86 (novel series)
| 86 | |
 Light novel volume 1 cover, featuring Shinei Nouzen (left) and Vladilena Milizé (right) | |
| 86-エイティシックス- (Eiti Shikkusu) | |
|---|---|
| Genre | |
| Light novel | |
| Written by | Asato Asato |
| Illustrated by | Shirabii |
| Published by | ASCII Media Works |
| English publisher | |
| Imprint | Dengeki Bunko |
| Demographic | Male |
| Original run | February 10, 2017 – present |
| Volumes | 10 |
| Manga | |
| Written by | Asato Asato |
| Illustrated by | Motoki Yoshihara |
| Published by | Square Enix |
| English publisher | |
| Magazine | Young Gangan |
| Demographic | Seinen |
| Original run | October 10, 2018 – present |
| Volumes | 3 |
| Manga | |
| 86: Operation High School | |
| Written by | Asato Asato |
| Illustrated by | Suzume Somemiya |
| Published by | Media Factory |
| Magazine | Monthly Comic Alive |
| Demographic | Seinen |
| Original run | June 27, 2020 – August 27, 2021 |
| Volumes | 1 |
| Manga | |
| 86: Run Through the Battlefront | |
| Written by | Asato Asato |
| Illustrated by | Hiroya Yamazaki |
| Published by | Square Enix |
| Magazine | Manga UP! |
| Demographic | Seinen |
| Original run | January 24, 2021 – present |
| Volumes | 1 |
| Anime television series | |
| Directed by | Toshimasa Ishii |
| Produced by | Nobuhiro Nakayama |
| Written by | Toshiya Ōno |
| Music by |
|
| Studio | A-1 Pictures |
| Licensed by | Crunchyroll |
| Original network | Tokyo MX, BS11, GYT, GTV, ytv, CTV |
| Original run | April 11, 2021 – present |
| Episodes | 11 |
| Manga | |
| 86: Fragmental Neoteny | |
| Written by | Asato Asato |
| Illustrated by | Shinjo Takuya |
| Published by | Media Factory |
| Magazine | Monthly Comic Alive |
| Demographic | Seinen |
| Original run | April 26, 2021 – present |
86 -Eighty Six- (Japanese: 86-エイティシックス-, Hepburn: Eiti Shikkusu) is a Japanese science fiction light novel series written by Asato Asato and illustrated by Shirabii. It began publication by ASCII Media Works under their Dengeki Bunko imprint in February 2017. The series is licensed in North America by Yen Press.
A manga adaptation illustrated by Motoki Yoshihara has been serialized in Square Enix's seinen manga magazine Young Gangan since 2018, with two spin-off manga series, titled 86: Operation High School by Suzume Somemiya and 86: Fragmental Neoteny, being serialized in Media Factory's seinen manga magazine Monthly Comic Alive since June 27, 2020 and April 26, 2021 respectively. An anime television series adaptation by A-1 Pictures premiered in April 2021.
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, all of whom are "86"—the designation given to the Colorata minority of San Magnolia. The 86 originally had equal rights, but were persecuted and scapegoated by the dominant Alba race and the Alba-supremacist Republic government to the point where Colorata were both officially designated and popularly considered subhuman. The 86 were not permitted to have personal names and were immured in internment camps in the 86th District (their namesake); all the while being forced to fight in the Republic's war with the Empire to receive better treatment.
Major Vladilena "Lena" Milizé, an Alba noble and military officer in the San Magnolian military, is an outspoken activist against the grave mistreatment of the nation's Colorata minority, and the willful deception of the Republic government to the general public. She is assigned as the Handler of the Spearhead Squadron of the Eastern Front: an elite unit composed entirely of 86 veterans who have earned names. Led by their squad leader, Shinei "The Undertaker" Nouzen, the Spearhead Squadron is infamous among military officials. Its notoriety stems from the state in which its commanding officers are left: Handlers presiding over the squad have descended into insanity and some have gone as far as committing suicide. Lena, an avowed 86 sympathizer, gets to know the Spearhead Squadron in her time as head of the contingent. At same time, Lena and Shinei learn a dark secret: the Republic and the war with the Empire are not what they seem.
Characters[]
- Shinei Nouzen (シンエイ・ノウゼン, Shin'ei Nouzen)
- Voiced by: Shōya Chiba[4] (Japanese); Billy Kametz,[5] Tiana Camacho[6] (young) (English)
- The leader of the 86 "Spearhead" squadron who has fought in and survived countless battles despite only being 16 years old. Nicknamed "Undertaker" for his habit of keeping a box full of makeshift dogtags crafted out of a small piece of each dead comrade's Juggernaut, which he plans to bury when the war is over. Shin is known for his ruthlessness against both enemies and allies. It's rumored that previous Handlers who have dealt with him have gone insane and left the unit, retired, or even committed suicide for unknown reasons.
