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Passing of Manga Horror Master Kazuo Umezu
Remembering Kazuo Umezu, the influential Japanese horror manga artist who passed away at 88.
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France
EntertainmentLifestyleLegacyArtistHorrorMangaJapanese Culture
NhkGlénatLe Lézard Noir
Kazuo UmezuJunji ItoSaburo Kawamoto
- Who was Kazuo Umezu?
- Kazuo Umezu, a prominent Japanese manga artist known for his horror manga, passed away at the age of 88 on October 28th, 2024. His career spanned decades, and he significantly influenced the J-Horror genre.
- What were some of Kazuo Umezu's inspirations?
- Umezu's inspiration for horror stemmed from his father's storytelling, particularly a tale of a woman-snake that he considered the beginning of his career. His mother instilled in him a love for drawing.
- What was Kazuo Umezu's legacy in the manga world?
- Though he stopped drawing in 1995, Umezu remained a public figure and inspiration to many mangaka, including Junji Ito, and continued to shape J-Horror in visual arts.
- How would you describe Kazuo Umezu's artistic style?
- Umezu's style was characterized by densely black ink, grotesque humor and a unique approach to horror that wasn't focused on shock value, but rather on genuine fear.
- What are some of Kazuo Umezu's most well-known works?
- His most famous works include "The Drifting Classroom," a disaster and coming-of-age story, and "Makoto-chan," a popular series featuring a mischievous boy. He also explored science fiction in his works.