Junji Ito's Best Protagonist || Lovesickness

This video is a break from the regularly scheduled history to discuss literature (manga lol). It's about Junji Ito's Lovesickness, and it's main character Ryusuke. He is a brilliant character who tackles loneliness with an overall positive mentality that is refreshingly human. In my mind he stands out a lot from the crowd of characters like Kirie and Tomie who can feel quite one note.
There are some discrepancies between the scans pictured and my script (boy in black being beautiful crossroads boy for instance), this is because I wrote the script using a hardcover Viz Media copy, but got the scans from fan translations online.
I really recommend picking up this book before watching this, but even if you watch this first get it, there's 5 more amazing stories, including The Strange Hikizuri Siblings, depicted in the Netlifx Tales of The Macabre series.
I love Junji Ito and his brand of horror, it's amazing. This video used external media from the Adult Swim Uzumaki trailer, alongside Austin Powers Goldmember and Monty Python's The Life of Brian.
Music used:
Behelit from Berserk
L'Amour Impitoyable from Berserk
Disintegrating by Myuu
Scent of Night by Myuu
Leaves from The Vine from Avatar: The Last Airbender
The Sigma Male Theme lol
Generic Tags: Horror, Video Essay, Junji Ito, Silent Hill, Uzumaki, Lovesickness, Loneliness, Character Analysis, Dark, Anime, Manga, Manga Edit, Story
If you read this far subscribe.

[@Eileeleedon]

Correction for the very end!! As a Ito Junji stan I must let you know that Lovesickness was actually written in 1996/97. It was only just released in English in 2021. Otherwise this was an amazing essay, and I have to 100% agree that Lovesickness’ protagonist is the best Ito Junji protagonist by far.

[@RatatTalks]

Thanks for the correction, it seems I've fallen victim to my Englandcentric bias.

[@SakuraAsranArt]

Loneliness and disconnection has been a growing problem in Japanese society since long before Covid. The rest of the world is just catching up, making this story more relevant than ever.

[@RatatTalks]

@@SakuraAsranArt Yeah, seems that way, the hikikomori lifestyle seems to be becoming universal

[@SakuraAsranArt]

@@RatatTalks Yep, I am an autistic shut-in myself but I have enough self awareness to know that isn't a good thing. It breaks my heart to see so many people living like this.

[@RallyTheTally]

@@RatatTalks Everyone has bias to where they are born.

[@HappyBeezerStudios]

Not only is he a great protagonist who actively works against the evil, he also gets a happy end. Sure he dies, but even in death he still helps spreading positivity.

[@RatatTalks]

Yeah, its bittersweet but uplifting

[@TDdelta777]

In this story, the protagonist chooses to fight evil and perishes while becoming a hero. He was proactive, while in some stories, the protagonists try to escape or ignore the “evil” at first, yet still get affected by it. In this one, he kept fighting, but I feel like if he just let that be from the start, he would have survived. So basically, he died because he was a good person. Feeling guilty about the actions of someone mentally unstable, not even contemplating that he, as a child, was the victim of this lady who had no business bothering a kid with such a complicated situation. He kept spreading good fortune and positive advice, even when people started to turn against him, and still, after death, is fighting for people who don't really deserve it. Knowing that this tradition caused and keeps causing incidents they should have collectively decided to stop it.

[@otheragee1144]

I think the beauty of Ryusuke walking away instead of giving the evil man a fortune is that I bet if he had, he would’ve told the man to kill himself and the man would’ve done it and Ryusuke would become another boy in black. By walking away, he shows that he is a good person and that he isn’t the boy in black, a conflict he’s faced throughout the whole story

[@RatatTalks]

Love this interpretation, definitely fits with the themeing of the story!

[@Slappap]

Maybe the boy in black WAS HIM. But like a future he could have taken. He could've given that man a terrible fortune or even end*d him with the boxcutter. That was his lowest point everything went to crap in his life. I think that would have been the true start of the boy in black. But he instead went on to confront the worst part of himself. Didn't let the hate or revenge go on. He went to better himself and others. That was the point the boy in black faded away. Didn't let guilt and loss over take him. So he became the boy in white. The boy in black told that girl to hate him for forever and never forgive bc thats what he feared would happen, the boy in black is his worst self that came about due to that woman's death and his guilt.