- Vladilena "Lena" Milizé (ヴラディレーナ・ミリーゼ, Vuradirēna Milīze)
- Voiced by: Ikumi Hasegawa[4] (Japanese); Suzie Yeung[5] (English)
- An officer in the San Magnolian military who got promoted to Major at just 16 years old, thanks to a mixture of her skills and family connections. Lena has a habit of treating her 86 subordinates like people, unlike her other Handlers who treat the 86 members as disposable objects. Lena is the newly-assigned Handler to the Republic's "Spearhead" squadron.
- Raiden Shuga (ライデン・シュガ, Raiden Shuga)
- Voiced by: Seiichirō Yamashita[7] (Japanese); Jonah Scott[5] (English)
- The Executive Officer and vice-captain of the Spearhead Squadron, callsign "Wehrwolf." A friend of Shin before they joined the same squad.
- Theoto Rikka (セオト・リッカ, Seoto Rikka)
- Voiced by: Natsumi Fujiwara[7] (Japanese); Casey Mongillo[5] (English)
- Known by his nickname Theo, or his callsign of "Laughing Fox" taken after a former Alba commander who sacrificed himself to save Theo's unit. Theo is often blunt and sarcastic when dealing with others, especially the Handler Lena after seeing a close friend and comrade die. Theo keeps a sketchbook that he draws in on his spare time, and designed several of the squadron's personal marks on their Juggernauts.
- Anju Emma (アンジュ・エマ, Anju Ema)
- Voiced by: Saori Hayami[7] (Japanese); Maureen Price[5] (English)
- Callsign "Snow Witch" who was beaten and abused even among other 86 members for being a mixed race child. Anju grew her hair out to hide the scars on her back.
- Kurena Kukumila (クレナ・ククミラ, Kurena Kukumira)
- Voiced by: Sayumi Suzushiro[7] (Japanese); Erica Mendez[5] (English)
- Callsign "Gunslinger," her parents were murdered by Alba soldiers in the past and her sister was conscripted into another 86 unit, never to be seen again. As a result, she has hatred against all Albas, especially Lena who she has major dislike not only due to Lena's race but also the latter's close relationship with Shin who Kurena has feelings for.
- Kaie Taniya (カイエ・タニヤ, Kaie Taniya)
- Voiced by: Haruka Shiraishi[7] (Japanese); Jenny Yokobori[8] (English)
- Callsign "Kirschblute," Kaie is one of the oldest active members of the Spearhead squadron, who enjoys teasing her fellow teammates. She was killed in battle after her Juggernaut was trapped in soft terrain and then destroyed by enemy fire.
- Daiya Irma (ダイヤ・イルマ, Daiya Iruma)
- Voiced by: Haruki Ishiya[7] (Japanese); Alejandro Saab[5] (English)
- Callsign "Black Dog," a friend of Anju who alternates between showing compassion and awkwardness.
- Haruto Keats (ハルト・キーツ, Haruto Kītsu)
- Voiced by: Daiki Yamashita[7]
- Callsign "Falke."
- Kujo Niko (クジョー・ニコ, Kujō Niko)
- Voiced by: Taishi Murata[7] (Japanese); Mark Allen, Jr.[9] (English)
- One of the Spearhead Squadron members who is mercy-killed by Shinei after an early battle leaves him crippled and bleeding out.
- Rui Kino (ルイ・キノ, Rui Kino)
- Voiced by: Shinei Ueki[7] (Japanese); Kevin Thelwell[10] (English)
- Chise Osen (チセ・オーセン, Chise Ōsen)
- Voiced by: Masamu Ono[7] (Japanese); Kevin Thelwell[10] (English)
- Toma Sobi (トーマ・ソービ, Tōma Sōbi)
- Voiced by: Katsumi Fukuhara[7]
- Tozan Sasha (トウザン・サシャ, Touzan Sasha)
- Voiced by: Taito Ban[7]
- Lecca Rin (レッカ・リン, Rekka Rin)
- Voiced by: Shizuka Ishigami[7] (Japanese); Kristen McGuire[11] (English)
- Mikuri Kairo (ミクリ・カイロゥ, Mikuri Kairou)
- Voiced by: Yuka Nukui[7] (Japanese); Tiana Camacho[6] (English)
- Maina Atomika (マイナ・ヤトミカ, Maina Yatomika)
- Voiced by: Mayuko Kazama[7] (Japanese); Emi Lo[12] (English)
- Henrietta "Annette" Penrose (アンリエッタ・ペンローズ, Anrietta Penrōzu)
- Voiced by: Riho Sugiyama[7] (Japanese); Morgan Garrett[13] (English)
- One of Lena's few friends in the San Magnolia military who works in their Research Division, specializing in the "Para-RAID" device that allows Handlers to instantly connect with the 86er combatants under their command. The device was partially created by her late father.
