86: Eighty Six “Undertaker” Review
86: Eighty Six “Undertaker” is the first episode of the anime 86: Eighty Six. Originally a light novel and then manga series. 86 was first published by ASCII Media Works in Japan and Yen Press in the west. The anime series being adapted by A-1 Pictures.
The show was originally published in 2017 but is still beloved by many fans, who continue to support the work even years after it’s original run.
Plot
The Republic of San Magnolia has been at war with the Empire of Giad for nine years. Though it initially suffered devastating losses to the Empire’s autonomous mechanized Legions. The Republic has since developed its own autonomous units. Called Juggernauts. Which are directed remotely by a Handler. While on the surface the public believes the war is being fought between machines. In reality. The Juggernauts are being piloted by humans and all of them are 86s. The designation given to the Colorata minority of San Magnolia. Who originally had equal rights as the dominant Alba race but were persecuted and scapegoated by the racist-led Alba government. To the point the Colorata were considered not human. Not allowed to have names and forced to live in internment camps in the 86th Ward. While being forced to fight in the Republic’s war with the Empire to get betterment.
Major Vladilena “Lena” Mirizé is an Alba noble and military officer in the Republic’s Military who is assigned as a Handler of the Spearhead squadron of the eastern front. An elite unit composed entirely of 86s veterans who have earned names. Led by their squad leader. Shinei “The Undertaker” Nōzen. Spearhead squadron are infamous due to many Handlers who have commanded the squad having gone insane and some even committed suicide. As Lena gets to know Shinei and the rest of the Spearhead squadron. She becomes sympathetic to his people’s plight and tries to help them. At same time. Lena and Shinei learn a dark secret: the Republic and the war with the Empire is not what it seems.
Plot
This episode deals directly with introducing our main characters Lena and Shinei. The war is raging on around them but even Lena can tell something is wrong. Her adaptability and compassion for others being her greatest strength. Though it’s established very early on that the leader of the military is her uncle. More than likely there’s some favouritism going on. Who cares when you’re winning right? What shocked me was the carefree acceptance people had to others dying in war but it became clear that it’s because they didn’t know those people were alive. Lena fascinates me from the get go. She clearly knows something is up but maybe not what. Regarding everyone with suspicion and annoyance at their clear lack of respect. The whole time I was thinking “does she know?” Because surely if you knew it would affect you. So I was never 100% sure if she knew the secret or not and was just playing dumb.
Honestly this episode has gotten me hooked on this anime. I wanna see more. There are so many questions unanswered. And I know, I could answer them if I just read the book but I don’t want to. I’ll definitely be reading it when the anime is over though!
