Junji Ito’s art style is extremely distinct, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes his work so uncomfortable to read through. There are many elements from the imagery to the atmosphere in his works that contribute to its overall appeal, which lies in the discomfort and queasiness they evoke. That might have been the reason why, up until now, it was extremely hard to translate his works into different mediums. With the recent release of Uzumaki Episode 1, it has become quite clear that Ito’s works could very well be adapted into great anime.
It propels us to think about the anime adaptations of some other works by the mangaka and the thought itself is quite exciting. However, one can’t help but question if Uzumaki anime is just a one-hit wonder. The same brilliance might not reflect in similar future endeavors. Yet, when one compares the manga panels with stills from the episode, those fears start to dissipate.
Uzumaki Anime Episode 1 is a Pleasant Surprise!
The concerns triggered by the anime announcement were quickly overwritten by anticipation when the trailer for the anime was released. It showed promise and potential to be a great adaptation of one of the best horror works out there. Junji Ito is highly respected for his expertise in the horror genre, and among all his works, Uzumaki especially stands out as his magnum opus.
The manga is the perfect fuel for bone-chilling nightmares. From the abnormal atmosphere to the detailed imagery, everything contributes to Ito’s unique appeal.
Uzumaki Episode 1 pleasantly surprised us as it was able to capture that unique essence phenomenally. It even accentuated the thrills in some scenes. The music and motion intensified the severity, enlivening the manga panels in the best way possible. It’s a popular belief that an anime should not be an exact copy of the source material, but the Uzumaki anime could be considered that and it’s primarily the reason why it excels.
While there are not many differences visually, the events of the manga are reordered, with the pacing ramped up a little bit. These changes are quite concerning, but everything works surprisingly well as a complete experience. With the upcoming episodes, it’ll become clear how good the anime is compared to the manga. However, the first episode instills confidence regarding the future adaptations of Junji Ito’s creations.
Here’s Why Uzumaki Anime is the Perfect Reason for Why We Need More Junji Ito Anime
The first episode of the anime proves to be a great testament to why more of Junji Ito’s should be adapted into anime. A panel-by-panel comparison with the stills from the episode exhibits the sincerity of the efforts put into the anime adaptation.
UZUMAKI by Junji Ito — Episode 1
Anime vs Manga pic.twitter.com/e8619Kcjha
— Anime Craze (@crazedanime_) October 1, 2024
Sticking to the monochromatic color tones was a great choice as it retains the mood from the manga. The identical visuals ensure that the original experience isn’t adulterated. It shows that the makers understand the appeal of the original work and the expectations of fans. They’ve considered both the factors and delivered a good final product. The attention to the important aspects assures fans that there are makers who care about their favorite works as much as they do.
It’s the perfect way to get them to open up to similar attempts in the future. Ito has many ways to convey the horrors in his works, which gives some of his manga a distinct feel to what we are seeing with Uzumaki. However, if Uzumaki can be done so well, it’s safe to say that there’s some hope for everything else!
Uzumaki Anime is available to stream on Adult Swim.