Introduction of “86”
86 is a gripping anime series that’s turned heads with its deep story and emotional punch. Based on the light novels by Asato Asato with pictures by Shirabii, 86 came from A-1 Pictures and hit screens in 2021. The show takes place in a dark future where humans are locked in a nasty war with self-driving drones called Legion, run by their enemies.
The story revolves around the clash between the Republic of San Magnolia and the Empire of Giad. San Magnolia relies on a self-operating drone army for protection, while Giad poses a threat through its Legion forces. San Magnolia’s citizens enjoy an illusion of peace, but a grim reality lurks beneath: the 86th Sector. This area serves as the actual battleground where soldiers fight and are seen as disposable.
The main character, Shinei Nouzen, excels as a fighter in the 86th Sector. People know him for his battle smarts and calm attitude. He and his fellow soldiers in the “86” squad deal with constant fights while they push back against unfair treatment. The show contrasts their tough situation with what Lena goes through. She’s an officer in the Republic who leads the 86th Sector from far away. A big part of the story focuses on how she tries to balance her job with her growing concern for the soldiers under her command.
86 stands out for its deep dive into ideas like what it means to be human, war’s terrible side, and the struggle for equal rights. The show mixes high-energy action scenes with heartfelt storytelling giving viewers a lot to think about when it comes to war’s toll and how tough people can be.
Story of “86”
The 86 universe paints a grim picture of the future. The San Magnolia Republic fights an ongoing war with the Giad Empire. San Magnolia says it’s free from war thanks to its use of self-running machines called the Legion. But the real story is much bleaker. The 86th Sector, or “86” for short, sits far away from everything else. It’s a risky place where the actual fighting happens. The people who live there get pushed aside and treated as if their lives don’t matter.
Shinei Nouzen stands out as a key figure in the story. He belongs to the 86th Sector and leads as a commander known for his smart battle plans. His team, along with other groups, finds itself in non-stop fights against the Legion. They face heavy losses and tough situations. The Republic’s leaders see the soldiers of the 86th Sector as little more than war tools.
In the meantime, Lena, a young officer with ideals in the Republic, gets the job to lead the 86th Sector from a control room away from the fight. At first, she sees her job as just giving orders, but as she learns about the soldiers’ tough situation and connects with them, she starts to feel torn. Her growing understanding of the 86th Sector soldiers pushes her to question the Republic’s unfair rules and look for ways to help them.
As the story moves forward, the anime goes deep into the personal battles of the characters, what drives them, and the tough choices they have to make. The story looks at ideas like giving things up, doing your duty, and trying to get noticed and treated in the harsh world of war.
Main Characters
- Shinei Nouzen: The main character of the series, Shinei stands out as a capable and wounded soldier from the 86th Sector. His combat smarts and ability to lead play a key role in the battle against the Legion, but he finds it hard to cope with the way he and his fellow soldiers are treated like they’re not even human.
- Lena (Kino): A young officer working for the Republic of San Magnolia, Lena gets the job to lead the 86th Sector from far away. At first, she keeps her distance, but soon she gets caught up in the soldiers’ hardships and starts to question the system that keeps them down.
- Vladilena Milize: An officer and Lena’s counterpart, Vladilena plays a crucial role in representing the Republic’s top brass. Her character gives us a deeper look into the war’s political and military landscape.
- Klaus (Soo-Won): A soldier in the 86th Sector, Klaus stands out for his battle skills and dedication to his team. His bonds with other squad members are key to the story.
- Mikasa (Hana): Also part of the 86th Sector, Mikasa shines for her abilities and the personal hurdles she faces in the squad. Her exchanges with Shinei and others add emotional weight to the narrative.
Background Information of “86”
Creator and Studio:
- Creator: Asato Asato (light novel)
- Illustrator: Shirabii
- Anime Studio: A-1 Pictures
Source Material:
- The light novel series by Asato Asato and Shirabii serves as the foundation for the anime.
Release Dates:
- April 2021 marked the anime’s debut.
Episodes:
- Season one of 86 has 11 episodes, with plans for a second season.
Genre:
- 86 blends action, drama, and sci-fi, while exploring military and psychological themes.
Visuals and Animation of “86”
Animation Quality:
- 86 has an impact on viewers with its detailed and dynamic battle sequences. The series uses a combination of traditional and CGI animation to bring the intense combat scenes to life showing the chaos and scale of the conflict.
Character Design:
- 86 features distinct character designs that show the personalities and backgrounds of the characters. The visual representation emphasizes the difference between the soldiers of the 86th Sector and the more privileged characters in the Republic.
Setting and Atmosphere:
The 86 world comes across as rough and true-to-life showing clear contrasts between the war-ravaged 86th Sector and the peaceful Republic. The backdrop is key to getting across the show’s ideas about inequality and hardship.
Sound and Music of “86”
Opening and Ending Themes:
- 86 has a catchy opening song, “Koko kara, Koko kara” by the band Aimer, which fits the show’s powerful and heartfelt vibe. The closing songs match the story’s mood and offer a thoughtful balance to the action.
Background Music:
- Hiroyuki Sawano’s background score makes the dramatic and action-packed moments of the series better. His music has an impact on the emotional and tense scenes giving more depth to the storytelling.
Voice Acting:
- People like the voice acting in 86. The cast does a great job. The voices show the complex feelings of the characters, which makes the series’ story richer.
Review
86 is a gripping anime that digs into heavy topics like war, class differences, and personal sacrifice. People love it for its exciting action well-rounded characters, and story that makes you think. The show puts the horrors of battle next to the politics and social issues in the Republic giving the plot more depth and keeping viewers hooked.
The main characters Shinei and Lena, are fleshed out well. Their challenges and personal growth play a big part in making the series so powerful. The way 86 mixes action with heartfelt storytelling makes it stand out in sci-fi and military shows. If you’re into stories that make you think and enjoy high-stakes drama, 86 will be right up your alley.
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