86 Eighty-Six

“86 EIGHTY-SIX” is a dystopian military science fiction anime that takes place in a world divided between two societies: the Republic of San Magnolia and the autonomous region known as the “Eighty-Six Sector.” This anime follows the story of the Republic’s elite combat unit, Spearhead Squadron, composed entirely of “Eighty-Sixers,” a group of individuals marginalized and discriminated against by the Republic’s citizens.

The story begins with the introduction of Shin, a young lieutenant who serves as the handler for the Spearhead Squadron, and Lena, a skilled tactician from the Republic who is assigned to be their new handler. The Eighty-Sixers, including characters like Raiden, Kurena, Anju, and Theo, are piloting advanced combat drones called Juggernauts to fight against autonomous robotic weapons known as Legion.

As the anime progresses, the plot delves into the dark realities of war, discrimination, and political manipulation. Lena quickly realizes the harsh treatment and brutal conditions the Eighty-Sixers face, as they are treated as disposable tools by the Republic. Despite this, Lena forms strong bonds with the members of Spearhead Squadron and becomes determined to change their circumstances.

One of the pivotal events in the anime is the revelation that the Republic has been deceiving its citizens about the nature of the war. They hide the fact that the Eighty-Sixers are actually humans and not unmanned drones, leading to a public outcry when the truth is exposed. This revelation challenges the widespread prejudice and discrimination against the Eighty-Sixers, causing a shift in public opinion.

Another key plot point is the emergence of an enigmatic Eighty-Sixer known as Undertaker, who serves as a symbolic figure of resistance against the Republic. Undertaker’s actions expose the corruption within the Republic’s government and spark a revolution, ultimately leading to a confrontation between the Republic’s forces and the oppressed Eighty-Sixers.