[@lochless_monster]

For Kirie, I interpret her as a victim to the spiral, where she is constantly going back to being completely clueless. Spiralling

[@RatatTalks]

I like that interpretation, another good interpretation was here in the comments, and I replied to that with another theory about her I like that was posed by Wendigoon a few weeks ago on his channel. That said, she can feel static, moreso in the earlier chapters before the plot really properly starts.

[@lochless_monster]

@@RatatTalks Ja, it’s pretty cool, I need to rewatch the wendigoon one. I do agree she’s very static, but I enjoy that in contrast to her almost static nature, Shuichi still has development throughout the story.

[@RatatTalks]

@@lochless_monster I love Shuichi, I got a t-shirt with him on and used to have an entire folder of Shuichi panels on my phones gallery lol

[@lochless_monster]

@@RatatTalks I wish I could get merch easy in my country, I’d love to have junji Ito art on my clothes and make people on the train very uncomfortable with the horror artwork

[@lochless_monster]

@@RatatTalks oh yeah, a small fun fact that connects well to your points of loneliness epidemics at the moment is that humans can die from loneliness, since humans are pack animals

[@JoseDorda]

Ah junji ito with a somewhat happy ending? Those are rare.

[@RatatTalks]

They are certainly in the minority, but always fun reads

[@ullamolina2007]

@@RatatTalks weirdly, on most cases I don’t consider Ito’s endings “bad”, like in an opposite of “happy”. They are sad and scary, sure, but rarely I feel despair on behalf of the characters at the end, as they end up either dead, so consumed by the darkness they could be considered weirdly fulfilled, or entirely free (though, traumatized). The one truly bad, disturbing ending I remember is the one with the mother of a child regressing back into her childhood bully persona.

[@jamesvivian2855]

Junji Ito writes Lovecraftian/cosmic horror where happy endings are incredibly rare for the protagonist. The closest thing to a happy ending Lovecraft himself wrote that I’m aware of is when a couple who abused animals and murdered a cat got killed and eaten by an army of cats that then did nothing else sinister. Usually even being in the vicinity to a Lovecraft story means you’re gonna suffer

[@loveliestfawn]

@@jamesvivian2855 honestly stop comparing Ito to that guy..

[@cam5816]

🕴️You are going to fart yourself.

[@Art-zp1qg]

Regarding Kirie, she’s actually meant to be a deconstruction of the normal horror protagonist. No matter what happens to her, she never acknowledges the spiral itself and that’s how she ultimately wins against it.

[@RatatTalks]

I like that take tbh, I also like wendigoons take from his video a few weeks back on how she exists to chronicle the spiral. I don't have any problems with Kirie, she's just easy to use as an example of an Ito protag.

[@hhm4480]

that’s so Umineko-core

[@valeriecomplex9685]

Is that winning?

[@AnhBui-pd3ys]

did she win tho?

[@jeniskindof]

Wouldn't say she won against the spiral I would say she was a victim to it from the start that is made very clear that the spiral chose her in a sense there was just too many coincidences on why she didn't die at the time the only time where she faced any actual threat from the spiral when she actually tried to leave it's influence the minute she changed her mind she was safe

[@ArDeeMee]

„She commits „boxcutter“.“ That got a chuckle out of me. The amount of self-censorship creators have to subject themselves to is beyond ridiculous, but I do love the creative euphemisms folks come up with.

[@RatatTalks]

Honestly it feels so dystopian how much we have to remove nuance from serious topics for the sake of 'community guidelines', but I do appreciate the challenge of coming up with new terms.

[@YoshimitsuMishima]

The crazy woman reminds me of another story where a little girl cant take her own decisions and needed an assistant that ended up becoming a ghost that followed here everywhere

[@RatatTalks]

Do you know the name? That sounds weirdly familiar I think you might have hit on a very very faint memory of mine..

[@YoshimitsuMishima]

@@RatatTalks The Whispering Woman

[@jforce321]

I like your conclusion at the end. It reminds me of a note that someone found after a person had committed suicide and they said that if anybody smiles at them on the way to committing said act that they will head home and stop. If only at that one moment someone had done what he did and showed the kind of kindness that this person needed they would have still been alive.