- Jérôme Karlstahl (ジェローム・カールシュタール, Jerōmu Kārushutāru)
- Voiced by: Satoshi Mikami[7]
- A Colonel in the San Magnolia military and a friend of Lena's father. He is aware of the situation with the 86ers but continues to treat them like objects.
- Lev Aldrecht (レフ・アルドレヒト, Refu Arudorehito)
- Voiced by: Taiten Kusunoki[7] (Japanese); Imari Williams[14] (English)
- Frederica Rosenfort (フレデリカ・ローゼンフォルト, Furederika Rōzenforuto)
- Voiced by: Misaki Kuno[15]
- Ernst Zimmerman (エルンスト・ツィマーマン, Erunsuto Tsimāman)
- Voiced by: Yūya Uchida[15]
- Shiden Iida (シデン・イーダ, Shiden Īda)
- Voiced by: Asuna Tomari[15]
Media[]
Light novels[]
The light novel is written by Asato Asato and is illustrated by Shirabii, with mechanical design by I-IV. ASCII Media Works has published ten volumes since February 2017 under their Dengeki Bunko imprint. The light novels are licensed in North America by Yen Press, which has published eight volumes of the series.[16] The English version was translated by Roman Lempert.[17]
| No. | Title | Original release date | English release date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eighty-Six Eiti Shikkusu (エイティシックス) | February 10, 2017[18] 978-4-04-892666-9 | March 26, 2019[19] 978-1-9753-0312-9 |
| 2 | Run Through the Battlefront (Start) Ran Surū Za Batorufuronto〈Jō〉 (ラン・スルー・ザ・バトルフロント 〈上〉) | July 7, 2017[20] 978-4-04-893232-5 | July 23, 2019[21] 978-1-9753-0314-3 |
| 3 | Run Through the Battlefront (Finish) Ran Surū Za Batorufuronto〈Ge〉 (ラン・スルー・ザ・バトルフロント 〈下〉) | December 9, 2017[22] 978-4-04-893397-1 | November 19, 2019[23] 978-1-9753-0311-2 |
| 4 | Under Pressure Andā Puresshā (アンダー・プレッシャー) | May 10, 2018[24] 978-4-04-893830-3 | March 31, 2020[25] 978-1-9753-0316-7 |
| 5 | Death, Be Not Proud Shiyo, Ogoru nakare (死よ、驕るなかれ) | October 10, 2018[26] 978-4-04-912092-9 | August 18, 2020[27] 978-1-9753-9925-2 |
| 6 | Darkest Before the Dawn Akeneba Koso Yoru wa Nagaku (明けねばこそ夜は永く) | April 10, 2019[28] 978-4-04-912461-3 | November 17, 2020[29] 978-1-9753-1451-4 |
| 7 | Mist Misuto (ミスト) | September 10, 2019[30] 978-4-04-912798-0 | March 30, 2021[31] 978-1-9753-2074-4 |
| 8 | Gun Smoke On the Water Gansumōku On Za Wōtā (ガンスモーク・オン・ザ・ウォーター) | May 9, 2020[32] 978-4-04-913185-7 | August 24, 2021[33] 978-1-9753-2076-8 |
| 9 | Valkyrie Has Landed Vuarukiryi Hazu Randeddo (ヴァルキリィ・ハズ・ランデッド) | February 10, 2021[34] 978-4-04-913309-7 | January 18, 2022[35] 978-1-9753-3999-9 |
| 10 | Fragmental Neoteny Furagumentaru Neotenī (フラグメンタル・ネオテニー) | June 10, 2021[36] 978-4-04-913880-1 | — |
Manga[]
A manga adaptation by Motoki Yoshihara has been serialized in Square Enix's seinen manga magazine Young Gangan since 2018. It has been collected in three tankōbon volumes. The manga adaptation is also licensed in North America by Yen Press.[37]
| No. | Original release date | Original ISBN | English release date | English ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | October 10, 2018[38] | 978-4-7575-5870-0 | December 15, 2020[39] | 978-1-9753-1917-5 |
| 2 | September 10, 2019[40] | 978-4-7575-6278-3 | March 30, 2021[41] | 978-1-9753-1925-0 |
| 3 | June 10, 2021[42] | 978-4-7575-7307-9 | — | — |
A spin-off manga series titled 86: Operation High School by Suzume Somemiya was serialized in Media Factory's seinen manga magazine Monthly Comic Alive from June 27, 2020 to August 27, 2021.[16][43][44]
| No. | Japanese release date | Japanese ISBN |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | January 21, 2021[45] | 978-4-04-680006-0 |
| 2 | September 22, 2021[46] | 978-4-04-680538-6 |
A third manga titled 86: Run Through the Battlefront by Hiroya Yamazaki began serialization in Square Enix's Manga UP! app on January 24, 2021.
