86 Season 3 Release Date: What We Know So Far
If you're a fan of the intense mecha and sci-fi military-themed series, 86, you've probably been wondering about the possibility of a Season 3. As of now, there hasn't been any official confirmation regarding the 86 season 3 release date, leaving fans eagerly anticipating an announcement. Here's everything we know about the potential release of 86 Season 3 in 2023 or beyond.
86 Season 3 Release Date Speculations
Source: Aniplex
As of September 2023, 86 Season 3 release date remains unconfirmed, but there's optimism based on various factors pointing towards it being as early as 2024.
The series has a substantial fan following, with nearly 150,000 followers on its official Twitter account. Streaming revenue has likely contributed to its success.
The 86 light novel series has sold over 1.8 million copies as of Volume 12, indicating its popularity.
Typically, a two-course series like 86 requires around two to three years to produce a new season. Given that only a year has passed since the first season ended, there's no immediate cause for concern regarding the lack of a Season 3 announcement.
However, potential production issues and the involvement of Aniplex, which may have different success thresholds, could influence the decision. If no announcement is made in 2023 or 2024, fans might have reason to be concerned.
In the meantime, supporting the series through merchandise or reading the light novels can contribute to the likelihood of a third season.
About 86: The Series
For those unfamiliar, 86, known as 'Eiti Shikkusu' in Japan and 'Eighty Six' in some countries, is an anime adaptation of a light novel series written by Asato Asato and illustrated by Shirabii. The series revolves around Vladilena 'Lena' Milizé, a 16-year-old San Magnolian military officer, who fights for the fair treatment of the oppressed Colorata minority.
The anime has gained a considerable fan base, with its first season divided into two parts, premiering in April and October 2021. However, as of now, there have been no OVAs, movies, or the highly anticipated third season.
I. 86 Anime’s General Information
- Genre: Action, Military, Sci-fi, Drama, Mecha.
- Produced & Distributed by: Aniplex, Kadokawa, BANDAI Spirits
- Seasons: 2
- Latest episode: 23
- Status: Ongoing
II. 86’s Characters & Cast
- Vladilena Milizé: voiced by Ikumi Hasegawa
- Shinei Nouzen : voiced by Shouya Chiba
- Kurena Kukumila: voiced by Sayumi Suzushiro
- Anju Emma: voiced by Saori Hayami
- Theoto Rikka: voiced by Natsumi Fujiwara
- Augusta Frederica: voiced by Misaki Kuno
III. 86’s Anime Production Staff
- Director: Toshimasa Ishii
- Series Composition, Script: Toshiya Oono
- Character Design: Tetsuya Kawakami
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
86 Season 3 Source Material Availability: Light Novel & Manga
Source: Aniplex
One crucial factor influencing the possibility of a third season for 86 is the availability of source material. 86's source material comes from a light novel series consisting of 12 volumes. The most recent volume, 12, was published in February 2023, with most volumes now available in English.
While the manga adaptation was initiated in 2018 by Motoki Yoshihara, it faced cancellation in July 2022 due to his health conditions. The light novel series, however, remains ongoing, with the author stating that they had reached the halfway point by Volume 7.
Considering the current pace, it's possible that only a few more volumes will be released before the series concludes. This means that there's ample source material for at least three more seasons of 86 as of 2023.
Financial Viability Of 86 Season 3: Sales And Merchandise
Source: Reddit
The likelihood of a new season also hinges on the series' financial performance, including Blu-ray sales, light novel sales, and merchandise.
Blu-ray sales for 86 averaged around 2,000 copies per volume, which, while respectable for 2021, fell short of the 4,000 to 5,000 copies per volume typically needed for a stronger case for additional seasons.
Light novel sales, before the anime adaptation, averaged around 20,000 copies per volume. However, this number did not see significant growth following the adaptation, with the most recent volume (Volume 12) selling around 17,000 copies.
On the merchandise front, 86 boasts a healthy lineup of over 17 figurines and models and more than 300 pieces of merchandise.
Overall, the series has been financially successful, with revenue generated from merchandise, Blu-ray sales, and light novel sales.
Conclusion
Source: Aniplex
While the 86 Season 3 release date hasn't been officially confirmed, the series' availability of source material and satisfactory financial performance make a new season likely. Fans can anticipate news about Season 3 in 2023 or beyond, with the earliest possible release in 2024. Stay tuned for updates on 86 Season 3 and other anime-related content!