Jaime here. I am to apologize to all my beloved readers for not writing in this month. I just wanted to let you know that I am back in Colombia for the whole month.
I will be back in Australia in August.
Until then, I want to share to all of you this information – I am working in more reviews, including Mashle, Zom 100, Bocchi the Rock, Blue Lock and Akiba maid war. Despite being far away, I want to write them this month.
For now, let me share you a lot of pictures from my trip.
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.
Lena and Henrietta
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?
She looks so excited!!
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.
SAORI HAYAMI
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?
Hello my friends. Welcome to another entry of my blog.
And here I am again… with another series animated by A-1 Pictures. And no. I am afraid it is not 86: Eighty-Six.
That is the bad news. But the good news is that is another awesome series. Absolutely one of the pinnacle from this great animation studio. And, after some hours trying to find out how to commence, and making up my mind, I think it is already time to start with this sweet surprise and great anime for everyone.
Behold…
Kaguya-sama: Love is War (season 1). Unfortunately I haven’t watched the second season, but I read that it is as good as Season one; for now, this is going to be the deal. I will watch season two and review it… eventually.
Seriously, September seems to be the month of A-1 Pictures (Erased, Shinsekai Yori, mentions to 86: Eighty-Six) and now we got Kaguya-sama. But before I proceed, I want to ask you the typical Questions:
Are you guys ok? Feeling healthy?
If the answer is yes, then I am happy. Now… let’s get ready and understand that love is war with Kaguya-san and Miyuki. this is Kaguya-sama: Love is War.
PREMISE
Shuchiin Academy is one of the top academies in all over Japan. Prime Ministers, bankers, entrepreneurs, inventors among other kind of influential people has studied here. Being a student here means you have your life settled, especially if you are the member of the prestigious Student Council. Kaguya Shinomiya is the daughter of a powerful conglomerate in Japan, while Miyuki Shirogane is the top student of the academy. Both of them are in love with each other, but love is as Marge Simpson points out.
«A constant battle for moral superiority.»
Well. She is referring to marriage itself, but it applies here too.
The point is that both of them are so proud to confess to the other, so they are constantly engaging into mind games and strategies to make the other confess. Who will win and force the other to confess? This is what we are about to see between these two, surrounded by some colour characters, including the top waifu of 2019.
I mean… Miss Chikatto Chika Chika. The one, only and unique…
Ai Hayasaka…
Kaguya-sama started publications on May 19, 2015, thanks to Shueisha, and it is written by Aka Akasaka, who, as of September 28, 2021, has created 23 volumes of this fantastic story. And by April 2021, Kaguya-sama has sold over 15 million copies, making it one of the most successful manga in the world, almost competing with series like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and of course… Tokyo Revengers.
Furthermore, the success of Kaguya-sama has spawned two anime seasons, the first one airing from January 12 to March 30, 2019, and the second one from April 11 to June 27, 2020, with a third season recently announced. Also two live-action movies, one released on 2019, and the sequel, awaiting release on 2021.
Finally, the first season of Kaguya-sama won three awards at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards on 2020 (Best Comedy – Best Couple – Best Ending Sequence), and on 2021, the second season won Best Comedy and Best Girl for Kaguya Shinomiya. Because she is only true girl. Not another.
Not… Another… one.
STORY
Oh my gosh… Where to start?
Yes! The animation!
Once more, A-1 Pictures delivers a really wonderful animation, just like with everything this studio produces. But far from the dark, depressing atmosphere from Shinsekai Yori, Kaguya-sama brings a really bright, wonderful and psychedelic mixture of great character design and nice colours, which is definitely something that must be in accordance to such a lovely story. So we have a plus.
In addition, the story is pretty fresh, because from a simple invitation to watch a movie, to advising a junior student about a date, it is amazing how Kaguya-sama manages to tell the plot as if it was almost from John Wick or from Sherlock, which is a great display of creativity and absurdity that is perfectly hilarious and entertaining. The best part is that the comedy is always solid. At no point, it gets annoying or tiresome. And all of the characters have the same role, and the comedy, which makes you rot for all of them. But there is none that became the breakout and most popular. All are equally wonderful.
Each episode includes three sketches that usually involve Kaguya and Miyuki trying to make the other confess, or even a small slice-of-life situation that quickly gets all the comedy in the best way possible. Because, like I said, every moment, aside from being almost standalone, is pretty inventive, getting the most of the comical possibilities into the equation. Also it it done with a rhythm and a pacing that never gets old. In fact, it gets better.
Also, despite Kaguya-sama is a comedy series, it manages to keep the tension within the characters, especially inside a school environment.
Much better than Kakegurui.
Without mentioning it never deviates from its light-heart tone.
However, one thing that I really appreciate from Kaguya-sama is that it never relies on fanservice, or anything like that. There are moments of swimsuit and sexiness, but it is never gratuitous or preposterous; and for me, that is more enjoyable. Less is more.
Sadly, there are no characters that stand out over the others.
NO! THERE ARE NOT, AND I MEAN THAT.
And speaking of which…
CHARACTERS
What can I say about the characters? Probably that all of them are as good as the story. Aside from our protagonists, Kaguya and Miyuki, Kaguya-sama has a lot of memorable cast, including the previously mentioned Ai Hayasaka, the maid of the Shinomiya family that always tries to put some common sense with Kaguya and her feelings; Yu Ishigami, the gloomy, sarcastic and pessimistic best friend of Miyuki, whose antics and perverted comments bring a lot of comedy into the series; Kei Shirogane, Miyuki’s sister, and… that’s all.
There is Miko Iino, but she only appears prominently during the second season, so I will not stop there. When I feel confident enough, I will talk about Miko in more depth. However, here is a small gallery of her.
Like I said, every character is as beautiful and memorable as Kaguya and Miyuki. And that is because some of the sketches of Kaguya-sama offers enough space to all of them. So every time you watch and episode, you will know a lot of them and love them as much as with Miyuki and Kaguya.
CONCLUSION
Kaguya-Sama: Love is War is…
CHIKA FUJIWARA
OF COURSE… How could I ever forget about Chika?
Kaguya and Miyuki are the main characters, but Chika is definitely the best character of all Kaguya-Sama.
In the series, she is the secretary of the student council, but she is completely unaware of the psychological battles that Miyuki and Kaguya face against each other for their confessions; aside from that, she is very cheerful, absent-minded, and so full of energy it is just contagious. And her appearance is gorgeous. The pink hair, the blue eyes, and that adorable ribbon.
I must confess that, when Kaguya-sama was released, the first thing… No. The one that introduced me to the franchise was Chika. Obviously, by watching this.
But just when you thought you know Chika, then she reveals that she knows French, she is an accomplished pianist, a talented singer and a good volleyball coach. Chika has this unique balance between silliness and skill I doubt many anime characters, or Western cartoons, have. And of course that means a lot of merit.
Also, her voice is incredible. She hears so innocent, but at the same time, so confident, young and brave. No wonder why Chika’s seiyuu, Konomi Kohara, has many roles, including Roxy Migurdia, from Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation.
And more, recently, Mona Megistus, from Genshin Impact.
And there you go. That’s Kaguya-sama: Love is War for you. Season one of course. One of the best anime of 2010s and one of the best romantic comedy anime. Get into Crunchyroll and see it by yourself.
And since you cannot have enough Chika, here are other stills of her.
Jainituos Presents 