Attack on Titan’s True Successor is 86

Attack on Titan‘s anime ended in 2023 with no sequel in sight, leaving a void in fans’ hearts. Attack on Titan is considered one of the best anime of all time, so it’s natural that finding a story that matches its quality is an extremely difficult task. However, there’s another anime with the perfect Attack on Titan aftertaste.

Despite them being two contrasting stories, there’s one underrated anime masterpiece that debuted in 2021 and is a must-watch for fans of Hajime Isayama’s work. A-1 Pictures’ 86 EIGHTY-SIX shares similar themes to Attack on Titan but has its own distinct approach, unique enough to keep viewers hooked throughout its two seasons.

86 EIGHTY-SIX’s Concept Resembles Attack on Titan

In 86 EIGHTY-SIX, the Republic of San Magnolia isolated a minority group, labeling them “86” or “non-humans” and sending them to pilot drones as war expendables and fight unmanned weapons. Thus, while the Republic boasts of maintaining a zero war death count, the “86” deaths aren’t reported, nor do they matter to the public.

While this hopeless worldview and aristocratic society resemble Attack on Titan, it’s also similar in how the 86 soldiers are fighting in an unjust war. 86 EIGHTY-SIX introduces its own kind of Titans in the form of unmanned weapons that overwhelm with their sheer number and steadily whittle away at the Republic’s ranks.

While San Magnolia boasts elite units like the Spearhead Squadron, these soldiers didn’t enlist voluntarily but were forced to do so by the established system. This is a major difference between both series, as in Attack on Titan, the characters join the Survey Corps to protect their lives within the walls, seek freedom, and discover the truth about the world.

86 EIGHTY-SIX and Attack on Titan Tackle Similar Themes

Although it’s not revealed until much later, Attack on Titan is a work that directly addresses racism, one of the main themes explored in 86 EIGHTY-SIX. Furthermore, beyond the military element, both anime are filled with moral dilemmas that showcase dehumanization, discrimination, and corrupt leaders, all enhanced by their foreshadowing and the tense atmosphere that permeates their stories.

Both anime feature revolutionary protagonists, as Eren wanted to achieve real freedom, and Lena resents her country’s distorted system and wants to help the District 86 people, making the ultimate goals of the series different but interesting in their own way. 86 also shows other types of conflicts, as its enclosed region is small, being unable to produce enough food.

86 EIGHTY-SIX and Attack on Titan Are All About the Value of Life and Sacrifice

Both Eren and Lena share not only a strong sense of justice but also how they value the lives of their comrades. 86 depicts the soldiers’ daily lives off the battlefield, making viewers empathize with them and feel even more displeased due to the inhumane treatment they are subjected to for not being recognized as citizens of the Republic.

This gives 86 EIGHTY-SIX an even more heartbreaking edge, as the lives of people are seen as disposable, whereas in Attack on Titan, sacrifice is treated as an honorable act for the sake of the future. Nonetheless, both anime invite reflection and have many emotional moments that touch the hearts of viewers.

86 EIGHTY-SIX is a Visual Masterpiece

Unlike Attack on Titan, 86 EIGHTY-SIX is a mecha anime that masterfully leverages its sci-fi elements. In 86 EIGHTY-SIX, the explosive battlefield scenes where the Spear Squadron faces off against the Legion are one of the anime’s biggest draws, especially for those who enjoy anime like Code Geass or Gundam.

86 EIGHTY-SIX was produced by the same studio as Solo Leveling, A-1 Pictures, showcasing incredibly detailed direction and high-quality animation. Additionally, 86 EIGHTY-SIX also shared the same music composer as Attack on Titan, Hiroyuki Sawano, who created an immersive soundtrack that transmits the heavy atmosphere of the story as well as the delicacy needed for the heartwarming moments.

86 EIGHTY-SIX’s Story Still Continues

Although Attack on Titan has the potential to continue, its story is already complete. However, 86 still has plenty of content left to adapt. 86 EIGHTY-SIX Season 2 ended in 2022 with episode 23, and while the anime’s finale could be considered the perfect conclusion to the story, it only covered three volumes of the light novel.

86 EIGHTY-SIX‘s light novel currently has 14 volumes, having recently entered its final arc. Therefore, even if fans can always read the light novel, there’s plenty of content if A-1 Pictures decides to animate a new season. Nevertheless, while 86 EIGHTY-SIX is a fitting alternative for an anime like Attack on Titan, it will become an unforgettable experience for viewers.