Junji Ito Explores Cosmic Horror and Vinyl-Exclusive Audio Dramas
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Junji Ito discusses his new vinyl-exclusive audio drama, 'In Old Records,' the power of audio-only horror, and his enduring love for Lovecraftian cosmic horror in a recent interview with Polygon.
Horror manga master Junji Ito is expanding his terrifying reach into new formats. In a recent interview with Polygon, Ito discussed the adaptation of his 1997 short story In Old Records into a vinyl-exclusive audio drama. The project, which recently surpassed its crowdfunding goals on Kickstarter, brings his signature brand of dread into an auditory space. The record features voice performances by Grammy-nominated artist Poppy and legendary voice actor Shoko Nakagawa.
Choosing a vinyl format for a story about a cursed record creates a brilliant layer of immersion. Without the safety net of visual artwork, the production relies entirely on sound design and voice work to unnerve listeners. Ito noted that the central melody, composed specifically for the release, evokes a terrifying sense of the afterlife that manga alone cannot replicate. Fans who backed the limited editions even received physical copies featuring the creator's actual bloody handprint and signature.
During the conversation, Ito also touched on the lasting literary influences that shape his dark worldview, pointing to the deep existential dread found in the works of H.P. Lovecraft and Kazuo Umezu. When asked about his future creative direction, the acclaimed mangaka expressed a desire to push cosmic horror even further in upcoming projects. For a creator who has spent decades defining modern horror, exploring new mediums and deeper existential themes proves that his unsettling vision is far from finished.
Tags: Junji Ito, Horror, Audio Drama, Polygon, Cosmic Horror
Original article: Polygon