Made in Abyss is my #1. 100%.
During my first watch, the world building had me in awe. The world feels so believable and alive. The societies that the world's inhabitants have built and the world's various ecosystems were so engaging to watch.
What's notable is just how cruel and indifferent the world is. The interactions between the main cast and their environment feel reasonable. The writers did not pull any punches.
Now what really resonates with me are the interactions between the main character Riko and this world. Riko is ambitious and kind of naive, but she is persistent. Despite great adversities and the many times she is humbled by this harsh reality, she remains true to her passions and her own sense of purpose.
The following movie and season three expand on this theme of purpose and are all a great watch. I especially loved season three and how the writers managed to make it feel distinct from season one. It is not just season one all over again. Season three explores new ideas by means which differ from season one.
The mangaka is a creep who fetishishes fictional children.
View attachment 107096