Overview
After many many many delays the Uzumaki anime is finally here.
The famous Junji Ito wrote and illustrated Uzumaki, a horror manga. Originally released weekly in Shogakukan’s Big Comic Spirits from 1998 to 1999. Viz Media then released an english translation from 2001 to 2002, with an omnibus edition released in 2013.
Who is Junji Ito?
Junji Ito is a renowned Japanese horror manga artist known for his unique artwork. His work explores themes of the grotesque, the uncanny, body horror and more. Check some of his most famous work here.
Ito wrote and illustrated hundreds of horror stories, some studios adapted them into anime. Such as the Junji Ito Collection, an anime adaptation of several horror stories of Ito. They released it in 2018.
What is Uzumaki About?
Kirie and Shuichi are friends in Kurouzu-cho. Shuichi’s father, Toshio, has become obsessed with snails, recording them and collecting spiral-shaped items. Kirie starts noticing spirals everywhere, even in people’s clothing and movements.
As strange events turn into tragedies, Shuichi wants to leave for Tokyo. However Kirie is determined to stay and uncover the mystery.
About the Uzumaki Anime
The anime adaptation of Junji Ito’s Uzumaki will be a miniseries. Which will only air four episodes, and it is in full black and white.
The anime is co-produced by Production I.G. USA, who recently produced Terminator Zero, and Williams Street Production. While Hiroshi Nagahama is the director.
Uzumaki Official Trailer
Cast
- Uki Satake as Kirie Goshima
- Shinichirou Miki as Suiichi Saitou
- Takashi Matsuyama as Toshio Saitou
The Constant Delays
This Uzumaki anime has been in the works for a long time now. The first news of it was back in 2019. Adult Swim showed an anime teaser during Crunchyroll Expo 2019.
However, with the COVID-19 Pandemic the production slowed down. From an original 2020 release it was delayed again and again. “The pandemic completely stopped production on the show for close to a year. It was the single biggest impact,” said Jason DeMarco, in an interview with Vulture.
The team had to ‘restructure’ the anime from scratch, according to an update by Hiroshi Nagahama. Thus, they delayed it again from 2021 to 2022.
In 2022, the production team of the anime announced that the anime would be delayed again. They requested more time. The team wanted to “replicate the quality of the intricate designs and detailed work of Mr. Ito’s classic manga”.
Which I think is fair, as this was still during the height of the pandemic. This is also one of Junji Ito’s most famous works, they didn’t want any negative reception. I’m sure the team didn’t want to let him down either.
Finally, it took over five years from the release of the teaser to the airing of the first episode.
Finally It’s Here
The release date of the Uzumaki Anime was on September 28, 2024 on Adult Swim. With the English dubbed and English subtitles both available. Perfect timing for its release as it is halloween season.
In this reddit discussion post, its first episode was praised by many fans who were waiting for it. The production team wanted more time to perfect this anime, I’m sure all four episodes will be just as good. The fan reception will not change, unless the production just drops off a cliff.
The Uzumaki manga is around 20 chapters though. Will they fit all that into a 20 minute, four episode miniseries? Will it feel rushed as some of the comments say?
Junji Ito on the Anime Adaption of Uzumaki
In this interview on Crunchyroll’s YouTube Channel, Junji Ito said
“Four episodes is way shorter than the original manga. They did a good job of rearranging the series.
For example, someone who dies early on, now plays an important role later on. They did a fantastic job of crafting things together like that. The screenwriter is a very talented individual.”
In the same interview he said he was happy that it was faithful to the original manga. If Junji Ito said they did a good job with the anime, the fans should think the same.
Should You Watch the Uzumaki Anime?
Yes you should. Especially IF you are a fan of horror, Junji Ito, or just want to experience a new type of anime.
I’m a horror junkie so I will be watching this, especially since it’s only four episodes. I have also read around half of the manga, plus I’ve read a couple of Ito’s stories.
He writes and illustrates good horror. You rarely see any horror anime because it’s hard to convey that in animated form. But if anyone can pull it off, it’s Junji Ito and his work.
I have also watched the Junji Ito Collection. It didn’t get the best reception from fans, but some of the stories were still scary when animated. Just looking at the trailer for the Uzumaki Anime, it looks ten times better.
