A title like “The Queen of the Horror Manga” should not be easy to attain. In the case of Inuki Kanako however, it is well-deserved. Her contributions to the horror genre have been massively influential for the medium. This makes it a shame that only once did someone attempt to bring her stories to animation.
Inuki Kanako Zekkyou Collection is a 1999 OVA release that acts sort-of like an anthology release. Its various short stories revolve around a boy nicknamed Bukita-kun. He is an eerie fellow to say the least. Hunched over, sunken eyes, a perpetual glare, and twitchy movements. His appearance is one thing, but what makes him intolerable is his obsession with women. He is desperate for love and will misconstrue any attention given to him as a sign of affection. A few polite words, an uncomfortable smile, it doesn’t matter. The moment a girl interacts with Bukita, he acts under the presumption that they must be in love with him.
He is, for lack of a contemporary term, an incel. To acquire the love he so desperately yearns for, Bukita employs supernatural forces that defy human comprehension. Even if doing so will risk the life of his latest beloved or even that of himself.
The stories themselves are gripping and excellently paced. They are great mysteries that go on for just long enough to have ample depth, without overstaying their welcome. In terms of scares, most of that comes from the eerie mood of each story. Bukita is a relentless stalker and they did a great job making him feel like an oppressive threat. Despite his frail appearance, he is relentless and single-minded. You can hurt him, but you can’t escape him. Either because he keeps getting back up or because he already has you trapped in his supernatural web. It’s a hopelessness that give each story a tragic twist. Often with a dash of irony to top them off.
Inuki Kanako’s distinctive artstyle has also translated wonderfully to animation. The character designs are unmistakably hers and look great when animated in full color. There are a few blemishes here and there, though none too egregious.
If you’re in the mood for a retro horror anime that stood the test of time, then take Inuki Kanako Zekkyou Collection into consideration. It won’t disappoint.
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