Series Recommendation: Eighty Six season 1 [Anime]
Across the battlefield soaked with metallic blood and silver,
a group of young people struggle to survive as livestock of war.
a group of young people struggle to survive as livestock of war.
As we’ve mentioned before, mecha is a very visual genre. But that doesn’t mean other literature works aren’t as interesting or exciting, and one of them is Asato’s 86 light novel series. The novels generated a lot of clout and had good reception amongst readers. And sooner or later it will be adapted into an anime. And in 2021, a studio picked up the task to make 86 an anime phenomenon, and they succeeded. It was none other than A-1 Studio – a perfect choice for a dramatic and emotional series like 86.
The 86 anime has 2 seasons – the first in Spring 2021 and the next in Fall 2021. Due to popularity, the series was continued almost immediately with just one cour of break. However, the series’ 2nd season ran into production issues and the last 2 episodes were delayed for 3 months straight, which really affected the viewer’s enjoyment. But if you start the anime now, you can enjoy the whole series with perfect fulfilment.
The 86 anime has 2 seasons – the first in Spring 2021 and the next in Fall 2021. Due to popularity, the series was continued almost immediately with just one cour of break. However, the series’ 2nd season ran into production issues and the last 2 episodes were delayed for 3 months straight, which really affected the viewer’s enjoyment. But if you start the anime now, you can enjoy the whole series with perfect fulfilment.
+ Plot: 86 is the story about outcasts whose nation have abandoned them to their fate on a deadly battlefield and the only privileged person that cares for them. It is quite reminiscent of Code Geass when entire races of people are discriminated against, but 86 pushed it to the extreme with how the “pigs” are treated. The privileged race are the people with white hair and white eyes – and the rest are sub-human creatures stuffed inside moving coffins and pushed into a war with AI killing machines. Vladilena Milizé – a daughter of the Magnolian’s general – decides to lead and protect the “eighty sixes” – the people exiled in the eight sixth district of the Republic. Lena’s quest and intention is unique amongst her peers – since she is the only one that actually care and stand up for the Eighty Sixes – particularly the Spearhead Squadron – where our other protagonist is. Shinei Nouzen – nicknamed the Reaper – was a young teenager that survived the bloody war for years. Formally known as the “Undertaker”, he took it upon himself to deliver every single one of his comrades to the place where they belong.
A story about social opposites on all fronts – a girl pampered in luxury behind the safety of the rear and a boy that struggle every second because he can hear the screams of the death and constantly on the battlefield. Yet they found a way to connect – even though they have never seen each other’s faces. Lena’s unconditional empathy has touched the hearts of the Spearheads – however it is also her naivete that caused herself and the Eighty Sixes much pain. This is a story about a girl maturing and see the world for what it really is, and supporting the people that has become so jaded that they have lost their reasons to survive.
As an anime and series in general, Eighty Six is more of a character drama that focuses a lot on the lives of the Spearheads and Lena and the social structure of the Sans Magnolia Republic. The excessive treatment of the Eighty Sixes in contrast with the ignorance of the Republic’s Albas make Code Geass’ discrimination look like child’s play. And 86 actually didn’t really focus on the political aspect until season 2, so there’s not much to concern with any power play. In season 2, the vibes of the series change quite a bit, and the political aspect took on a new direction.
A story about social opposites on all fronts – a girl pampered in luxury behind the safety of the rear and a boy that struggle every second because he can hear the screams of the death and constantly on the battlefield. Yet they found a way to connect – even though they have never seen each other’s faces. Lena’s unconditional empathy has touched the hearts of the Spearheads – however it is also her naivete that caused herself and the Eighty Sixes much pain. This is a story about a girl maturing and see the world for what it really is, and supporting the people that has become so jaded that they have lost their reasons to survive.
As an anime and series in general, Eighty Six is more of a character drama that focuses a lot on the lives of the Spearheads and Lena and the social structure of the Sans Magnolia Republic. The excessive treatment of the Eighty Sixes in contrast with the ignorance of the Republic’s Albas make Code Geass’ discrimination look like child’s play. And 86 actually didn’t really focus on the political aspect until season 2, so there’s not much to concern with any power play. In season 2, the vibes of the series change quite a bit, and the political aspect took on a new direction.