[@RatatTalks]

Such a strong message there, kindness costs nothing

[@zetokaiba5867]

Bro probably walked through the hood 💀

[@cam5816]

This type of thing is so alien to me. I smile at practically every person I see, even if awkward, it’s just in my nature to nod and smile and a lot of the people I pass by around me pretty typically do the same thing. People are just generally pretty nice and reasonable with eachother in all honesty. I feel like a lot of times I even just make friends with random strangers I might end up randomly saying “hey” to on the street. Maybe I’m an overtly nice guy but everybody around me is pretty nice too, like we’re all somehow sorta distant friends or on the same page. The amount of people who avert their eyes after smiling at them hardly even stacks up and the people who respond negatively are so few that I can hardly even really think of any. Worst case scenario somebody might tease you or screw around as a joke but if you play along it turns into both people having a laugh and giving good wishes; there’s hardly anybody who is genuinely dickish or outwardly spreading “negative energy”. People in general are really a whole lot better than they are popularly represented by people online in my opinion.

[@13rix29]

That “you can always be a reason someone will have a good day” line hits hard. But the “you can a do a good deed but subscribing” hits harder 😂

[@elusivemayfly7534]

Beautiful. Genuinely trying to alleviate another person’s loneliness will often cure your own

[@RatatTalks]

So true, kindness is contagious!

[@deathcalss]

I am SO happy someone finally touched on this character! I loved Lovesickness & it stuck with me for literally years after I had read it.

[@RatatTalks]

Glad to hear! This video idea has been kicking around in my head for well over a year too, such an impactful story.

[@virulentskills225]

idk why but the sigma grindset had me dying

[@RatatTalks]

hahah yeah I was giggling to myself making it

[@Mothworx]

I like Junji Ito’s typical protagonists like Kirie because the plot sort of just… happens to them. Like, it could be happening to anyone, and arguably worse things are happening to other characters in the same plot, but we just happen to be following this particular character. Makes you feel like it could just as easily be you in their shoes. That said, your point is still compelling

[@RatatTalks]

I like them too, like I said I don't think there's any problem with them, and I also appreciate that it's meant to be sudden grief like you say!

[@Mothworx]

@@RatatTalks yeah sorry I didn’t mean to imply that you were against his usual type of protagonist. Great video btw

[@whitedragoness23]

I think your spot on as the MC acts like the viewing lens for the audience. Sometimes I wish they would be more active but they are often working against their fate and can’t fight it.

[@MadailinBurnhope]

​@whitedragoness23 there is something to be said for what I call the horror of inevitability; it's something I really find satisfying, knowing it's all going to go wrong and nothing can stop it, then watching exactly that happen; Junji Ito, or a movie like, say, "Speak No Evil"

[@MadailinBurnhope]

I guess Shakespeare called it Tragedy, you know nobody is gonna save the day, you're watching the snowball of fate play out

[@BizarreFae]

When you pointed out ur following I was shocked, great format and take

[@RatatTalks]

Thank you, in my own defence my channel is like two weeks old so I'm hardly expecting to be Mr.Beast.

[@foogriffy]

i like it. in a world of horrors so many people seem passive to, being proactive and positive and spreading love can actually make a difference. it's difficult, but it's worth it. youve earned a sub from me. hopefully this video gets the views it deserves

[@RatatTalks]

Thanks!

[@Neku628]

Yeah, it's pretty much to be pretty defeatist in Junji Ito's world, "Everything is just out of our hands, so why even bother fighting it?"

[@TheThreatenedSwan]

@@Neku628 Once you open your mind to the cosmic horrors in his world, it's over. And even if you don't, you might get caught in the crossfire

[@adiazrue5776]

The way you retold this story is honestly so fun, at the end I was just sitting there like "whoah, that's amazing". I feel inspired and that really is a rarity in a horror genre. Also special mention to your editing and scripting, I can't believe how little your subscribers is for such high quality production. I'll be following, can't wait to see what you're cooking up next!

[@RatatTalks]

Thanks, it's appreciated, I'm trying to up the editing/production value each time. Scripting is like 50% improv, so I can't take much credit for that. The inspiration was all on the part of Ito, the story is one of his best and definitely most underrated.

