Shiver is easily one of Junji Ito’s strongest and most memorable short story collections. It delivers everything that makes his work so gripping — from twisted body horror and chilling monsters to unsettling psychological tales and sharp social commentary. The stories hit hard, with standout moments like the haunting Hanging Blimp, the cursed jade stone in Shiver, and the disturbing loss of control in Marionette Mansion.
Shiver ranks among the top three in our complete Junji Ito manga ranking, and if you’re new to his work, our full beginner’s guide is a great place to start. Plus, the subtle connections to Smashed make reading these two collections back-to-back an even richer experience. If you want a taste of what makes Junji Ito a master of horror manga, Shiver is an essential read that doesn’t disappoint.
What Shiver Is
Shiver is a Junji Ito story collection that gathers nine short stories plus a bonus story extension. The lineup includes Used Record, Shiver, Fashion Model, Hanging Blimp, Marionette Mansion, Painter, The Long Dream, Honored Ancestors, and Greased, along with Fashion Model: Cursed Frame.
Favorite Stories and Highlights
Among these, Hanging Blimp stands out as a favorite. It features creepy doppelgängers with massive balloon heads who taunt and hunt people. The story’s design and artwork rank among Ito’s best and make it one of his most memorable short stories.
The title story, Shiver, revolves around a cursed jade stone that brings terror to whoever possesses it. Used Record follows a haunting tune on a rare record that drives people to murder, ending with a great reveal.
Fashion Model introduces a sinister character with a unique look. It’s worth reading this story before jumping into Smashed, as there’s a connection that enriches the experience.
Familiar Characters and Unsettling Concepts
Tomie makes an appearance in Painter, where a painter’s success depends on capturing his muse’s beauty—until Tomie arrives and things spiral out of control.
Marionette Mansion tells of a family of puppeteers, with a son who chooses to live as a puppet himself, controlled by those in the rafters. The loss of autonomy and control creeps under the skin here.
The Long Dream explores the unnerving idea of dreams lasting longer and longer, some stretching into what feels like years, despite being mere moments in reality.
Honored Ancestors centers on a girl with amnesia whose past horrors come flooding back, featuring incredible body horror and imagery while exploring the transmission of memories and hopes across generations.
Disturbing Imagery and Bonus Story
Greased is a gross-out story about a family living above a barbecue shop, covered in grease that sticks to everything. The vivid imagery captures that uncomfortable sensation perfectly.
The collection closes with a bonus story, an extension of Fashion Model.
Why Shiver Works
Shiver is one of Junji Ito’s most well-rounded collections, offering a bit of everything—from body horror and monsters to psychological terror and social commentary. There are few stories that don’t hit the mark, making it one of his best overall.
When paired with Smashed, Shiver becomes even stronger. Reading Shiver first is recommended because of the story connections that make Smashed more impactful.
You can shop Shiver now at a trusted manga retailer!
If Shiver is your kind of horror, check out our Best Horror Manga Guide for more unforgettable stories.
