Made in Abyss Season 1, Episode 1 Review: The City of the Great Pit

With the second season of Made in Abyss confirmed to be released in 2022, I thought it would be a good idea to review the first season a second time. I will mostly be reposting my old reviews with some edits but I’ll also be re-watching the season, preparing for the upcoming season. I hope you guys enjoy the reviews.

Made in Abyss Season 1 Episode 1 based on a manga series by Akihito Tsukushi, the series has been adapted by Kinema Citrus. The story centers around a  system of caves called the “abyss.” The abyss is the only unexplored place in the world. Inhabited by odd creatures and unique relics, the caves are a source of adventure and intrigue for humans. These explorers are called, “Cave Raiders,” they head into the abyss in search of the relics. The first episode entitled, “The City of the Great Pit” introduces us to this world.

Riko is training to become a “Cave Raider,” like her mother, the episode reveals information about the world slowly. While discovering new relics, Riko witnesses a odd looking creature, a crimson splitjaw. The splitjaw a giant reptile normally found in the 3rd layer attempts to eat Nat, Riko blows her whistle signaling for help and capturing the attention of the creature. It begins to chase her through the caves, she reaches a cliff and is trapped. However, she is rescued by a mysterious beam of light than burns a hole into the body of the Crimson Splitjaw.

“Over the span of many years, with a spirit of adventure for the unknown and countless legends luring them in, the world’s only remaining unexplored chasm has swallowed up a great many people. It is known as the Abyss”

Riko searches for the source of the blast and finds a strange child lying in the grass. As she checks on the boy, Riko realizes that he’s not human, but robotic. Riko with the help of Shiggy, Kiyui, and Jiruo sneak the robotic boy into the orphanage. When the robot boy awakens after Riko electrocutes him, he has no memories. Before they can get to the bottom of the issue, Jiruo comes to investigate what Riko and the others did to cause an “orphanage wide blackout.” After getting in trouble, Riko flees with the robot boy she calls Reg after her pet dog.

At first glace Made in Abyss Season 1 Episode 1 may appear to be geared towards children, but it appeals to a wider audience. Despite the beautiful and lush environments The animation quality of this series is stunning, fluid and detailed. The animation is on best display when witnessing the background, from the city surrounding the pit, Riko’s room or the classroom. As a lead character Riko is likable, as are her friends. Reg is interesting due to the mysteries surrounding his existence. Made in Abyss is an exciting new anime and I’m eager to see what it has to offer.