Uzumaki, a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Junji Ito, introduces readers to a spine-chilling and grotesque world where spirals become the central theme of a horrific curse. The story revolves around the fictional town of Kurôzu-cho, which becomes infested with an obsession with spirals. From the physical manifestations of the spiral curse to the psychological effects on the town's inhabitants, Uzumaki delves into the terrifying consequences of this unexplainable phenomenon. The main protagonist, Kirie Goshima, witnesses firsthand the horrors that unfold as the pocket curse takes hold of her town. People begin to become obsessed with spirals in various forms. From spiral patterns on shells and whirlpools to the bizarre transformation of human bodies into spiraling shapes, Uzumaki explores the deeply unsettling effects of this curse on individuals and the community as a whole.
Cassel comes from a family of curse workers—people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they’re all criminals. Many become mobsters and con artists. But not Cassel. He hasn’t got magic, so he’s an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail—he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.
Cassel has carefully built up a façade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his façade starts to crumble when he finds himself sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He’s noticing other disturbing things too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him. As Cassel begins to suspect he’s part of a huge con game, he must unravel his past and his memories. To find out the truth, Cassel will have to outcon the conmen.
Which would be bad enough, even if her father wasn t keeping Cassel s mother prisoner until she returns the priceless diamond she scammed off him years ago. But his façade starts to crumble when he finds himself sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something.
From spiral patterns on shells and whirlpools to the bizarre transformation of human bodies into spiraling shapes, Uzumaki explores the deeply unsettling effects of this curse on individuals and the community as a whole. One of the main strengths of Uzumaki is its ability to create a sense of unease and dread through its masterful artwork. Junji Ito's detailed and intricate illustrations skillfully depict the grotesque distortion of human bodies and the terrifying spiral motifs.
The Curse Workers: White Cat; Red Glove; Black Heart (Paperback)
Cassel Sharpe comes from a family of curse workers, people who have the power to change emotions, memories, and luck with the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they’re also all criminals. Many become mobsters and con artists, but not Cassel. He doesn’t have magic, so he’s an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family—except for the small detail that he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.
Cassel has carefully built up a facade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his facade starts to crumble when he finds himself sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He’s noticing other disturbing things, too, including the strange behavior of his two older brothers, who are keeping secrets from him. As Cassel begins to suspect he’s an unwitting pawn in a huge con game, he must unravel his past, and his memories. To find the truth, Cassel will have to out-con the conmen.
This magical bind-up includes:
White Cat
Red Glove
Black Heart
About the Author
Holly Black is the #1 New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of speculative and fantasy novels, short stories, and comics. She has been a finalist for an Eisner and a Lodestar Award, and the recipient of the Mythopoeic and Nebula Awards and a Newbery Honor. She has sold over twenty-six million books worldwide, and her work has been translated into over thirty languages and adapted for film. She currently lives in New England with her husband and son in a house with a secret library. Visit her at BlackHolly.com.
Praise For…
"Witty, twisty, and impossible to put down, Holly Black's Curse Workers series delivers magical heists and a young conman who is as flawed as he is brilliant. This is the kind of story—full of delightful, daring narrative sleight of hand—that kept me guessing with every page and that I won't soon forget."
— Leigh Bardugo, #1 New York Times bestselling author
- Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy
- Young Adult Fiction / Family
- Young Adult Fiction / Social Themes / Violence
- Hardcover (December 14th, 2021): $24.99
Cassel has carefully built up a facade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his facade starts to crumble when he finds himself sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He’s noticing other disturbing things, too, including the strange behavior of his two older brothers, who are keeping secrets from him. As Cassel begins to suspect he’s an unwitting pawn in a huge con game, he must unravel his past, and his memories. To find the truth, Cassel will have to out-con the conmen.
These visuals effectively convey the horror and madness that the spiral curse brings, making the reading experience all the more chilling. Furthermore, Uzumaki delves into the psychological aspect of the curse, highlighting the profound impact it has on the characters' minds. As the curse progresses, paranoia, obsession, and madness set in, leading to a gradual descent into madness. The story explores themes such as the destructive power of obsession, the fragility of the human psyche, and the uncontrollable forces of fate. The pocket curse in Uzumaki serves as a metaphor for the unpredictable and uncontrollable aspects of life. It becomes a force that disrupts the equilibrium of the town, instilling fear and chaos in its wake. The curse acts as a catalyst for self-reflection, forcing the characters to confront their darkest fears and desires. It acts as a reflection of the darker side of human nature, highlighting the potential for obsession and destruction that lies within each individual. In conclusion, Uzumaki's pocket curse presents a horrifying and thought-provoking exploration of the power of obsession and the destructive forces that lie beneath the surface of seemingly normal lives. Junji Ito's masterful storytelling and intricate artwork create an eerie and unsettling atmosphere, immersing readers in a world where spirals become the embodiment of a grotesque curse. With its psychological depth and profound themes, Uzumaki remains a standout work in the horror genre that continues to captivate and disturb readers to this day..
Reviews for "Breaking the Uzumaki Pocket Curse: Is It Possible?"
1. John - 2 stars
I was really excited to read "Uzumaki pocket curse pertinent subject" based on all the hype, but I found it to be incredibly disappointing. The story was disjointed and confusing, with no clear direction or resolution. The characters felt underdeveloped, and I couldn't connect with any of them. The illustrations were the only redeeming factor, as they were beautifully done. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and unengaged with this manga.
2. Emily - 1 star
I can't believe "Uzumaki pocket curse pertinent subject" has such positive reviews. I found it to be incredibly boring and slow-paced. The plot was repetitive, with the same spiral theme being beaten to death. The artwork, while detailed, became monotonous after a while. The characters lacked depth, and their actions felt random and illogical. I struggled to finish this manga and wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
3. Michael - 2 stars
I had high expectations for "Uzumaki pocket curse pertinent subject" but was let down. The story had potential with its supernatural elements, but it failed to deliver. The pacing was off, with moments of extreme gore that felt gratuitous. The plot lacked focus and coherence, leaving me confused and underwhelmed. The artwork was the only saving grace, but it wasn't enough to redeem this manga for me. I regret picking it up and wish I had chosen something else to read.
4. Sarah - 2.5 stars
I had heard great things about "Uzumaki pocket curse pertinent subject" and was excited to read it, but it didn't live up to the hype. While the illustrations were visually stunning, the story itself was lacking. The plot felt repetitive and predictable, with no surprises or twists to keep me engaged. The characters were forgettable, and their motivations were unclear. Overall, it was a mediocre read that didn't leave a lasting impression.