(12/18) While initially carrying over some of the same themes of obsession and suicide as the "Lovesickness" stories, the "Hikizuri Siblings" stories slowly mutate into a strange and wonderfully goofy riff on tales of morbid families.

(13/18) The "giant cloud of amorphous horror" is a Junji Ito staple that pops up often, and I'm always overjoyed to see it! It never stops being an effective show-stopper. The use of it in this story, showing the undiscovered supernatural powers of a little boy, is a great one!

(14/18) In the story "Phantom Pain", Ito explores the concept of a pain so great it actually exists outside of the person feeling it, and how that pain can lead to the ruination of all those caught in it. A truly unique concept executed wonderfully.

(16/18) Much like the Beautiful Boy of the Crossroads, the titular character from the story Rib Woman is an enduringly ghastly design that I'd love to see more of. Don't worry, I haven't spoiled the big reveal here, but you should know that it's horrifying and very memorable.

(17/18) The final story of the collection sends us off on the perfect disorienting note, as Ito reminisces about some coveted fake poop from his childhood. Some of the humour that worked so well in "Junji Ito's Cat Diary" surfaces here, and it is wonderful to see.