Notes 

Originally recorded April 20th 2020

We talk about Junji Ito's masterpiece: Uzumaki. Frank goes over the overall plot. Then they dive into their thoughts about the manga including  how the horror themes are conveyed through the art and the writing, and how it measures up as a cosmic horror story. They then discuss the "lost" chapter and how it fits into the story and the problem it causes to the overall story if it had been included. They also talk about how the story being contained in a single town/region helps it's overall tone. It's observations next, this includes some strange facts and foreshadowing through the story, as well as a discussion on some of the more out of place elements. Frank then talks about some of the classical and romantic art references that Junji Ito makes. Finally they talk about their favorite chapters of the Manga, and give their final thoughts. 

Quotes

"It is a really profound piece of art." - John

"There was a thing, whatever this is is still doing what that thing wanted, and who knows why." -John

"We will probably end up talking about some more Junji Ito works. I almost guarantee it." -Frank

Meta-plot

[Still stuck in the cabin, Frank has embraced the idea of the spiral despite John’s warnings and finds himself sick. When he finally comes out of his illness he discovers the Mind Ball was in the cabin after-all]Credits

Episode 127: Uzumaki Produced by: Relevant to Our Interests Hosts: John R. Belliston and Frank Shaw Scripting by: Frank Shaw Edited by: Frank Shaw

Links for References

A few Youtube videos on Junji Ito and Uzumaki the first two are the ones that initially piqued Frank's interests. 

Ryan Hollinger: The Manga Stories That Terrified Me.

ComicTropes: Junji Ito Master of Horror in Comics

Super EyePatch Wolf: How Media Scares Us: The Work of Junji Ito

Bluelavasix: Here's What Happens To Your Brain on Junji Ito | Darkology #29

RagnoRox: Junji Ito - Spiral Into Horror | Monsters of the Week

 

As well as a few articles on Uzumaki and Junji Ito’s Horror. 

The Horrific Machinations of Junji Ito’s Uzumaki

The Aesthetic of the Macabre: A Critical Look at Junji Ito’s Horror of the Bizarre

Into the Spiral: Interview with Junji Ito