[@adiazrue5776]

​@@RatatTalksthank you for replying! I hope this doesn't sound rude of me but I think your video is so much better without the AI generated image in the thumbnail (and I'm glad you didn't use AI image specifically for this video that's talking about an art form). Your video is cool, man. I think you can make a more eyecatching thumbnail without them. Once again I apologize and I hope I didn't offend you. Cheers, mate! Road to 1k subscribers!

[@RatatTalks]

@@adiazrue5776 no worries, appreciate the feedback! I'm very much on the fence about AI art, but when I'm working pretty much exclusively with stock image libraries I'm somewhat limited for choice. Budget moment to be sure.

[@artificialdevil-sm]

This is actually my favorite (multi-chapter, non-adaptation) work of Ito's and I pretty much never see it being talked about. I read it back in the early 2010s and just having this video pop up in my recommended section made me ridiculously happy. Thanks for shining a light on it.

[@RatatTalks]

I feel the same way about it, down to favourite that specifically isn't a short or an adaptation. Overall I like No Longer Human best. Glad I could shine a light on it for people!

[@chandranshutiwari3905]

I always feel Junji Ito's stories are normal everyday concerns dialed up to 11. And how sometimes to solve your own problems you must help others. subscribed for the "leaves on the vine"

[@RatatTalks]

Thanks for the sub, and I agree with the take!

[@klane2004]

Watch one Wendigoon video, get a million Ito videos recommended to you, casually put them on in the background, suddenly become a real fan, buy all the manga and sub to every channel lmao. This was great tho. Most people dont connect the "big bad" in these works as "Eldritch monsters" but that's exactly what it is.. from a boy in black to Tomie to a whole ass town. Love this.

[@RatatTalks]

That’s the pipeline dude, thanks for the comment

[@kingdedede3090]

Dude how do you have only 74 subscribers??? This was one of the best video essays I've seen in a WHILE. I would've assumed you were in the thousands at least. Keep up the amazing work!! This video made my day.

[@RatatTalks]

hahah thank you, glad I could make your day!

[@JoseSerrato0420]

Most likely audience reach. Junji Ito is a great mangaka but it's also a niche horror subgenre. But it's something that picks up traction because horror fans are scarce socially so online communities tend to flock together.

[@rorygal2991]

How dare this story be so relevant? God, i love hopeful horror, thank you for sharing another one; and using Leaves from the Vine? * Chef's kiss *

[@RatatTalks]

Had to get that ATLA love in there for sure

[@antiqueclock2606]

The saddest part about this was you playing leaves from the vine. How dare you

[@RatatTalks]

Had to impart that Iroh type wisdom..

[@SamuraiMujuru]

Came here to say much the same thing. I heard the first two notes at the Conclusion title card, knew exactly what was happening, and cursed Ratat for unleashing the onion-cutting ghosts.

[@fangaproductions]

So glad to see someone covering this story! It’s one of my favorites of Ito’s outside of The Long Dream and his depiction of No Longer Human!

[@RatatTalks]

I loveee No Longer Human, it's an amazing story that's only heigtened by Itos art and pacing.

[@fangaproductions]

@@RatatTalks Agreed! I got it for Christmas a year or two ago and it was very awkward when my grandmother wanted to look through it LMAO

[@TheThreatenedSwan]

I watched a summary video of how it's the most depressing manga or something, but it just made me lol with how much of a sad sack he is.

[@TindraSan]

we need more hope-punk horror tbh

[@RatatTalks]

For sure, I always thought the edge of more socially-conscious horror is well paired with hopeful messages

[@Last_God_of_Mortis]

This was such a beautiful story that I really needed to hear.

[@RatatTalks]

I’m glad you enjoyed

[@Hacer-xd9pc]

Im so happy to find a video on giving ryuusuke the recognition he deserves!This story in general because I don’t really see videos of it 😔

[@pestrik3317]

Thank you for this video! This story is absolutely amazing and Ryusuke is such an unusual protagonist. I guess we will never knew the antagonist's origin but I do believe that he was created by Ryusuke and could be defeated only by him. Also you are a very good narrator.

[@RatatTalks]

Thanks for the comment. Within the text it's highly implied the boy does have some connection to Ryusuke, with Midori's believing it to be her cousin, and the man towards the end (who was the guy who kept having affairs) stating that he felt like it could be his son, so there's hints there, but nothing outright confirmed.

