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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.