+ Animation: It’s A-1 – if their story writing skills are lacking, they make it up with their beautiful animation. And thankfully 86 already has an amazing plot to go with their talented animators. The 86 anime looks beautiful in all shots. One of the best part of the series is their atmospheric environment and character’s expressions. We can see Lena’s cheerfulness, resolution and pain very clearly. Even Shin – who is as stoic as Sagara Sousuke or Heero Yuy – is also super expressive through his eyes and micro expressions on his face. Furthermore, A-1 Studio has a lot of sequence that give life to a character’s inner monologue or emotion, those impactful imagery contribute greatly to the psychological aspect of the series, as everyone is deeply affected by the rampant discrimination and racism in here.
The 3D department is handled by Shirogumi, which did the job very well. The weight of the units are portrayed very well and you can feel their actual heaviness and the difference in their weight class. The smaller units move much more agile and the clunky chonks are much slower and kick up a lot more dust. The depiction of the Spearhead’s unit are also very well done as they are high-mobility units and their “zipzapping” around is very cool. There’s not a lot of “dynamic camera works” like Orange or Graphinica but the fight scenes are still way above average.
+ Mecha Design: Eighty Six’s mecha designs are handled by I-IV (pronounced I-Four). The main aesthetic of the mechas is multi-legged mechas – quadruple, sextuple or octuple walking tanks. The first season’s main mecha – the Juggernauts – are spider-like in appearance, but only with 4 legs. It is quite unusual for walkers to show up in Japanese mecha – with some previous examples being Ghost in the Shell, Metal Gear, etc… but in the world of 86, they fit right in. And Shirogumi did a very great job making them move on the screen and the textures on them look gritty and battleworn, which is perfect.
The enemy design is basically a faceless CGI army of various bug-like creatures with 4, 6, and even more legs with cannons strapped into their backs. The metallic sheen and silvery textures on their armor perfectly demonstrate their hivemind structure. The “Legion” – an appropriate name – bears many resemblance to alien armies like the Vajra, the Zerg and the BETA in sci-fi, but in this case, they are fully mechanical and, in a sense, man-made.
The 3D department is handled by Shirogumi, which did the job very well. The weight of the units are portrayed very well and you can feel their actual heaviness and the difference in their weight class. The smaller units move much more agile and the clunky chonks are much slower and kick up a lot more dust. The depiction of the Spearhead’s unit are also very well done as they are high-mobility units and their “zipzapping” around is very cool. There’s not a lot of “dynamic camera works” like Orange or Graphinica but the fight scenes are still way above average.
+ Mecha Design: Eighty Six’s mecha designs are handled by I-IV (pronounced I-Four). The main aesthetic of the mechas is multi-legged mechas – quadruple, sextuple or octuple walking tanks. The first season’s main mecha – the Juggernauts – are spider-like in appearance, but only with 4 legs. It is quite unusual for walkers to show up in Japanese mecha – with some previous examples being Ghost in the Shell, Metal Gear, etc… but in the world of 86, they fit right in. And Shirogumi did a very great job making them move on the screen and the textures on them look gritty and battleworn, which is perfect.
The enemy design is basically a faceless CGI army of various bug-like creatures with 4, 6, and even more legs with cannons strapped into their backs. The metallic sheen and silvery textures on their armor perfectly demonstrate their hivemind structure. The “Legion” – an appropriate name – bears many resemblance to alien armies like the Vajra, the Zerg and the BETA in sci-fi, but in this case, they are fully mechanical and, in a sense, man-made.
+ Music: After the amazing art direction, 86 once again went for the top with some insane heavy hitters in the OST department. The one and only Sawano Hiroyuki along with his protege – Kohta Yamamoto. The tune for 86 is very reminiscent to Re:Creators and Gundam Unicorn. The songs are mixed between slow and epic sequence with upbeat and energetic ones. It doesn’t have the crazy impactful beat drop like Promare’s Inferno but rather the somber atmosphere of 86’s world. A desperate world with many people clinging onto the last sliver of hope that they didn’t even realise. The emotion that the OST delivered in accordance with the great screenplay really highlight the series’ strong points – which is character drama.
