86

A War Without Casualties. The Republic of San Magnolia has long been under attack from the neighbouring Giadian Empire’s army of unmanned drones known as the Legion. After years of painstaking research, the Republic finally developed autonomous drones of their own, turning the one-sided struggle into a war without casualties-or at least, that’s what the government claims. In truth, there is no such thing as a bloodless war. Beyond the fortified walls protecting the eighty-five Republic territories lies the “nonexistent” Eighty-Sixth Sector. The young men and women of this forsaken land are branded the Eighty-Six and, stripped of their humanity, pilot the “unmanned” weapons into battle… Shin is the leader of a squadron of eighty-sixers. Lena is a “handler” who commands the detachment from the remote rear with the help of special communication technology. The farewell story of the severe and sad struggle of these two begins!

Original Publisher

dengeki bunko

English Publisher

yen press

Original Language

japanese

Type

Light Novel

## My Thoughts on 86 "86" is a web novel that grabbed my attention with its blend of action, drama, and mecha elements, all wrapped in a tragic sci-fi setting. The premise alone, where the term "86" signifies those deemed expendable, is a chilling hook. I dove in eager to see how this concept would play out. ### First Impressions Initially, I was captivated by the raw emotion and the grim, realistic depiction of war. It's not just about giant robots clashing; it's about the human cost, the despair, and the sheer cruelty of a society that dehumanizes an entire group of people. The story wastes no time throwing you into the thick of it, and the author's writing style keeps you engaged, even when the subject matter is heavy. ### What Works Well The character development is a major strength. Even though some characters aren't fully explored immediately, they feel real, and their growth throughout the story is compelling. The main characters, in particular, are well-developed, with their own flaws and strengths. I found myself invested in their struggles and hoping, against the odds, for a positive outcome. The action sequences are also well-done, avoiding the common pitfalls of lengthy monologues and unrealistic power displays. They feel visceral and impactful, further emphasizing the brutal reality of the war. The series also touches on interesting subjects that happened in our own history (mostly WWII) like internment camps, racism, becoming desensitized from too much death and recovering from it, and learning to find a future. ### Areas of Concern One issue that surfaced for me was the portrayal of the Republic. Some elements felt cartoonishly evil, which made it difficult to fully invest in the world-building. The motivations behind the Republic's actions, and the seemingly universal ignorance of its citizens, felt somewhat contrived. Additionally, some found the later volumes to lose some of their initial impact, with the plot becoming too centered around a few characters. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some readers have pointed out plot developments in later volumes, specifically regarding character relationships and the overall direction of the story. If you prefer to experience the story without any prior knowledge, proceed with caution when reading further reviews or discussions. ### Final Verdict Despite some flaws, "86" is a compelling and thought-provoking web novel. I appreciate its unflinching portrayal of war, its well-developed characters, and its exploration of complex themes like racism and dehumanization. While the world-building could be stronger, the emotional impact of the story is undeniable. I'd recommend it to readers who enjoy dark, character-driven narratives with a mecha twist, but be prepared for a potentially heavy and emotionally challenging read.