Seinen manga Made in Abyss is out now on Blu-Ray. Follow two children named Riko and Reg (a cyborg) as they traverse an enormous, dark, and dangerous Abyss which is present in the middle of their home village. Riko feeling the urge to find out details about her missing mother and the Abyss itself leads her and Reg into a new world under the surface.

Made in Abyss is a 2017 seinen anime series, it is produced by Kinema Citrus and licensed by Sentai Filmworks. Season One is currently available on DVD and Blu-Ray in English.

Editor’s Note: A review copy of Made in Abyss Season One Blu-Ray was provided by Sentai Filmworks in support of this review.  An Amazon Affiliates link is present in this review. Near complete to complete spoilers for Made in Abyss Season One may be present in this review. This is a condensed version of our original Made in Abyss season one review which can be read here.

Made in Abyss at first glance looks like a fairly innocent anime series. It’s cutesy art style and kids being the lead characters can really catch you off guard when things get dark. Especially when you come to realize that one of the leads is actually sleeping in a (former) torture room. However, this use of a “don’t judge a book” design covering a twisted world and story is exactly why Made in Abyss is one of 2017’s best anime series.

THE GOOD: Made in Abyss tries to fool it’s audience by using a cute almost moe-like character designs is a trick on the eyes to what’s beneath the surface of it’s world Like the Abyss itself, Made in Abyss is full of terrifying and dark things that can catch people off guard the moment they start pouring in. Though the series does try to let slip some clues about its true tone throughout its run. Main characters Reg & Riko quickly bond after Reg unintentionally saves her life from a monster inside one of the less dangerous areas of the Abyss and they decide to explore it due to Riko’s mother was a high level Abyss explorer. The audience also learns that Riko’s mother may have a connection to Reg. 

Reg and Riko meet several different characters as they traverse within the Abyss. Namely Nanachi & Mitty who are sentient hollows that come in contact with the aforementioned duo after Riko gets severally injured. Nanachi & Mitty’s own tragic backstory only adds to the turmoil that these characters experience in the Abyss. Most of the characters are strong contrasts to each other usually a mix of light-hearted and rough personalities.

THE BAD: Considering we’re dealing with kids here the darker content and gorier moments can be hard to watch, so be mindful of this when thinking of giving Made in Abyss a chance.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Made in Abyss is an anime that should be on everyone’s radar for one reason or another. And with a second season in development & comp films on the way it’ll hopefully be around for quite some time. Otaku Dome gives Made in Abyss Season 1 Blu-Ray a 95 out of 100.