[@brocoliisscared]

Was casually listening then felt like I got activated like a sleeper agent when leaves from the vine started playing

[@RatatTalks]

Flashbacks to avatar book 2

[@broleo4986]

I genuinely cried reading lovesickness, thank you so much for sharing this story of Hope ❤️

[@RatatTalks]

You're welcome!

[@LorienzoDeGarcia]

When I first clicked on this video, I must admit that I was chuckling, thinking that whoever that protagonist is, he's DEFINITELY fucken' DEAD because Junji Ito doesn't leave healthy intact survivors. Then I watched it and it's like, weeeelllllll!!! I'm kinda right? 12:43 made me spit my drink when you slipped in the "this is kinda funny" because it was the EXACT thing I IMMEDIATELY thought when that panel appeared. Dang, I love this protagonist now. Can you also do one about the pretty one in black? Considering if there's anything to talk about that warrants a full video, that is. Honestly if I ever meet Junji Ito and he's taking suggestions, I want a showdown/confrontation between the Boy in Black and Boy in White!! I don't know how one might do this without it being some silly Sadako vs Kayako thing, but I WANT IT TO HAPPEN. I. NEED. MORE.

[@RatatTalks]

I don't think I could find enough content on the boy in black to make a full video without it seeming like padding, I do want to explore more of Ito and just Japanese Horror in general though. Thanks for the comment!

[@TheMaskedRucksie]

Lowkey this video was so fire, actually kept me interested the whole way through

[@RatatTalks]

Thanks!

[@nilovalentine]

Very surprised to see your subscriber count, I'd expect an essay of this level to be in the thousands! Subscribed! ^^

[@RatatTalks]

Thank you!

[@ladyblubel]

I read this story when this video got recommended to me and, god, was this a masterclass in storytelling. The Boy in Black represents so many things, born of hate and trauma. Ryusuke when he was young and speaking out of anger; Midori’s cousin that died; and the man who had an affair and had his son run away. You can’t get rid of him forever, but Ryusuke choosing to be above that and all his guilt caused him to reborn out of compassion and love. Thank you for exposing this to me! What a thoughtful and amazing analysis!

[@RatatTalks]

I’m glad you got to experience this story, I agree it’s a complete masterclass at storytelling, blending abject horror with truly serene beauty, allowing itself to be viewed through numerous lenses and never forcing any one interpretation upon the audience. Thanks for the kind words.

[@relevanttangent8442]

I click into everything and anything Junji Ito, but your video essay was definitely the highlight. Best of luck to you in growing your channel.

[@RatatTalks]

Thanks a lot!

[@Avgvstvs44]

Another one of his protagonists that is pretty proactive (at least relative to his other protags) and not just docile is the main character from tales of Oshikiri, in fact the only reason I would say he wasn't even more proactive than this character would be that most of the time there isn't really anything he even could do to help his situation. From what I remember one chapter even has him leaving his haunted mansion, which for a horror story is pretty mind blowing lol, I mean sure after the one attempt he kind of gives up but hey, an attempt was made. Though tbh I think I liked him not for being pro-active but because he had a bit more personality than most other main characters in Ito's work.

[@RatatTalks]

I haven't checked out Tales of Oshikiri, so that's up next on my reading list

[@Crucifen]

Very cool analysis! Thanks for shedding a little light and giving exposure to a story I hadn't read! I throughly enjoyed the exploration of narrative and character growth here, nice work! :)

[@RatatTalks]

Thank you!

[@lulsleeprest8964]

when i used to read alot of junji ito's works a few years back this story stood out to me (it was one of my favourites) but i couldnt tell why back then but i think i know now:D nice video!!!!

[@RatatTalks]

It's such a great story, it's definitely one of my favourites in an already amazing body of work!

[@cad0isk]

i can’t believe you added leaves from the vine as the background music right after talking about him dying and living on through people’s good deeds

[@makiroll218]

*lady coming through the window* helloooo…. I said NO. Hellloooo…? NO! Hellooooo…. 😂

[@ptengineering3388]

Nothing there.

