Introduction:
The mecha is possibly the anime genre where the horrors of war are shown more and where the characters face their personal ghosts, so we have works as emblematic as Neon Genesis Evangelion, Code Geass or Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, being 86 possibly the cruelest of this genre.

The story takes place in the Republic of San Magnolia, for a long time this country has been besieged by its neighbor, the Giadian Empire (located in the east), this nation created "unmanned drones" called Legion in order to invade neighboring countries; in the end these drones waged an autonomous war against humanity, including their creators.

After years of research, the Republic developed its own autonomous drones to fight against the Legion without casualties, at least that is what the government claims towards its country, but in truth there is no such thing as a bloodless war. Beyond their fortified walls protecting the 85 territories is the non-existent sector, the "Eighty-six", young people stripped of their humanity (due to San Magnolia's racism towards them), they are the ones piloting the unmanned drones in battle.

I also liked the representation of the social classes that exist in the Republic and that because it is so stigmatized with the idea of the Alba race, they are considered as a superior and important race of humanity as they do not hesitate to show it, even in what they show as education to the population of their kingdom and to the point that I came to hate them, but I think it fulfills well with the role assigned to them in the anime.

Characters:
Within the leadership of the 86 is Shinei Noze, nicknamed Undertaker or "The Reaper". The male protagonist who at the beginning is quite apathetic, very cold and somewhat distant from his team, but over the course of the series, he develops as a character and shows us more of his personality. Within his squad called Spearhead, we find Anju, Raiden, Theoto and Kurena; they are the 86 that accompany him throughout the journey. They show us that they really care about each other, and care about the lives of their war buddies.

On the other hand there is the main female protagonist of the series, adding to my list of favorite characters, Vladilena Milize or known as Elena. She is the commander of Shinei Nouzen and the Spearhead Squadron. After Spearhead's departure, she becomes known for her demanding orders and competent leadership, earning the nickname Bloody Queen among the Processors. I can't deny that she is a walking beauty and has good attributes. She follows her father's ideals, will stand up to anyone to help and save her new friends from death and fight against the hypocrisy of a racist government.

Conclusion:
It is a very emotional series, with unforgettable characters, a spectacular soundtrack and an extraordinary direction. At times it makes you cry, at others scream with joy and leaves you on the edge of your seat during the battles. It's hardly a story we'll soon forget. Very well written, directed and set to music. One of the best series of 2021 without any doubt.

Of its aesthetics (especially the landscapes and character design), at first it looks like a children's series, but it ends up suddenly and unexpectedly transforming into a cruel and almost sadistic anime.

The initial premise is quite original: on a remote island there is a huge abyss of unknown depths. Inside that gigantic peak it is possible to find objects of forgotten and unknown origin, the so-called relics, which attract adventurers and seekers of fame and fortune from all over the world. Among them are the Cave Raiders, true explorers of this underworld who will not hesitate to descend thousands of kilometers despite the risks involved.

The story focuses on a girl, Riko, who is preparing to become the best Cave Raider. During an expedition into the abyss, Riko encounters a humanoid robot she calls Reg. Together they plan to escape to the bottom of the abyss to meet Riko's mother, a prestigious Cave Raider who has recently disappeared and is presumed dead.

The Abyss presents a very complex structure divided into a series of levels with different characteristics and ecosystems, inhabited by a variety of creatures. Not to forget the mysterious "curse of the abyss", an evil that affects those who try to climb back up from the greatest depths, causing pain, dizziness, vomiting, bleeding, loss of humanity and even death.

The hardest part of this season, was that of Nanachi and Mitty, it comes past the first grim plot twists, this reminded me of one of the most traumatic stories I've seen in an anime since Nina's in Fullmetal Alchemist, with which it has some common ground. This brutal contrast, between the comical moments before which it is impossible to hold back a smile, and the cruelty and sadness of other scenes before which it is impossible to hold back some tears :(.

About the characters, Riko is the best protagonist this series could have: an intelligent and self-sufficient girl, incredibly vital, with an enormous willpower, a contagious optimism and an amazing charisma. And Reg is, almost always, a good support, besides supposing by himself another of the mysteries of the Abyss that arouse so much interest. Otherwise, the role of the rest of the characters is somewhat brief in these first 13 episodes, although all are well differentiated. Some of the most representative are the sinister Ozen, whose appearances are most tense; the endearing Nanachi, one of the surprises of the series; and Lyza, the mother Riko.
Positive aspects: The originality of the idea from which it starts, the way in which the interest of the abyss is always maintained. The designs of the creatures, the animation, the soundtrack. The contrasts between the pleasant moments.
Negative aspect: The disconcerting semi-sexual scenes that Reg brings with Riko are completely superfluous.