The Ring / Звонок / Ring

The Ring (Звонок) is a manga based on the 1998 Japanese horror film of the same name. The story revolves around a cursed videotape that, once watched, leads to the viewer's death after seven days. The events that follow are filled with supernatural elements and twisted mysteries. The main protagonist, Asakawa Reiko, is a journalist who begins investigating the deaths of several teenagers who mysteriously died exactly one week after watching the cursed video. As she delves deeper into the case, she discovers that her own niece, Tomoko, was one of the victims. Determined to uncover the truth and save herself from the curse, Reiko and her ex-husband Ryuji Takayama dive headfirst into the dark secrets surrounding the cursed videotape. Throughout the manga, the storyline takes unexpected turns, revealing the history and origins of the tape. Reiko and Ryuji's search leads them to uncover a sinister force behind the curse, with connections to a young girl named Sadako Yamamura. Sadako, the creator of the cursed video, wields supernatural powers that transcend death itself. As the seven-day deadline approaches for Reiko, she must race against time to solve the mystery and break the curse. The duo's investigation takes them through haunting encounters with vengeful spirits and terrifying experiences. They learn that the true power of the curse lies not only in the video itself but in the fear and guilt of those who watch it. The Ring manga masterfully combines horror, suspense, and psychological elements to create a chilling atmosphere. The artwork effectively adds to the eerie ambiance, with disturbing visuals and intense moments that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The manga closely follows the storyline of the original film, while also providing additional details and insights into the characters' thoughts and emotions. One notable aspect of The Ring is its exploration of themes such as morality, the consequences of one's actions, and the nature of fear. The characters are forced to confront their own sins and face the horrifying consequences of their choices. The manga poses thought-provoking questions about the nature of evil and the lengths one would go to protect themselves or their loved ones. The Ring is not recommended for those easily frightened or disturbed by horror elements, as it contains graphic imagery and intense scenes. However, for fans of psychological horror and supernatural mysteries, it offers a captivating and thrilling read. The manga's conclusion brings together all the pieces of the puzzle, revealing a chilling climax that will leave readers haunted by the tale of The Ring.