Junji Ito's classic horror short, "In Old Records," originally published in his 1997 collection "House of the Marionettes," has been meticulously reimagined as an exclusive vinyl audio drama. This ambitious project, spearheaded by Zero Zero Enterprises and funded via Kickstarter, intricately weaves Ito's chilling narrative into an immersive auditory experience. It uniquely captures the story's metatextual essence, where an unmarked, haunting vinyl record possesses the power to drive its listeners to the brink of insanity. The production boasts a stellar cast, featuring the Grammy-nominated artist Poppy and the celebrated Japanese voice actor Shoko Nakagawa, ensuring a compelling rendition of Ito's iconic work.
Junji Ito's Horrific Vision Comes to Life on Vinyl with Star-Studded Cast
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Junji Ito's 1997 short horror story, "In Old Records," has been transformed into a vinyl-exclusive audio drama, creating a new dimension for fans of macabre tales. This innovative project, spearheaded by Zero Zero Enterprises through a Kickstarter campaign, successfully aimed to raise $20,000 to bring the atmospheric horror to life. The audio drama features a distinguished cast, with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Poppy performing the English version and iconic voice actress Shoko Nakagawa lending her talents to the Japanese rendition. Both artists portray Nakayama, the protagonist whose descent into madness is triggered by an enigmatic vinyl record.
Ryan Cady, a prolific writer known for his work with Marvel and DC Comics, adapted Ito's evocative manga panels into the audio drama script. Cady, who previously collaborated with Poppy on the graphic novel "Genesis 1," skillfully translated the visual horror into an auditory landscape. The striking vinyl jacket art was designed by Japanese manga artist and illustrator Acky Bright, celebrated for his collaborations with global brands. Junji Ito himself was deeply involved in the creative process, with one special edition of the vinyl even featuring his distinctive bloody handprint on the cover, a testament to his direct contribution and endorsement.
Poppy, recognized for her journey from YouTube sensation to an acclaimed artist in various music genres, brings her unique vocal style to the English narration, infusing the story with an appropriately eerie quality. Shoko Nakagawa, famed for her anime theme songs and voice acting roles in popular franchises like "Pokémon" and "Dragon Ball," delivers a powerful performance in Japanese. The Kickstarter campaign offered several exclusive editions, including Blood Splatter, Ghostly Blue, and Glow in the Dark variants, alongside limited versions signed by Ito and Poppy, providing unique collectibles for enthusiasts.
This innovative adaptation not only pays homage to Junji Ito's masterful storytelling but also explores new avenues for experiencing horror narratives. By transforming a visual medium into an auditory one, the project invites listeners to engage with the chilling story on a deeply personal and immersive level. The collaboration between such diverse talents—from horror mangaka to pop stars and seasoned voice actors—demonstrates the boundless potential of cross-media adaptations. It serves as a reminder that true horror transcends its original format, finding new ways to captivate and disturb audiences across generations.
