From LPs to a Cat Diary: The Master of Horror Elevates Collectibles to an Art Form

Junji Ito, the master of horror manga. For many, his name alone is enough to send shivers down your spine, but the vibe around him is shifting. Among fans, his works—once the very definition of terror—are being rediscovered as prized collectibles. Ito's unique worldview is expanding beyond the manga volumes sitting on a bookshelf, stretching into the realms of music and everyday life. In recent years, interest in the Junji Ito Collection has surged, particularly here in Australia, reaching fever pitch.

A big part of this renewed buzz comes down to the resurgence of 'Uzumaki' (Spiral). Starting with 'Gyo', Ito’s distinctive visuals and narrative structures have only grown more iconic over time. The announcement of its anime adaptation marked a peak, and the latest item turning heads is the Uzumaki - Anime Series Original Soundtrack [Black & White Spiral Picture Disc LP] [180g / Junji Ito Illustration]. An LP? It’s a bit unexpected, right? But the visual of this picture disc, where black and white swirl together in a mesmerising spiral, perfectly captures the grotesque yet addictive aesthetic that is classic Junji Ito. You can almost imagine the music that will play the moment you drop the needle—that’s the power of this artwork.

But here’s an interesting twist. Alongside these, other works that show a completely different—perhaps even the 'warmest'—side of Junji Ito are also gaining attention, far from the 'horror' image we usually associate with him.

• Junji Ito's Cat Diary: Yon & Mu – Based on Ito’s own experiences as a cat owner, this series is unexpectedly poignant, depicting a bizarre yet heartfelt connection between a man and his pets. It’s fascinating to watch how his imagination, usually lost in spirals, manifests within the everyday chaos of cat ownership.
• Gyo – This one needs no introduction. It was the work that really put Junji Ito on the map and is an absolute essential for any collection. His imagination, which blurs the line between grotesque and captivating, truly shines here.
• Uzumaki – A work that has transcended manga to become a genuine cultural icon. From the LP to various merchandise and art prints, it remains a holy grail for collectors everywhere.

These days, an LP is more than just a way to listen to music; it's a piece of art in its own right, a totem for collectors. Add Junji Ito's touch to that, and its value becomes something else entirely. The 'Uzumaki' LP is more than just a record of the anime's soundtrack; it’s a portal to experience the full sensory immersion of the distinct world Junji Ito has created. Watching the black spiral spin on that weighty 180g disc, you might just feel like the father of 'Tomie' himself is right there, spinning you a tale.

Ultimately, what fans are after isn’t just horror, but a deep desire to immerse themselves in that uniquely captivating universe. That’s precisely what makes the Junji Ito Collection so special. In books, in music, and sometimes in the daily life shared with cats. It’s exciting to imagine what bizarre and fascinating worlds he’ll conjure up next. Here’s to hoping we keep seeing more of these stories—horror elevated to the level of collectible art, truly '100% worth owning'.