Scary Book Volume 1: Reflections
Grade 10 Up–Known as the Stephen King of Japan, Umezu is the master of horror manga. Several of his stories have already been adapted to film, and fans of Japanese horror movies likeThe RingandThe Grudgewill recognize his style. This volume contains two novellas. The author doesnt  rely on violence or gore to scare his readers; the horror is more primal, more psychological. InMirror, a pretty girl who has spent too much time in front of her mirror learns just how tenuous a power beauty is when her reflection escapes and takes over her life. InVengeance Demon, a warlord seeking revenge for his sons injuries finds himself the object of revenge. The black-and-white illustrations are simple yet powerful. What sets this manga apart from others is the starkness of the drawings and the simplicity of the dialogue. Readers who seek to understand the influence of Japanese horror will enjoy this volume.–Erin Dennington, Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.