Apr 6, 2022
As a Light Novel reader of this show, I can say that this is the very definition of masterpiece. A genuine masterpiece. if you are not fond of a lot of symbolism and a "Show, not Tell" visual storytelling technique in this show, then this is not for you.
let alone the most controversial theme of this anime. I know, a lot of people tried nitpicking the show about discrimination and racism on the first cour that they forgot how well written these characters are. I must say that's just 10% of the show, hating the show because of the theme won't work on me.
...
It only serves as a drive for the character development. If you compare 86 Eighty-six to its predecessors that shares the same theme (Aldnoah, Code Geass both R1 and Akito the Exiled, FMAB, Shingeki no Kyojin etc...). is that it dives deeper into characterization instead of just leaving it as if it did not affect the character at all. I've never felt like this in 11 years since the FMA: Brotherhood. Do people just like to hate what's popular and forget the main point of the story? I love every anime that was produced earlier and up to this date.
So for the review, this is just my summary and will not go into details. I'm not that vocal when it comes to anime review.
Storyline 10/10: A balanced dialogue and more visual storytelling compared to most anime, attention to detail are top-notch, a lot of foreshadowing and symbolism. So for the story, the first cour covers their everyday life on the frontline while the second cour focuses on the 86's (especially Shin's) experience and relationship with the new peaceful environment they're in, finding their purpose in life only to return back again. Moving on from the battlefield takes a LOT of time, especially when fighting till death is their daily routine. The pacing is great, just enough to understand whole point of the story. We can see the main antagonist of the story (Legion) are evolving both their strategy and military strength. The world building you will see in the anime is just the beginning and will get 20/10 better as soon as the next arc kicks in.
Art 10/10: Art is good, not to mention the great use of CGI animation, probably one of the best mechanical CGI I've seen that just felt right. Thanks I-IV for the mechanical designs you made for 86, The design is so great that it convinces me that it can be made in real life, compared to other mecha counterpart, this is the first one I think(my experience) that is supported by real life technical req. and blueprints inspired from world war 2 and cold war era. Its just that accurate.
Characters 10/10: Characters are very well-written, as much as the 86's tries to fit in, we can see their struggles on the society/environment they're in. We got new characters that vital on the next arc and beyond (further character development will come soon). What I like on 86 Eighty-six is that not one of them have a victim mentality, a character that knows their responsibility upholding their morals ever since the previous spearhead squadron's founding. Seeing our Reaper, slowly regaining his emotion and become more human than he was before he put his brother to rest was an honest heartbreaking moment. If anything a person would say its your regular shounen? then you are a lost soul.
Sound 10/10: the soundtrack are amazing, thanks to Amazarashi, Kohta Yamamoto, and Hiroyuki Sawano. especially the last two endings. The opening music is a total banger and the ending song from episode 23 (epilogue of vol. 3) LilaS sang by Honoka Takahashi. Everything was spot-on emotional and meaningful. Not one 86 Eighty-six fans can forget.
"I won't forget".
Overall 11/10: This has to be the best season 1 with sequel, ending of an anime that no one in the anime series ever reached before which rivals the so called 'best' from any generation, to see the weakest arc get adapted into a masterpiece? I would highly recommend this show. Again, lot of symbolism and a "Show, not Tell" visual storytelling since the first cour thanks to passionate director, staffs and author herself, Asato Asato. If not this year, then sooner or later, 86 Eighty-six will get the fame and recognition it deserves.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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