Review Score: 8.0 – The Uzumaki sophomore episode is reminiscent of classic Greek mythology. Kirie Goto’s hair comes to life during a parasitic relationship, and when threatened to be cut, it attempts to suffocate its host. A pastiche of Medusa’s snake hair and Samson’s legendary hair.
Kirie Goto from Uzumaki Episode 2 dub. Art credit: Junji Ito original “UZUMAKI” (published by Shogakukan) (c) Junji Ito/Shogakukan/Production IG, LLC
Warning: This review of Uzumaki Episode 2 contains spoilers for review purposes. I watched the Uzumaki English dub.
Episode 2 of Uzumaki is full of fascinating horror visuals and fables, such as an overweight and slow-witted student turning into a literal snail. But what sticks in your mind like nothing else is Kirie Goto’s hair that gets out of control and twists around her neck.
We’ve all heard about the worst hair days, when the hair on your head disappears on its own, but Uzumaki offers a darker, more surreal interpretation than ever before. Being the center of attention comes at a price, and Kyrie certainly finds herself at the mercy of her long spiral hair. The sight of Kyrie’s spiral hair hypnotizes strangers, friends, and foes alike. It often ends in madness.
A classmate who is often rejected decides to show his unrequited love, Kyrie, how he can stop a car, but in the process, he gets crushed under the front tire and is knocked down. This is probably the result of the Spiral Curse taking over the town’s collective consciousness.
Those who tried to help cut Kyrie’s hair were met with outright resistance, with one stylist calling her a “monster” for wrapping her hair around Kyrie’s arm. Those who are jealous of Kyrie’s unwanted spotlight go into a manic state and try to become the center of attention themselves. Challenge Kyrie in the schoolyard using your unique parasitic lock. One who prays to the host’s vanity.
Uzumaki and Karma:
Uzumaki Episode 2 In the English dub, the teacher smashes a snail’s egg. Art credit: Junji Ito original “UZUMAKI” (published by Shogakukan) (c) Junji Ito/Shogakukan/Production IG, LLC
There is a sense that karma is a major aspect of Uzumaki, as a teacher who crushes a student’s humanoid snail egg is turned into a snail himself. Or a couple who are torn apart by their parents, who object to them being physically together so they can never be separated again.
Curious youngsters gleefully run to the top of the lighthouse, hoping they can get back down three times as fast.
Regret at the Uzumaki Lighthouse Episode 2 Art credit: Junji Ito original “Uzumaki” (published by Shogakukan) (c) Junji Ito/Shogakukan/Production IG, LLC
“Uzumaki” Episode 2 is reminiscent of works like WW Jacobs’ short story “The Monkey’s Paw.” There, wishes and aspirations come true with great conditions (and consequences).
– Did you like this Uzumaki review? Be sure to read our “Uzumaki” Dub Episode 1 review.
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Adult Swim’s Uzumaki English dubbing. Art credit: Junji Ito original “UZUMAKI” (published by Shogakukan) (c) Junji Ito/Shogakukan/Production IG, LLC
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