Junji Ito's Venus in the Blind Spot - Longbox of the Damned

Longbox of the Damned is a daily series throughout October where the ghoul Moarte talks about horror comics!
Longbox's tenth anniversary begins with a collection of short stories... including the Enigma of Amigara Fault!
01/31
Original Theme Animation by Andrew Dickman
Updated Animation by Stephan Krosecz
Longbox of the Damned Logo by Fabio Fontes
#JunjiIto #horror

[@weatherreport9227]

The longbox is like a childhood friend you haven't seen in years, and when you do you talk like it's only been a few days!

[@cassie6146]

My head's still spinning from that beautiful new Longbox opening! The perfect way to celebrate the tenth anniversary! The writings of Junji Ito are as horrifying as ever, but I'm more off-put by that prop octopus skeleton that flies in the face of biology.

[@dunes8817]

Darn eccentric necromancers.

[@Draqer]

@@dunes8817 We also need hobbies and comics are expensive ok?

[@thoughtengine]

I blame Christian Pearce.

[@lalas181]

Nothing's quite as scary as blatantly inaccurate marine biology.

[@DigiRangerScott]

Congratulations on ten years of Longbox! I can’t believe I’ve been here for all of it!

[@gracekim25]

That’s impressive 😊

[@williamgreci8219]

Celebrating the 10 year anniversary of "Longbox of the Damned" by looking into possible origin stories for Moarte. Makes sense to me.

[@AudioDragon51]

Congratulations Moarte (Linkara) on the 10 years of longbox of the damned. I also loved the *spoilers*

[@eon1014]

So, are we gonna hear one of Moarte’s possible origins at the end of every episode of this season to celebrate LOTD’s 10th anniversary? That’s really neat.

[@skorn8112]

Happy 10th Moarte. And what a great way to start this October with the beloved works of Junji Ito.

[@asalways1504]

Over a decade of spooks and haunts! Thank you Moarte for sharing these spooky serials with us💀🎃👻

[@myriadmediamusings]

In-Univetse, Im sure that in the next room, Linkara the character is grumbling that Moarte copied his idea of his 10th anniversary by revisiting tales from the past.

[@LaNoLaCola]

The return of Moarte to start off the spooky season!

[@TheHeroOfTomorrow]

And now October has officially started.

[@doctorelfinstone1414]

The annual return of Long Box of the Damned: Good Celebrating a whole ass decade of it with a sick new intro: Better Finally getting some serious LORE on Moarte: THE BEST

[@bthsr7113]

The new intro is a nice refinement. Edit: Lore? Oh, thank you very much. Though I must say, that is a much younger tale than one would expect.

[@BigBoct]

I recently saw a Tumblr post about how Amigara Fault and the holes would be a completely plausible gag to have Wile E. Coyote and the Roadrunner from Looney Tunes do. Amazing.

[@DawnOfTheOzz]

Few things are a constant this time of year: Daylight savings time, the end of colder months in Australia and Longbox of the Damned.

[@ShaneamationMedia]

OK, as much as I love this series, review and the fact we're getting the origins of Moarte for the 10th Anniversary, am I the only one who keeps repeating the new opening cause it's so DANG GOOD!

[@legomaniac213]

My favorite time of year returns!!! Congrats on 10 years of creepy fun!

[@clarktooncrossing3975]

Congrats on 10 years, Moarte. Love the new logo and intro sequence, BTW.

[@Cartoonguy133]

Happy 10th anniversary to the Longbox. Starting off with Junji Ito. That's a good sign.

[@joshuaingobo1559]

What a nice origin story for Moarte, Lewis.

[@lordzeppelin3824]

I never knew the holes that Gems pop out of in The Kindergarten in Steven Universe were based on a Junji Ito story of all things.

[@z1pperintheback657]

Here's to ten years of Longbox, and that kickass new opening. "11:55...almost midnight. Enough time for one more story. One more story before 12:00, just to keep us warm. In five minutes, it will be the 2nd of October. Ten years ago on the 2nd of October, out on the AT4W KZbin channel, Moarte reviewed Neil Gaiman's The Sandman, Issues #4-7. ...but that's not what this story is about, no... Now this is a story all about how Moarte's life got flipped-turned upside-down! And I'd like to take a minute Naw you won't be scammed I'll tell you how he became keeper of the Longbox of the Damned!"

