Kazuo Umezu, Legendary Manga Creator and Horror Pioneer, Dies at 88

Kazuo Umezu, celebrated as a pioneer in horror manga and known for iconic works like Hyouryuu Kyoushitsu (The Drifting Classroom) and Makoto-chan, died on October 28 at the age of 88 due to stomach cancer. Umezu spent his final days in a care facility. His funeral was held privately, with plans for a public memorial to follow.

Born in 1936 in Wakayama, Japan, and raised in Nara, Umezu launched his career in 1955 and quickly rose to prominence with his unique, disturbing art style and his exploration of complex psychological themes. He debuted notable horror series like Nekome no Shoujo (The Girl with Cat Eyes) and Akanbou Shoujo (Scary Little Girl), which established him as a visionary in horror manga. In 1972, his highly acclaimed work Hyouryuu Kyoushitsu captured audiences with its story of children struggling to survive in a dystopian future, further cementing his status as a master of horror.

Umezu was equally prolific in humor, creating the popular Makoto-chan, a surreal gag manga that became a social phenomenon when it was first serialized in 1976. The series' catchphrase "Gwashi!" and signature hand pose became a cultural icon, showcasing Umezu's versatility across genres. Other notable works include Orochi, Watashi wa Shingo (My Name Is Shingo), and Fourteen, each a testament to his wide-ranging artistic expression.

Umezu's distinctive red-and-white striped shirt, often worn during public appearances, made him instantly recognizable and beloved by fans. Known for his bright personality, he embraced roles outside of manga, including TV appearances and even releasing a music album.

Though health issues sidelined his manga work for a period, Umezu returned to the art world in 2022, unveiling Zoku-Shingo: Chiisana Robot Shingo Bijutsukan (Zoku-Shingo: Little Robot Shingo Museum), a collection of 101 paintings that marked his reemergence as an artist after nearly three decades. His artistic achievements were recognized globally, earning him awards such as the Angoulême International Comics Festival Heritage Award in 2018 for Watashi wa Shingo (My Name Is Shingo) and the Special Prize at the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Awards earlier this year.

Source: Yomiuri Online, Sankei Shimbun