Ryunosuke Akutagawa's Hell Screen

A chilling horror story of artistic obsession and the price of perfection, based on the classic tale by Ryunosuke Akutagawa!

Hell Screen follows Yoshihide, a renowned but tormented artist who, despite his talent, is rude, lazy and avaricious. Known for his abrasive demeanor, Yoshihide's one light is the deep affection he harbors for his daughter, Yuzuki. When she enters the service of the powerful Lord Horikawa, tensions rise between the artist and the lord's court, especially after disturbing rumors of Yuzuki's treatment emerge.

Tasked with painting a monumental screen depicting the torments of hell, Yoshihide's dedication takes a dark turn as he pushes the boundaries of morality in his quest for authenticity. As his obsession with capturing human suffering intensifies, the line between creation and cruelty blurs, leading to devastating consequences.

Akutagawa's story is a masterful exploration of the intersection between art and madness, power and exploitation. Revered as one of Japan's greatest writers, Akutagawa's work continues to influence modern storytelling, with Hell Screen standing out as a haunting meditation on the sacrifices demanded by art.

『地獄変』(ホーム社漫画文庫) 英訳版