[@juliagoodwin9510]

Awesome opening, its a great start to the horror season!

[@tonystark106422]

It's my favorite time of year, and that one thing I always look forward to most of all when October rolls around! Happy 10th anniversary, Lewis! And Moarte, for that matter LOL Sincerely, this is one of my favorite parts of the year, thank you so much for all the work you always put into Longbox. ( and seriously, dude, you have earned a rest, so please enjoy your November and truly, thank you for all the amazing stuff you and Viga always give us. Happy Halloween!)

[@williamhendricks7114]

Moral of the second story, stab your chair before it stabs you.

[@Mathee]

I think you're misunderstanding the twist ending of the first story; Horie isn't the mastermind behind the Billions Alone murder, she's a victim. Remember how the story ends by showing that the military is now also dropping the Billions Alone flyers? While it is running on a bit of speculation, the most obvious conclusion is that the radio hijacking playing the Billions Alone song plants a suggestion in the listener's brain, which eventually activates and leads the affected to sew themselves to the people in their group. We don't know when this effect is activated, but it seems to corespond with being in groups of people you care about, and judging from how Horie called Michio and shared her fear of dying alone, that might also play a role. The suggestion is planted, and once it's activated, the victim has officially joined the Billions Alone club. From a thematic standpoint, the story talks a lot about the prevalent loneliness in Japan, with Michio being a NEET, or hikikomori, and the focus on characters who are about to graduate and enter the job market; an ordeal so grueling that some people who fail even commit suicide. We don't know if the true mastermind behind Billions Alone is human, alien, or some kind of otherworldly force, but whatever it is seems to have noticed Japan's issue when it comes to isolation and loneliness, and decided to do something about it, whether the citizens of Japan like it or not

[@pompe221]

It doesn't seem possible that we've had Moarte for 10 years already! But then, I suppose time doesn't matter when you're already dead.

[@NarwhalEntertainment]

Ah, Long Box Of The Damned, one of the many reasons October is the best month.

[@chibiktsn3]

Congratulations on a solid decade of illustrated horror! As someone who's been here since the beginning, it amazing me how you've managed to grow as a creator while still maintaining that special spark from the early days.

[@bustedmusketproductions357]

Its believed due to junji ito liking to make stories about these unexplainable mass hysteria. That this was some unknown entity causing the people themselves to do it. There is even a mention that the girl was stitching her family together. Which is why you see the attack jets now spreading the fliers. Which adds in more to the idea of this being some supernatural hysteria.

[@HlootooThunderhammer]

See that's what I figured. The people were manipulated or in some sort of trance and did it themselves. There's no way one person can do that single-handedly unless they were some kind of supernatural entity.

[@bthsr7113]

"The Human Chair" The Drukari and Tzimce really would like Mr. Ito's (and Mr. Ranpo's) works.

[@DollyBelladonna]

Many congratulations on 10 scary years of Long Box of The Damed always a treat of a month to watch each year 🦇🕷🎃👻💀👹

[@jamesbourgeois1357]

When Morati gives a mennical laugh it always makes me smile. I absolutely adore the character. Thank you all the smile through the years.

[@HaloSage1]

10 years of the Longbox and a new intro! You are spoiling us, Moarte!

[@B.-T.]

They just announced he's doing NFTs now. Moving from horror that's comical and not really horror to actual horror, finally.

[@notavailable2590]

DC’s also pushing Harley Quinn NFTs. You know, for the TV show. Where she’s dating a literal ecoterrorist. Also, Marvel has a Red Skull NFT, which just seems like parody at this point.

[@calebmarmon1310]

One could almost call it going from Horror to Tragedy.

[@Bezaliel13]

Wait, what?

[@gracekim25]

@@calebmarmon1310 accurate

[@christiankunce9491]

Thank you for doing this despite all the scheduling stuff, Lewis!

[@masonl87]

Totally forgot it was october until I saw this in my notifications!

