While crafting an epic adventure series, one of the most important elements that needs to be addressed first is its world-building. It is true that series like One Piece, Naruto, and Hunter x Hunter have set the bar quite high in this regard. However, they still cannot outshine the breathtaking world of Made in Abyss.
Crunchyroll’s 2017 Anime of the Year winner, Made in Abyss, presents us with a lavish world of wonder, awe, and mystery, inviting cave raiders to venture into its depths. So what exactly makes Made in Abyss so different from even the most revered adventure series? The answer to it lies in the world itself!
As If The World of Made in Abyss Itself is a Character!
The world of Made in Abyss itself feels like a living, breathing entity, becoming a character in its own right. The never-ending chasm, the Abyss, represents the very essence of an antagonist for Riko and Reg, as they attempt to reach its bottom. Unlike the villains in each arc, the Abyss is a relentless, ever-present force of nature, acting as the final boss.
While other arc villains like Bondrewd and Ozen play the role of mini-bosses, the real battle lies against the Abyss, the very hostile environment that Riko and Reg have to face to complete their journey. This creates an extensively complex and evocative world, where every little detail feels intentional, and every step forward is severely fought for. The sheer scale and mystique of the Abyss make it an enemy unlike any other.
The Insane Attention to Detail in Each Creature and Its Interactions With The World
The six layers of the Abyss house some of the most intricately designed creature species, that masterfully showcase unique characteristics matching the depth in which they live. They perfectly integrate their appearance with their surroundings, and their behavior and appearance also mesh in their respective ecosystem. It is quite rare to see such a good balance between creatures and their habitat in a fantasy world-building.
Furthermore, the curse of the Abyss adds much more to this already inhospitable environment. The cave raiders become less and less able to return from their own downward descents, as the curse will act up as soon as one tries to climb up. The chances of returning safely drop significantly at Layer 4 and nearly to zero once beyond, making each trip a one-way excursion down.
When Both The Story And The Worldbuilding Peaks
If season 1 was already not enough, the sequel movie, Dawn of the Deep Soul, and Season 2, The Golden City of The Scorching Sun, shook everyone’s expectations by leveling up its game. Viewers got to witness history in the making, with the introduction of The Sea of Corpses at Layer 5 in the movie and the absolute horror of Layer 6 in Season 2.
As a whole, Made in Abyss has truly set a new standard of intricate storytelling, with its world-building that seamlessly reciprocates the story’s narrative. Each layer expands our understanding of the Abyss and deepens the emotional investment in Riko’s suffering journey.
Such a well-entwined relationship between the plot and the environment is pretty rare to find in any medium, let alone anime. Its objectively insane world-building makes it a work of art where every detail, from creature design to the cursed depths of the Abyss, serves the greater narrative. Thus, Made in Abyss rightfully stands above and beyond any other anime series in this particular aspect, wouldn’t you agree?
Made in Abyss is available to watch on Amazon Prime & Crunchyroll.
