Horror Novel "Gisouke no Ichizoku" Manga Adaptation Launches in Monthly Comic Gene
Exciting news for fans of horror and supernatural themes: Oumi Kiko's famous horror novel "Gisouke no Ichizoku" (偽葬家の一族, "The Mourning Undertaker Family") has officially received a manga adaptation. The first chapter was released as a new series in the June issue of KADOKAWA's Monthly Comic Gene magazine, which came out on May 15, 2025. The adaptation is illustrated by experienced mangaka Sotaro Yamada.
The story is described as a buddy horror genre, focusing on two stepsiblings (or "fake siblings") who work together to both mourn and exorcise supernatural beings. The concept of "偽葬家" (gisouka) in the original title refers to a profession that conducts fake funerals for spirits to bring them peace. This unique concept gains both visual and emotional depth in its manga adaptation.
The original novel was first published in Japan in 2022 and quickly caught the attention of horror literature fans. The author, Oumi Kiko, is known for popular series such as "Majo no Tabitabi" (The Journey of Elaina). Mangaka Sotaro Yamada is best known for supernatural works like "Kuro no Inu" (Black Dog); it can be said that he is a perfect fit for adapting the author's gothic and gloomy style.
Monthly Comic Gene is a magazine known for works like "The Case Study of Vanitas" and "Kuroshitsuji" (Black Butler). This new adaptation particularly appeals to fans of buddy horror and supernatural drama. After the first chapter, fans are eagerly awaiting how the bond between the two siblings will develop and the details of the terrifying beings they will encounter. Although it hasn't been announced whether the series will continue regularly every month, it is expected to be published monthly like most Gene series.
This adaptation has already caught the attention of horror and manga fans, especially outside Japan. No official English translation has been announced yet, but considering KADOKAWA's global publishing policy, a licensing agreement in the coming months would not be surprising. If you are looking for a different horror experience, add "Gisouke no Ichizoku" manga to your reading list. This series, promising depth both visually and narratively, seems to bring a fresh breath to genre enthusiasts.