+ Conclusion: Eighty Six has already been really great even with the novels, and the anime brought Asato’s idea of a unique dystopian world into motion. Furthermore, while the anime doesn’t “narrate” each character’s inner thoughts like the novel, it “showed” those monologues on screen with some amazing visual cues. The production quality is also very amazing, and it was a shame that season 2’s production was hit with some serious issues. 86 is definitely a series that you should binge completely, and you should definitely check it out. In my opinion, if 2021 didn’t screw with the release schedule, the series would have been one of the best that year.
+ Conclusion: Eighty Six has already been really great even with the novels, and the anime brought Asato’s idea of a unique dystopian world into motion. Furthermore, while the anime doesn’t “narrate” each character’s inner thoughts like the novel, it “showed” those monologues on screen with some amazing visual cues. The production quality is also very amazing, and it was a shame that season 2’s production was hit with some serious issues. 86 is definitely a series that you should binge completely, and you should definitely check it out. In my opinion, if 2021 didn’t screw with the release schedule, the series would have been one of the best that year.
Check out more recommendations:
A chance to see the A.D Police from Bubblegum Crisis in honorable action. Two detectives take on cases of rampage Boomers, unraveling a sinister plot that can change the world.
An apocalyptic tale of burning sand and monsters. A young man set out for vengeance, acquiring the usual hot chick and robot buddy on the way.
A refreshing tale about how the best of friends became sworn rivals. A vibrant, well animated movie where characters shine through their own merits, and bring a new wind to the franchise.
The fruit of collaboration with Japan Air Self-Defense Force, the air combat scenes of this anime is what set it apart
Despite often being overlooked by newer fans, After War Gundam X is a must watch for any Gundam lovers.
Passion makes satisfaction. A group of student show what they can accomplish with a mecha short film that leaves you desperately wanting more!
A seemingly impossible task of building Mazinger Z hangar in real life. A ragtag team of a planning company assembled the Fantasy Division to turn fiction into reality.
A light-hearted series that turned into intense space opera. The Girl Who Leapt Through Space leaps through many genre to deliver a unique experience and turn everyone’s expectation upside down.
A desolate planet now submerged in liquid. A totally unique and fresh mecha series where all the robots are underwater. Oh and there’s also a talking whale.
A love story that spans through 12000 years. The war between Angels and humans fueled by passionate emotions. Shoji Kawamori shows us why he’s the master of the sky.
What happens if we mix Mahou Shoujo, Mecha and Battle Royale into one? We get Granbelm – an emotional story about the lives of young girls entangled in an ancient war.
In the city of smoke and steam, a young kid works as a detective alongside his nurse and butler to protect the peace. An old classic for fans of the steampunk style.
The 2nd season of the lovely Mass-Produced Riko series. Join Riko and co as they embark on an all new venture, while drawing interesting lesson from building plastic models.
The long-awaited continuation of the mecha isekai of pain. Season 2 of Muv-Luv Alternative is definitely trying to woo you by slamming intense scenes at you – but is it worth it?
One of the most difficult to adapt Mecha series, Muv-Luv Alternative anime started off with a questionable season, but you should still check it out.
A remake of another Tatsunoko hero. The Space Knight returns with a completely new story, design and brings us on an emotional journey of a tragic hero.
The continuation of the hot-blooded saga, this time filled with emotional drama and even more badass action. A great video game adaptation but not without flaws.
The long awaited legend’s return that satisfy all mecha fan’s longing for a good game. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is an experience you have to play to believe.
Universes collide as the cast of Gridman and Dynazenon is caught in a dimensional anomaly. But what’s more troubled is Yuuta – who has to become Gridman again with a troubled heart.
When you talk about the most badass mecha, you have to mention SRW OG and Masami Obari. And when these two combine, you get the best SRW anime of all time.
A unique series where the true pacifism versus justice. A bold premise and interesting gimmick make Planet With a very selective series in terms of audience – but it definitely deserves a chance.
From the studio that created Buddy Complex and Valvrave, Cross Ange is another Sunrise’s original that challenges the limit of its audience once more .
