Why You Should Watch Made in Abyss 

Moral of the story: never dig straight down

What I love about Made in Abyss is the proper take on cosmic horror. The threat here isn't a person isn't an entity or any object, it's the world itself, purely beyond reason and understanding.

Is it weird that one of the small details I appreciate most about this series is how Reg rattles a bit when he moves? Like, you can hear the metal bits in his arms and legs clanking together every time the camera is close to him while he's moving and Idunno, I just find that to be an awesome little detail.

I'm surprised there was no mention of the amazing music score (unless i missed it) that really pushed made in abyss to the top of my favorites list

when you pointed out how the abyss has eyes, i just immediately realized that their entire town could be built around its asshole and the entire population just has these elite colonoscopy agents in search of rump treasure

"The Abyss is indifferent to them" Combing this with the fact that the lower layers resemble a living creature it's pretty save to assume this is some lovecraft shit.

“What exactly are these strange, eye-shaped formations at the bottom of the abyss, and why is the chasm starting to resemble a large, gaping mouth?” How are you always so great at giving me chills

I remarathoned the show a while ago and made an interesting connection: many of the symptoms experienced by ascent are similar to what is experienced by divers resurfacing. I mean, not the whole deforming into a rabbit kangaroo/mess of flesh part, though the pressure at a certain depth would definitely cause a body to distort into an unliveable state.

From what i understood, the bird-like monster doesn't reanimate corps like mentioned in this vid, but it will mimic the last sounds that an animal makes before dying, which is usually a cry for help. Hoping to lure animals of the same species who would want to help.

I started watching this, paused it, binged made in abyss, came back. That shit GOooOOoD

Wolf: "The best arch isn't animated yet" Made In Abyss Movie: "I'm bout to end this man's whole career"

The art style of the characters really works in this regard as well. The protagonists are small and drawn in a chibi style, with round faces and expressive eyes and mouths. They are impossibly adorable, which is in stark contrast to the unforgiving coldness of the Abyss. You really feel this strong urge to keep them safe and protected, because they're so innocent! It's nearly unbearable to watch these two go through the layers of the Abyss. Also, don't talk to me about episode 13. I'm still not over it

Most anime, especially isekai, should take notes from MiA on how to handle worldbuilding. And more anime should try to experiment with new art styles to see what suits it's atmosphere. The contrast between the cute chibiness of the characters and the horrifying bizarreness of the creatures of abyss is so geniusly done in this anime. The art alone was what got me to give episode one a chance.

When I first saw the art-style, I thought Made in Abyss would be like Pokemon or something, so I didn't give it a go until just recently. Boy, was I wrong.

It’s interesting how the darkness in made in abyss is handled. It’s not like insanely, horribly, berserk dark. it’s like Pokémon dark, but if you took the subtext and put it right in front of you. Horrible creatures are eating each other and everyone’s getting diseases. Scary, sure, but it’s just nature. That’s what’s gonna happen if you throw 2 kids out into the wilderness. Also, this would make a SICK videogame.

I’m such a sucker for world building. So this series is definitely my Anime of the Decade.

*Season 2 just confirmed, bois!!*

I just realized both of them were litterally made in abyss

3:14 Holy Shit he did THAT painting!? I had that on my desktop back in 2007! It was one of the most captivating pieces I'd ever seen, but later I lost it and didn't know how to find it again, then eventually forgot about it. Now in '20 here it is all of a sudden!

Anyone remember the part where riko bleeds out of all holes and her hand looks like a blown up rubber glove but spray painted purple?

The corpse weeper does not reanimate but mimic if i recall correctly. The most terrifying about this is the fact that this is a feasible behavior for a bird to learn in real life. Facts regarding this: Bodily feats: Some birds are capable of mimicking a wide range of sounds(including speech, some species of parrots are famous for this but other birds can do this too) Lot's of birds are predators and/or scavengers. Intelligence samples: Crow's for example are known to use traffic lights in order to use cars to crack nuts. Some birds prey on turtles by cracking them via dropping. Some birds that are able to mimic human speech have been proven to be able to use a limited pool of words in an intelligent fashion. Yes, as in basic communication. So corpse weepers are actually not impossible. But highly unlikely as this would require at least 2 somewhat intelligent species evolving close to each other without one eradicating the other. As the birds would have to coevolve this abilty along a prey species that actually responds to calls for help but is not intelligent enough to get rid of or avoid the birds. Rather specific niche, but far from impossible from my understanding.

