This entry is an updated repost from the site I had before this blog. I hope to slowly but eventually consolidate all my entries to a single place.
I first learned about Uzumaki from another’s blog, and developed an interest in it then. After my brother strongly recommended this manga along with other Junji Ito’s works, I was more than convinced to read this.
Uzumaki is comprised of a series of short stories, which string together the main plot line. A horror manga, the story follows Kirie and her boyfriend Shuichi. It begins with strange spiral themed happenings all over a small town; spirals as small as the cochleas in one’s ears to as large as hurricanes and whirlpools. While the story is not nightmarish, it certainly sets an ominous mood and also gets very intensely scary at times. It has even sent a few chills down my spine.
The originality of the concepts and the imaginative graphics are amazing, the execution excellent, the art gorgeously creepy (or creepily gorgeous), and the story engaging through all the episodic short stories and the overarching plot. I enjoyed every panel of this manga. Kirie and Shuichi are extremely lovable characters as well, and their hopelessly sweet ending is really rather and eerily romantic.
This is horror manga at its best.
Examples of the brilliant work from Uzumaki:
Creepy… Forever see spirals in a new light.
Kirie and Shuichi
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Further Readings: The Horror World of Junji Ito
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Listless Ink 
“Yay!! u read Uzumaki! Isnt it such a cool story?!!
So did you read other Junji Itoh’s work? I think Uzumaki is the best one…! lol
There was a movie (of real people and stuff) of Uzumaki too, but it was a long time ago. I was really young when I saw it and it totally freaked me out! I really wanna watch it again now…! :P”
@Strawberry_hana: I didn’t know there was a movie either. I also think Uzumaki is the best one as well.
oh yea~~ Uzumaki…still gives me creeps and nightmare!
Looks rather intriguing. I’ll have to check it out sometime.
The artwork is indeed, very nice.
@”G”: It creeped me out a bit too.
@shijima: Yea, it’s very mind twisting and the art is amazing. I never looked at spirals the same way again.
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I read through the first few chapters and stopped. It’s a bit addicting, but I’d rather quit before I start dreaming about spirals and squished meat…….
It stays very intense and trippy throughout all three volumes. Maybe someday when you’re in the mood for horror, you’ll pick it up again. ^ ^
Well I’m always in the “mood” for horror, but I always quit before I finish because I’m just such a scardy cat. Then again, only real intense, asian stuff scares me; western stuff like alien vs. predator, halloween and saw makes me laugh for some reason^_^
I’m kind of like you with horror then. God I remember watching the Grudge… Couldn’t finish it but I loved it.
I’m never eating mushrooms again. Also I’ve invested in many containers of mosquito repellent.
Haha. I love mushrooms, but I forever see them differently, especially the big kind that one sometimes on a camping trip. And mosquitoes… terrify me (along with centipedes that curl up).
I could not sleep after finished the 5th chapter…literally….
This story has taught me to stay away from spirals and also to imagine myself being torn apart when I see one @_@
I remember reading this and going through the same thing. The hospital chapter was especially intense, and some other ones are just so grotesque. I had my fair share of shocks and yelps and trembles as I turned each page.
I look at spirals differently now as well. @@@@@@
The hospital scene witht he womans…my gosh!! O_O
I still have that picture in my head….urghhh
Never eat while reading Uzumaki….just don’t….I remember having spaghetti after reading the umbilical cord chapter…worst meal in my life. Hahaha
Have you ever read Fraken Fran? The manga has a similar incongruous tone to it like Uzumaki. It’s also a series of short stories, but it can go on for 2-3 chapters per plot.
It’s completed already so no waiting for updates 🙂
What other horror or supernatural anime/mangas do you like Yi-Chan?
(can I call you Yi-Chan?? :3)
P.S
Ahahaha, Naruto’s name will also never be the same to me. T_T Uzumaki….
Ooh yes, I have read Franken Fran! I love it too. It also deals with a sort of a Lovecratian horror, but with more emphasis on the physically grotesque and less emphasis on the cosmic elememnts. I love it too! Hopefully, I’ll get around to writing about it.
Now, as for other recommendations, I would start with Junji Ito’s other works. He has plenty besides Uzumaki, and if you enjoyed Uzumaki, I think you’d enjoy the others as well.
Here’s an introductory post to his collection of short stories: https://listlessink.wordpress.com/2010/01/21/the-horror-world-of-junji-ito/
Other works to note may be Junji Ito’s Gyo. As well, you could look into Kago Shintaro for just the odd (not necessarily scary, but very odd and sexual).
Cheers dear. ^ ^
Mwahahaha, I’m feeling dark again !! XD
I haven’t read a horror manga in a while. Mostly because all the ones I find now are either one shots or the series become discontinued or cancelled 😦
I have always admired Lovecraft’s works. Seeing it being used in a manga made me even happier !!
Have you ever read the visual novel Saya no Uta!
A very interesting and gruesome series. You can check the English version online and they also have the subbed version on youtube here:
You’ll love it! I guarantee!! > <
I will start reading Ito Sensei's other works as well! Thank you for the link!! *O*/
I haven't heard of Kago Shintaro but I'm temped to search his/her name as well!
Thank you so much for the many recommendations! Time to have another nightmare marathon again! Whoooo~
Solid suggestion again, nyaataku! I read Saya no Uta a few years ago, and loved it indeed. If you’re interested, here is my review: https://listlessink.wordpress.com/2008/07/07/saya-no-uta/
Very dark, yet romantic~ ♥
Wahhhh!! Awesome!! I’m so glad you liked it!! ^ ^
Your review is amazing by the way!
dang-it! my spelling!! 😦
*finishing!!