Made in Abyss

Made in Abyss

A dark fantasy adventure series about a young girl who descends into a mysterious and dangerous chasm called the Abyss to find her missing mother.

IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.
Full Name
Made in Abyss (繝。繧、繝峨う繝ウ繧「繝薙せ)
Also Known As
Made in Abyss, Meido in Abisu, MiA
Format
Anime/Manga Series
Release Year
2012
Current Status
Ongoing
Country of Origin
Japan
Region
Japan
Creator
Akihito Tsukushi
Publisher
Takeshobo (manga), Kadokawa (anime)
Original Work
Made in Abyss manga
Genre
Dark Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery, Psychological, Survival, Coming of Age

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Made in Abyss.
Story
High-level synopsis and narrative focus.
Riko, a young cave raider, discovers a mysterious robot boy named Reg and embarks on a perilous journey into the Abyss to find her legendary mother.
World
Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.
The town of Orth built around the mysterious Abyss, a giant chasm filled with ancient artifacts and dangerous creatures


Cave exploration culture, artifact hunting society, ritualistic elements
Themes
Core ideas and recurring motifs.
Exploration, sacrifice, the cost of knowledge, mother-child bonds, survival, human nature

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Made in Abyss's global influence.
2012
Made in Abyss manga begins serialization in Web Comic Gamma
2017
Anime adaptation by Kinema Citrus premieres to critical acclaim
2019
Compilation films released, expanding the story
2020
Dawn of the Deep Soul movie released, continuing the narrative
2022
The Golden City of the Scorching Sun season premieres and Binary Star Falling into Darkness game released
2023
Continued manga serialization and international expansion
2024
Ongoing development of new content and merchandise
Sales
Manga has sold over 3.3 million copies worldwide
Revenue
Significant revenue from anime, merchandise, and international licensing
Awards
Anime Awards recognition, critical acclaim for animation and music

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Made in Abyss.
Riko
I want to see what's at the bottom of the Abyss!
A young cave raider with an insatiable curiosity about the Abyss and a burning desire to find her legendary mother Lyza.View Profile
Reg
I'll protect Riko no matter what!
A mysterious robot boy with incredible abilities and lost memories, who becomes Riko's loyal companion and protector.View Profile
Nanachi
The Abyss doesn't forgive anyone.
A former human transformed into a hollow by Bondrewd's experiments, possessing extensive knowledge of the Abyss and its curse.View Profile
Mitty
...
Nanachi's beloved friend who was transformed into a mindless hollow by Bondrewd's experiments.View Profile
Lyza the Annihilator
The Abyss calls to those who dare to answer.
Riko's legendary mother, a White Whistle cave raider known for her incredible achievements and mysterious disappearance.View Profile
Ozen
The Abyss will test everything you think you know.
A White Whistle cave raider known for her intimidating presence and deep knowledge of the Abyss's secrets.View Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Abyss and how is it structured?
The Abyss is a colossal, vertical chasm extending deep into the earth, filled with ancient relics and strange creatures. It is divided into seven known layers: The Edge of the Abyss, Forest of Temptation, Great Fault, Goblets of Giants, Sea of Corpses, Capital of the Unreturned, and the Final Maelstrom. Each layer presents unique ecosystems and dangers.
What is the 'Curse of the Abyss'?
The Curse is a mysterious phenomenon that affects anyone ascending within the Abyss. The deeper one goes, the more severe the effects of returning. Symptoms range from mild dizziness (1st Layer) to bleeding from orifices (4th Layer), loss of humanity (6th Layer), and certain death (7th Layer). This makes the journey effectively a one-way trip for deep explorers.
Is Made in Abyss suitable for children?
No. Despite its cute, chibi-style character designs that resemble a children's adventure, Made in Abyss is a dark fantasy horror series. It contains graphic violence, body horror, disturbing psychological themes, and emotional trauma. It is recommended for mature audiences only.
Who are the White Whistles and Black Whistles?
Whistles denote a Cave Raider's rank. Red Whistles are apprentices, Blue are adepts, Moon are teachers, and Black Whistles are experts. White Whistles are the legendary elite who have transcended human limits and are allowed to dive into the deepest layers. Their whistles are made from 'Life Reverberating Stones'—the remains of a human who sacrificed themselves for the user.
What is a Hollow (Narehate)?
A Hollow is a human who has survived the curse of the 6th Layer (ascending from the Capital of the Unreturned). The curse destroys their human form and transforms them into a creature reflecting their desires or value. While most lose their humanity and intelligence, some, like Nanachi, are 'blessed' and retain their mind along with new abilities.
Who is Bondrewd and why is he controversial?
Bondrewd the Novel is a White Whistle scientist stationed at the 5th Layer's Ido Front. He is a complex antagonist who genuinely loves children but sacrifices them in horrific experiments to advance scientific understanding of the Curse. His 'Cartridge' system is one of the most disturbing plot points in the series.
What is the Golden City of the Scorching Sun?
The 'Golden City' refers to Iruburu, a village located in the 6th Layer inhabited by Hollows. It is the primary setting of Season 2. The village is formed from the body of a creature named Irumyuui and operates on a complex system of 'value' exchange, serving as a sanctuary for those who cannot return to the surface.
In what order should I watch Made in Abyss?
The recommended order is: 1. Season 1 (Episodes 1-13), 2. Movie: Dawn of the Deep Soul (Canon sequel covering the Bondrewd arc), 3. Season 2: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun. The other two movies (Journey's Dawn, Wandering Twilight) are just recaps of Season 1.
Who are the main characters?
The story follows Riko, an optimistic orphan aspiring to be a White Whistle like her mother; Reg, a robot boy with mysterious origins and powerful weaponry; and later Nanachi, a cynical but caring Hollow survivor. Together, they form a family unit descending into the unknown.
Is the manga finished?
As of the latest updates, the manga by Akihito Tsukushi is still ongoing. The release schedule is irregular (not weekly or monthly), often with long gaps between chapters, as the author is known for his meticulous detailed art style and complex world-building.

Official & Related Links

Find official resources and trusted references to learn more.
Official Website
Twitter
@miabyss_anime
Youtube
Made in Abyss Official
Instagram
@madeinabyss_official
Streaming / Watch
Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, various regional platforms
Where to Buy
Amazon, Right Stuf Anime, Japanese retailers
Fan Communities
Made in Abyss Wiki, fan community sites, theory forums

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