MASAAKI NINOMIYA'S GANNIBAL HORROR MANGA SERIES IN ENGLISH!

Horror manga has exploded in popularity recently, and any Western fan looking for a new series to sink their teeth into should be on the lookout for Ablaze's upcoming English publication of Gannibal. Though the manga isn't quite as eldritch and inscrutable as other popular horror series, it's still an exceptionally tense manga that will have readers frightened and eager to turn the page in equal measure.

Coming from writer and illustrator Masaaki Ninomiya, Gannibal Volume 1 releases in English on April 9th from Ablaze. The series follows a young cop named Daigo, his wife Yuki, and their daughter Mashiro as they move to the small rural town Kuge located on the edge of a forest.

Though Daigo is hoping for a relaxing getaway for his family, he's haunted by the disappearance of Kuge's previous police officer. Daigo's suspicions are further raised when the disfigured corpse of village matriarch Gin Goto is found in the woods. Though the Goto family insists it was a bear, Daigo's instincts tell him something far more unsettling is going on.

Gannibal's Art is a Masterclass in Building Tension

The Manga's Panel Layouts Keep Readers on the Edge of Their Seats

Gannibal makes readers feel the horrific weight of being an outsider in a strange and unwelcome place

The first thing that jumps out about Gannibal is the strength of Ninomiya's artwork. Each panel, even ones that should be relatively peaceful, works to either unnerve the reader or build tension. Ninomiya knows how to draw a reader's eye to a central point. Whether it's Yuki sitting alone in a hallway or all eyes being on Daigo at a meal, Gannibal makes readers feel the horrific weight of being an outsider in a strange and unwelcome place.

Ninomiya is a diverse artist, however, with his work on expressions and environments just as captivating as his efforts to creep readers out. The environment often has a sort of purposeful blurry quality that makes the landscape seem all the more alien. Faces are also expertly crafted, with exaggerated expressions selling character just on a visual level alone.

Gannibal is a Horror Manga With Incredible Characters

Daigo & His Family All Feel Like Real People

Even more than the tension, what makes Gannibal compelling are its characters. Daigo and Yuki are a wonderfully realized couple. They bicker, and it's clear that Daigo isn't always home as much as he should be, but it's obvious the two deeply care for each other. Daigo himself is an effective point-of-view character, oftentimes reacting to the strange happenings in Kuge in a way that's easy to relate to. He's an easy character to like, and the end of volume 1 will undoubtedly leave readers ravenous to see him unravel the village's mysteries.

Ablaze has been known for taking risks with titles, like the dark fun of manhwa like Terror Man. With Gannibal the publisher has a winner, as the art, story, and characters are all fascinating. Gannibal Volume 1 is incredible, and any horror manga fan will want to try Ablaze's latest series.

Look for Gannibal Volume 1 when it releases on April 9th!

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