Since it launched back in 2021, the 86-EIGHTY-SIX anime has been all over social media, with people really getting into chatting about it. This series from A-1 Pictures is part mecha/mythology; part war-drama, and is one helluva deep look into social injustice, combat, and the toll that war takes on everyday folks through very contrasting storylines.Honestly, for just about anyone, I really think you should give 86-EIGHTY-SIX anime an opportunity. From my perspective, it does two main things exceptionally well: it tells a very intense, powerful story of the way society functions and develops many well-rounded, believable characters along the way.The show also contains wonderful music, thanks to the work of Hiroyuki Sawano. If you're able to appreciate a slow build-up while absorbing such weighty messages, and you feel that you have really come to know the people in the series.Spearhead Squadron (Image Source: A-1 Pictures)86-EIGHTY-SIX anime is set in the Republic of San Magnolia. The Republic of San Magnolia is fighting a war with zero casualties against the Legion of autonomous weapons. They are using this as propaganda, but the hidden reality is that they are using the people of District 86, who are seen as less-than because of their looks, to pilot these so-called unmanned mechs and put them in the front lines of battle.The narrative presents two opposing viewpoints. One is about Lena, a privileged girl who understands that the system is unjust. The second is about Shin, who leads a group of 86 fighters (children) who are considered to be mere objects and are no longer viewed as human beings.Characters That Stay With YouHandler Number 1 and her ex-commander meet (Image Source: A-1 Pictures)The 86-EIGHTY-SIX anime does an excellent job of developing characters and their relationships over a long period of time. Because of this, viewers get to know each member of the squad in depth and therefore have a personal connection with them.Lena's character evolution, from a naive student to one who fully understands the impact of war on humanity, creates a strong character arc. The trauma and loss Shin experiences while being forced to kill the tortured, wounded victims he once called friends will leave viewers with vivid images.In addition to these two characters, there are many additional secondary characters within the storyline, including Raiden, Theo, and Fido, all of whom add unique contributions to the overall development of the story.Perhaps deliberate pacing is one of the most polarizing aspects of the 86-EIGHTY-SIX anime. The series has adopted a slow-burn method of storytelling where several episodes are dedicated to interactions between characters, political manoeuvres, and a slow reveal as opposed to nonstop action.Those Final Episodes of 86-EIGHTY-SIX animeShinei Nouzen inside his undertaker mecha (Image Source: A-1 Pictures)Viewers applaud the culmination of the 86-EIGHTY-SIX anime as one of the best aspects of the anime. The last couple of episodes offer emotional highs that are so satisfying and fulfilling to many viewers after all of the challenges endured throughout the anime.Without spoiling specifics, the ending provides closure to character arcs while maintaining thematic consistency. The reunion sequences and character resolutions hit particularly hard for those invested in the cast's struggles throughout the preceding episodes.Who Should Watch This SeriesViewers looking for a character-driven narrative as opposed to nonstop action will find that the anime suits them well. This anime also offers plenty to contemplate regarding discrimination, war trauma, and the strength of humans.This series requires patience from viewers because it rewards those who take the time to watch slow-paced episodes, as well as the trust that a payoff will ultimately come. While fans of shows such as Aldnoah.Zero or Code Geass may find similar themes to enjoy in this series; many feel that the execution of these themes within this series is superior.This series will not appeal to those wishing for a traditional Japanese mecha storyline or an easily understood story lacking depth. The entire storyline is filled with deep emotional scenes and tragedy, and will prove to be a challenge to watch.If you're interested in the series, the consensus is to watch the first several episodes as a means of deciding if it's something you would enjoy based on the way the story develops. If you're open to an anime that provides more than just a good watch, then the 86-EIGHTY-SIX anime has something for those who are willing to overlook the superficialities of the show and engage with it as a whole.