Not that anyone cares but the soundtrack for Made in Abyss was recorded in Vienna at the synchron stage vienna( it's the most modern orchestra hall for recording music. Although it was built by the Nazis) I am very proud of my hometown. Great series and great soundtrack.

A few theories I've come up with. Lyza is likely to sacrifice herself to give Riko the blessing in order to return. Ozen may follow the same path, or possibly even sacrifice her apprentice. But the biggest one i've come to realize, the Abyss seems to have been growing for tens of thousands of years. It may even be viable to say for every 1m you travel down, is 1 year's worth of growth. The birthday disease seems to have been affecting the town for centuries, to the point where there is evidence of the disease from bodies dated 2000, 4000, and 6000 years ago. Each buried directly underneath the city. It may be even more likely that this is a sign of some sort of growth every 2000 years. This is also supported by Bondrewd being interested in something "more than the bottom", something about "the next 2000 years". Something strange is indeed happening and it seems that something that reoccurs in the Abyss is likely to happen again... and soon. The mass skeletons being dated every 2000 years doesn't point to something good happening though... Oh, and before I forget, Bondrewd using Nanachi's eyes to see the 6th layer and beyond gives the impression he wants to see what this event is.

I wonder if there is ever going to be a 'Why You Should Still Watch Made in Abyss' video, now that the movie and second season have finished and made their impact.

Something I feel a lot of people miss is that (1) the abyss is over 20,000 meters deep which is cool when you really think about that (that's 43 empire state buildings) and (2) while there is a map its the only "unexplored" place left in the world, no one knows whats below the seventh layer or how deep the seventh layer goes, that's the farthest anyone been able to get info on, you see that on the map as well. for all, we know it goes WELL past the 20,000-meter mark and may have upwards of 9 or 10 layers that just haven't been communicated. Also it feels like a part one kinda deal because it is, second season broski's

Nanachi?

20:00 Talking about the fear of being left alone in a cruel world... and then scoring it with the LISA OST. Dick move, well done, I approve.

There were some scenes in this anime that were legitemently hard to watch.

Suede-o-horror. The horror of getting your suede shoes wet.

Finished the entire season in one sitting. The world building is just so good that at the end of every episode I wanted to experience more of it. 6 hours later and I'm left craving for more, only to find out that season 2 hasn't been confirmed (yet)... I'm rarely so invested in a show that I genuinely wish for another season. But I'm wishing.

After you revealed the consequences of going into the abyss, my first thought was how this show as a whole is a visual representation of addiction.

This anime gives me the same feeling as playing a Legend of Zelda game for the first time or playing Shadow of the Colossus for the first time. It gives you a feeling of a great unknown, any moment can be something new and interesting that comes along. The fact that you don’t know much about that universe makes it amazing

Honestly, a ton of changes were made in the adaptation to anime, all of which I think were for the best.

*IF ANYONE HAS DOUBTS ON WHETHER OR NOT TO WATCH THIS, I AM TELLING YOU RIGHT NOW THAT YOU MUST*

You know it's actually funny how the Curse of the Abyss seems all powerful even as there are solutions to it all around. The transformative effect seems to be impossible to avoid but then we see those Greed Eggs that can transform you and repair a body. Even the killing effect seems like it's reversible with that necromancy cube which, by the way, seems more like a perfect form of life-support rather then a way to make zombies given its temporary effect on people and its permanent revival of people whos bodies are only non-viable due to not already being in the process of maintaining itself.

I had the same problem with "survival training". Had no point. For Riko and Reg. But it had ey point for the white whistle trainer! I think it wasn't as much of a "test" or "lesson", as it was a check by her, to see if Lyza's child can handle it..

I disagree with the complaint about the cut off point. its perfect because the pacing would have been horribly fast and the noone of the beautiful strengths of the Abyss would be seen if they had to rush all the way to Bondrewd. seriously. its a cliff hanger, but its a cliffhanger after a emotional conclusion to a horrible situation, and it ends in a much needed high note. its brave and smart because it makes the fans WANT MORE, which also sells the manga, and pretty much garanteed a second season, because they took the risk and had to guts to prioritize a good first half told well instead of a full story told badly and rushed.

