Lafcadio Hearn's The Faceless Ghost: And Other Macabre Tales From Japan

Gr 8 Up—A well-done graphic novel featuring new interpretations of traditional Japanese tales of terror. With six stories of vengeful spirits, mischievous men, and wayward journeys, this graphic novel offers a beautifully drawn interpretation of Lafcadio Hearn's famous renditions of Japanese tales of suspense. Fans can find these selections in various collections, but this work cleverly compiles an interesting group of stories that offer an introduction to Japanese horror folklore. Wilson closely mirrors traditional methods of translation as he reimagines each piece for a graphic modern adventure. While this method creates a mood akin to that felt when reading a more traditional story format, it may prevent immersion from some readers not used to this type of "subtle scare" in their horror. On the other hand, illustrator Morikawa's depictions perfectly capture the essence of each adventure with captivating character models and adept landscapes. With audiences with a high interest in Japanese horror, this graphic novel may circulate well. Tighter collections may want to pick graphic titles from Edogawa Ranpo or Junji Ito.