| No. | Japanese release date | Japanese ISBN |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | June 10, 2021[47] | 978-4-7575-7308-6 |
A prequel manga series titled 86: Fragmental Neoteny began serialization in Monthly Comic Alive on April 26, 2021.[48]
| No. | Japanese release date | Japanese ISBN |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 22, 2021[49] | 978-4-04-680903-2 |
Anime[]
An anime television series adaptation was announced in a livestream commemorating the first anniversary of Kadokawa's "Kimirano" light novel website on March 15, 2020.[16] It is produced by A-1 Pictures and directed by Toshimasa Ishii, with Toshiya Ōno writing the scripts, Tetsuya Kawakami designing the characters, and Hiroyuki Sawano and Kohta Yamamoto composing the music. The CG will be developed by Shirogumi. The series was originally scheduled to air in 2020, but it was indefinitely delayed.[4] The series is a split-cour anime, with the first half airing on Tokyo MX and other stations from April 11 to June 20, 2021.[50][51][a] On March 28, 2021, Tokyo MX broadcast a special program commemorating the start of the series starring main cast Shōya Chiba and Ikumi Hasegawa, producer Nobuhiro Nakayama and music composer Hiroyuki Sawano.[52] The second half will premiere on October 3, 2021.[53] Crunchyroll licensed the series outside of Asia for an English simulcast and simuldub.[54][5] Muse Communication licensed the series in Southeast Asia and is streaming it on iQIYI and Bilibili.[55] The first opening theme is "3-bun 29-byō" (lit. 3 minutes 29 seconds) by Hitorie, while the first ending theme is "Avid" by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:mizuki.[7] The second opening theme is "Kyōkaisen" (lit. Boundary Line) by Amazarashi, while the second ending theme is "Alchemila" by Regal Lily.[15]
| No. | Title [b] | Directed by | Written by | Storyboarded by | Original air date [57] | Ref. | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | ||||||||||||
| 1 | "Undertaker" Transcription: "Andāteikā" (Japanese: アンダーテイカー) | Toshimasa Ishii | Toshiya Ōno | Toshimasa Ishii | April 11, 2021 | [58] | ||||||
| The Republic of San Magnolia has been at war with the Empire of Giad for years. However, thanks to both sides using unmanned drones to fight, the Republic boasts that they are fighting an ethical war since no humans are actually being killed. However, in reality, the Republic's Juggernauts are actually secretly being piloted by humans called 86s, from the Republic's unofficial 86th District. Major Vladilena "Lena" Milizé is a Handler, an officer in charge of commanding 86s in battle, though she has a reputation for treating the 86s as humans. One day, Lena is suddenly appointed to be the Handler for the prestigious Spearhead squadron, made up of the most elite 86 pilots. However, the unit's leader, Shinei "Shin" Nouzen, known as the Undertaker, has a reputation for destroying Handlers, as every Handler that has attempted to command him has either requested transfer, retired or even committed suicide. Meanwhile, on the frontlines, the pilots of Spearhead live life as best they can, while taking personal glee at tormenting every Handler sent to them. However, during one battle, one of them is mortally wounded, and Shin lives up to his name by mercy killing him. Later that night, Lena contacts Spearhead and introduces herself to them. | ||||||||||||
| 2 | "Spearhead" Transcription: "Supiaheddo" (Japanese: スピアヘッド) | Kuniyasu Nishina | Toshiya Ōno | Toshimasa Ishii | April 18, 2021 | [59] | ||||||
| One week after Lena assumes command of Spearhead, one of the Empire's Legions sends an attack wave towards Spearhead's position, forcing them to mobilize and counterattack. Lena witnesses Shin's battle prowess as he single handedly destroys the Legion's most powerful units. Afterwards, Lena attends a history class for Handler recruits where the teacher explains that since it is believed the Empire was wiped out by their own Legions, and the Legions have a set lifetime, it is predicted that the war will end within two years when the Legions automatically shut down. Lena then takes control of the lecture and reveals to the students that during the war, the Republic revoked all citizenship and human rights of the nation's non-Alba population (people who do not have silver hair and eyes) and forced them to pilot their Juggernauts. Since 86s are no longer considered "human", their losses are no longer considered as fatalities. Lena stresses to the students that 86s are human and should be treated as such. While this angers the government monitors, Lena is confident her uncle can protect her. When speaking with her friend Annette, Lena says she has a positive impression of Shin despite his reputation. That night, Lena continues her daily conversations with Spearhead, and the unit begins warming up to her, especially Shin, who is briefly seen smiling for the first time. | ||||||||||||
