8Bit/Digi

Viz Media has announced that Junji Ito has been officially inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards Hall of Fame at San Diego Comic-Con 2025.

This honor cements Ito’s status as one of the greatest horror storytellers, whose unnerving, masterful works have captivated millions and redefined the boundaries of the genre. He was one of six industry icons to be presented with the prestigious award, along with Kyle Baker, Dan Clowes, Roz Chast, Eddie Campbell, Todd Klein, and John Romita Jr.

Junji Ito is one of the most iconic and influential horror manga artists, known for blending body horror with Lovecraftian dread. Hailed as “the Stephen King of Japan,” his works, such as Tomie, Gyo, The Long Dream, and Uzumaki, have sold over 10 million copies worldwide and frequently top The New York Times bestsellers. He’s a four-time Eisner Award winner and, in 2022, became the first international creator to win Best Writer/Artist for Remina. For over four decades, Ito’s chilling tales have transformed the ordinary into the grotesque, captivating generations and inspiring adaptations like Uzumaki.

The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards Hall of Fame is a prestigious honor within the comic book industry. It highlights both legendary figures and influential international creators, along with underground artists.

VIZ Media is the largest publisher and distributor of manga in North America. They are also the biggest distributor of anime on home media. Besides their business, they are also active in the fandom community with their support for anime conventions.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.