Compared to Ito’s other works this one leans more towards the humorous side despite the gore. The central idea is a very simple joke: what if someone gains the regenerative abilities of the hydra (the water animal not the mythical monster). The wacky deaths are just plot devices to stretch that question to the limit, and the allegory becomes obvious in the double Tomie arc.

As the title suggests, this manga is all about a strange being named Tomie. At first presented as a beautiful young lady, the reader soon realizes she's actually a monstruous creature. I found her twofold essence, both pretty and horrific, quite captivating. It looks like Junji Ito really likes doing awful things to beautiful girls and turning them into monsters (since he did the same in his work Gyo). Through the many similar yet different stories the reader slowly comes to learn more about Tomie, uncovering the truth behind her. How does she work? To what extent does her power go? What influence has she on people who are not adult males? If the reader pays attention they will be able to find many hints scattered here and there. However not everything can be exaplained and many questions are left unsolved - and rightfully so.

I gave this manga a 7 because, despite finding Tomie interesting and loving the art, some of the stories were unrealistic and perhaps even ridiculous, while others were "just okay". Junji Ito manages to make similar stories look different, but after a while it gets boring nonetheless. Strangely enough, the third volume (which was created many years later) was the worse one for me.

The manga started quite poor, art and plot , however later chapters shows improvement. I am guessing this is his first book?!?!
The plot is quite simple, Tomie a girl who gets killed in horrible way but always comes back, and somehow whoever get in contact with her turn into freaky monsters with a thirst to kill Tomie. The story pretty much repeats itself but somehow the manga is quite addictive, especially at the end of volume 1 and volume 2, the art is pretty nice.
At some point you though that at last the plot is coming together to explain or resolve something but nah'ah, endless story, just like Tomie herself.
Just like Mandy Rin said, once you've read one, you've read them all. Since this is my 2nd book from Itou sensei, the first was Uzumaki, I can see clearly that this is his style, mysterious events without explaination.
If you like this one, try Uzumaki, similar but better both art and story, however, again, don't expect anything is gonna resolved at the end.

Warning: Contains mild spoilers

A series of short stories about the entity 'Tomie' (I say 'entity', because she is most definitely not human). Ito Junji manages to recycle the same plot, but add, twist and distort it so as to keep it relatively enjoyable throughout. However, it is somewhat forgettable (once you've read one, you've read them all), and is redeemed mainly by the art and concept.

It is interesting in that you almost feel sympathetic for her, despite the lives she ruins. I believe that due to her tragic curse, she has become the jaded and cynical creature she has, relying only on herself (it is evident in Volume 2 Chapter 10 that the various Tomie's share a memory). Not being able to die, and having memory passed on through generations must make life seem meaningless, hence her remorseless attitude.

Overall, I would reccommend giving it a go if you enjoy horror, however don't expect anything groundbreaking.