MADE IN ABYSS

MADE IN ABYSS, an intriguing offering from Anime Strike in 2017, is an ambitious exploration into the boundless curiosity of the human spirit and the enduring courage that accompanies it. Unfolding in a richly textured fantasy world, the anime pushes the boundaries of storytelling and takes the viewer on an exquisite journey filled with wonder, danger, and excitement.

The world of MADE IN ABYSS rotates around a massive, seemingly bottomless pit known as the Abyss. This unplumbed chasm harboring countless relics from a long-gone civilization counters the curiosity of adventurers, archeologists, and researchers. The city of Orth is constructed at the brink of the Abyss, populated by resilient inhabitants known as Cave Raiders who delve into the phenomenal depths below in search of valuable artifacts.

Riko, the invincible twelve-year-old protagonist of the show, is the daughter of a legendary Cave Raider. As an aspiring Cave Raider herself, she dreams of unraveling the secrets that the Abyss holds and one day reaching the depths her mother once touched. When she encounters a mysterious robot named Reg, who possesses no memory of his origins but has remarkable, innate physical capabilities, an adventure of unprecedented proportions begins.

The plot progressively unfolds with Riko and Reg's descent into the Abyss, through layers each harboring a unique ecosystem filled with strange, awe-inspiring, and perilous creatures. Along their heart-pounding journey, the pair traverse unpredictable dangers and endure numerous trials. Yet, the Abyss' allure is not just the enigmatic relics or captivating creatures, but a rumored return to the surface for those who dare the depths - a curse of despairing effects, which the Cave Raiders call the 'Curse of the Abyss.' Each layer they descend affects them with increasingly severe symptoms of this curse, presenting both physical and psychological hardships.

MADE IN ABYSS distinguishes itself through its sophisticated world-building, detailed art, and immersive storytelling. The Abyss is not simply an awe-inspiring backdrop but a consequential character in itself. Its impressive settings, expanding the anime’s aesthetic ambiance, are both captivating and daunting, juxtaposing the idyllic landscapes' natural beauty with perilous beasts roaming these depths.

This anime showcases remarkably detailed and vivid animation. The world of MADE IN ABYSS is brought to life through intricate background art, from the sprawling city of Orth with its old-fashioned architecture to the increasingly alien and surreal landscapes of the Abyss. The creature designs are nothing short of imaginative, giving life to a range of creatures from eerily beautiful to horrifyingly grotesque.

Moreover, the show's characters are instantly appealing. Riko's tenacious courage and never-dying curiosity are compelling, while Reg's struggle with his forgotten identity and reliance on child-like instincts in perilous situations adds a whole new layer to his character. Both lead characters are characterized with a deep level of complexity that grows as they journey deeper into the Abyss, making their friendship, cooperation and shared hardships absolutely endearing.

MADE IN ABYSS's narrative isn't about heroes embarking on a quest to save the world; it's a deeply personal voyage of discovery, overcoming fears, and confronting the unknown. The anime does not shy away from showing the dark, brutal, and relentless side of exploration, fostering an ominous sense of danger that keeps viewers on edge. It strikes a delicate balance between the characters' childlike innocence and the harsh realities they face, adding a thought-provoking element of children grappling with adult harshness.

The anime's soundtrack deserves special mention for enhancing the viewing experience. Composed by Kevin Penkin, the audioscape is as varied and dynamic as the Abyss itself, amplifying the story’s emotional impact with stunning effect.

Overall, MADE IN ABYSS is a compelling tale of unthinkable bravery, unyielding determination, and unimaginable discoveries. It challenges the viewer with profound themes, navigates thrills and terrors through breathtaking visuals, and delivers a deep, emotionally dense story. With a premise that immediately captures attention and a plot that keeps viewers hooked till the end, MADE IN ABYSS is a mesmerizing exploration of wonder and danger, pros and cons with a refine hand, in a phenomenal world where the rewards and punishments of adventure are two sides of the same coin. It is an outstanding addition to the world of anime, stirring the hearts and minds of viewers, and leaving them earnestly awaiting what lies further in the Abyss.