There’s nothing more terrifying than being trapped in the world of spirals. The ever-looming fear of being consumed and coiled is what Uzumaki is all about. This magnum opus by Junji Ito is excellent in its grotesque and repugnant imagery. The horror is so intensifying that it would give one the jitters of a lifetime. However, there’s an interesting thought behind this.

The horrifying cannibalism scene in a still from Junji Ito’s anime | Credit: Production I.G

Before Hajime Isayama popularized cannibalism, blood, and gore, Junji Ito pioneered it. This extends to the never-ending loop of horror. The vicious cycle of dread is a parallel between both series. However, Ito takes the cake with his fusion of body horror with this concept.

Uzumaki’s ending spirals around the ever-looming horror.

Uzumaki underscores the warped symbolism of spirals and highlights its consuming nature. As opposed to the archetype of enlightenment,...