[@MrVideo-dj7dl]

"Whatever this strange comic was, it was dark. It was evil. And it had a hold of him." Oh, my god, Moarte and the Longbox of the Damned were created by The Unfunnies by Mark Millar! 😱

[@r0siepurple853]

I adore the tale at the end! I’m so excited for this style of delivering lore! Congratulations for the series anniversary! 🎉

[@Shorai_3]

My assessment of "Army of One", AKA "Billions Alone", is that it's not simply one person committing these acts, but rather by many who were brainwashed by the advertisements. It's implied that Natsuko is not acting of her own accord by her singing the jingle as she's sewing her parents together. I think changing the name kinda muddles the story's message a bit.

[@darylchurch2115]

I've never watched Longbox before, it was so good! I'm glad to be here for your 10th anniversary, congratulations Linkara!

[@Arelenedhel]

Go back and watch the other years!

[@darylchurch2115]

@@Arelenedhel I will!

[@RomLoneWolf23]

Gonna assume the Principle Post story involved the man trying to take the thing up his ass for a weird sex thing, then after he got stuck he was too embarrassed to admit it and just chose to die rather than let anyone know.

[@MeliesCinemagician]

Happy 10th anniversary! Love the new animated intro, and love that we're finally getting Moarte origin stories!

[@chaoticblades2382]

Feels like just yesterday that Longbox began... congrats on the anniversary!

[@fanofpink]

This why I love October longbox comes out and the reviews keep pouring out!!!!

[@RaphBlade7]

Happy Anniversary LOTD! Also enjoyed the 1st origin story!

[@dylanthebiguy]

with longbox back for the 10th anniversery now we shall bring another series *begins playing ashock the 4th wall theme*

[@Lukethefox]

Happy 10 years Mr. Moarte. I remember coming home from my old job and watching the 2012 series in the early hours in the morning. I also remember it running around the same time with Phelous' Halloweenie series XD.

[@DeathofInk]

Once again, a tradition that I love doing every year returns!! The updated intro is alright, but I'm more partial to the original one. Just has a bit more charm to me.

[@Savagewolver]

Good to see you, Moarty. Happy ten years.

[@Jo-bs2uu]

i was in middle school when longbox started, and now, i teach middle school. wow lol

[@Jackie-McCann]

If Moarte wants another Junji Ito story to cover in the future, I recommend one of his more underrated works; _Dissolving Classroom._ And if anyone here finds it a bit too disturbing to stomach, I’ll just say this in advance… *I’m sorry*

[@TheBisness]

Has it really been 10 years? Congrats, time flies by sometimes.

[@darkarcheos]

It’s never Halloween without the Longbox to bring in the holiday

[@chriscarlisle5676]

Welcome back moarte and congratulations!

[@ChristianNeihart]

A 20+ minute Longbox episode? Moarte you doth spoil us.

[@Malicebane]

as SOON as holes came up I went "we're doing Amigara fault next huh" sure enough, Moarty smiles and here we are

[@MilleniumFoxMagician]

Celebrating October just isn't the same without Longbox of Doom! Thank you for the 10 years of horror comic introductions/recommendations! Also loving the extra campfire story at the end. ❤️

[@TheEmeraldWeirdo]

Okay, the campfire story about Moarte is actually a nice touch.

[@mesektet5776]

Love the new animation update.

[@SpeedyEric1]

3:35- "It just raises too many questions." -Bruce Wayne, Batman Forever (1995)

[@samwill7259]

Another year and it has begun!...he's taken over Linkara's living room again! At this point he oughta be charging rent, I can't imagine what he's doing for money the rest of the year.

[@Tardisntimbits]

LONGBOX TIIIIMMMMEEEEE, WEEEEEE!!! *Edit* Okay, that new opening is gorgeous! Happy Tenth year of Longbox!! I always look forward to this time of year, and Longbox has become part of that, so thank you so much for continuing to do it!

[@mjh8216]

Ten years of Creepy comic! Congratulations my fellow host! HAHHAHAHAHA!

[@wstine79]

Happy 10th Anniversary, Morte! His horror comic book reviews have been a great tradition for me since 2012.

[@charlirenner193]

Love the update with the intro. 👌

[@KMmouse20]

Oooh interesting way to begin Longbox's 10th! :D Looking forward to the rest of the month!