The Corpse Weaper doesn't reanimate their prey, they just mimic some words and use them as bait (most likely the last words of their prey, since they will repeat or shout them out)

One of the things I love most about this anime is that the abyss is commonly referred to as the Neverland aka the after life. So when the character say there going to reach the bottom of the abyss is the same as saying there going to die and the way they say it with such passion or lust or drive just send chills down my spine.

Mitty's suffering and screaming in the elevator, and people's justifiably horrified reaction to that, made me realize that most people don't suffer and scream like that. Most people don't have chronic illnesses that wreck their bodies and leave them begging for death, if only silently. As fucked up as this show is, seeing that suffering on someone else was the encouragement I needed to get help. Wanting to save her helped me save myself. I haven't screamed to myself like that for six months now. I'm doing a lot better. So yeah this is some fucked up shit (and I'm still not cool with the kink stuff it puts on the kids) but I'm very grateful for it. And I'm grateful I found a solution for myself that wasn't dying, haha

Another thing that isn’t quite mentioned in this analysis is how unafraid Made In Abyss is with biology. This might go partially hand in hand with the over sexualization, but the show and manga are not afraid to show you blood, gore, vomit, and even in some absolutely gut wrenching moments where you feel the pain that characters are going through, urine. To me, even though it has a very cartoony look, the show feels real in that regard. It’s believable to me that one could be in so much pain they piss themselves, mostly because I’ve been there and done that. It might make some people uncomfortable, but for me it’s just a demonstration of how raw the show and story really is.

Anyone ever read "I have no mouth and I must scream"?

I will always remember this anime as the one which actually made me want to know the backtory of the characters - especially Mitty and Nanachi. Some series just make me go "oh, backstory time? Sure, but I don't really care." This anime made me thirsty for information about the characters, the abyss and everything else. I will never forget how amazed I felt when I watched the first episode. Now... gotta go through a shit ton of trash series to watch another masterpiece like this one.

this series just fills me with dread because of how nothing good ever happens to anyone. it’s like watching a high speed car accident. you already know that something awful is going to happen to the people involved, there’s probably nothing that could save them, and somehow you can’t look away.

The Abbys is like an onion.

SEW: "Why you should watch XXXX" Me : Well i guess im watching it

Felt like the soundtrack by Kevin Penkin needs more love. It's one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard for any piece of media.

The 1st video essay I’ve watched from this God-given gift of a channel. I’m glad to say that these small glimpses into these fantastical worlds are something really special and full of inspiration.

_Bonedrewd Approved_

I guess my only gripe with the show is how even though Reg and Riko are both going further and further into the abyss they rarely use any relics to their advantage. Sure Reg is practically a living relic and later in the series Riko gets an awesome one as a weapon but other than that we rarely get to see any relics in action to be used to aid in the exploration into the abyss. Even the beginning sets up these relics are vastly important pieces of artifacts that are practically the life blood of the town above but we are shown countless times how worthless some relics are. Sure I can’t expect ever relic to be a showstopper but atleast I wanted to see these relics used to aid in their survival rather than just throwaway consumables like Riko’s abyss compass or that “unbreakable” umbrella from episode 10(I think)

I’m more interested in the birthday curse than the final maelstrom atm, as I’ve finally caught up with the manga. I have a sneaking suspicion that the city of Orth (or however you spell it) is slowly transforming into another layer affected by a curse of sorts, what with the praying skeletons dating around specific time periods (another one of which is coming up) and a disease affecting those close to the Abyss.

22:52 Dawn of the Deep Soul, the movie which covers this arc is absolutely spectacular!!!

On the subject of how Riko and Reg's dynamic is almost RPG-like, I'm gonna echo Mother's Basement's sentiments and say that if this anime were a game, it'd be one of the greatest games ever made.

Ok ok ok I'ma go watch this. Then I'll come back and finish your video

Me: dam this is good *child screams in backround*

The way you pronounce “chasm” tho...

I LOVED this anime but I am so glad the season ended at 13. I need time to breath, i was devastated during the last couple of episodes. If it continued my heart would have exploded.

19:27 not quite, it just mimics their voices as a bait

Season 2 is finally here!! I can't wait to dive back in and continue to bawl my eyes out as the characters suffer even more tragedy!

can confirm it's much more satisfying to binge season 1 + the sequel movie together.

this gives me the same feel as ori and the blind forest, I LOVE IT

This is possibly one of my favorite animes of all time.

One thing I really love about Made in abyss is the characters expressions. Who ever animated them did an incredible job. SPOILERS, but when Reg believes Riko is dead, his screams and his eyes really make you feel for him. This anime is so well made.

