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Worth Watching — 'Made In Abyss' (Preview Guide)

All You Need to Know

By Martin StookPublished 6 years ago 3 min read
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Glorious Destruction of Trees and Clothing lol

Getting the basics out of the way, this anime is about a little girl who is training to become a professional "cave raider" like her mom before her. Cave raiders are people that dive into the abyss, which is a giant crater in the middle of where civilization has formed. One day during one of Rico's dives into a upper area of the abyss, she discovers a robotic boy named Reg. With the help of Reg, she hopes to reach the deepest depths of the abyss to meet with her mother who is one of the greatest cave raiders ever known. Each layer of the abyss is filled with new dangers whether they are monsters, people, or the environment itself. One fact of the abyss is while descending is difficult on the body, ascending can prove fatal in the lower areas of the abyss. This makes the whole journey in and of itself a one way suicide mission.

Since there is so much good to say about this show I will say the one negative aspect, which made me pass over this show until recently, is the main characters are too young/chibi looking. Don't not let that steer you away; despite this aspect, Made In Abyss is a mature show. I think it would've had a lot more audience appeal if the character were a bit older, but the young characters do give the anime more of a shock and danger feel when something eventful is happening. Also children are a bit more hopeful and less broody, which helps the story chug along. Despite the questionable character design the world is animated beautifully, with a hand drawn almost Ghibli aesthetic to it. The story pacing is a bit slow, but it stays interesting throughout.

The one major attribute this anime has going for it that sets it apart from 99 percent of other anime is the fact that it feels like an adventure. Every layer of the abyss is different and offers new surprises and challenges for Rico and Reg, and as they travel deeper the stakes get higher. Scenery and creativity in each layer is breathtaking and unique. As for the characters, Rico and Reg have real chemistry as a duo and are both likable because in their own way they are both capable. Rico is knowledgeable on how to survive in the abyss with information on monsters and the environment. Reg is kind of like the Swiss army knife which puts Rico's ideas into motion; he's the main way they traverse the environment, defeat monsters, and often time the level headed cautious one of the couple. Rico at times is a little too absent minded about all the different things that will try and can kill her. Although not a new character dynamic, it works well and makes sense. The side characters, while most are pretty short lived, are developed quite well, but do fall into anime clichés. The soundtrack is composed of beautiful instrumental pieces which I suggest everyone check out on YouTube even if the anime itself doesn't tickle your fancy. One thing to note before watching and getting your hopes up, this is the first season of a multi-season anime; at its current pace I think it would require two more seasons to finish satisfactorily, but it will probably be a slightly rushed second season to conclude the series as a whole. Due to its growing popularity and ratings I think the second season is a sure thing, but no announcements about it have been made yet.

One aspect quite familiar to anime fans is that this is the first season of a show and who knows when or if there will be a second season sadly. After watching the series first season, I would rate the show 8.5/10 and a definite must-watch for anyone a bit open minded and looking for an adventure to get lost in.

TLDR: 8.5/10

Pros:

  1. Good characters
  2. Rare adventure based anime
  3. Good soundtrack
  4. Beautiful art
  5. Fantasy but feels realistic too

Cons:

  1. Main characters too kawaii for mature story
  2. Starts a bit slow
  3. Not a complete show, needs a second and/or third season
  4. Rico's sense of danger is a bit too absent at times
review
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About the Creator

Martin Stook

30 Half Korean, Half German Guy. I'm into everything nerdy, geeky, and political. Shamefully uses Pinterest too much. Sometimes what I write isn't half bad.

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