Black Paradox

Four strangers are brought together by a dark pact, and what seems like an ending turns into the start of something stranger. The premise is a bleak hook that Junji Ito uses to set up a larger mystery.The strongest element is the atmosphere. Ito's art is unsettling, and the sense of cosmic wrongness builds with each chapter. The ensemble gives the story several perspectives, and the one-shots included in the volume add a welcome range of tone.The weakness is intensity. The themes are heavy, the body horror is strong, and some readers may find the subject matter difficult. The short run leaves several threads open, so the wider mystery is only partly answered.If you enjoy quiet, creeping horror with a philosophical edge, this is worth reading. It is grim and haunting. Expect an unsettling mood, striking images and a story that leaves a strange feeling behind.