Kazuo Umezu, an iconic figure in the manga world and a pioneer of horror manga, has passed away at 88. His death on October 28 was confirmed by a statement from his art company, UMEZZ, which emphasized Umezu's desire for his work to resonate with audiences worldwide and to be appreciated for its artistic value. Shogakukan and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions echoed this sentiment, celebrating Umezu’s unique contributions across genres, including horror, comedy, and science fiction, as well as his influence in film and fine art.

Debuting professionally at 18, Umezu produced influential works such as *The Drifting Classroom*, *Cat-Eyed Boy*, *Orochi*, and *My Name is Shingo*, all revered as foundational horror manga and widely available in English through VIZ Media. His talent was not confined to horror alone—*Makoto-chan*, his beloved comedy manga, showcased his range and enduring appeal.

Umezu’s work extended beyond manga into fine arts with recent projects, such as the *Kazuo Umezz: The Great Art Exhibition*, which featured 101 acrylic paintings. He leaves behind a legacy that shaped the horror genre and expanded the boundaries of manga artistry. A private funeral was held with family and friends, and his work will continue to inspire and haunt readers around the world.

Source: Anime News Network