I'm assuming you've already watched the first season. Though I don't go into spoiler territory, so it's fine to read this if you haven't watched 86 before.

If my memory were a bank, it would be a drive-thru with a "Temporarily Closed" sign on the door. Because of this, I often find myself starting an anime, but never making it to the sequel. It's a love-hate relationship, really. On one hand, I'm scared of getting emotionally invested in a show only to be left hanging with a cliffhanger and no sequel. On the other hand, sometimes I simply forget how much I enjoyed the first season and my interest wanes. I absolutely detest the latter. Hell, I've got a whole list dedicated to shows like this.

Then there are entries like this, a breath of fresh air in a sea of forgettable anime. It's the perfect balance of action, drama, and a dash of tragedy, with animation that's so stunning it should be illegal. It's the type of show that's easy to watch without overworking your brain but still manages to keep you fully immersed in the world. It's the perfect balance of entertainment and a coherent plot. No need to worry about your brain turning into mush, it's the perfect brain-off show. And for those days when you want a more serious, mind-bending story, there are always classics like Attack on Titan.

Oh, where do I begin with the improvements this season had over the first? Let me count the ways, but wait, I don't think I have enough fingers. The visual department alone is a feast for the eyes. The first season had its moments of beauty, especially with the art style, but it was marred by its fair share of cheap animation and an overabundance of cringe-worthy CGI shots. But, my dear friend, this season is a far cry from its predecessor. The art style has been elevated to new heights, and the animation is smooth as butter. Even the CGI shots, which can often be a deal breaker for me personally, are used sparingly and with a deft touch. It's clear that the studio has learned from its mistakes and focused on what it does best compared to the last season.

When it comes to animation, the term "cinematography" might as well be a synonym for visual storytelling. And let me tell you if visual storytelling was a menu item, then this season would be the 5-star dish. The camera angles, scene composition, lighting, and overall visual direction is so on point, it could give even the grandest of productions like Fate UBW a run for their money. I mean, it's called "Unlimited Budget Works" for a reason, right?

It's not often that animation can hold its own against live-action productions in terms of cinematography, but the show proves that it's more than capable. The way the camera moves and frames the characters and actions in the scenes is so well thought out, it's almost like watching a live-action film. The attention to detail and creative use of camera techniques is truly impressive.

This season serves up a heavy helping of abstract visual imagery that'll leave you feeling full and satisfied. Rather than spoon-feeding your plotlines and character motivations through tedious long-winded dialogue, the show opts for a more visually stimulating approach. I found myself pondering the power of 'showing' rather than 'telling' as I watch scenes that convey so much without a single word spoken. Let's face it. Listening to characters talking about outright obvious things is boring. Even if it's necessary to understand the bigger picture.

The show takes full advantage of the fact that it's an anime, and isn't bound by the constraints of reality. This gives it the freedom to explore deeper themes and emotions in a more abstract and visually striking way. The emotionally charged scenes in the show are particularly noteworthy, packing a punch through its dialogue-free scenes, making for an immersive journey where the destination is clear, but the path is left for you to discover.

Sure, let's call a spade a spade, this show may not win a Nobel Prize for its worldbuilding and story strength, but it's still a rollicking good time in a dystopian world. And sure, it may not have the most complex characters, but it's a shonen, what do you expect? There's bound to be a certain level of simplicity. But what it lacks in depth, it more than makes up for in its visuals, memorable characters, and storytelling. Compared to Fate UBW, it's like night and day - Fate may have been pretty to look at, but this is the whole package.

86 is the anime equivalent of a cinematic sugar rush. It's a visual spectacle that will have animation aficionados salivating for more. The artistry and attention to detail in the animation are truly breathtaking and will leave you in awe. The storytelling is equally impressive, with a thrilling plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It may not be the most intellectually stimulating anime out there, but it's a blast to watch and will leave you feeling satisfied and entertained. At the end of the day, that's why we're here, aren't we? So grab some popcorn and let yourself be transported to a world where the only thing thicker than the plot is the suspension of disbelief.

Phew, this one took some time, I think I'm explaining how I felt accurately (hopefully).