9.123 minSeason 1 • Episode 23
LatestThe operation to destroy the Morpho was a success, and Shin and his team fulfilled their promise to return to the Federacy alive. After enjoying a brief respite, they once again wished to serve in frontline units, but they received a certain notice from Ernst. After crossing the deadly battlefields of the Republic, they arrived at a new meeting in the Federacy. They fight, suffer, and see a ray of hope. This is a story of boys and girls who have begun to move little by little. At the end of their journey, what is reflected in their eyes?
Called “Juggernaut,” these are the unmanned combat drones developed by the Republic of San Magnolia in answer to the attacks by the autonomous unmanned drones of the neighboring Empire of Giad, the “Legion”. But they’re only unmanned in name. In reality, they are piloted by the Eighty-sixers—those considered to be less than human and treated as mere tools. Determined to achieve his own mysterious ends, Shin, the captain of Spearhead Squadron, which is comprised of Eighty-sixers, continues to fight a hopeless war on a battlefield where only death awaits him.
Direction
Split-screen storytelling between battlefield and cozy office.
Score
Sawano drops bangers that betray your emotions.
Writing
Lena actually grows—rare for anime protagonists.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The Republic's 'Alba' majority and oppressed 'Colorata' minorities directly mirror the author's commentary on Japanese discrimination against Zainichi Koreans.
The show's structure—Lena in safety, Spearhead in death—was inspired by drone warfare footage where operators commute home to dinner after killing.
JP
