86: Eighty-Six (Part 2)
Genre: War, Mecha, Romance
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Yep. It is about time.
Although I haven’t properly watched the first part, like I should, I have watched from episode 12 to 14, and some parts of today’s episode, and I think I have an idea of which are my impressions of 86: Eighty-six. Don’t get me wrong. I have watched some of the episodes of Part 1, but I did in a very messy way, so I have to rewatch them properly, and them make a proper review about it.
Nonetheless, I think I will agree in what many fans think is one of the best anime of 2021, and simply a worthy product from our beloved A-1 Pictures. But, most importantly…
How to say NO to two of the waifus of 2021.
But first, I have to assk you the typical questions:
Are you guys ok? Feeling healthy?
If the answer is yes, then I am happy. Well, partially, because I am right now with a big headache, and I should be in bed, but I decided to write this review now, and then, go to bed. Hopefully I will be fine by tomorrow. Ok Henrietta?
Anyway. Let’s go.
PREMISE
Based on the light novel series, written by Asato Asato, and illustrated by Shirabii, 86: Eighty-six (Part 2) adapts the second volume of the light novel.
After the events of episode 11 of the anime, the remaining members of the Spearhead Squadron, Shin, Raiden, Kureha, Theo and Anju arrived to the territory of the Federal Republic of Giad, where they meet with Ernst Zimmermann, their prime minister, who grants them citizenship, equal rights and a home; they also encounter Frederica Rosenfert, a young girl who is cared by Zimmermann. At the beginning, all of them seem to enjoy the civilian, peaceful life, however, none of them can forget the sacrifices of the rest of the Squadron, so they decide to go back to the battlefield, this time as officers of Giad, discovering that Frederica is Augusta Fredrich Adel-Adler, the last Empress of Giad, and that her blood grants the power of psychometry.
All of them depart for the battle, afterwards.
Meanwhile, in San Magnolia, Vladilena «Lena» Milizé is demoted from major to captain, but she still the best Handler of the 86 district, this time with an agent called Cyclops.
The first episode of Part II was released on October 3rd. This second cour has as opening, Boundary Line (or Kyokaisen for its Japanese words), performed by Amazarashi, while the new ending is called Alchemia, by Regal Lily.
STORY
Alright. I started saying the obvious. I really loved 86: Eighty-Six, Part II, and as of November 7, 2021, as much as as I have enjoyed Part I. I do not think it is possible to say, until now, which is be better, but I loved both equally.
86; Eighty-Six Part II has a lot of cool elements, but first I will start with the easy ones, you know, the ones that will not force me to write whole paragraphs. First and foremost, the animation – it is beautiful, but that does not surprise me, because we are talking about A-1 Pictures, who, after all the amazing curriculum that they have, we cannot expect any less from them, or from Cloverworks, especially 2021.
Both HoriMiya and Wonder Egg Priority are proof of that talent indeed.
Let’s not forget the character design, although this is more the merit of both the writer and the illustrator.
The soundtrack is beautiful too, well, one of the composers is Hiroyuki Sawano, from Seven Deadly Sins (also from A-1 Pictures until Wrath of the Gods). Also the designs of Legion and the rest of Mecha are fantastic.
Now let’s go deep into the other well-done stuff. This still represents my feelings.
The story has a good introduction. I mean, from the moment Shin and company arrived to the Federal Republic of Giad, the episodes shows solid backstory about the country, the military, the society, the characters, and how its citizens support the freedom of the Eighty-Six, and the immediate differences between Ernst’s humanitarian personality and Frederica’s childish antics, making a powerful contrast with San Magnolia. And then, the next episode, the feelings and inner conflict of the Spearhead are explored, taking its time to make both solid and convincing.
Not just a good rhythm, I would say a special care of which elements contribute to the development of story and characters.
Another element that I loved is to see Shin, Raiden, Anju, Theo and Kureha finally being treated with dignity.
Yes. I know that all return to the battlefield afterwards, but those minutes of the Spearhead Squadron living normal lives and treated as human beings are really heartwarming, especially after all the abuse, prejudice and loss they suffered thanks to San Magnolia. And let’s not forget the cuteness of Frederica and Shin together.
Also I give credit to Episode 13, from this sequence.
From Raiden to Shin, all of them are backwards, and enjoying the daily life at Giad.
And this scene is very important, because it reflects the inner conflict the Spearhead Squadron is facing right now, because despite having freedom, the very thing all of them fought for, none of them can forget their fallen comrades, or where do they come from.
More importantly, from the arrival to Giad until the basic training as officers, there is a natural pacing throughout the episodes, allowing the viewer to relate with our main characters even more.
Because of that rhythm, and the beautiful world-building, you enjoy the action and the realism of war better (especially if you watch Part I).
Finally, we got the social commentary from Part I, profound and interesting to say the least. There is some violence, but it belongs to the context, and the feeling that, perhaps… I mean, perhaps. Part II will be darker.
Like I said, if you enjoy Part I, you will enjoy Part II.
CHARACTERS
By the time we reach Part II, we are already familiar with the characters. We know who is Shin, who is Anju, who is Kureha, who is Raiden, who is Theo, who is Lena and who is Annette; but since we saw how they behave in a civilian context, we see another part of their personalities, for a few minutes, but that’s good enough. Also the voice acting, at least in Japanese, is really good, you can tell that the actors already know their characters and how they will react.
But, I want to an honorable mention to…
For her voice, of course. Yes! Anju is a BEAUTY!!! Her code is the Snow Witch for a reason. But I love her more because she is voiced by one of the greatest seiyuu of history.
Hail to you!!! Seiyuu Princess.
I love your precious contribution to anime…
…that sadly, includes that filthy, treacherous «b&*ch», Rachel, from Tower of God.
Furthermore, we can agree that there a lot of memorable female characters from 86: Eighty-Six, a lot to choose for my Top Waifu list for 2021. Until then, all I can saw is…
And finally, we cannot forget the true star of the show. And not Lena, I am afraid…
I mean Frederica. She is a girl, and like I said, she does a lot of childish antics throughout Part II, but not to be point of being obnoxious… AND I LOVE HER.
Seriously. she is truly the perfect mascot. (And no. This isn’t me, that’s her position on the Nordlicht Squadron, according to myanimelist.com)
And… Let’s indulge ourselves with another gallery of her childish enthusiasm.
ARRIBA FREDERICA! I will be very nice with you!!!
CONCLUSION
Indeed, 86: Eighty-Six Part II is as entertaining and solid as Part I. I already said what I needed to say, but if you enjoy Part I, you will definitely enjoy Part II.
Someday, I will review Part I, but even then, I have something very clear.
86: Eighty-Six is one of the best anime of 2021.
I know it is only Part II, but it is something. Hopefully Henrietta will be happy. Right Henrietta?
Oh. Ok.. Would you do some fanservice with Lena for me?
DROP DEAD!! SHUT UP AND GO GET MY MONEY!!!
Jainituos Presents 