“10 seconds in and the visuals are stunning! Don’t have to tell me twice, I’m watching this with the WHOLE family.” -An unwise man

Who else stopped watching this video half way through and binged the anime? I did. Thank you so so much for introducing me to this show EyePatch.

Friends: You should watch Made in Abyss, it's amazing!!! Me: Hmm... Maybe later. Super Eyepatch Wolf: Why you should watch Made in Abyss Me: *Grabs popcorn and watches the anime right away*

21:33 OH MY GOD, soo true, finally someone is putting it out there! Gosh, I was beginning to think that there is something wrong with me

i can't believe it has been 4 years since i watched this video.. it definitely needs a part 2 now ...

I'm damn amazed you made no mention of what is literally the best soundtrack of the decade.

Bcuz the robo boy has a robo pp

Watching Made in Abyss personally reminded me of how it felt exploring in Hollow Knight and the similar environmental storytelling and world building they both have

My fiancé has started watching it with me after my persistent nagging. We're at episode 5 now. He says he is intrigued because the world they're in is interesting, but he takes a lot of issue with how irresponsible the adults are in just letting Riko and Reg go on what is seen as a suicide mission without really making an effort to stop them. I'm kind of afraid what he'll think of the show once he sees what happens to Nanachi and Mitty. I mean yes, he has a point in the main question 'why is this happening to small children?', but to me that makes it all the more dark and tragic and I love it when an anime gets an actual emotion out of me. I don't know if that makes me a sick or twisted person - I love children and I hope to have one of my own in the next couple of years, and I'd never EVER condone any of this to happen in real life. To both children AND adults.

No mention of the soundtrack?! I thought it was one of the most stand out things about the adaptation.

I finished this series last night, episode 13 destroyed me. I can't look at blankets, stuffed animals, cute redheads, or lovely pretty fields without seeing Mitty. I hope that through all the torment she finds peace. I cried for probably 20 minutes straight, it was just... terrible. I wanted so badly to jump into the screen and toss Bondrewd down into a pit of horrors, one that he'd suffer through as much as Mitty did. :( sorry for any spoilers it just... was intense. Can't wait for season 2.

"Joseph Anderson's The Hero's Journey" Campbell*

It's a masterpiece.... I have no more to tell you.

Yooooo, we got an extension on that animated material!!! Bonedaddy gone break some hearts up in here!

In defense of the sexual shit they do; a lot of it is just innocent children doing indecent things as children do, like bathing together and Reg is extremely embarrassed being more aware of his bodies physiological response. However you are right there is a lot of stuff that is kind of uncomfortable like... spoiler A toilet that licks Riko to clean up afterwards. That was unnecessary

The first thing I saw of Made in Abyss was a meme a friend showed me. Basically, it was the scene of Mitty and Nanachi's transformation... With elevator music. He was laughing his ass of, but I was terrified about the scene, me being someone that cannot deal with bodyhorror without having a feeling nausea. I tried to avoid it, as I judged it by this scene, thinking it was a gore series dedicated to that type of scenes. A couple of month later we binge watched it together, as he told me he would tell me where the most horrific scenes were playing. With this deal, I was finally able to watch it entirely, and I became a fan. I love the animation, the story and the characters. I loved it so much that I read the manga too. And I regret it. Mainly because, from the Bondrew saga and onward, the bodyhorror-ness and the child sexualisation get much more attention, and I did not felt comfortable at all. I was skipping page after page, without being able to read anything, and so I missed a huge part of the story. I haven't even finished the full arc of the City of the Unreturned. This is something that no one tells you when you ask for trigger warnings on this series, but if you are sensible to gore, bodyhorror or torture, do yourself a favour and do not read Made in Abyss. It's a wonderful series, but it can be really disturbing, and it's not worthy risking your mental and sometimes physical health for a series.

I gotta say, this isn't just one of my favourite anime, it's one of my favourite fictions in any medium. I first watched it at a point in my life that I'd given up on feeling the kind of all-consuming fascination and joy with a work of fiction that kid me had when discovering Star Wars or Lord of the Rings, or adult me had with On the Road, Pan's Labyrinth, Cowboy Bebop, or The Master and Margarita. I felt as I went into my 4th decade that my loves and fascinations were now basically set and the world, while still having plenty to enjoy, had no new wonders - at least in terms of fiction (hiking Torres del Paine or setting foot in Antarctica still brought the wonder, but they were a lot harder to gain than picking up a book or streaming a show). Made in Abyss gave me that thrill I thought was unreachable now. And in giving me that, it gives me hope that I can keep on rediscovering it. I really hope we get an ending to this story, but even if we don't I'm pretty thankful for what we've got (and can still look forward to).

