Last Gasp has officially licensed Suehiro Maruo’s manga adaptation of Edogawa Rampo’s classic short story, The Caterpillar, slated for release in both hardcover and paperback editions in 2026. This highly anticipated acquisition brings one of Maruo’s signature ero-guro (erotic grotesque) works to English-speaking audiences, continuing Last Gasp’s history of publishing the acclaimed artist’s catalog.
A Tale of War’s Grim Aftermath
The Caterpillar manga, originally serialized in Enterbrain’s Comic Beam magazine in 2009, is based on Edogawa Rampo’s 1929 short story of the same name. The narrative delves into a haunting psycho-sexual exploration of Lieutenant Sunaga, a World War I veteran who returns home horrifically disfigured and limbless, resembling a human “caterpillar.” Unable to speak or care for himself, Sunaga becomes entirely dependent on his wife, Sunaga, whose initial care devolves into neglect and cruelty as she grapples with his disfigurement. The story is renowned for its dark psychological depth and shocking imagery, making it a natural fit for Maruo’s distinctive artistic style.
Suehiro Maruo’s Signature Style
Suehiro Maruo is celebrated for his unique “ero-guro” aesthetic, which combines eroticism with grotesque and often disturbing themes. His work is characterized by crisp, clear lines that belie the unsettling and often violent content, depicting themes of body horror, psychological torment, and societal decay. The Caterpillar exemplifies this style, delving into the darker side of human nature and the societal prejudices faced by those considered “other.” Maruo’s adaptations of Rampo’s works are particularly noted for their ability to amplify the source material’s unsettling atmosphere and themes.
Connections to Edogawa Rampo and Previous Works
This licensing further solidifies the connection between Last Gasp and the works of both Suehiro Maruo and Edogawa Rampo, one of Japan’s most influential writers of detective and suspense fiction. Last Gasp previously released Maruo’s The Strange Tale of Panorama Island, also an adaptation of a Rampo story, in 2013, and is set to release a paperback edition of that title in October 2025. Rampo’s original The Caterpillar short story has also seen other adaptations, including a 2010 live-action film directed by Kōji Wakamatsu, which was nominated for the Golden Bear award at the 60th Berlin International Film Festival. The upcoming publication of The Caterpillar manga is poised to be another significant release for fans of Maruo’s work and dark, psychological horror.
