Ep 7. Used Record / Town of no Roads

In "Used Record," a music collector buys an old vinyl record at a market only to find out that the music on it is cursed. As he listens to the record, he is transported to a twisted version of his past that slowly begins to merge with his present. Tensions rise as the collector tries to break the curse and escape the haunted melody that has taken hold of his life.

In "Town of no Roads," a group of friends get lost in a foggy forest and stumble upon an isolated town that appears to be stuck in time. However, they soon realize that the town is not what it seems. The roads in and out of the town disappear once they enter, trapping them inside with the townsfolk who are not as friendly as they appear. As they try to unravel the mystery of the town, they begin to experience strange and terrifying events that put their lives in danger.

Both episodes are based on manga stories by Junji Ito, and offer a unique mix of horror, mystery, and suspense. "Used Record" explores the idea of how something seemingly harmless, like a record, can have an insidious effect on someone's life. The episode plays with the concept of time and the idea that the past can come back to haunt us. The atmospheric sound design and haunting visuals build tension throughout, creating a deeply unsettling experience.

"Town of no Roads" is a classic horror story that draws on the fear of the unknown. The episode takes inspiration from Lovecraftian themes, featuring a creepy, isolated town with a sinister secret. The pacing is slow and deliberate, allowing the tension to build gradually before unleashing a series of terrifying events. The characterizations are well crafted, and the group dynamic adds an extra layer of complexity to the plot.

The animation in both episodes is beautifully executed, bringing Junji Ito's intricate and often gruesome designs to life. The use of color and light creates a haunting atmosphere that perfectly complements the stories. The character designs are distinctive and memorable, with a strong attention to detail.

Overall, "Used Record / Town of no Roads" is a standout episode in the Junji Ito Collection. It offers a perfect balance of horror and mystery, showcasing Ito's skill at crafting unsettling and haunting stories. The attention to detail in the animation and sound design make this episode a truly immersive and frightening experience. Fans of horror and those new to the genre alike will find much to enjoy in this episode, and the series as a whole.