| 3 | "I Don't Want to Die" Transcription: "Shinitakunai" (Japanese: 死にたくない) | Ryō Andō | Toshiya Ōno | Ryō Andō | April 25, 2021 | [60] | ||||||
| Lena continues her conversations with Spearhead, though some of the members have mixed opinions of her. Kureha has a deep resentment, due to the fact that she is jealous at how close Lena seems to be with Shin, as well as her anger at Alba in general due to her parents having been executed by them. Kaie, meanwhile, has become fascinated with Lena, having learned that not all 86 are good and not all Alba are bad. Meanwhile, Lena works to secure a more accurate map of the battlefield to assist Spearhead. Kaie then asks Lena why she cares so much about 86s and Spearhead, and Lena reveals that while she was on the battlefield, her life was saved by an 86 pilot which made her realize that they are all human. However, Kaie warns Lena not to get too attached to them and recommends she transfer out, otherwise her idealism will come back to haunt her. In the next battle, Lena uses her new maps to help Spearhead set up in superior positions. However, despite the battle being a success, Kaie is apparently killed when her Juggernaut gets bogged down in a marsh and destroyed by an enemy unit. Lena apologizes to Spearhead for Kaie's death and blames herself for not spotting the marsh sooner. This causes one of the pilots, Theoto, to go off on a rant against Lena accusing her of merely pretending to care about 86s while she stays safe in luxury behind the frontlines and is ignorant of how they truly feel about their situation, and finally points out how Lena hasn't bothered to learn any of their real names, instead referring to them only by callsign. Upon hearing all this, Lena begins to suffer an emotional breakdown. | ||||||||||||
| 4 | "Real Name" Transcription: "Hontō no Namae o" (Japanese: 本当の名前を) | Ryō Andō | Toshiya Ōno | Ayako Kōno | May 2, 2021 | [61] | ||||||
| Theoto is chastised by the rest of Spearhead for his rant. Even though they don't disagree with what he has said, they do find issue with how he said it, and they're now convinced Lena will transfer out. Meanwhile, Lena is left to reflect on idealism, especially after talking with her uncle and Annette and realizing how she is still subconsciously prejudiced against the 86s. She privately calls Shin to apologize with how she's acted, and asks him to give her the real names of the Spearhead members. Shin further explains that in his original unit, it was a custom for the longest surviving member to preserve the names and memories of the members killed in action, so they will not be forgotten. Shin has carried this responsibility with him to Spearhead, and has collected 561 names to date. Shin then connects Lena to the rest of Spearhead, where she apologizes to them for making assumptions about them and asks them to tell her their real names, and tells them her name in return. While Spearhead ultimately accepts Lena's apology and accepts her as their Handler, they remind Lena that as long as she commands them while safe behind the Republic's walls, they will never view her as a true equal to them. Later that night, Lena calls Shin again, realizing that he never told her his name. When Shin tells Lena his name, she then asks if he knows a man named Shourei Nouzen, and Shin reveals that Shourei is his brother. | ||||||||||||
| 5 | "I'm With You" Transcription: "Watashi mo Issho ni" (Japanese: 私も一緒に) | Satsuki Takahashi | Kurasumi Sunayama | Satsuki Takahashi | May 9, 2021 | [62] | ||||||
| Lena tells Shin how Shourei saved her life in a Legion ambush that killed her father, and how he was kind and compassionate and wanted nothing more than to go back home to see Shin again. She also learns that the Nouzen family immigrated to the Republic from the Empire before the war, and possibly lived in the capital of District 1. Just then, Shin warns Lena of a Legion offensive, despite the fact that she hasn't received any notifications from command. Shin also warns Lena to cut her Para-RAID link with him due to the presence of "Black Sheep" in the Legion, but Lena insists on staying connected. However, during the battle, Lena begins to hear voices of people in distress, including Kaie's last words, and goes into shock. Though traumatized by the experience, Lena works up the courage to contact Shin again, and he explains due to a near death experience, he can hear the "voices of the dead" from the Legions, which is how he can predict their movements. Furthermore, the Legions' programming is based on how a human brain works. Because of this, the Legions have been able to copy the brains of the people they have killed on the battlefield, imprinting their victims' last thoughts into their programming and creating "Black Sheep" and "Shepherd" models that have far superior performance and intelligence. The Legion is in fact far larger and more intelligent than the Republic realizes, and has already evolved a method to exceed their original lifespans, meaning the Republic's defeat is inevitable. Hearing all this, Lena resolves to work with Shin to destroy the Legion "Shepherd" commanders within one year to end the war for good. Later that night, it is revealed that Shin bears a scar on his neck from a time where Shourei attempted to strangle him. | ||||||||||||
