Made in Abyss (rank 2)

Publisher: Seven Seas
Volumes 1-8+ (Ongoing), In Print (Read: 1-8)
Seinen
Genre: Adventure, Body Horror, Horror, Scifi

Summary: An enormous pit called the Abyss lies next to the city of Oosu, and inside is a complex labyrinth of caves so deep and dangerous that no one has ever been to the bottom and survived to tell the tale. Inside the caves are a number of dangers, both from the dangerous creatures that live inside it, as well as an ancient force-field that causes ill effects upon ascending each layer. 

Inside the Abyss lies many tantalizing mysteries of lost technologies called artifacts, which the cave raiders collect and sell. One of these young cave raider trainees, a girl named Rico, wishes to meet her mother, a famous cave raider, who might be at the bottom of the Abyss. One day when exploring the Abyss, she meets a young boy robot who saves her life. She names him Reg since he has lost his memory. Together they go on a journey to the bottom of the Abyss in hopes of finding what they have lost.

Review: Don’t be mistaken by the cute artwork, this is definitely Seinen and for older readers. The story starts out very innocent and like a fun adventure story, but then quickly takes a very dark horrifying turn around volume 3 and then only gets more horrifying after that.

The story has a really fascinating adventure setting that sounds amazing to explore. The Abyss is both beautiful and deadly and it is filled with all sorts of almost magical artifacts that can do amazing things. As well as all sorts of interesting creatures that live inside the Abyss, some harmless, but many deadly and horrifying. And as Rico and Reg get deeper into the depths, they learn more and more of the dark secrets of the Abyss.

Recommended: This unique blend of adventure and horror is a really interesting read so far, and highly recommended. But be aware of the Horror part. Unfortunately this series is coming out really slowly, but at least each volume has a lot happen in each one.

Not Recommended: Please do not give this to children unless you want them to have nightmares.

Age Rating: Older Teen: a lot of horror content of the slowly eaten alive variety, or being corrupted into something else. There’s also a few vaguely inappropriate scenes with child nudity (but only one brief scene that’s really out there)