Magic cabinets and wood have a deep and mystical connection. Wood, as a natural material, is often associated with a sense of warmth, nature, and grounding. It is widely used in the construction industry as a versatile and durable material. When it comes to magic, wood holds a special place in many traditions and beliefs. Certain types of wood are believed to possess specific magical properties, such as providing protection, enhancing intuition, or attracting love. Different cultures and practices associate various woods with unique qualities.
Review: Uzumaki by Junji Ito
Kurouzu-cho, a small fogbound town on the coast of Japan, is cursed. According to Shuichi Saito, the withdrawn boyfriend of teenager Kirie Goshima, their town is haunted not by a person or being but by a pattern: Uzumaki, the spiral, the hypnotic secret shape of the world. It manifests itself in everything from seashells and whirlpools in water to the spiral marks on people’s bodies, the insane obsessions of Shuichi’s father and the voice from the cochlea in our inner ear. As the madness spreads, the inhabitants of Kurouzu-cho are pulled ever deeper into a whirlpool from which there is no return!
Review
Junji Ito is often cited as the master of horror manga, and after reading Uzumaki, my first from this creator and my first manga experience, it is easy to see why!
Uzumaki takes place in the small coastal town of Kurouzu-cho, a town that slowly becomes more and more obsessed by spirals. Partly inspired by a time in Ito’s childhood in which he himself became obsessive over spiral patterns, we follow main protagonist Kirie Goshima, as she gets drawn deeper into this pattern that is seemingly haunting the town.
This whirling tale is essentially a series of connected short stories. Where the main characters rarely differ and act as the main through line between each story, the supporting cast from each story are who arguably make this book stand up as the horror masterpiece that it is often referred to as. It is these characters that we get to see succumb to the lure of the spiral in excitingly gruesome and richly detailed ways. Where Kirie and Shuichi are sometimes seemingly just accidentally in the wrong place at the wrong time (especially for the first half, but they both become more integral to the lore of the land and the story as a whole in the latter half, and thus much more memorable), seeing these other members of this small town turning themselves in spiralling monstrosities or seeking to rid their own bodies of any spiral like patterns is truly stuff of nightmares, and each story introduces something more twisted than the last.
Uzumaki also triumphs in the melding of multiple horror subgenres to create its own unique taste. Whilst body horror is the most prominent of these, we also get to experience cosmic horror, psychological horror, ghostly horror & apocalyptic horror, amongst many others. If you are a fan of horror and have your own preferences as to how you like your scares, I guarantee that you will find it in here.
As previously mentioned, this is also my first manga experience. I know some people say it can be hard to adjust to, such as reading right to left, but I found I acclimatized very quickly and found it easy to read & understand. I am not someone who has read a lot of Western comics or graphic novels either, so reading anything like this is pretty much completely new to me. I am not used to having my stories be accompanied by incredible artwork, lets put it that way. And the artwork in Uzumaki is amazing! There are so many hidden details, hidden spirals, ridiculously well drawn full page spreads of some of the most vile, gruesome, and incredible looking body horror images I’ve ever seen! I won’t say what I saw as I think part of this books appeal is the unknown, and not knowing how the spiral will affect certain characters and watching that play out adds to the enjoyment. But pretty much all the “creature” designs are phenomenal, the people themselves are at times unsettling (even just simple things like someone smiling can be creepy), and the way that the book hides its most important reveals behind a page turn leaves you with the knowledge that something is going to happen, you just don’t know what.
In short, Uzumaki is deserving of its accolades. Although it took the main cast some time to come out of their shells a bit, every other element of this manga was done so brilliantly I can look past its few faults. With incredible artwork, genuinely frightening moments and scenes and events that will stick with me forever (and I know for a fact it will inspire my own writing), I urge all fans of horror or dark manga to give this a go. I will definitely be checking out more Junji Ito and other mangas in the future!
About chilcottharry
Born and raised somewhere in the South West of England by a pack of goblins, Harry learnt hunting & tracking skills unrivalled by any other human. He also likes to make things up about himself and is a little bit silly. Some of his favourite authors include Joe Abecrombie, John Gwynne, Robin Hobb, Pierce Brown, Evan Winter, Anna Stephens and Stephen King. Epic fantasy is his go to, although Harry is open to reading just about anything. He is not a fan of edgelord main characters and subversions of tropes for the sake of it.
Uzumaki Pocket Curse Blind Box Figure
From the popular manga series, Uzumaki comes a set of PVC figurines that feature 8 characters—Kirie Goshima, Mr. Saito, Umbilical Cord, Azami Kurotani, The Snails (2 Versions), Father in a tub, The Black Lighthouse—from the iconic horror tale. Collect all 8 variants, with a chance for a rare "cursed" version that glows in the dark!
Different cultures and practices associate various woods with unique qualities. For example, cedar is often associated with purification and healing, while oak is believed to carry strength and wisdom. Magic cabinets, on the other hand, are fascinating objects that have captured the imagination of many throughout history.
Product Details
Product Name Uzumaki Pocket Curse Blind Box Figure Series Uzumaki Manufacturer GOOD SMILE CONNECT Category Collectible/Trading
- Please note that images shown may differ from the final product.
These cabinets are often seen as gateways or portals to other realms and dimensions. They are believed to hold mystical energies and secrets that can be accessed by those who possess the key or understand its usage. Wood plays a crucial role in the creation and construction of magic cabinets. The choice of wood used in making these cabinets can greatly impact their magical properties and intentions. The type of wood, its grain pattern, color, and even its age can contribute to the overall energy and atmosphere of the cabinet. Additionally, the craftsmanship and artistry involved in creating magic cabinets can further enhance their magical qualities. Carved symbols, intricate patterns, and carefully selected materials can imbue the cabinets with a sense of enchantment and mystery. In many magical practices and belief systems, magic cabinets are used for various purposes. They can be used as altars, repositories for magical tools, or even as portals for communicating with spiritual entities. Some believe that these cabinets can also serve as places of meditation, where one can tap into their own inner magic and connect with their higher self. Whether used for practical purposes or as symbolic objects, magic cabinets hold a unique place in the realm of magic and wood. Their combination represents the harmony between nature, spirituality, and the mysterious forces that surround us. From the selection of the wood to the creation of the cabinet, each step is infused with intention and purpose, making these objects truly magical and awe-inspiring..
Reviews for "Tips for Sourcing and Selecting High-Quality Wood for Your Cabinet"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Magic cabinet and wood". The storyline was confusing and all over the place. I couldn't keep track of what was happening and it felt like the characters had no depth. The writing style was also very basic and lacked any sort of creativity or originality. Overall, I was not impressed with this book and would not recommend it.
2. John - 1 star - "Magic cabinet and wood" was a complete waste of time. The plot was predictable and uninteresting, and the characters were one-dimensional. I found myself rolling my eyes at the cheesy dialogue and cliched moments. The author tried to create suspense, but it fell flat. I was hoping for a magical adventure, but what I got was a dull and uninspiring story.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I struggled to finish "Magic cabinet and wood". The writing seemed amateurish and the pacing was off. There were parts that dragged on unnecessarily and others that were rushed and confusing. The magic element in the story felt forced and didn't add anything substantial to the plot. I was let down by this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Alex - 2 stars - Unfortunately, "Magic cabinet and wood" didn't live up to my expectations. The characters were poorly developed, and their motivations and actions didn't make sense. The world-building was also lacking, leaving me feeling disconnected from the story. I was hoping for an immersive and captivating read, but instead, I found a forgettable and disjointed narrative. Overall, I was disappointed with this book.