Some stories have no possible win, while others offer a path, but each story in The Horror Collector 4 shows the threat and how Jimmy’s companionship humanizes Fushigi.
The Horror Collector 4 shows the legend of the hooded child alongside other supernatural tales making the rounds in various towns. But more chaos, a new addition, and terror are in store for readers as more people experience horror. It continues emphasizing the danger for children. Some stories have no possible win, while others offer a path, but each story in The Horror Collector 4 shows the threat and how Jimmy’s companionship humanizes Fushigi.
With the story by Midori Sato and Norio Tsuruta, art by Yon, and translated by Jan Cash, the volume presents six new towns with urban legends coming alive. While Fushigi has nothing to do with that, his sister is creating curses within these stories and wreaking havoc. The Yen Press light novel balances the scary and strange stories with the gradual reveal of Fushigi’s past. They build up the fear and work as cautionary tales for kids and adults.
The Horror Collector 4 Continues With Unique Twists
Even when stories sound familiar, The Horror Collector manages to tack on a surprise. For example, in “First Town—The Chain Letter,” familiar mass emails warning of dire repercussions if you don’t send it to 99 other people come up. However, the series twists it as a warning. Not everyone handles scary stories well, particularly if you inundate them with terror at every turn. It removes the ease of technology by making the chain letter through traditional mail. As such, it’s one of the scarier stories leaning more toward cautionary because Fushigi’s not there to rescue anyone.
“Fourth Town—The Headless Rider’s Helmet” shows that sometimes doing the right thing does not always mean success. But it’s also tragic because it highlights how trouble can find you regardless. Sometimes, the mere act of playing with friends and picking something up that you found can spell trouble. Or something as innocuous as eating your favorite cookies can spell doom, such as in “Third Town—The Otter Cookies.” The Horror Collector 4 does a magnificent job of making mundane activities something to dread.
Return to Jimmy’s Roots
This issue puts Jimmy’s old coworker and the rest of the staff in danger. It also drives home how sometimes what seems like misfortune can wind up a blessing. Jimmy became a human-faced dog, but because of it, he became a better human being. Often, he has to push Fushigi to be better. But visiting Jimmy’s old workplace brings them closer to the strange man with the umbrella and a secret even Fushigi does not remember. One that leaves Jimmy floundering about whether to tell Fushigi. The Horror Collector 4 gives readers more terror and fascinating creatures and opens the mystery of Fushigi and his sister.
The Horror Collector 4 shows the creators still have plenty of fresh ideas and chilling stories for readers to enjoy. There’s an emotional connection thanks to Jimmy’s addition, making each story and their interactions more impactful. Jimmy is Fushigi’s moral compass, making Fushigi find his humanity. Plus, thanks to little things, it’s clear that Fushigi cares about Jimmy. Their relationship helps add a through line to these stories. Of course, they still work on their own. The Horror Collector 4 continues to churn out chilling stories that terrify and entertain.
