This review contains the 1st season of 86 and a few spoilers

I remember the day when I watched the first part of 86. I thought it was just a rip-off version of SukaSuka, which is a war drama anime that I love. I had a high expectation for the series but honestly, the first part didn’t exceed it. I didn’t know why this show is loved by anyone, especially the second part, so I tried to rewatch it again. It was great, but it didn’t reach the “WOW FACTOR” when I watched SukaSuka.

86 is a war political drama about discrimination, racism, and finding the purpose in life. It seems this serves as the comeback of A1 Pictures, after their horrible original war anime Shiguguri. This is the kind of anime we, anime fans, rarely receive. A solid story with a meaningful message. Animes nowadays are just a marketing strategy for the studio or the source material, but this anime is an exception. Despite the criticisms from A1 Pictures and the pandemic, I’m glad they pulled it off with their hearts. The first part was meh but the latter half was great. Does this anime worth watching? Let’s see…

Story:
The first part of the show was merely an introduction to the story and the characters. It’s about a republic of white-haired people, living in a luxury place while the military forces are there, commanding a group of outsiders called, 86. They are not born from the republic nor white-haired people, so they are using them as weapons to fight the machines called, Legions. The first part introduced us to the main protagonists, Captain Lena, the new commander of the spearhead squad, and Shin, the leader of the squad, as well as the rest of the squad. While the second part was about the progression of the prologue. The first part told us about the natural intentions of the characters and the relationship between the captain and her team. Their buildup of the story and their relationships was decent and some few parts were honestly plain. I’m glad they added the deaths of the squad, one by one because it’s a war. If there’s no sacrifice, no victory. We saw how they fight, knowing their purpose, and how they live their life to the fullest. In their case, they are not afraid to die because they think they are just weapons. They had a concept of if they live, they live. If they die, they die, in their mind. The last scene from the first part was good because it told Shin’s past. He was in shackles that his brother chained him so that he couldn’t escape it. At the end of the first half, Shin still didn’t know what his purpose in life and his friends were cared for him, which is a good thing that they didn’t rush his character development. The concept and the strategies were good, and the execution of the story from the first part was slow. But I’m glad they changed it at the latter half.

What can I say about the latter half? It’s quite great. They introduce a whole bunch of characters and a new world. The squad became independent in their fights and the absence of Lena for most of the story was good. It helped make the story progress for the characters of the squad and her. This was fast-paced, like when the machines and the legions run while fighting against each other. While the first part was a drag, I’m glad the second half pulled it off. It’s great but it could have been better. One of the emotional scenes in animes was Shin’s and Lena’s resolve and their foreshadowed reunion. We saw their initial purpose and resolve to fight for each other and their friends. The last scenes didn’t reach my expectations for its drama, but it was still solid. And now, they reunited face to face, I finally can say the prologue reached its final destination and their fight is still just begun.

Animation:
The production value was good, as expected from A1 pictures. They were evolved in producing animes like this. The character designs were solid, even it seemed they were familiar with the character designs of Shiguguri and SAO. I got a bit turned off at the CGI in fight scenes because it looked like a fight between mechanical praying mantis. It would be better if they mix it with 2D so that it will not look creepy. The effects were good and the atmosphere of the setting was nice.

Characters:
I know Lena is the main protagonist of the series but Shin is the real protagonist. They focused the character background of Shin and his resolve on what’s his fighting for. Shin in the first half was an emotionless man but his character progressed when he realized everyone got his back. While Lena’s affection for her squad, not only because they are her team, but she treated them as humans were great. The characters’ traits were good and their eccentric values. Their character developments, especially Shin and Lena were executed perfectly. Everyone has their mind, body, and soul.

Sound:
The sound was good and it is suitable for the story. The sound effects were the same in previous animes that A1 Pictures produced, but it works great. They should make a new bunch of sound effects for 86 that is not similar to other animes that I’ve mentioned. I don’t know if that’s their forte but I could have been better. I’m not a fan of the Ops’ and EDs’ singers, but I think it’s pretty good. Hirayuki Sawano did a great job in composing the music for the show.

Overall and Enjoyment:
Well… The answer to my question earlier is 86 is a decent experience. If you want a refreshing story and if you’re tired of a repetitive mainstream storyline, this show is for you. It’s different from action animes that people mostly watch. But this show is an example of a rollercoaster ride of emotions. If you will watch it because of the action, you might not understand the whole message of the show. It’s more of a character-driven drama than an action-packed story. An epitome of human emotions, rather. Within its strengths and flaws, I still enjoyed this anime. It’s better to watch this from a different perspective because you will surely understand its message. I’m glad I rewatched the whole season again and I think the journey is just the beginning.