[@gypsydanger1013]

I love these kinds of stories. Thank you so much for highlighting this one in particular! I look forward to anything else you may put out :) It's understandable, but weird to me though. The specific way my autism presents itself has made it kind of impossible for me to relate. I love companionship, but I've never felt loneliness in my entire life. Of course losing loved ones fucking hurts, but I could very easily be completely alone in the world and never feel lonely. I just stupidly get scared when I'm alone over completely nonsensical things like monsters in the basement lol

[@RatatTalks]

Thanks for sharing your experience and for the kind words

[@ninashaven]

Lovesickness is one of my favs for junji ito so i was so happy to see this

[@RatatTalks]

Its one of my favourites too!

[@therabbitthing]

This was so enjoyable and thorough, I sincerely hope you do much more like this!

[@TheJourneyist]

I agree. I haven't read all of Junji Ito's manga, but Lovesickness is that one story that stood out because this is one of the few stories with a happy ending (in macabre way). Honestly, this story reminds me of Tomie, but instead of being the agent of destruction, Ryusuke opted to be the agent of "hope" (for the ghosts). And this story actually gave me something to do when I am so depressed: "Give 100 good fortunes (deeds), and you will be happy."

[@blueboy2976]

I love Junji Ito works so much. Lovesickness is brilliant. But I adore Kirie and Tomie too

[@guacamole-cult]

This is an awesome video!! Really love the way you formatted it, your humor sprinkled throughout is a great balance to the heavy story--- but such a memorable one, so thanks for taking the time to break it down! Hope you don't feel shoehorned into making videos like this forever, but I'd love to see more Junji analyses from you! Keep having fun making videos, this is great!! :))

[@Beeyo176]

I swear to god, this is the third video today I've been hit with that Behelit music. It's haunting my travels

[@RatatTalks]

I struggle to make content without any form of Berserk reference I'm sorry!

[@Beeyo176]

@RatatTalks No, you're good. And I'm glad I clicked on the video, loved it. Subbed. Bit that song induces a kind of dread in me and it's been the BGM to three videos already. Like the Eclipse is around the corner or something

[@spaceballes]

Great video! I love your in depth analysis and the way you retell the story,. Also the little edits like sigma Ryusuke were hilarious. Congratulations on your growth in such a short time! I can't wait to watch whatever you make in the future! Keep up the great work! :)

[@RatatTalks]

Glad you enjoyed and thanks for the comment!

[@Broeckchen]

Love that you chose "Leaves on the vine" for the conclusion. The song from the story of a man who made people's lives better all day long before he returned to the place where he could feel deep love and grief.

[@alfredandersson875]

What a beautiful ending. Of course, you have to take care of your mental health, but having the sewercidal man find happiness in bringing other happiness.

[@aaronwright7693]

Almost to 1k! You certainly deserve so much more. Marvelous content.

[@RatatTalks]

Thank you so much!

[@mariaemiliac]

Loved it! I didn't know "Lovesickness". Thank you for the video.

[@laurenhayes564]

This is the first video of yours I’ve seen - I would LOVE to see more Junji Ito content! These deconstructions are so fun, please make more! Thank you for your hard work! Edit: got to the conclusion and heard Leaves From The Vine, setting up upload notifications as we speak lol

[@MsWellsArt]

The boy in white is fine until in idv and im running for my dear survivor's life

[@miguelisaurusbruh1158]

thanks so much to both junji for writing this and you for telling it

[@MaeSlay]

I loved this video essay. Unsure if you’ll do more Junji Ito material, but I’ve subscribed just in case. This was a fantastic take on Lovesickness and it was super entertaining!

[@RatatTalks]

After the love this videos getting I'm definitely considering it, and it's not like I needed an excuse to re-read stuff from my collection anyway. Currently working on a video on the origins of J-Horror making its way to the West and classical Japanese ghost stories, and am planning to return to Ito after that.

[@aleco444]

I’ve been wanting to see that uzamaki series badddddd😭like, take your time of course, but I NEED IT!!!

[@RatatTalks]

For real, feels like I've been waiting years. Defo looks like it'll be worth it though, the animation looks insanely good.

[@aleco444]

@@RatatTalks right!!!

[@KNewt-xd2rz]

subscribed! I love when people cover Ito’s stories. Your commentary and editing were great. Can’t wait to see what else you got cooking :)

[@RatatTalks]

Welcome aboard and thank you!

