Comparison of Uzumaki Episode 1: Anime Versus Manga

The premiere of Uzumaki Episode 1 on September 29, 2024, captivated audiences with its visually striking art style, which closely emulated the original manga. However, many fans expressed concerns regarding the anime’s pacing, particularly how it skipped key moments and only loosely adapted the first three chapters of the manga.

While omitting the opening scene did not significantly impact the episode, the exclusion of important panels, particularly those depicting Shuichi’s mother haunted by her deceased husband, undermined some of the series’ inherent horror. These crucial scenes added depth to the narrative, and the introduction of Azami hinted that these omitted scenes may be included in future episodes.

Disclaimer: This article includes potential spoilers from Uzumaki Episode 1 and reflects the author’s personal insights.

Examining Uzumaki Episode 1 in Relation to Its Corresponding Manga Chapters

The Introduction of Shuichi’s Father

The first appearance of Shuichi's father skipped in the anime (Image via Shogakukan) — The first appearance of Shuichi’s father skipped in the anime (Image via Shogakukan)

Uzumaki Episode 1 began with Kirei picking up Shuichi from the train station as they walked through the village discussing Shuichi’s father’s condition. However, the manga’s narrative diverged, as Kirei initially witnessed Shuichi’s father staring at a snail by the fence.

As the episode progressed, Kirei’s visit to Shuichi’s house to deliver some belongings illustrated her apprehension towards him. In the manga, Kirei’s fear was rooted in her firsthand experience of Shuichi’s father’s spiral obsession, which was notably absent in the anime, rendering her fear less impactful yet still essential to the plot.

The Haunting of Shuichi’s Mother

The haunting panels skipped in the anime (Image via Shogakukan)

Following the death of Shuichi’s father, his mother became increasingly haunted by his presence, leading to paranoia. While the anime depicted some of her frightening moments, such as her cutting her fingertips, it overlooked significant panels that contributed to the eerie nature of her haunting.

In the manga, Shuichi’s father appeared as a centipede forming a spiral, much like his death, and also manifested in the spiral of her IV and inside her ear, compelling her to stab it with scissors. These chilling scenes would have profoundly enhanced the series’ overall impact.

The Introduction of Azami and Takayama

The introduction of Azami changed in the anime (Image via Shogakukan)

Azami was introduced when Kirei went to the station to retrieve Shuichi, which contrasts with the manga where she was introduced at Shuichi’s home. This alteration suggests that certain skipped scenes may still make an appearance later, implying that Shuichi’s mother might still be alive and not yet experiencing her husband’s haunting.

Takayama as seen in the anime (Image via Adult Swim)

An intriguing aspect of this episode was the introduction of Takayama, a character appearing in Chapter 8 of the manga. Since this episode adapted the first three chapters, his early introduction raises questions about his role moving forward. It remains uncertain whether this will be his last appearance or if he will play a vital part in revealing the true horror of the spiral curse, as suggested by the spiral pattern on his back. Stay tuned for Uzumaki Episode 2 for further developments.

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