Uzumaki Has All the Makings Of an Anime Classic

Uzumaki Has All the Makings Of an Anime Classic

As a seasoned gamer and anime enthusiast, who has traversed countless hours exploring the vast landscapes of virtual worlds and the even stranger realms of animation, I must say that Adult Swim’s adaptation of Junji Ito’s “Uzumaki” is a spine-tingling triumph. It’s been a long time since an anime series has left me feeling this uneasy, yet compelled to watch more.


The animated version of “Uzumaki” on Adult Swim has started off strong and captured the interest of many anime enthusiasts. Previously, it was thought that turning the works of renowned manga artist Junji Ito into a television series would be extremely challenging, given the unique style of his art. However, Studio Drive’s recent horror anime series has generated significant buzz, leading fans to believe they may have discovered the ultimate horror anime. As we delve into this town haunted by a spiral fixation, it seems appropriate to discuss why this Junji Ito adaptation shows promise of becoming an anime classic following just one episode’s release.

As a dedicated gamer, let me guide you into the chilling tale of Uzumaki. This isn’t your typical story about a vengeful spirit or a slasher in a hockey mask. Instead, it revolves around two high school sweethearts, Kirie and Shuichi, who are uncovering a peculiar curse that has gripped their town, Kurouzu-cho. The curse isn’t just manifesting in predictable ways; instead, it shows up as spirals on faces, kids transforming into slugs, and people succumbing to their own twisted obsessions, leading to grisly ends. Each arc adds depth to the series, creating a haunting atmosphere that Junji Ito, a master of unexplainable horror, excels at depicting. Adult Swim’s Uzumaki does justice to his artistic vision.

Uzumaki Has All the Makings Of an Anime Classic

We Need Horror Anime

One reason why Uzumaki could endure as a timeless horror anime is because there aren’t many other examples that truly instill terror in viewers. While shows like Jujutsu Kaisen, Bleach, Chainsaw Man, Death Note, and Hellsing have dark elements, they don’t quite deliver on being genuinely scary stories. Even series like Hellsing, which revolves around Alucard, a vampire with a gun, can be unsettling but it primarily focuses on action rather than its creepier aspects. In Uzumaki, the eerie elements are more prominent and not overshadowed by the protagonists’ abilities to overcome threats, making it stand out compared to other horror anime adaptations of Ito’s works.

In the four-episode mini-series of Uzumaki, if it can match its initial success, it promises to deliver the chilling horror that avid anime fans desire. The visuals, which brought Ito’s original drawings to life on screen, not only work for the series but also leave a lasting impression, creating genuinely unsettling, cringe-worthy moments that warrant repeated viewings. It’s worth noting, however, that Uzumaki may not be flawless as it moves at a brisk pace, but it seems poised to become a timeless horror classic.

Uzumaki Has All the Makings Of an Anime Classic

The Junji Ito Adaption Of Our Dreams

Uzumaki, the latest adaptation of Junji Ito’s work, has joined the ranks of other animated adaptations such as The Junji Ito Collection, Maniac: Junji Ito’s Japanese Tales of The Macabre, and Gyo. If you’re new to Ito’s horror manga and seeking a chilling experience, these are worth exploring. However, what sets Uzumaki apart is its unique, monochrome, otherworldly atmosphere that harmoniously aligns with the original comic’s tone, something that previous adaptations didn’t quite achieve. In fact, we at egmr.ru previously found “Mold”, a segment from Maniac’s anthology series, to be particularly outstanding due to its black-and-white, moody narrative that makes it a worthy companion piece to Uzumaki. We hope the success of Uzumaki on Adult Swim will bring more attention to “Mold” as well.

As a die-hard fan, I must admit that the prolonged delay of “Uzumaki” left me feeling utterly dejected. However, after witnessing Studio Drive’s exceptional animation, I can confidently say that the wait was absolutely justified. There is no other anime adaptation currently available that even remotely resembles Uzumaki, which only serves to heighten its allure over time. The eerie and atmospheric nature of this anime captivates my attention completely, making “Uzumaki” a must-watch for us dedicated fans.

Uzumaki Has All the Makings Of an Anime Classic

Hammering Home The Horror

Fans of anime might feel disappointed to learn that “Uzumaki” consists of just four, thirty-minute chapters, but these short episodes effectively convey the story. Although some parts of the original plot had to be trimmed down, what remains manages to portray the story in a way that feels like a full-length movie. In truth, “Uzumaki” isn’t about Kirie and Shuichi maturing amidst terror; it’s a tale of survival against an inexplicable, pervasive dread that resembles a cosmic force. There is nothing quite like this experience within the realm of anime, and regrettably, similar productions may remain rare in the future.

Although Uzumaki has achieved great success, there’s still uncertainty about whether Cartoon Network will delve deeper into Junji Ito’s works for future ventures. In a recent conversation with Jason DeMarco, co-creator of Toonami and producer of Uzumaki, he mentioned that the team behind the project found it nearly impossible due to the intense effort poured into the series by Studio Drive and Cartoon Network, as well as the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. If Uzumaki remains the only adaptation to maintain this style, then the Adult Swim anime adaptation becomes even more unique.

Curious about what lies ahead for Uzumaki and other chilling stories spawned by Junji Ito’s imagination? Keep tabs with Team Anime on egmr.ru for the most recent scary anime news, and don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly @EVComedy to discuss all things comics and anime!

Right now, you can catch up with the series Spiral (that’s Uzumaki for you) on MAX. Every new episode becomes available weekly, first on Adult Swim and then on MAX.

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2024-10-02 00:10