The Spooky Season often takes me to destinations I might not ordinarily visit, and I usually appreciate the journey. Now that October has arrived, it’s time to finally get into the Halloween spirit with something strange. Via its Toonami late-night programming block, Adult Swim recently premiered Uzumaki, a Japanese horror anime based upon the Junji Ito manga.

After numerous production delays (Did it really spend five years in development hell?) it has finally arrived, and I’ve got to say, after watching the series premiere, you will be wowed by its beauty, which then unassumingly thrusts you into its madness.

And the trip is absolutely worth it.

Currently listed as a four-part limited series, Episode 1 introduces the small town of Kurouzu-cho that is slowly being contaminated by creepy spirals. Why are they appearing? Where are they coming from? Where do they lead to? And what do they represent? Well, that last one is quickly summed up by Shuichi Saito, who “feels” the intentions of these freaky things, often predicting their horrific results. But what happens if he can’t accurately anticipate their actions?

Something insidious is looming. Shuichi, along with his girlfriend, Kirie Goshima, attempt to unwind the true nature of this supernatural curse that haunts their village, and hopefully prevent it from creating any further damage… but at what cost?  What kind of monsters are these people becoming?

Presented in pristine black and white colors, just like its original source material, Uzumaki is a Japanese co-production that debuted in America before its native homeland (Williams Street’s involvement helped produce that outcome). The show is subtitled, which takes absolutely nothing away from its storyline, in fact, it brings authenticity to this production. I much prefer to hear the original voice actors speaking in their native tongues as opposed to random Hollywood types translating their dialogue, and our presentation profits from that principle.

Both the Japanese and the English dub will be available to stream the next day on Max. English-language encore airings will debut every Thursday at 12:30 am, beginning on October 3.

For a bite of behind-the-scenes information, please watch this Adult Swim video, along with this quick teaser:

Unnaturally twisted human bodies? Whirlpools of terror? What kind of madness is this? I am absolutely enthralled and after watching the episode twice, I have already created a Season Pass to record the rest of this series. I’m really hoping the main characters eventually dive into a spiral and find a vivacious vision akin to something that David Lynch or David Cronenberg might have imagined… now that would be true madness!

Not having previously read the manga, I have seen some reactions from online fans who have mentioned that psychological horror translates differently while reading, as opposed to watching something visually. Having read quite a few Dean Koontz novels in the past, along with a few from Stephen King, among others, I can agree with that statement. Apparently, manga can offer a huge horror trip, and this series might feel constrained to some, when adapting to the medium. To those critics, I say to give the show a chance. It may not be perfect — or perfectly adapted — but it is a great example of storytelling unlike anything else that has aired before it.

There might actually be something mystical about these spirals and I can’t wait to discover their origins. I’ve always enjoyed the madman trope, a character who nobody believes, who actually predicts an upcoming doomsday scenario. This story element sets up the series perfectly, as if the character — much like the audience — cannot believe what they are witnessing. And it is certainly something to behold.

Uzumaki is that story. Make sure you catch it during the Spooky Season, maybe with a little alcohol for added effect!