Netflix has revealed the release date and first trailer of new animated horror series Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre. It is a remake of work done by famous Japanese horror author Junji Ito. Maniac, which will debut on Netflix on 19 January 2023, includes 20 of Ito’s original works, some of which are being adapted for the first time.
The work of Junji Ito is frequently stark, dealing with common themes and conflicts that turn into crises, intermingled with bizarre and horrific imagery. Stories from the mangas such as Tomie, Sichi, and The Hanging Balloons are included in Maniac. While we didn’t get to see much of the horror in action in the opening show shared by Netflix, we did get to see some of Ito’s images coupled with psychoactive effects.
The disturbing image of a woman’s decapitated head on the ground, smiling oddly at the camera, is likewise amplified in a promotional image using watercolor-style techniques.
Maniac isn’t the only Ito adaptation in development; Adult Swim is also preparing to premiere Uzumaki, a dark fantasy manga, in October 2023.