[@gekko9007]

This is a great video! Keep up the great work! The Sigma Edit was genuinely hilarious

[@RatatTalks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RachelJ-j5p]

you are fowl for playing that song at the end

[@RatatTalks]

As in a bird?

[@wrzosugamer]

Isn't this whole story about people being afraid of taking responsibility for their own choices and also accepting the fact when said choices fail? People ask for fortune because they are afraid of deciding for themselves. And in the midst of that we have Ryuske battling his own alter ego - which he buried down while leaving foggy town but got forced to revisit his traumas when his parents moved again. And while he nullified his dark trauma from the past, the size of said trauma many lifes including his

[@RatatTalks]

I think that's what makes his fortunes at the end so good, the fact that he forces people to take responsibility, and actively seek out opportunities for bettering the lives of others.

[@robinevergarden]

makin' me all teary-eyed bro 😢😢

[@RatatTalks]

I'm both happy you enjoyed and sorry for the tears

[@leonelleon8520]

The Leaves From the Vine song at the end got me f**ked up. 😭

[@RatatTalks]

Emotional damage

[@Asukkinne.]

great essay!!

[@RatatTalks]

Thanks so much!

[@NaKaHiLa]

I came across this video by chance and thought this was a large channel until you pointed it out! So good job, nice good video!😊

[@RatatTalks]

Thank you!

[@DeadFanbases]

Lately I've been on a kick, findin out really good video essays, I'm gla this one was recommended to me. Your analisys is not only fun but also compelling, I'll be checking the original, thanks for the recommendation!

[@RatatTalks]

Hope you enjoy reading it!

[@misakiXmei]

Great video! Lovesickness is my favorite Ito story and the chapter with the crazy lady cracks me up everytime 😂

[@RatatTalks]

It's such a great chapter, I love how quickly it goes between absurdly funny and just plain dark, amazing tone control

[@misakiXmei]

@@RatatTalks absolutely! I think that’s one aspect that makes ito‘s works so great 🙌🏾

[@tthhmm]

Fantastic work actually, i forgot about this manga and i love how you've explained everything

[@RatatTalks]

Thanks for the comment !

[@TheMightyPika]

This was great. I loved your commentary. and CHOICE music.

[@RatatTalks]

Thank you! All music used is in description if you liked any specific tracks and wanted to check them out in isolation.

[@DarkHawkeLP]

i have been going through a lot of junji ito stuff lately and the last thing i expected was one to have an actual somewhat uplifting ending

[@RatatTalks]

I didn't expect it when reading it, but was pleasantly surprised haha

[@anislaour8338]

The story writing is crazy in this one

[@RatatTalks]

for real

[@AR-sc9rd]

Well you gained a follower! The editing, your narration and just the vibe of the channel. Great work on this video! I look froward to seeing more from you. :)

[@RatatTalks]

Thanks!

[@Thronge]

best of luck growing this channel man, your content is great

[@RatatTalks]

Thank you so much

[@Karmasick1]

Lovesickness was originally published in the late 90s but didnt get an official english translation till 2021, i remember reading scanlations of it around 2016 or 2017

[@Kite562reviews]

Lovesickness was a really unforgettable experience for me. I'm glad I am not alone on the silent hill 2 similarties with some panels. 🙂❤📚

[@RatatTalks]

I look for SH2 in everything tbh, fave game ever

[@SubZeroJill]

Oh WOW i think I might be ur 1000th sub fr! 🎉❤❤❤ This was a GREAT VIDEO ESSAY btw! Hope u do more Junji Ito stories . cheers!

[@RatatTalks]

yo thanks so much, yeah I'm planning on it!

[@clovibun]

i just came across your vid in the midst of looking for some background noise to draw in- and let me just say, oh my god !! you're super underrated for the quality that you put out; this vid had me hooked and even distracted from drawing itself, its so good ! i'm def sticking around for any new exciting future uploads! you deserve all the support you get!

[@RatatTalks]

Thanks so much for the kind words and sorry for distracting you from drawing haha

[@meimei8718]

I subscribed to your channel because of how good this video is. Please continue to be awesome. Thank you for making my day brighter.

[@AngDevigne]

This was so good! Thank you! 💕

[@RatatTalks]

Thanks!

[@Chiller-pc1dv]

Aahhhh not leaves from the vine at the end ;u; My heart!

