I wasn’t prepared for how deeply Eighty Six Part 1 would affect me. I went in expecting some cool sci-fi action with mechs, maybe a bit of drama but what I got was something so much more powerful and relevant than I could’ve imagined. This anime doesn’t just tell a story, it makes you feel it.

The story centers around a brutal, ongoing war where the Republic of San Magnolia claims to be fighting with unmanned drones. The truth, though, is heartbreaking: these drones are piloted by humans—specifically, a marginalized group known as the "Eighty Six," who are stripped of their humanity and forced to fight until they die. The anime switches between two main perspectives: Lena, a handler from the Republic who wants to make a difference, and Shin, the leader of Spearhead Squadron, a group of Eighty Six fighters on the front lines.

So 86 is about war, but not just the fighting. It’s about what war does to people, how society dehumanizes others to justify cruelty, how grief and trauma shape identity, and how hope can exist in the darkest places. The introspective angle this show takes is what hit me hardest. It doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, and it forces you to reflect on empathy, on privilege, on humanity.

Lena’s arc stood out to me. She’s idealistic just like me. She’s trying to do the right thing in a broken system, but she’s not perfect. Her growth, her guilt, her gradual realization of how deep the rot goes, it felt very real. And Shin... his quiet intensity, the way he carries the weight of everyone he's lost, it’s heartbreaking. He’s such a powerful character without ever needing big speeches. Just his eyes and silence say everything. A tragic, layered character.

I love the dynamic between Lena and Shin. What struck me is how strong and emotionally complex their relationship becomes, despite never meeting face to face in Part 1. Through voice alone, their bond grows with tension, understanding, and a kind of quiet intimacy that feels authentic. Their conversations carry so much weight: Lena, trying to be a voice of change, and Shin, hardened by death yet still willing to engage with her. Their connection felt honest, layered, and slowly built on mutual recognition in a world that tries to erase people like Shin.

The supporting cast, all of Spearhead, deserve mention too. They felt like real people, each with their own pain, dreams, and personalities. You grow attached to them fast, which makes their stories hit even harder. I cried so much.

Visually, it’s stunning. The direction, the use of silence, and the music by Sawano Hiroyuki? Just phenomenal. It gives everything this haunting, emotional weight that stays with you long after the episode ends.

I came away from Part 1 thinking about it for days. It’s introspective, raw, and deeply human. If you're someone who loves anime that goes beyond entertainment and really says something, this is one you shouldn’t miss.