Top Model: cosplaying Ito Junji’s Tomie

Fans of horror comics are currently enjoying what translator Zack Davisson has loosely termed a ‘Junji Ito boom’ (@ZackDavisson). Ito’s work has been widely translated and has even resulted in a line of Hot Topic clothing. Fanworks that have resulted from both the original Japanese titles and recent English language translations include doujinshi comics, fanfiction, fanart, and cosplay (costume roleplay) costumes. Ito’s long running manga series Tomie (1987-2000) is one of his most popular works and has been adapted into eight live action films, a tv series, and a novel. The series revolves around the eponymous Tomie, a beautiful girl who drives those around her, usually men, mad to the point of violence, murder, and ruin.