[@RatatTalks]

Beautiful track from a beautiful scene

[@Chiller-pc1dv]

@@RatatTalks It is, and so heart wrenching!

[@missyiss]

you sold me so lemme come back to this when i actually read it 👍🏻

[@RatatTalks]

Enjoy!

[@leoornstein3963]

Bro really said "love yourself now⚡♥️."

[@serusz6387]

Loved the video, I didn't know there was a new serie cumming up, I will definitively check it out

[@RatatTalks]

Yeah it's being done by Adult Swim/Toonami, there's a trailer out on youtube

[@tawaggin_]

your channel is underrated!! Definitely subscribing! ❤❤❤

[@RatatTalks]

Appreciate it, thanks for the sub!

[@lemonade4446]

holy shit i thought i came across another 100k+ channel, this was a great and interesting video !! i hope ur channel grows like crazy

[@RatatTalks]

Thanks so much!

[@jaxim8520]

"Lovesickness" manga by Junji Ito is a masterclass in horror storytelling that intertwines psychological tension with surreal, grotesque imagery. The narrative revolves around obsessive love, exploring how it can warp the mind and lead to madness. Ito’s meticulous artwork heightens the sense of dread, drawing readers into a world where beauty and terror coexist. The themes of obsession and isolation resonate deeply, reflecting real human emotions taken to an extreme. Each character's descent into horror is both tragic and compelling, showcasing Ito’s ability to blend human experience with the supernatural. Moreover, the unsettling atmosphere and unpredictable twists keep readers on edge, making it a true standout in the genre. The haunting visuals and intricate storytelling create a lingering sense of fear, solidifying "Lovesickness" as a pivotal work in horror literature that transcends traditional boundaries. Ito’s unique approach elevates the narrative, making it not just a horror story, but a profound exploration of love and its darker facets.

[@behising5193]

Yep, i really like this sutff. 3rd video 3rd banger. pls keep making content

[@katieblake4083]

honestly I really enjoyed this video. you had mentioned at the beginning that you had a low number of subscribers and I can't fathom why. happy to have stumbled across your profile!

[@RatatTalks]

Thanks for the kind words

[@gregoryhurley]

Great great content, keep this up exactly, love you making the videos YOU want to make, keep up the good content and you’re going to go places ❤❤

[@RatatTalks]

Appreciate the kind words!

[@fourcatsinatrenchcoat]

wonderful story! also music selection was wonderful! starting with behilit and ending with leaves on the vine? im dead

[@RatatTalks]

I got a serious ATLA and Berserk addiction so glad to see people picking up on it

[@OriLOK2]

​@@RatatTalks Berserk analysis series when

[@vedant_kashyap]

Lmao , I thought my phone was ringing due to that guts bg in the very start 😂

[@RatatTalks]

Hahahaha, awesome ringtone to have

[@theravenking5930]

His second best protagonist is in Hillstar Reina, and he’s a hobo

[@RatatTalks]

Love this story!

[@coraline2770]

Glad this is how I found the channel

[@RatatTalks]

I'm glad people found it lol

[@NerdgotCheese]

My man literally became a ghost to help people even in death that man a gigachad let go

[@RatatTalks]

yeah it rocks

[@magiv4205]

Wow, I'm a huge fan of Ito but I didn't know this story. It seems amazing! As is this video essay. And yes, I will like and subscribe, no matter how cringe you think it is.

[@RatatTalks]

Haha thank you, definitely check out the book, it's got a few other amazing stories in it alongside this one.

[@lalakuma9]

Huh yeah I guess many of Junji Ito's main characters are kind of helpless victims. They might try to fight off the situation, but usually fail miserably. That helplessness is part of the horror. I thought Ryusuke might end up that way too, but he actually managed to make a difference, so the ending of Lovesickness felt somewhat satisfying.

[@SoapiiOSC]

This analysis is rlly amazing and i agree with it! Im subbed now, stay safe and have an amazing day

[@RatatTalks]

Thanks for the kind words and the sub!

[@hauntedenby]

my love for wu chang brought me here. its nice to see the story of his junji crossover skin

[@xbruce5616]

Leaves from the vine..

[@vampie1114]

6:35 came back for this absolute bop twice

[@RatatTalks]

My hardest manga edit so far :P