The spiral curse is coming for us all. After an announcement in 2019, the anime adaptation of Junji Ito’s iconic Uzumaki is coming on September 28th, 2024. I’ve been following along all those years and began to think someone cursed the adaptation itself. Several delays hit its production, but it was worth the wait. Alongside the release date, Adult Swim unleashed an impressive new teaser for Uzumaki. It’s no secret that I’m enthusiastic about Ito’s work and adjacent projects. But this isn’t the first anime adaptation of Ito’s work. Studio Deen took a shot at it not once but twice through Junji Ito Collection (2018) and Junji Ito Maniac (2023). I’ll be frank and say those adaptations aren’t great. This Uzumaki adaptation skillfully nails Ito’s renowned art style and creeping unease.
I’ll also highlight the deliberate choice of keeping the contrasting monochromatic color palette from Uzumaki. This was my biggest issue with the Studio Deen adaptations. With the addition of color, your imagination fills in less of the blanks, robbing the impact of the horrific imagery. Uzumaki eschews that yet keeps the intricate detail, something the Studio Deen seasons also lack. Unless my eyes deceive me, there’s also a mix of 2D and 3D animation. I’m usually mixed on this, but it works well in horror and mecha anime. The uncanny look of the animation enhances just how unnatural these elements feel if done right. This will no doubt be a great entry point for newcomers. Junji Ito fans are in a golden era of his work, and I’m thrilled to see it.
As we wait, may I recommend this lovely Pop Up Parade figure of Mei Misaki from the excellent horror mystery anime Another? It’s in the J-List store now!
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