Made in Abyss Review: A Beautiful Descent into Darkness

1. Introduction

Made in Abyss is an unforgettable anime that blends innocence with horror, wonder with despair. Created by Akihito Tsukushi and animated with haunting beauty by Kinema Citrus, it follows a brave young girl and her robotic companion as they venture deep into a mysterious chasm known as the Abyss. With its stunning visuals, deep lore, and emotional gut-punches, Made in Abyss is a rare fantasy adventure that’s as beautiful as it is terrifying.

2. Plot Summary

In a world where a massive pit known as the Abyss stretches deep into the Earth, a city thrives around it—Orth. The Abyss holds powerful relics and deadly creatures, and only the brave known as Cave Raiders dare to explore it.

The story follows Riko, an energetic orphan whose mother was a legendary White Whistle Raider. Determined to find her, Riko embarks on a journey into the Abyss. Along the way, she meets Reg, a mysterious robot boy with no memories. Together, they begin a descent that uncovers ancient technology, unspeakable horrors, and secrets that test the very fabric of humanity.

3. Main Characters

🧒 Riko – A curious and brave young girl with dreams of becoming a White Whistle like her mother.

🤖 Reg – A humanoid robot with powerful weaponry and a kind heart, who protects Riko on their journey.

🧝‍♀️ Nanachi – A mysterious Hollow with tragic past, deep knowledge of the Abyss, and a sarcastic charm.

💀 Bondrewd – A twisted White Whistle who performs horrifying experiments in the name of progress.

👩‍🚀 Lyza the Annihilator – Riko’s mother and legendary White Whistle whose fate remains shrouded in mystery.

4. Arcs & Story Flow

🌄 Season 1 – The Journey Begins – Riko and Reg descend through the Abyss’s upper layers and meet Nanachi.

🔬 Dawn of the Deep Soul (Movie) – A harrowing encounter with Bondrewd and the truth behind Nanachi’s past.

🌊 Season 2: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun – Deeper still, the group enters a bizarre civilization with terrifying new challenges.

🌑 Future – The lowest layers and final truths of the Abyss await.

5. Powers & Abilities

🦾 Reg’s Incinerator – A powerful energy blast that can vaporize anything but leaves him unconscious afterward.

🧬 Abyss Relics – Ancient artifacts with unknown technology, each layer holds greater mysteries.

📉 The Curse of the Abyss – A deadly phenomenon affecting those who ascend from deeper layers: ranging from nausea to death or physical mutation.

6. Top Moments & Scenes

💔 Mitty’s Fate – One of the most emotionally devastating moments in anime history.

⚡ Reg vs. Bondrewd – A brutal, heartbreaking battle filled with pain and moral complexity.

🌌 The First Descent – Awe-inspiring visuals of the Abyss’s layers, capturing both beauty and dread.

👩‍👧 Riko Finds Lyza’s Notes – A defining moment that reshapes her purpose.

7. Influence & Legacy

• Known for its contrast of cute art and dark themes.

• Acclaimed for its world-building and atmosphere.

• Became a cult favorite and expanded with movies, games, and merchandise.

• Inspired many discussions on existentialism, sacrifice, and childhood innocence.

8. Anime & Manga Status

📺 Anime:

• Season 1 (2017)

• Dawn of the Deep Soul (Movie) (2020)

• Season 2: The Golden City (2022)

• Season 3 Confirmed

📚 Manga:

• Ongoing since 2012

• Much further ahead than the anime, with increasingly intense storylines.

9. Where to Start Watching?

✅ Start with Season 1 – Establishes the world and tone.

🎞️ Then watch Dawn of the Deep Soul (Movie) – Essential bridge to Season 2.

📺 Continue with Season 2 – Expands the story’s emotional and visual scope.

📖 Manga readers can pick up after Season 2 (Volume 10+).

10. Manga vs. Anime Differences

📖 Manga – Offers more graphic and psychological depth, particularly in later arcs.

📺 Anime – Elevates the experience with breathtaking music, vivid animation, and emotional voice acting.

🎨 Art Style: The manga is raw and expressive, while the anime balances detail with visual softness.

11. Made in Abyss Movies & Specials

🎥 Dawn of the Deep Soul – A must-watch continuation with shocking reveals and tragic character arcs.

📽️ Recap Movies – Two films summarize Season 1 if you need a quick catch-up.

📺 Future Movies – Speculated for major arcs due to intense content.

12. Fan Theories & Speculations

🤯 Is the Abyss a man-made structure or a remnant of a lost civilization?

👁️ Is Lyza alive and waiting at the bottom—or something else entirely?

💡 Do Reg and other relics suggest a hidden ancient technological war?

13. Theories About the Final Endgame

🌌 Will Riko reach the bottom and find the truth about her mother and humanity?

🧪 Will the Abyss's origin explain the relics, curses, and why it calls to people?

💔 Will any of them make it back to the surface—or is the journey one-way by design?

14. Live-Action Adaptation

🎬 Currently, no live-action version is announced.

📺 However, its strong visuals and dark tone make it a candidate for HBO or Netflix-style adaptation, if handled delicately due to its intense themes.

15. Ratings & Reviews

⭐ Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9.4/10)

✅ Rating Breakdown:

📖 Story & World-Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10)

👥 Character Development: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (9.0/10)

💔 Emotional Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10)

🎨 Animation & Art: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9.8/10)

🎵 Music & Soundtrack: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10)

💥 Action & Tension: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8.8/10)

🔁 Rewatch Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8.7/10)

16. Recommendations

✅ Love deep world-building and emotional storytelling? Made in Abyss is a must-watch.

✅ Enjoy anime like The Promised Neverland, Nausicaä, or Puella Magi Madoka Magica? You'll feel right at home.

⚠️ Trigger warning: This anime contains intense body horror, trauma, and existential dread despite its cutesy appearance.

💬 Ready to take the plunge? Share your favorite Abyss layer or moment below. 🌌⚱️🕳️