Okay, let's talk about something potentially controversial. Something near and dear to my horror-loving heart: the English dub of the Junji Ito Collection.
Specifically, the voice actors behind it. Buckle up, because I might have some… opinions.
The Voices in the Dark
Let’s be honest. Horror anime dubs can be a *wild* ride. Sometimes they’re amazing, bringing a whole new layer to the scares. Other times... well, let's just say you're better off with subtitles.
The Junji Ito Collection falls… somewhere in between, wouldn't you agree?
Tomie's Many Faces (and Voices)
Ah, Tomie. The beautiful, terrifying, infinitely multiplying queen of horror. Her voice is crucial.
I think they nailed the unsettling beauty. But something feels… off. Is it just me?
Maybe I'm being too picky. It is hard to capture *pure* unsettling hotness.
Souichi's Nail-Biting Performance
Then there’s Souichi. The eternally grumpy, nail-chewing kid with a penchant for curses. He's basically the anime version of that kid who always had dirt under his fingernails.
His voice actor definitely nails the creepy brat vibe. The snide remarks and whispered curses are spot on!
But the *annoying* factor might be cranked up a little too high? Just a tad, maybe?
The Unsung Heroes (and the Ones We Don't Talk About)
Let's give credit where credit is due. Some of the minor characters have fantastic voice acting! They really sell the fear and confusion.
The screaming? Top-notch. The desperate pleas? Chilling. They really bring the Ito-verse to life. (Or, uh, death?).
But there are *other* performances we don't really need to dwell on.
An Unpopular Opinion?
Here's where I might lose some of you. I think the English dub is… fine. Just *fine*.
It’s not terrible. But it's not amazing either. It gets the job done, but sometimes, it just feels a little flat.
Maybe the source material is just too weird to translate perfectly? Or maybe I'm just a subtitle snob.
"Horror relies so much on atmosphere, and the voice acting is a big part of that."
The Japanese voice acting has this… almost detached quality. It adds to the unsettling nature of Ito’s stories.
The English dub is often a bit *too* expressive. It almost breaks the tension.
The Verdict
Look, I appreciate the effort. Dubbing is hard work! And the Junji Ito Collection is definitely not easy material to work with.
I just think, in some cases, the voices don't quite match the visuals. A little disconnect.
Am I alone in this? Do you all adore the English dub? Tell me I’m wrong!
Ultimately, watch it however you enjoy it most. Whether it’s dubbed, subbed, or even muted with interpretive dance. Embrace the weirdness that is Junji Ito!