[@IzzysIssues]

Ten years?! Congrats and great job! I'm so glad I've been here for the whole of it 💚

[@T2266]

"The Sad Tail of Principle Post" should really be considered a social commentary analogy more than an actual story though, it's really just about how destructive the live of a "man who provides to his family" could be.

[@Rixec2]

An excellent start to LOTD and that story at the end was great! I look forward to what other tales we might hear. Happy 10th anniversary!

[@zman2836]

*October begins* Me: “Yeah baby! That’s what I’ve been for. That’s what it’s all about.”

[@jasonjimerson7046]

Ten years of the Longbox. Time flies when you least expect it. Happy anniversary!

[@halloranatl]

This is the best part of October. Thanks for this content!

[@deborahingle2301]

So cool to get lore about Moarte's origins!!! And congratulations on 10 years of spooks!

[@SpongeyTheEditor]

20:31 Man the new season of Are you afraid of the dark looks lit

[@marvelfan2.059]

Congratulations and happy 10th anniversary for Longbox of the damned.

[@twig8523]

Longbox is back babyyy!!!

[@HalloranIllustrations]

Little Shop of Horror Comics. Congratulations on ten hauntingly awesome years. May your longbox never empty of terrifying tails and chilling comics.

[@NarwhalEntertainment]

Holly shit, a new intro. Amazing!

[@chs9999]

I believe I speak for all the children when I say it's good to be back

[@KitsuneRokaku]

I feel like Moarte's backstory is similar to the Joker's... I prefer it to be multiple choices *Mimics Moarte's laugh* *coughs and wheezes* That's harder than it looks

[@johnstantinople]

Happy 10th Anniversary! I've been looking forward to this all year!

[@Cerulebell]

"Why was this one in colour" is almost word-for-word what said when I read it :'D

[@Curttehmurt]

from my understanding that's kind of the point of the principle post, its supposed to be like a commentary about Japanese heads of household Salary Men who refuse to seek any sort of help and end up working themselves to death to support their home in this case literally

[@thanatos_razl]

Papa Moarte! Happy 10 years of providing chilling tales!

[@adeadphish7931]

YEEEESSSSS!!! I was hoping this collection would find it's way into the show!!! And the segue into the story we have all been waiting for got a good laugh

[@KennyFrierson]

October doesn't start until LOTD starts

[@neogotham2k395]

Great way to start for October and Happy 10th Anniversary!

[@bkachief]

Getting serious AYAOTD vibes from the Moarte origin story…nice touch.

[@chaoticjusticezero]

By The Longbox! You're not just telling people Moarte's Backstory, you're telling thirty of them! 30 original horror stories on top of the normal Longbox episodes and Ashock the 4th Wall! You utter madman! I love it. Also, the reanimated (ha-ha!) intro and new logo look cool.

[@AT4W]

Sadly can't do ALL 31 days doing origins. There will be ten of them, one every three days.

[@chaoticjusticezero]

@@AT4W Still an impressive amount of extra work to take on while you're swamped. Kudos.

[@mathieuleader8601]

Ranpo's human chair story is how I picture how the Tick supervillain Chairface Chippendale came into this worrld

[@ragecawk]

Intro updated I like it. Congrats on 10 years!

[@Mario_Angel_Medina]

I could swear the twist at the end of _Billions Alone_ was that there wasn't a single serial killer, but instead it was a mass psychosis that drove people to sew each other... probably I'm mixing it up with other horror stories

[@CosplayingwithChad]

Great video Moarte, it’s been a spooky decade and I’ve loved every minute of it. Plus that new intro was amazing!💀🎃👻☠️

[@TevyaSmolka]

Congrats on 10 years of longbox of the damned.

[@peggyliepmann5248]

The opening sequence looks fantastic, pretty And spooky!

[@KingWill17]

happy anniversary Moarte

[@tyrongkojy]

The Fault story was my first Ito story way back when.

[@BrotherWulfe]

Yes! The long box is opened!!!

[@CrazyCartoonCat12]

Greetings again, master, how I've missed thee after so many months. Congratulations on your 10th anniversary.