Get ready for some serious drama because Uzumaki, the highly anticipated anime adaptation of Junji Ito's famed manga, is facing some major backlash! Fans were super hyped, and after many delays, the quality has left many feeling let down.
The Uzumaki Controversy
Based on Junji Ito's manga, this series was set to be an amazing anime and many were super excited! However, the second episode totally tanked in terms of quality, leaving fans super angry and causing a big fuss online. Jason DeMarco, co-founder of Toonami, even commented on it, dropping some hints on his Bluesky account (now deleted) but that only made people more frustrated!
What Happened In Episode 2?
DeMarco gave an insight on why there was this massive drop in quality. episode 2 showed a noticeable difference in how it was animated, which fans immediately noticed and many found frustrating and jarring. People who are familiar with his work pointed out super weird things such as really awkward movement and even worse, just how things felt like they didn't have as much effort, especially given just how highly detailed and well rendered Episode 1 was! Even with DeMarco giving a hint as to some behind-the-scenes trouble, those looking to enjoy the show were super let down.
- DeMarco mentions some difficulties, where some unnamed individuals caused production troubles. He could not comment, citing the limitations of revealing that kind of information.
- Even then the explanation was weak. He didn't explain these points but did say that his team got "screwed over".
- To add to it, he revealed what their options were. Fans feel even worse after this was shared. That's when fans really expressed their anger. His options: abandon the project and just give up on showing any of the work they'd put together. Finish Episode 1 only, leave things undone or air all four, as-is!
Basically, there is plenty to look at. DeMarco explains this really hurt them and was seen as unfair! The fans aren't just super upset about how the episode came out. What they also mention, was a lack of clarity and information and feel that those who were behind it gave some hints at finger pointing. So when Episode 2 wasn't great they felt like they were cheated!
Why Fans Are So Upset
Fans who were excited to see Uzumaki are furious at this lack of quality!
A long-awaited adaptation from a master in horror such as Junji Ito could only add to these difficulties. To see his most celebrated work get such treatment has many who are committed to the genre angry!
For fans who are truly disappointed there are so many reasons.
- Episode 1 gave them these incredible high hopes!
- They gave the impression that every episode would be as well made and give these remarkable story details that this special manga has!
- People got cheated.
These massive expectations were left to fall as Episode 2 gave an obvious drop that made some of the already exciting scenes not as good! For those who know Junji Ito’s stories are designed to make the most of its page layouts which include a mix of striking imagery and an effective storyline.
Junji Ito's Best Adaptation?
There are those who've made this claim!
Despite the quality issues that have really hampered things for Uzumaki, a very specific aspect does show its promise and could lead people to believe this special work from Junji Ito remains one of his greatest adaptations!
What is it?
It comes down to a strong beginning. So that is something that many anime series struggle with when dealing with Junji Ito's iconic style of art. Many try to emulate its iconic artwork! But often feel flat due to that style looking very distinctive on the pages but not being quite so effective onscreen.
This fact might show how remarkable Episode 1 really was but sadly it also shows how Episode 2 let fans down with all its quality difficulties!
Even if there is criticism, it doesn't stop Uzumaki from creating that chilling feel!
The Future of Uzumaki
This whole series came from a massive source material. Junji Ito's 1998 manga Uzumaki spans three entire volumes!
Even with all this, it might mean something really interesting about this entire adaptation that has everyone talking about it for a lot longer!
Despite what came up on Bluesky, the Uzumaki adaptation keeps being highlighted and brought up. It is possible, we might see an animated work that tries to capture these elements for viewers all over again someday!
That doesn't mean it might have some errors! It really was a bold and unique approach to telling the story. This unique situation brings a serious lesson for animation studios about quality management, especially for long-running series. In a way what is remarkable, and was so clearly touched upon by DeMarco, was that Episode 2 and the issues it raised was far beyond the struggles of previous poorly received anime shows such as Ninja Kamui and The Promised Neverland Season 2.
Will there be some positive action as a result of all this attention? You know that this "spiral" of problems won't end here and for sure. The anime will only keep showing up in more discussions to come! So for any viewers who enjoy manga and are huge fans of Junji Ito's storytelling make sure to keep updated on what this will mean for his world of horror comics. As the industry grows and with the massive following for these anime stories and how much is needed to really produce such compelling adaptations. One can't ignore how this will make its presence in future conversations, particularly what a production team faces and how to properly execute plans without ending in such a debacle! This whole series may teach animators more than anyone could ever hope to understand. Especially the significance that communication between individuals, a solid development team is what separates the good and the really awful animation. A major question might even become just what constitutes a quality anime and for all the attention, what it will create!
