Made in Abyss is just one of those unforgettable anime that leaves a meaningful (and somewhat bitter) impact inside your heart, it makes you really ponder the definition of an adventure and the consequence of it.
Nearly everything about this anime is captivating; the beautiful Studio Ghibli feel, the concept of a maleficient Abyss, the determination of human nature and the idea of a grand adventure, knowing that you may never go back (both physically and emotionally).
I can't stress enough on the originality of the concept. A breakaway from typical anime cliche may be a hit or miss but Made in Abyss definitely remain triumphant throughout the 13 episodes.
※ Strength ※
- Worldbuilding. You can feel that each abyssal level is of a different world, filled with their own environment, creatures, and rules. You can feel the climax, resolution and more importantly, how the Abyss will even function on its own mystical level without the main characters.
- Feels. This anime will definitely make you feel something. If you are looking for something to touch your kokoro on an unspeakable level, this is the one that surely delivers and won't disappoint as you find yourself slowly fall in love with everything it has to offer.
- Tension. With each action, there should be weight. There should be some sort of pressure.
There should be some sort of consequences. With each obstacle and challenges the MCs face, it should deliver stress but more importantly, how they overcome these tension through their very own ways.
- Music. This really speaks for itself as it isn't like those cliche anime opening with funky dubstep.
- Realistic. I am a sucker for at least logics that make sense in anime. If one still plans to travel to a place, knowing that they will possibly die, it should deliver. The "luck" of the MCs isn't there which I found to be refreshing because if it the curse of the Abyss happens to others, there should be by no means, do not affect the MCs through unspeakable ways. It shows that if you don't take heed of nature's warning, you will have blood seep through your sockets and left arm cut off.
※ Weakness ※
- Sexual references. Especially with the penis jokes, delivering at an inappropriate time for comedic relief. There are better alternatives the anime could have done so without needing to rely on sexual organs.
- Character's decision. This is a double-edged sword but when there's too much retardation and illogical decision, it's too much. It really makes it painful to watch as you want to go into the world and yell "WHY?!" This specific character doesn't necessarily learn and be wary of each monsters and proceed to make the stupidest decision possible. In a way, I can't help but think that she got what she deserved. The positive part is that it definitely made me feel something but I can't help but feel annoyed and unable to empathize with foolish and irresponsible character that refuse to learn from their mistake, even when knowledgable about the Abyss.
Would I recommend? Hell to the yeah dude.
Would I re-watch? If my weeb squads want to join in on this adventure!
Season 2? I really hope there is because Nanachi basically carried the show's ending and I would love to follow them on their adventure to see the deadly future they have awaiting for them.
Overall, it was a great anime and possibly an adventure-tier masterpiece, coupled with superior music, great sceneries/background, smooth transitions and superior character development (except for one *cough).
I can guarantee this. It is definitely an anime that will make you feel. :')
