If you’ve made it here, you’re probably interested in the possibility of 86 Season 3, just like many of us. As of now, there has been no official confirmation about a third season of 86.
That leaves fans wondering what could be next for the Eighty-Six anime series. Will there be a Season 3 of the 86 anime?
Here is everything we know about the potential announcement of an 86 anime Season 3 in 2023 or beyond.
The anime ’86,’ known as ‘Eiti Shikkusu’ in Japan and ‘Eighty Six’ in some countries, is an adaptation of a light novel series published by Dengeki Bunko. The series is written by Asato Asato and illustrated by Shirabii.
86 is an absolutely fantastic anime. It’s a must-watch mecha and sci-fi military-themed series, so it’s no wonder that fans are asking whether there will be a Season 3.
The series centers on Vladilena ‘Lena‘ Milizé, a 16-years-old San Magnolian military officer. She fights for the fair treatment of the oppressed Colorata minority.
The 86 Eighty-Six anime series officially has only one season, divided into two parts during production. The first part premiered in April 2021, while the second aired in October 2021. So 86 has no OVAs, movies, or a third season yet.
Since its debut, the series has gained a large fan base anticipating a potential announcement of an 86 Season 3. Over the past six years, we have looked at many anime sequels, including:
Keep reading to discover the likelihood of 86 returning for a new season and when we can expect to get some news.
Will There Be A Season 3 Of 86?
To determine the likelihood of an announcement for the third season of the ’86’ anime in 2023 and to understand what to expect in ‘Eighty-Six’ Season 3, we need to examine these two factors:
The first factor is the availability of source material, while the second is the profit generated by the first season.
Let’s briefly examine both factors to determine if the 86 anime is likely to have a third season or if you should read the source material instead.
86: Season 3 – Light Novel & Manga (Source Material)
For the 86 anime, the source material comes from a light novel series.
The 86 -Eighty-Six- light novel series has 12 volumes, with the most recent volume, 12, published in February 2023. The majority of these volumes are available in English as well.
In 2018, the 86 light novel series was adapted into a manga by Motoki Yoshihara. Unfortunately, the manga got cancelled on July 6, 2022 due to health concerns involving Yoshihara.
The author started the 86 light novel series in February 2017, and it is still ongoing. In Volume 7’s afterword, the author stated that they had reached the halfway point of the series, which now comprises 12 volumes.
Consequently, only a few more volumes may remain before the series reaches its conclusion. While it’s possible that the series will end around volume 15, no official confirmation has been made yet.
The first season of the 86 -Eighty Six- anime adapted the storylines from volumes 1 to 3 of the light novel series. The third season of the 86 anime is likely to adapt Volumes 4 to 6.
So, if you want to continue the story from where the anime ended, consider reading the 86 light novel volume 4 in English.
With the current number of volumes, there is enough content for at least three more seasons of 86 as of 2023.
In summary, the availability of source material is not a problem for a third season.
I highly recommend checking out the 86 light novel series. The books provide a much better experience, and the cover art looks fantastic.
86: Season 3 – An Analysis Of Profit And Sales
For the 86 anime, the likelihood of a new season depends on the performance of Blu-Ray sales, light novel sales, and merchandise.
Each 86 anime Blu-Ray volume sold around 2,000 copies, which, while not low for 2021, is still below the 4,000 to 5,000 copies per volume needed to increase the likelihood of a second season.
Despite the dominance of streaming services, Blu-ray sales continue to be an essential factor in determining an anime’s success and the likelihood of future seasons.
Before the anime adaptation, the 86 light novel volumes sold around 20,000 copies per volume. For example, volume 9 sold around 20,000 copies. However, volume 12 sold only around 17,000 copies.
Thus, there was no significant boost in light novel sales resulting from the anime adaptation. It doesn’t include digital sales, but it’s still disappointing.
There are 17 figurines and models available for this series, which is a good number. Additionally, there are over 300 pieces of merchandise currently produced for this franchise, that’s great.
This Mini Lena and this Lena figure are undeniably adorable, but if you’re looking for something that truly stands out, the 86 HG 1/48 REGINLEIF model takes the cake.
It is evident that the series has been financially successful, generating revenue from merchandise, Blu-Ray, and light novel sales.
In summary, the satisfactory sales of 86 should provide adequate financial support for the production of a third season.
I highly recommend checking out 86 merchandise if you’re a fan of the Eighty-Six series, as it helps increase the chances of a third season.
Will 86 Get A Season 3?
As of June 2023, 86 Season 3 doesn’t have a release date as it is not confirmed yet. However, we should get some news about the third season of 86 in 2023 if it’s happening.
The earliest release date for 86 season 3 is 2024.
There is more than enough source material for a third season, and it looks like this series has sold decently so far.
This series has also gained popularity on social media, as evidenced by the nearly 150,000 followers on its official Twitter account.
That means streaming made some good money for it, which is critical for the possibility of a new season in 2023. Moreover, as of volume 12, the 86 series has sold over 1.8 million copies.
There’s a good chance of a new season for 86, but we’ll have to wait for an official announcement. Dengeki Bunko’s 30th anniversary in June could bring some news about it.
Typically, a two-cour series requires approximately two to three years to produce a new season.
Given that only a year has passed since the first season of 86 ended, there is no cause for concern regarding the lack of an announcement for the third season.
Production issues, as well as the fact that Aniplex is on the production committee, are two things to be concerned about for the third season of this anime.
While 86 has been profitable, it might not have reached the level of success that Aniplex desires. If no announcement for the third season of 86 is made in 2023 or 2024, concern may be warranted.
Check out the 86 Anime Merchandise or 86 Light Novel series if you wish to support the Eighty-Six series or continue the story.
You can also find out whether other anime series from the Fall 2021 season are receiving new seasons:
86 Season 3 Trailer
While there is currently no trailer available to watch for 86 season 3, we will keep this page updated if one gets released on the official Eighty Six anime Twitter account.
On the other hand, if you want to be reminded of how great the music by Hiroyuki Sawano is for this series, be sure to check out the trailer for the first season from Crunchyroll.
86 Characters, Cast & Anime Staff
I. Characters & Cast
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Vladilena Milizé | Ikumi Hasegawa |
| Shinei Nouzen | Shouya Chiba |
| Kurena Kukumila | Sayumi Suzushiro |
| Anju Emma | Saori Hayami |
| Theoto Rikka | Natsumi Fujiwara |
| Augusta Frederica | Misaki Kuno |
II. Anime Staff
| Anime Staff Position | Staff |
|---|---|
| Director | Toshimasa Ishii |
| Series Composition, Script | Toshiya Oono |
| Character Design | Tetsuya Kawakami |
| Studio | A-1 Pictures |
Last Thoughts
In conclusion, the likelihood of an 86 Season 3 happening is high. If that is the case, we should hear some news about the 86 anime season this year or maybe next year.
It’s essential to remember that even if a second season of 86 is confirmed, the animation process for a new season can be time-consuming. So, don’t expect to be able to watch anytime soon.
We’ll keep you updated with the latest news and analysis, so stay tuned for more updates on 86 Season 3 and other anime-related content.
In the meantime, you can explore other similar anime series below and learn if they are getting new seasons.
