Made in Abyss was Forced to Move Away from the Source Material to Overcome a Major Modern Anime Limitation

Made in Abyss is excellent in unpacking some of the most unsettling themes within its plot. The series is a complete treat in terms of its spectacular animation along with its compelling storyline.

And while it has been criticized for its portrayal of abuse and violence, it captures the horrors and perils perfectly. This is especially true with Riko’s journey throughout the series. This, however, was subject to change.

Riko, Nanachi, and Reg in a still from the anime | Credit: Kinema Citrus

In an interview, the director Masayuki Kojima revealed the limitations that caused him to take a detour from the plotline. This ties well with the issues regarding several mdoern anime.

Mostly, the series left no stone unturned in highlighting the perilous and jarring experiences of Riko. With its dark aspects and exploration of unnerving phenomenon, it takes the cake.

Made in Abyss wasnt exempt from the usual curb

Made in Abyss stands out with its disturbing aspect of violence and gore. The series truly isn’t meant for the fainthearted, especially with its exploration of dark themes. Written by Akihito Tsukushi, the series explores the arduous journey of Riko.

As she ventures into the dark abyss, she faces gargantuan obstacles and difficulties. The scenes and moments capture the bleakness and horrors that outline the series’ literary brilliance. But that is not all considering its portrayal of violence and unsettling moments.

Riko, Wazukyan, and Maaa in a still from the anime | Credit: Kinema Citrus

In recent years, it has gained its due recognition and stature as a compelling series in the seinen genre. It stands as one of the most underappreciated and underrated anime in terms of its grappling themes.

The anime peaks in terms of its visuals and stellar animation along with a well-paced plot. While it showcases the intricacies of Tsukushi’s manga, it is flatlined in terms of limitations and curbs. As revealed by the Director, the studio deviated from the manga because of this major reason.

In an interview with MyAnimeList, Director Masayuki Kojima explained the thought process behind the change. He quoted:

If we were to follow the source material’s structure, then the flashbacks would take up three consecutive episodes, so by front-loading the anime with that story and divvying it out in a smaller chunk, we would be able to reduce the flashback to just two episodes. I believe that was the reasoning.

While it may seem trivial to some fans, pacing has been a consistent issue with most modern anime. Like Chainsaw Man, this anime was cramped within 12-13 episodes. The new-age anime is set with this framework. 

Barring the limitations, the series brilliantly encapsulated Riko’s knackering journey as she ventures into the Abyss along with Reg. It also maps the dangers and hazards that tie well with children and the fantastical world.  

Riko’s perilous journey is beyond jarring

Throughout the series, Riko’s journey into the Abyss is something that is often taken lightly. As a child traversing into an unknown realm, it makes the plot even more disturbing and jarring, mostly.

Her being poisoned is one of the most terrifying scenes. This makes the series live up to its name as a seinen anime. Even Emily Rudd couldn’t help but laud the anime for its dark themes. But we have barely scratched the surface with this one. 

Vueko and Wazukyan in a still from the anime | Credit: Kinema Citrus

The series is a true banger in terms of its world-building aspect. This ties well with Riko and others’ charting of unexplored territories that intermingle with an age-old binary. Children and the associated dangers are something that the Director himself expounded on in the interview. He quoted: 

There are dangers that children are prone to falling into. Nevertheless, one could say that they are able to overcome those dangers precisely because they are children. I think that this is one of the appeals of Made in Abyss.

Prushka’s backstory in the anime is something that would completely shake one up for the worse. The treatment of children and innocence is enough to scar any viewer out there. While the series highlight camaraderie, its heaviness topples it all.  

It is a literary and visual treat for all the fans.

Made in Abyss is available for streaming on Netflix.