46 pages • 1 hour read
Uzumaki: Spiral into Horror
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Book Brief
653
Graphic Novel/Book • Fiction
Kurozu-cho • 1990s
2000
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Uzumaki follows high school girl Kirie Goshima and her boyfriend Shuichi Saito as they navigate a curse in Kurouzu-cho, a seaside town plagued by a spiral shape affecting its residents' bodies, minds, and behaviors. As the curse escalates, residents turn into monsters, trust diminishes, and Kurouzu-cho's community deteriorates, leading Kirie and Shuichi to confront the sinister core of the spiral. The story includes themes of suicide, body horror, and cannibalism.
Mysterious
Unnerving
Dark
Suspenseful
Fantastical
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Uzumaki by Junji Ito, translated by Yuji Oniki, mesmerizes with its unique blend of horror and surrealism. Critics praise its haunting imagery and compelling narrative, but note that the disturbing content may not suit everyone. The art is frequently lauded for its intricate details, though some find the story's relentless darkness overpowering. Overall, a deeply impactful work.
Who Should Read Uzumaki?
Readers who enjoy psychological horror, intricate art, and a sense of growing dread would be captivated by Junji Ito's Uzumaki. Fans of Stephen King's Pet Sematary or H.P. Lovecraft's works will appreciate its eerie, atmospheric storytelling and bizarre, unsettling phenomena. Perfect for those who relish disturbing, thought-provoking narratives that linger.
Shuichi Saito
Shuichi Saito
Kirie's boyfriend, who identifies the spiral curse's influence on their town and works alongside Kirie in attempts to understand and combat it.
Mitsuo Goshima
Mitsuo Goshima
Kirie’s younger brother, who frequently encounters danger due to the ongoing spiral phenomena, prompting Kirie's protective nature.
Ms. Maruyama
Ms. Maruyama
A television reporter who arrives in the town to report on its isolation and becomes entangled in the spiral curse, providing new perspectives on the situation.
Mr. Goshima
Mr. Goshima
Kirie’s father, a potter whose work becomes influenced by the spiral curse, illustrating one of the town's many transformations.
653
Graphic Novel/Book • Fiction
Kurozu-cho • 1990s
2000
Adult
18+ years
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