comical jealousy of their affection for his wife-to-be. Anyone who has ever tried to win over a cat’s favor will find these sequences hilariously relatable.
Manga panel depicting a character attempting to interact playfully with cats
Junji Ito character looking nervously at a cat in a manga panel
The manga perfectly captures the universal experience of succumbing to the “monstrous, obsessive love” that cats inspire. Despite the initial trepidation, Ito, like many cat owners, eventually falls under their spell.
Manga panel depicting a character showing fear and unease around cats
Manga panel showing a character's suspicious gaze towards a cat
Another panel showing fear and apprehension of cats in Junji Ito's manga
The humor is amplified by Ito’s own commentary, including a self-deprecating note about calling one of the cat’s faces “weird” or “accursed.” This is particularly funny considering his wife’s depiction in the manga, which is intentionally exaggerated and stylized.
Manga panel showcasing a cat's face described as "weird" in Junji Ito's style
Real photo of a cat, juxtaposed with Junji Ito's manga description of a "weird, accursed" cat
Manga panel depicting Junji Ito's stylized drawing of his wife
The manga even includes a humorous Q&A section where a reader points out the unique way Ito draws his wife’s eyes and her reaction to it, adding another layer of autobiographical charm and humor.
Manga panel from Junji Ito's Cat Diary, showing a cat's slightly unusual facial features
Junji Ito’s Cat Diary: Yon & Mu is a delightful read, especially for cat lovers who appreciate the darker, funnier side of feline companionship. It perfectly captures the nuances of living with cats – from their surprising strength and stubbornness to the chaos they bring into our homes.
Manga panel depicting a cat exhibiting surprising strength and resistance
Another manga panel showcasing a cat's stubbornness and resistance
Manga panel illustrating a cat's disruptive behavior, knocking items over
Manga panel depicting a cat causing disruption and chaos in a home
Manga panel showing cats causing household disruption and mess
It acknowledges the “gross and spooky things” we tolerate for those fleeting moments of feline affection. Ito masterfully blends horror manga aesthetics with the mundane realities of cat ownership, creating a truly unique and hilarious manga experience.
Manga panel depicting a cat doing something considered "gross" in a humorous way
Manga panel portraying a cat in a slightly "spooky" or unsettling, yet comedic, manner
Ultimately, Junji Ito’s Cat Diary: Yon & Mu is an adorable and remarkably accurate portrayal of the “monsters” we adore. It’s a testament to the strange, often contradictory, love we have for our feline companions. Whether you’re a seasoned cat owner, a horror manga enthusiast, or simply looking for a funny and relatable read, this manga is a must-try.
