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Mother, Please Don't Give Birth to a Monster

by Marina Shirakawa

Family power, folklore, and the kudan

Regular price $19.75 USD
Regular price $32.92 USD Sale price $19.75 USD
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Awards & Recognition

  • Series recognition

    Part of the Smudge manga line

    Identified as the eighth volume in Smudge, a line of vintage horror and dark fantasy manga curated by Ryan Holmb...

AlbakiReads Editorial

Family power, folklore, and the kudan

Miki’s discovery that her family has long used kudan—beings described as half human and half cow—as a source of wealth and power sets the story’s family drama against Japanese legend and the occult. The impending birth of another kudan gives the premise its immediate pressure, while the publisher’s description places the manga within vintage horror and dark fantasy. This edition also includes an essay on author Marina Shirakawa’s life and career, adding biographical context to a work presented as part of her final published graphic novel.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Adult manga readers interested in vintage horror and dark fantasy
  • Readers curious about manga drawing on Japanese history, legend, and the occult
  • Those interested in contextual essays accompanying graphic novels

Themes

Family legacy and powerFolklore and the occultThe uncanny bodyInheritance

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

MOOOO! Lord Momon cries out, ready for her meal. MOOOO! Baby sister cries out, miserable and cold. As a young teen, sweet Miki learns the bizarre truth about her family: for centuries, they have harnessed half-cow, half-human beasts known as "kudan" for their wealth and power. And soon, another shall be born. The hour approaches. Her mother moans in pain as the contractions begin. But all poor Miki can plead is MOTHER, PLEASE DON'T GIVE BIRTH TO A MONSTER! Published in 1988 at the end of the classic era of horror manga, MOTHER, PLEASE DON'T GIVE BIRTH TO A MONSTER is a revolting and zany tour de force by the incomparable Shirakawa Marina. The author's last published graphic novel, this manga marks the ultimate elaboration of Shirakawa's creepy, crackpot synthesis of Japanese history, legend, and the occult, as made famous in his cult favorite UFO MUSHROOM INVASION. Never before reprinted even in Japan, and with an essay about Shirakawa's mysterious life and career, MOTHER, PLEASE DON'T GIVE BIRTH TO A MONSTER is the eighth volume of Smudge, a line of vintage horror and dark fantasy manga curated by award-winning historian Ryan Holmberg and published by Living the Line.

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