Manga luminary Masaya Hokazono, best known for his supernatural horror series Inugami, significantly expanded his creative output in 2020 with the launch of several new and continuing manga projects, solidifying his presence in the horror genre. These launches included Yami Ihon, a new installment in his collaborative Ihon horror anthology series, and Naoko ~Pumpkin Night Gaiden~, a prequel spinoff to his popular Pumpkin Night series.
Yami Ihon (The Dark Tome) Continues a Collaborative Horror Tradition
Among Hokazono’s notable new works is Yami Ihon (The Dark Tome), which debuted on the LINE Manga app in August 2020. This series is a continuation of his ongoing collaboration with writer Motosuke Takaminato on the Ihon (Tome) horror manga series. The Ihon series delves into various short horror stories and previously included Kuro Ihon (The Black Tome) in 2013, Aka Ihon (The Red Tome) in 2016, and Shiro Ihon (The White Tome) in 2017. Yami Ihon adds another chilling chapter to this popular anthology, showcasing Hokazono’s talent for crafting unsettling narratives.
Delving into the Past with Naoko ~Pumpkin Night Gaiden~
Another significant launch in June 2020 was Naoko ~Pumpkin Night Gaiden~, a compelling prequel spinoff of Hokazono’s horror manga Pumpkin Night. Co-created with Nao Kurebayashi, this series delves into the backstory of the character Naoko, offering readers insights into her time in a mental institution before she became the terrifying figure known as Pumpkin Night. The original Pumpkin Night manga, which launched on LINE Manga in August 2019, gained immense popularity in Japan, accumulating over 125 million views on the platform. This prequel further enriches the lore of the slasher horror universe Hokazono established.
Masaya Hokazono’s Enduring Legacy in Horror Manga
Masaya Hokazono has a long and distinguished career deeply rooted in horror, mystery, and the supernatural. His seminal work, Inugami, was serialized in Kodansha’s Afternoon magazine from 1996 to 2002, spanning 14 volumes and later receiving a revised edition, Inugami Kai. The series, centered around a boy and a “dog god” of Japanese mythology, established Hokazono’s distinctive style, which often features grotesque body modifications, bizarre phenomena, and visceral gore to create a unique and unsettling atmosphere.
Beyond Inugami and the Ihon series, Hokazono’s extensive bibliography includes other notable horror titles such as Emerging, a two-volume manga about an unknown virus pandemic, and Kichikujima (Freak Island), a long-running slasher manga. His work consistently explores themes of human fear, psychological distress, and the uncanny, often combining elements of science fiction and the occult.
Other Recent Activities: Inugami Re Remake
In addition to new story arcs, Hokazono’s existing popular works have also seen renewed life. A remake of his iconic Inugami manga, titled Inugami Re, began serialization digitally through LINE Manga in October 2020. Illustrated by Aki Shimizu, this two-part remake offers a fresh perspective on the original story, further demonstrating the lasting appeal and influence of Hokazono’s creations.
These series launches in 2020 underscore Masaya Hokazono’s continued dedication to pushing the boundaries of horror manga and providing fans with new and terrifying narratives. His ability to craft compelling stories, whether as continuations, prequels, or remakes, solidifies his position as a prominent voice in the genre.