| 6 | "Through to the End" Transcription: "Saigo Made" (Japanese: 最後まで) | Kuniyasu Nishina | Toshiya Ōno | Kuniyasu Nishina | May 16, 2021 | [63] | ||||||
| Four years in the past, a young Shin searches through an old battlefield before finding Shourei's headless corpse. In the present the Legion begins rapidly evolving its tactics to counter Spearhead's ambushes, and Spearhead suffers two casualties, Daiya and Lecca, in their latest battle. Shin is forced to mercy kill Daiya to prevent the Legion from harvesting his brain. It's revealed that Shin is focused on finding Shourei's missing head, and that Shourei attempted to strangle him in the past in a fit of rage, blaming him for the deaths of their parents. Lena celebrates her birthday with Annette and asks her what would happen to anybody with an abnormal reaction to Para-RAID, and Annette explains that an 86 would be dissected for study while a Handler would undergo an examination before being transferred. She then petitions her uncle to provide additional military support to Spearhead and replacements for their losses, but he refuses, instead ordering her and Spearhead to attack a Legion base under construction. Shin agrees to carry out the mission, knowing it is likely a trap. Lena tells Shin more about her memories of Shourei, and quickly comes to realize that she has feelings for Shin. | ||||||||||||
| 7 | "Will You Remember Me?" Transcription: "Wasurenai de Itekuremasu ka?" (Japanese: 忘れないでいてくれますか？) | Tomohiko Itō | Chiaki Nagai | Tomohiko Itō | May 23, 2021 | [64] | ||||||
| With the Revolution Festival coming soon, Lena arranges to have a crate of fireworks smuggled to Spearhead. She also continues to advocate for supplies and reinforcements to be sent to Spearhead, and her uncle finally appears to agree. As a new supply shipment is sent to Spearhead, Anju and Kurena privately talk about Daiya's death and how it has affected Anju, and also wonder if they should tell Lena about Spearhead's secret, which even Shin and Raiden do not have the heart to tell her. During the Festival, Lena is forced to attend a party while Spearhead celebrates with the smuggled fireworks. Later, Spearhead prepares for their planned attack on the Legion base, but they are suddenly ambushed by ultra long range artillery fire that inflicts heavy losses, forcing Spearhead to retreat and leaving only a handful of Spearhead members alive. As Lena promises to secure more reinforcements, Shin decides to tell her the truth about Spearhead; it is a suicide unit meant to kill off every 86 who reaches near the end of their term to ensure they can never return to the Republic. Spearhead will only be replenished when every current member is dead. Lena then asks why they still fight if their death is certain, and Raiden explains they all want to keep their pride by going down fighting rather than simply accepting death. Meanwhile, in another sector, a new type of Legion unit completely obliterates a Juggernaut squadron. | ||||||||||||
| 8 | "Let's Go" Transcription: "Ikō" (Japanese: 行こう) | Takashi Yasui | Kurasumi Sunayama | Jong Heo | May 30, 2021 | [65] | ||||||
| After retreating back to base, Shin reveals to Raiden that he heard Shourei's voice among the Legion, and he is eager to confront him one final time. Meanwhile, Lena studies Spearhead's history and discovers that numerous previous iterations of the unit had been sent on "special reconnaissance missions" to guarantee their destruction. She goes to Annette to ask for help, which only makes Annette furious as Lena's idealism only reminds her of how she allowed her neighbors, who were friends and 86s, to be taken away by the government. She reveals that their para-RAID technology was developed by performing human experimentation on 86s, and her own father committed suicide from the guilt. Lena and Annette have a falling out and Lena goes to her uncle next to protest Spearhead's upcoming "special reconnaissance mission". However, he explains that the complete extermination of the 86s is necessary, because if the truth of their treatment were ever to get out, the Republic would immediately become a pariah state among foreign nations. Unable to do anything, Lena can only bid Shin farewell. Shin informs Lena that once he destroys Shourei, who is now a Shepherd, that will cause enough confusion among the Legion that she will have a chance to escape the country. On the day of the mission, the last remaining members of Spearhead: Shin, Raiden, Theoto, Kurena, and Anju, clean out their base and head out. Meanwhile, Shourei moves out to intercept them, eager to assimilate Shin into the Legion in a warped desire to protect him. | ||||||||||||