I cannot shut up about this anime. I have recommended it to everyone I know who has even a small interest in the art form. I was honestly wondering when you would make this video, because it wasn't really a question of whether you you make it, that was a complete certainty. I love your work.

i dont even watch anime that much anymore but i just love to hear you talk and the way you deliver information is really enjoyable to listen to. Keep it up i knew that i discovered a gem when you just started.

I love watching videos like these. It looks like you put a lot of effort into it. Thank you!!

3 years later. I still have this in my #1 spot for the saddest anime moment I've ever seen. (THAT SCENE) Made me bawl my eyes out and physically cry like a baby...

Thank you from Japan, Super Eyepatch Wolf! Your video is perfect, always reminds me of why I love anime as a medium. Your soothing voice and the way of talking sometimes give me tears. Cheers!

I thought this was some cuddly and cute anime until I saw the transformation scene. WTF!? I HAD NO IDEA THERE WAS CHILD EXPERIMENTATION BY A BUNCH OF ASSHATS THAT WERE TRYING TO MAKE A REAL FURRY!

Mitty and nanachi part made me shed a few tears but prushka made me bawl my eyes out....

Writing this comment down after watching your video a year or two ago. Season 2 of Made in Abyss is out and I felt the need to come back to this video and just say, you fucking did it, I watched the show immediately after watching this video, maybe not even making all the way through the video, because you sold me on probably one of the best animes in recent years, o e with so much story and lore, world building and fantastic character. Thanks again. Season 2 is amazing and I hope you lake a second part to this video, explain even further why this show is just a masterpiece

Literally got to the "spoiler warning" part and stop, closed the tab the video was playing in and found episode 1. you've sold me.

STOP THIS, WOLF!! You made me watch samurai jack and HxH and made me read AND watch One Piece! I need my life back, please man!

I came here due to the K-pop controversy that K-pop Stans are claiming that this anime focus on explicit stuff and all that nonsense stuff they taken out of the proportion or context from their screenshots. Made in Abyss is one of the anime I want to check it out when I have a courage to do so, sadly, K-pop stans always find ways to ruin the experience. But this review is on point, I wish K-pop stans research more instead of jumping into conclusions, whoever idol watches it, they both did what other humans do, Remember, We all enjoy the plot, but when it comes to actual tackle issues or some disturbing scenes doesn’t mean they enjoy it or consume that certain scenes. Regardless, It looks really interesting and takes a dark turn on the characters development, trauma and personality, even the world building, that is one thing that Kpop stans will never understand to begin with. Anime never fails to impress me with their immersive, creative and dynamic plots.

Thank you so much for introducing this show to me! I love love love it already after watching a bit of this video and the first episode! It is amazing that so much work went into this series. it is just amazing.

3min into this video and i am like "Why have't i heard of this before" *Adds it to watchlist*

Super Eyepatch Wolf plus Made in Abyss. Never clicked on something so fast in my life.

One more reason: The soundtrack of Kevin Penkin

This has to be my favourite anime of all time. I spent the entire show fascinated and the show made me cry multiple times. Its fantastic is so many ways. Everything from the style, the art, the music, the characters and the story, it all is just breathtaking.

Wow, you were not kidding about dark. The darkest part was like watching the first episode with Chimera in Fullmetal Alchemist 10 times in a row; it was that emotionally draining.

The guy who wrote about the Hero's Journey is Joseph Campbell, Joseph Anderson makes (admittedly excellent) long form video game analysis videos on youtube and probably isn't quite as globally influential.

The Nanachi and Reg conversation scene when he was fishing made me realize I was watching a masterpiece of a show. The beautiful yet melancholic music that creeps in coupled with the dire reality of their conversation, and the gorgeous backdrop, is such a thoughtful image of the entire vibe of the story. That even though they are surrounded by beauty found nowhere else, there is unfathomable danger seeping in with thar beauty.

Came back to rewatch this after watching the full series a month ago. And the bare bones summary of what happened to Mitty nearly brought me to tears. I'd just like to say, I am glad you made this even though you likely won't ever see this.