The Pits of Hell by Ebisu Yoshikazu

Originally published in 1981 as Teachers Damned to the Pits of Hell, this cult classic by Ebisu Yoshikazu has captivated readers in Japan for decades, selling an estimated 40,000 copies by 1990. Now, English-speaking audiences can finally experience the groundbreaking work that is a cornerstone of the heta-uma (bad-good) art movement, celebrated for its "so bad it’s good" appeal. Known for his debut in the legendary alt-manga magazine Garo in 1973, Ebisu's work blends the edgiest styles of Tokyo’s counterculture with the absurd and often infuriating realities of life in the city.

The Pits of Hell contains nine surreal and nightmarish stories that cemented Ebisu's reputation as a leading figure in the ugly-but-amazing heta-uma movement, akin to the punk and new wave scenes in the West. This collection captures the bizarre and evocative world of Ebisu’s imagination, where chaos and absurdity reign supreme. The vivid imagery, such as a severed head, a human-faced bat, and a city in flames, has intrigued manga fans for years. Whether you're interested in sabotaging a lecture about the Mughal Empire, controlling race boats with telekinesis, or indulging in the fantasy of ripping your boss’s head off with a crowbar, The Pits of Hell offers a wild ride through the fringes of Japanese manga artistry.