Garo (magazine)

Garo (ガロ) was a Japanese manga magazine, founded in 1964 by Katsuichi Nagai and Sanpei Shirato. It was published monthly until 2002, and sporadically afterwards, finally ceasing publication in 2014.

Garo is notable for its focus on alternative and avant-garde manga, and played a significant role in the development of gekiga (graphic storytelling) and underground manga culture in Japan. It provided a platform for artists who explored unconventional themes, experimental styles, and politically charged narratives, often diverging from mainstream manga trends.

The magazine published the early works of many influential manga artists, including Yoshiharu Tsuge, Shigeru Mizuki, Yoshihiro Tatsumi, Kazuichi Hanawa, and Suehiro Maruo. These artists often dealt with mature themes such as poverty, alienation, social injustice, and psychological trauma.

Garo's influence extends beyond the manga world, impacting art, film, and literature in Japan and abroad. It is recognized as a key publication in understanding the countercultural movements of the 1960s and 70s in Japan and for fostering artistic innovation in the medium of manga. Its closure marked a significant event in the history of Japanese manga publishing.