What will you do if you’re teleported to a time with giant grotesque monsters? For teenage student Daisuke Doujima, it’s a perfect chance for him to become a hero, and a saviour. But can he?
After 2 lukewarm series, Gundam Build rose to form again with Re:Rise. A story with deep characterization for a diverse and likeable cast and awesome Obari action.
Time to go digital! Build series is going full SAO and virtual with Build Divers – a light-hearted series and fun to enjoy without the need to complicate things.
Following GBF, Sunrise wanted to capture the magic with TRY. However, they fell just short of greatness but still create a series with amazing Gunpla battles.
A hobby turned combat sport. Sunrise’s effort to attract new fans turned into a compelling series with gorgeous battles featuring iconic MS from the franchise.
The first animated Build series, Beginning G opened up new venues and excitement for the hobby, with light-hearted yet intense traditional MS battle.
Do you want a Gundam series with a brighter tone but still has banger battles? Then Metal Armor Dragonar is a perfect series for you!
A series about building regular model kit, and using them to find inspiration in life. A very uplifting and chill series for mecha fans to change their perspective on their hobby.
The sequel to SEED – a series that brought Gundam on top of the radar. Destiny is a sequel that earned both the intense love and hate within the fandoms.
An anime adaptation of a sci-fi novel with the same name, Yakitori really stir up the scene with its unusual storytelling and animation style. However, the characters really hold the series up.
A Fafner novel written by Tow Ubutaka – the person who understand Fafner the most. Explore Kazuki’s POV and his relationship in a way you’ve never seen before.
A new Gundam for a new era. Gundam Seed is one of the most popular modern Gundam series that has fans all around the world. And it also received much love from Sunrise as well.
A love letter to commemorate the pioneer of the Mecha genre, Mazinger Z Infinity remind us of the conviction and justice that the Iron Castle had, is, and will stand for.
A badass and action-packed super robot series with an age-gap marriage between the two main characters. A hearth-throbbing and passionate tale about love and perseverance.
A new story of the boy who awoken a machine. Casshern Sins follow a conflicting young man in a world where life seems meaningless, yet everyone yearn for it anyway.
Just when things have calmed down, the Gear Users once again face an apocalyptic threat from a mysterious high order. This put Hibiki and her friends at risk once more.
New threats emerged to threaten the world. But new allies also appear to bring the Gear’s songs to a new level. A new battle await the girls!
Mahou Shoujo x Tokusatsu combined with plenty of mecha references, Symphogear bring us an audio and visual experience that is just the beginning. of a great franchise.
A new nation, a new story, a new battlefield. The reborn Eighty Six must choose between a life of peace or death. Will the Reaper be able to move on?
The depressing, gripping yet hopeful world of Eighty Six brought to life with A-1’s adaptation. The vision of Asato receives a depiction so emotional like no others.
A fun dogfight experience with some mecha combat thrown into the mix, Strike Suit Zero scratches some of that Macross action game that PC gamer has been wanting.
With his life completely smashed apart and turned upside down, teenage boy Ayato had to navigate a new world while being the key to control the winged giant RahXephon.
Not just your usual 70s Super Robot, Zambot 3 is more than just a battle between good and evil, but also about endurance, perseverance and the unyielding heart to do what’s right.
Expanding upon the original work of Yokoyama-sensei, GR: The Day The Earth Stood Still introduces a world where the supernatural and super-technology co-exist. And in the midst of that is a Giant Robo.
If you fancy beautiful girls cladded in sleek power armor fighting cyborg crimes, then Bubblegum Crisis is the choice for you, with amazing 90s cyberpunk dystopia atmosphere!
The Cyber Beast Force may have disbanded, but their burning hearts are still raging. Dancouga combines once again to fight an unexpected enemy. Is it human, or something else much more sinister?
Suit up! It’s time for some Oni hunting! An anime tribute to the Tokusatsu genre, Shikizakura show us the power of hope, willpower and compassion to overcome any darkness.
The bullet-train robot is back! Two young kids take on a new threat to protect the world. Shinkalion Z takes off after its predecessor and set itself apart from other Takara series.
