My Spooky Manga Recommendations

Welcome to my very first blog post! I’ve been translating manga for almost five years now, and in that time, I’ve had the privilege of translating some spooky manga about witches, vampires, ghosts, and the scariest thing of all, humans! This type of manga might have even become my niche, so to speak.

Since it’s Halloween, I want to share with you my top spooky manga from among my translation babies and the reasons why you should read them. I hope you find a new favorite from this list!


1. Witches: The Complete Collection

Released in 2022, Witches: The Complete Collection is an amalgamation of stories about various witches across the world. With settings in the Middle East, South America, Okinawa, and Japan, it showcases the lives and desires of witches who have vastly different powers. While there isn’t a throughline in terms of story, the artwork is stunningly detailed, and there are some panels in particular that will absolutely haunt your nightmares. It is one of my favorite tomes to have translated to date. If you like your manga highbrow, this is definitely a volume to reach for.

From Seven Seas Entertainment:
"An omnibus of award-winning interwoven tales of witchcraft from the critically acclaimed creator of Children of the Sea.

On a visit to a city in the far west of Asia, a British girl named Nicola falls in love. The object of her affection is Mimar, a man who works at the city’s bazaar—yet despite her attempts, he turns her down. Upon returning home to England, the ache of her unrequited love festers. After years spent obtaining wealth, fame, and the Secret of the World, Nicola returns to the bazaar to exact her deadly revenge upon Mimar and those he holds dearest.

This story is one of many in this haunting collection that features tales of witches and dark magic set around the globe and in outer space. Winner of the Excellence Prize at the 2004 Japan Media Arts Festival, Witches is written and illustrated by Daisuke Igarashi, the critically acclaimed author of Children of the Sea."


2. Kaya-chan Isn’t Scary

The most recent series I’ve been translating is Kaya-chan Isn’t Scary, and it is the perfect mix of creepy, cute, and even slice-of-life. Kaya is a kindergartner who can "see ghosts" and beat them into submission, but there is so much more to it than that. Much like the character Kuronuma Sawako from Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You, Kaya is misunderstood by her classmates and struggles to find acceptance. However, Chie-sensei, a teacher at her kindergarten, truly sees her and becomes her champion and protector. This story just hits all the right feels. One moment you are getting heartwarming fuzzies from watching Kaya learn, grow, and make friends, and the next you’re getting spooked by how uncanny the ghosts are. I’m a huge fan of this manga as well as being its English translator, so I always look forward to seeing what is going to happen in the next volume when it gets sent to me to work on.

From Seven Seas Entertainment:
"Are you braver than a kindergartner? Find out with this horror manga that takes place in the most unlikely of places–and don’t miss the upcoming anime!

Kaya-chan is a notorious problem child in her kindergarten, but none of the adults know her secret–till Chie-sensei is put in charge and learns of Kaya-chan’s hidden ability to see evil spirits and vanquish them with a punch! What will happen to this five-year-old who gets in trouble when she’s only trying to help?"


3. The Strange House

The Strange House is based on the novel from Uketsu (available as Strange Houses: A Novel in English), and it follows an occult web writer who, through a series of coincidences, ends up investigating murders that might have taken place in houses with strange floor plans. Featuring a rather small cast of characters, this dialogue-heavy manga is built on suspense and speculation, so don’t expect too many jump scares. That said, it is plenty chilling, especially when the mysterious circumstances surrounding the houses is finally revealed.

From Seven Seas Entertainment:
"Based on the popular novel comes a chilling mystery about a house designed for murder—now a live-action movie!

I’ve always had a fascination with the occult; you might even call it my specialty. I’ve been brought in as a consultant on many supernatural and strange mysteries. But nothing could have prepared me for this house. It seemed so ordinary at first, except for that one room. It had no doors, no windows, and was tucked away, leaving anyone to think it was just a wall. I knew that there was something more to it. It shouldn’t be there, it shouldn’t exist, and yet…

Just what is this house, and what dark secrets does it hold?"


4. A Cat From Our World and the Forgotten Witch

I love cats, but as someone who is allergic to cats, I must make do with just reading about them. Which is why this manga is perfect. Part Isekai manga, part cat manga, part witch manga, A Cat From Our World and the Forgotten Witch is the perfect blend of heart and fantasy. Not to mention, it features an elderly heroine, which is extremely rare any genre of manga. Also, Mew (the giant cat) is the best, and if you are anything like me, by the end of the series you will agree that they deserve all the treats ("crunchies").

From Seven Seas Entertainment:
"A sweet tale starring a gigantic cat who’s summoned to a fantasy world by a lonely, elderly witch.

In her youth, Jeanne was a powerful witch who vanquished the evil Demon King and saved the world—but over time, the people she rescued have forgotten her. Now she is a lonely old woman living in a secluded forest…until she accidentally summons a cat from Earth to her home! The former city kitty is now gigantic and must acclimate to this new world. Can a cat from another world soothe the loneliness of the forgotten witch?"


5. Blood Night Market

I never thought I’d have an opportunity to translate a BL series, but here we are! And it’s about vampires, to boot! The world-building in Blood Night Market is exquisite, and as the name states, it all takes place in a "night market." Except it is human blood that is the food for sale. It’s thrilling, it’s original, and if you aren’t rooting for my boys by the end, then I don’t know what’s wrong with you.

From Seven Seas Entertainment:
"From popular Boys’ Love creator Chise Ogawa, the mangaka of vs. LOVE (also from Seven Seas)! In this action-packed supernatural thriller, a dark city thrives when humans feed the desires of vampires.

Step into the pulsating heart of Blood Night City, a metropolis teeming with vampires thirsty for blood and humans eager to sell. In this dark urban landscape, Sotetsu toils as an employee of the Blood Control Bureau, an organization determined to stamp out illegal vampire activities. But when he crosses paths with the enigmatic Mozu, a self-proclaimed vampire gourmand, Sotetsu’s world is suddenly turned upside down. For the first time ever, a vampire craves his 'undesirable blood,' but could there be more to Mozu’s desires?

As their destinies intertwine in a web of blood, prepare for a gripping tale of seduction, intrigue, and salvation unlike any other!"


6. Momo – the blood taker –

Momo – the blood taker – is about a police detective who stumbles into a world of vampires. It is dark, but the story is still fun and accessible. Each volume introduces new characters with starkly contrasting character designs and personalities, and there’s even an undead companion animal (who has a bit of a potty mouth). There’s a bit of romance in addition to the action and the mystery, so fans of many different genres will enjoy this one.

From Seven Seas Entertainment:
"A hardboiled and supernatural murder mystery from the creator of Boku Girl!

Tokyo is plagued by a string of murders where the victims are drained of blood. While the city whispers about vampires, detective Mikogami Keigo seeks to avenge his murdered lover. As he stalks 'The Man With Two Faces,' Mikogami catches the attention of a mysterious silver-haired girl."