In the world of horror manga, few titles have made waves quite like Uzumaki, the masterpiece by Junji Ito. If you’re new to the genre or manga in general, you’ll quickly find that Junji Ito is to horror manga what Stephen King is to horror novels—a legendary figure whose works are bound to keep you up at night.
As a recent convert to the world of manga, I decided to dive into Uzumaki and see for myself what all the fuss was about. So here’s my Uzumaki Manga Review, complete with unsettling spirals, bizarre transformations, and spine-chilling body horror.
What is Uzumaki?
Uzumaki (translated as “Spiral”) isn’t your typical horror story. Set in the small, cursed coastal town of Kurozu-cho, the story follows high school girl Kirie and her boyfriend Shuichi as they witness their hometown fall prey to an inexplicable obsession with the spiral shape. Yes, you read that correctly—a shape is the villain here.
But don’t let the simplicity of the premise fool you. Junji Ito transforms the innocent spiral into a horrifying force that distorts bodies, minds, and reality itself.
As you turn the pages, you’ll find yourself gripped by the bizarre curse that takes over Kurozu-cho. People begin to see spirals everywhere and, eventually, become consumed by them—some literally turning into human snails, others twisting into grotesque forms that defy anatomy. It’s body horror at its finest, and if you’re a fan of the genre, you’re in for a disturbing treat.
Ito’s Unique Storytelling Approach
Unlike traditional horror novels that focus on a single narrative arc, Uzumaki is structured in episodic segments. Each chapter presents a short story with some new characters and fresh horrors, yet all are tied together by the overarching curse of the spiral. This format is common in horror manga, and while it might feel disjointed to readers used to more linear narratives, it works remarkably well for Uzumaki.
This episodic approach means the story is less about deep character development and more about Ito’s ability to capture the terror of the spiral curse in stunning, eerie detail. Some readers may find the lack of a traditional plot or complex character arcs a drawback, but Uzumaki’s strength lies in its visuals. Ito’s artwork is nothing short of mesmerizing, and his background as a dental technician shows in his meticulous attention to anatomy—each panel is brimming with terrifying details that heighten the story’s horror.
A Visual Feast of Horror
The artwork in Uzumaki is one of its standout features. Rendered in haunting black and white, Ito’s illustrations give the story a stark, nightmarish quality. It’s incredible how much he can do with just a pen, especially in scenes involving body horror. From grotesque transformations to surreal, spiraling landscapes, Ito’s visuals are unforgettable. Some images stay with you long after you’ve put the book down, as the spiral’s effects on the town become increasingly grotesque and surreal.
One of the most disturbing elements is the “snail people”—citizens who are so overtaken by the spiral curse that they physically transform into snails. These transformations are slow and horrifying, with Ito relishing every excruciating detail, from the slime trails to the unnervingly realistic anatomy. If you’re squeamish, beware: Uzumaki is not for the faint of heart.
A Bit Too Short?
One critique I have of Uzumaki is its length. The story is a “one-shot,” meaning it’s a standalone book rather than a long-running series.
I found myself wishing it were longer. Perhaps it’s because I’m used to sprawling manga series like One Piece, where the pacing is slower and there’s more room for character exploration. In Uzumaki, the rapid pace sometimes means less time spent with each character, making it hard to develop a deep connection with them before they fall victim to the spiral.
That said, Uzumaki is perfect for readers who prefer shorter, impactful reads. And the deluxe 3-in-1 edition, which includes the entire story in one volume, makes it easy to experience the full nightmare in one sitting—if you’re brave enough.
If you are interested in some more horror recommendations READ our REVIEW of The Shining HERE
Is Uzumaki Scary?
Short answer? Absolutely. The horror in Uzumaki is deeply unsettling. Ito masterfully taps into both body horror and psychological horror, crafting scenes that are at once grotesque and profoundly disturbing. What makes it especially frightening is the creeping sense of inevitability—once the spiral curse takes hold, there’s no escaping it.
If you’re a fan of horror comics or looking to get into horror manga, Uzumaki is an experience you won’t soon forget. The manga’s unique format allows for great pacing, with each chapter leaving you eager (and terrified) to see what fresh horror awaits in the next one. And while Ito’s characters aren’t as deeply developed as those in traditional horror novels, the chilling artwork and relentless tension more than make up for it.
Conclusion
Uzumaki is a must-read for any horror fan, especially those curious about manga. With its gripping artwork, unsettling themes, and unique structure, it’s a standout in the world of horror comics. Ito’s blend of body horror and surreal psychological terror is both grotesque and captivating, proving that even something as innocent as a spiral can be truly terrifying.
For those interested in a multimedia experience, Uzumaki has recently been adapted into an anime series, bringing Ito’s haunting visuals to life in animated form. I can’t wait to see how they translate some of those memorable scenes onto the screen.
In the end, I’d rate Uzumaki a solid 8/10. While I would have loved more time with the characters and the world Ito created, the haunting imagery and relentless tension more than make up for any shortcomings. If you’re ready to see just how terrifying a spiral can be, pick up Uzumaki and prepare yourself for a journey into madness.