The themes he explores. He often delves into themes like isolation, obsession, and the futility of fighting against an unknown and terrifying force. In 'Gyo', the characters are isolated as the world around them turns into a nightmare of walking fish. This exploration of themes makes the sadness in his stories not just about individual events but about the human condition in general, which is why they are so impactful.
The art. Junji Ito's detailed and often grotesque illustrations are a big part of what makes his novels special. They bring the horror to life in a very vivid way.
The horror in Junji Ito's top scariest stories often comes from the distortion of the ordinary. For example, in 'Uzumaki', spirals, which are a common shape in our daily lives, are turned into a source of extreme fear. The slow build - up of unease and the detailed and grotesque art also contribute to the scariness.
The unique and disturbing aesthetics. Junji Ito has a very distinct art style that is both beautiful and terrifying. Horror games such as 'Layers of Fear' also have a strong aesthetic sense. The decaying and distorted environments in the game are visually striking and disturbing, much like Ito's drawings. Moreover, the sense of mystery in both. In Ito's stories, there are often unanswered questions that keep you thinking. In horror games, there are often hidden secrets and backstories that you need to uncover, which makes the whole experience more engaging.
Another sad one is 'Uzumaki'. The story revolves around a town obsessed with spirals. As the plot unfolds, the characters are slowly consumed by this strange fixation. Their lives are ruined as they are unable to escape the ever - encroaching spirals, both literally and metaphorically. It's a story full of a sense of inescapable doom and sadness.
Junji Ito's stories don't have a strict connection. They're more like individual expressions of horror and strangeness. However, you might notice some common themes or visual styles that give them a certain cohesion.
The likely use of real - life experiences. When stories are based on real events or emotions, they tend to be more impactful.
They are impactful because they are a window into someone else's soul - pain and all. When an author like Paul Kalanithi in 'When Breath Becomes Air' writes about his terminal illness, it makes us confront our own mortality. These stories also show the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity, which is both inspiring and heart - wrenching.
They often deal with themes like loss, injustice, and human suffering. These are universal emotions that readers can easily relate to. Take stories of poverty - the struggles of real people trying to survive in difficult circumstances make us feel empathy.
The character development. In anime sad stories, we see the characters grow and change, often through difficult circumstances. When bad things happen to these well - developed characters, it hits us harder.
The emotional journey. These sad stories usually take the reader on an emotional roller - coaster. They start with a normal or happy situation, then gradually introduce the sad elements. By the end, the reader has been fully immersed in the sadness, and sometimes, it can even lead to self - reflection about their own lives and experiences.