| 9 | "Goodbye" Transcription: "Sayonara" (Japanese: さよなら) | Ryūta Kawahara | Chiaki Nagai | Kengo Matsumoto Tomohiko Itō | June 6, 2021 | [66] | ||||||
| While Spearhead engages the main Legion forces, Shin heads directly for Shourei to battle him one on one. However, Shourei's Shepherd unit proves to be too well armored and advanced for Shin to take on alone, and he is knocked unconscious when his Juggernaut is hit. Meanwhile, Lena approaches Annette again, revealing that she has figured out that Shin and Shourei were the neighbors Annette abandoned. Feeling guilty, Annette agrees to hack the Republic's artillery system to give Lena control of it, and she provides much needed artillery support, destroying the Legion forces and disabling Shourei long enough for Shin to regain consciousness and destroy him. Regaining his sanity, Shourei apologizes to Shin before his machine explodes. With Shourei and the Legion forces in the area destroyed, Spearhead decides to continue pressing forward beyond the Republic's borders to find their freedom. Realizing Spearhead are leaving without her, Lena has no choice but to watch as Spearhead travels out of range of the Para-RAID system and disappear. | ||||||||||||
| 10 | "Thank You" Transcription: "Arigatō" (Japanese: ありがとう) | Satsuki Takahashi | Toshiya Ōno | Hirotaka Mori | June 13, 2021 | [67] | ||||||
| Now free from the Republic's control, Spearhead travel deeper into old Empire territory, avoiding Legion patrols until reach a river their Juggernauts cannot cross alone. With their progress stopped, Spearhead are able to take the opportunity to rest and relax and explore a nearby abandoned Imperial town, and they note that Shin seems far more relaxed and easygoing now that he has set Shourei free and been able to confide with Lena about his troubles. The next day, Shin returns to the town to confront a damaged Black Sheep that he was able to hear, and mercy kills it by destroying its core. Afterwards, he tells the rest of Spearhead that he intends to find a foreign nation the Legion hasn't been able to conquer where they can live in peace. Two weeks later, Spearhead's robot companion Fido recalls its memories of being found by Shin and living with Spearhead before it is destroyed in an explosion. | ||||||||||||
| 11 | "Here We Go" Transcription: "Iku yo" (Japanese: 行くよ) | Ryō Andō | Kurasumi Sunayama | Ryō Andō | June 20, 2021 | [68] | ||||||
| After a skirmish with the Legion, all but one of Spearhead's Juggernauts are disabled and Fido too crippled to move, forcing Spearhead to leave it behind. In addition, most of their supplies were destroyed, leaving them with limited prospects of traveling any further. With no choice, Spearhead continue on to another abandoned Imperial town, where they spend the night in a school and briefly roleplay being students again. The next day, Shin take the last remaining Juggernaut to intercept the Legion, intending to use himself as a decoy for the rest of Spearhead to escape. However, Shin's friends follow him into battle, and all of them are seemingly killed while Shin hears the voice of another Shepherd. Meanwhile, Lena arrives at Spearhead's base as the replacement Spearhead is transferred in. She explores the base and finds a note left behind by Spearhead expressing their final farewells to her, as well as a request to adopt the kitten they had been keeping as a pet. Inspired by Spearhead's words, Lena resolves to keep fighting and moving forward. Elsewhere, Shin appears to have a dying dream of being reunited with Shourei in the afterlife, leaving his headless body behind. | ||||||||||||
| Special | "The Poppies Bloom Red on the Battlefield" Transcription: "Sen'ya ni Akaku Hinageshi no Saku" (Japanese: 戦野に紅く雛罌粟の咲く) | N/A | N/A | N/A | June 27, 2021 | [69] | ||||||
| Recap of the first eleven episodes. | ||||||||||||
| Part 2 | ||||||||||||
| 12 | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA | October 3, 2021 | TBA | ||||||
Reception[]
The light novel won the Grand Prize at the 23rd Dengeki Novel Prize award in 2016.[4] The light novel also ranked second in 2018 in Takarajimasha's annual light novel guide book Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi!, in the bunkobon category.[70] It ranked fifth in 2019.[71]
Notes[]
- ^ The series premiered on April 10, 2021 at 24:00 (effectively, April 11 at 12:00 a.m. JST).
