Junji Ito’s legendary horror series Uzumaki has made a chilling return to the spotlight, thanks to its recent anime adaptation. To celebrate this haunting masterpiece, a skilled artist has cosplayed one of Uzumaki‘s most terrifying scenes. The result is jaw-dropping and has sent shivers down fans’ spines.

The Viral Uzumaki Cosplay: A Haunting Tribute to Junji Ito

On October 10, Instagram artist “Majensta” amazed followers with a cosplay of Azami Kurotani from Uzumaki. Azami, cursed with a spiral consuming her face and eye, is a key horror symbol in the story. Similarly, Majensta’s portrayal is unsettling. The artist used practical effects and a vintage filter to recreate Azami’s bulging eye engulfed by a spiral.

Adding to the horror, Majensta shared a tutorial showing fans how the disturbing effects were achieved. The cosplay quickly gained attention, amassing over 5,500 likes by October 14.

The Curse of Spirals: A Look at Uzumaki’s Legacy

Junji Ito’s Uzumaki remains one of the most iconic body horror manga of all time. First published in 1998 in Big Comic Spirits, the story unfolds in the quiet, rural town of Kurouzu-cho. Strange spiral patterns begin appearing everywhere, from whirlpools in rivers to clouds in the sky. These patterns mark the onset of a curse that engulfs the town and its inhabitants, bringing horrific consequences. One of the earliest victims is Azami, whose spiral curse starts with a small mark on her forehead, spiraling out of control as the story progresses.

Uzumaki’s Anime Adaptation: A Rollercoaster Ride for Fans

Last month, the Uzumaki anime premiered on Adult Swim. It’s a joint effort by Production I.G. USA, Akatsuki Holdings, and Fugaku. The series aims to reflect Ito’s art, using black-and-white 2D animation and motion capture. Initially set for 2019, it was delayed by the pandemic. Executive producer Jason DeMarco revealed that COVID-19 significantly affected key staff and their families, causing ongoing issues.

Fan Reactions: Mixed Feelings About Uzumaki‘s New Look

The first anime episode was praised for its visuals. However, Episode 2 faced backlash for lower animation quality, leaving fans disappointed. DeMarco responded on social media, hinting at behind-the-scenes issues but not sharing details. Despite the criticism, Episode 3 was better received. Fans loved the improved animation and the unsettling story.

Majensta’s Cosplay: A Testament to Uzumaki‘s Lasting Influence

Majensta’s cosplay of Azami Kurotani showcases Uzumaki‘s lasting appeal, despite mixed reactions to the anime. Its detail and realism highlighted the spiral curse, resonating with horror fans and underscoring why Ito’s work remains a source of fear and fascination.

Where to Watch and Read Uzumaki

For those eager to dive into the world of Uzumaki, the original manga is available in English through VIZ Media. Episodes 1 to 3 of the anime can be streamed on Max, with Episode 4 set to air on October 19 at 12:30 a.m. ET.

Conclusion

The return of Uzumaki has sparked new interest in a classic horror tale. Chilling cosplays, like Majensta’s, and the anime adaptation keep Junji Ito’s spirals alive, continuing to haunt fans globally. Whether through cosplay or animation, the spiral curse remains terrifying.