The Most Underrated Sci-Fi Anime? | 86 Review

Summary

In this deep dive, we explore *86*, a war drama and sci-fi anime that blends mecha warfare with poignant political commentary and emotional character arcs. Set in the futuristic Republic of San Malia, the series follows the 86, an oppressed ethnic group forced into battle against autonomous drones, stripped of their humanity. Through complex characters like Major Lena and Shin Nomin, *86* tackles themes of dehumanization, trauma, and systemic injustice. With breathtaking animation, a haunting soundtrack, and powerful voice acting, the anime challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths while offering a story of hope, survival, and resistance.

Takeaways

• 😀 *86* is a war drama and sci-fi anime that blends mecha warfare with political commentary and emotional character arcs.
• 😀 The anime critiques dehumanization, racism, and propaganda, focusing on a marginalized ethnic group called the 86 who are sent to fight a war they can't win.
• 😀 The story is set in the Republic of San Magnolia, a utopian society that falsely claims to be fighting a war with zero human casualties.
• 😀 The 86 soldiers are forced into battle, stripped of their rights, and made to fight in spider-like mechs called Juggernauts, with their existence erased by the government.
• 😀 Major Lena Mleb (Lina) is a compassionate officer from the Republic who attempts to connect with the 86, while struggling with her own naivety and the system's lies.
• 😀 Shin Nomin (Shin), the leader of the Spearhead Squadron, is a stoic and traumatized character, haunted by the voices of the dead and carrying the burden of his fallen comrades.
• 😀 The supporting characters like Raiden, Andrew, Karina, and Fia are given depth, making their deaths impactful and ensuring every character feels important.
• 😀 *86* is not just a war anime; it’s a reflection on how easily societies justify cruelty and how hard it is to resist systemic injustice.
• 😀 The anime's animation is crisp and fluid, with intense mecha battles, contrasted by the sterile beauty of the Republic and the brutal reality of the battlefield.
• 😀 The soundtrack, composed by Hiroyuki Sawano and Kohta Yamamoto, amplifies the emotional depth of the story with haunting orchestral pieces and sorrowful vocals.

Q & A

What is the central premise of the anime 86?

86 is set in the Republic of San Molia, where a war against the autonomous drone army, the Legion, is supposedly fought without human casualties. In reality, the war is fought by the oppressed ethnic group called the 86, who are stripped of their rights and forced to pilot deadly mechas known as Juggernauts.

Who are the main characters in 86 and what are their roles?

The main characters are Major Lena Milbe, a compassionate officer from the Republic who questions the government's lies, and Shin Nomin, the stoic and haunted leader of the Spearhead Squadron, a unit of 86 soldiers forced to fight in the war.

How does 86 address the theme of dehumanization?

86 highlights dehumanization by portraying the Republic’s treatment of the 86 as subhuman, sending them to die in battle while erasing their existence from society, reflecting real-world issues like racism, propaganda, and systemic oppression.

What makes the supporting characters in 86 significant?

Supporting characters like Raiden, Andrew, Karina, and Fia are fully developed, with their hopes, grief, and resilience depicted in depth, making viewers emotionally invested in their lives and losses.

What are the standout technical aspects of 86?

Studio A1 Pictures delivers crisp, fluid animation; Toshima Saiishi provides meticulous direction; the soundtrack by Hiroyuki Sawano and Kohta Yamamoto blends orchestral and haunting elements; and the voice acting is emotionally powerful in both Japanese and English versions.

How does 86 explore trauma and resilience among its characters?

Characters like Shin carry the emotional burden of surviving countless battles and hearing the voices of the dead. The series portrays their wounds, anger, exhaustion, and determination, emphasizing human complexity beyond victimhood.

In what way is the Republic of San Molia depicted as an allegory?

The Republic serves as a chilling allegory for societies that rewrite reality to justify cruelty, institutionalize racism, and perpetrate violence while maintaining a facade of peace and morality.

What is the narrative significance of Major Lena Milbe’s character arc?

Lena’s arc illustrates the tension between idealism and reality. She starts as a young, idealistic officer and gradually confronts the limits of her power, her naivety, and the challenges of opposing systemic injustice.

How does 86 balance intense action with emotional storytelling?

The anime combines high-stakes mecha battles with personal, emotional narratives. The contrast between the Republic’s sterile environment and the battlefield, along with carefully timed silences and music, heightens both action and drama.

Why is 86 recommended for viewers seeking mature and emotionally intelligent anime?

86 tackles difficult themes such as racism, propaganda, trauma, and survival while providing deep character development, cinematic production, and a narrative that challenges viewers to think critically about morality and societal injustice.

What role does music play in 86’s storytelling?

The soundtrack amplifies the emotional and narrative impact, combining orchestral pieces, haunting vocals, and epic scales that enhance both the intensity of battle scenes and the poignancy of character-driven moments.