- ^ All English titles are taken from Crunchyroll.[56]
References[]
- ^ Morrissy, Kim (June 6, 2018). "The Best Light Novels Not Yet In English". Anime News Network. Retrieved December 29, 2020.
Special mention must go to the creative mecha designs, which are based on spiders and other multi-legged creatures.
- ^ Martin, Theron (April 19, 2019). "Review". Anime News Network. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
This novel is probably going to be most commonly classified as a military science fiction story, but it should be considered at least as much a horror story.
- ^ St. Sauver, Olive (September 25, 2020). "REVIEW: '86 – Eighty-Six,' Volume 5: Death, Be Not Proud". butwhythopodcast.com. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
The moments of awkward romance feel less forced and more of a comedic reminder that these characters are still teens, they just have never been allowed to imagine a life for themselves outside war.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d Hodgkins, Crystalyn (March 22, 2020). "'86' Sci-Fi Battle Anime Reveals Cast, Staff, 2020 Premiere". Anime News Network. Retrieved March 22, 2020.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h Luster, Joseph (May 26, 2021). "Crunchyroll Reveals Spring 2021 Anime Dub Cast Lists, Launch Dates". Crunchyroll. Retrieved May 26, 2021.
- ^ Jump up to: a b Camacho, Tiana [@TianaCamachoVO] (August 1, 2021). "OH WOW I completely forgot to announce that I'm in the English dub of 86 EIGHTY SIX as Mikuri and Young Shin!! Check it out on Crunchyroll!!" (Tweet). Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Hodgkins, Crystalyn (March 6, 2021). "'86' Sci-Fi Anime Reveals April 10 Debut, Promo Video, 18 More Cast Members, New Visual, Theme Song Artists". Anime News Network. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
- ^ Yokobori, Jenny [@JennyYokobori] (June 19, 2021). "Honored to be a part of the dub cast of "86 - Eighty Six". I'm the English voice of Kaie Teniya! Thank you so much to @BangZoom, @mummynyan, @Crunchyroll, and @Warmupguy for letting me be a part of this wonderful show Two hearts you can watch the first dubbed episode on Crunchyroll, now!" (Tweet). Retrieved June 19, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ Allen, Jr., Mark [@MarkAllenJr] (June 19, 2021). "Excited to say that you can hear me in 86 EIGHTY-SIX as Kujo Nico, as well as several other faces around the world! Big thanks to @Warmupguy for his direction, & to @mummynyan for bringing me on! Check out the show's dub on @Crunchyroll now!" (Tweet). Retrieved June 19, 2021 – via Twitter.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
- ^ Jump up to: a b Thelwell, Kevin [@KevinDThelwell] (June 19, 2021). "It's Saturday! The 1st English ep of 86 EIGHTY-SIX dropped on @Crunchyroll. You can hear as the voice of Kino and Chise. Thanks a bunch to @mummynyan and @Warmupguy for the pleasure!" (Tweet). Retrieved July 12, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ McGuire, Kristen [@KrisComics] (June 19, 2021). "I'm thrilled to playing Lecca in the English dub of 86! Thank you so much @mummynyan, @BangZoom and @Warmupguy for having me! You can watch the first dubbed episode on @Crunchyroll ! #エイティシックスー #86anime" (Tweet). Retrieved June 19, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ Lo, Emi [@KitsuneSqueak] (July 3, 2021). "You can hear me as Myna Yatomika in 86 EIGHTY-SIX on @Crunchyroll! Thanks a bunch to @mummynyan and @BangZoom for having me, at last well as wonderful director @Warmupguy !!" (Tweet). Retrieved July 12, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ Garrett, Morgan [@morganlaure] (July 16, 2021). "A little late, but The 86 is out on Crunchyroll! You can catch me as (surprise) wry best friend to @SuzieYeung, Annette (short for Henrietta von Penrose