86[EIGHTY-SIX] Operation High School

Imagine tossing a squad of battle-hardened war veterans into a high school setting and telling them to blend in. That’s the glorious chaos 86 [EIGHTY-SIX]: Operation High School delivers. It takes all the emotional depth and mech-fueled trauma of the original series, stuffs it into a blazer and tie, and says, “Good luck at morning assembly!” The result is an unexpectedly brilliant mix of heartfelt absurdity and comedic gold, like dropping a tank into a tea party.

In this alternate universe, Lena—commander, patriot, and evidently now a school guidance counselor—decides the best way to help the Eighty-Six heal is to enroll them in a normal high school. No Legion, no battlefield. Just math tests, cafeteria food, and social anxiety. Shin goes from brooding war hero to brooding transfer student. Raiden is now that one sarcastic guy in the back of the class, and Anju might be violating several school dress codes. And Lena? She’s doing her best, bless her heart.

The genius of this spin-off is that it keeps the characters true to their original personalities, even while putting them in situations that are hilariously out of place. The jokes land because the characters aren’t trying to be funny—they’re just reacting to this insane new world like any shell-shocked soldier might if asked to plan a school festival. But between the hijinks, there are quiet, introspective moments that remind us where they came from, and why this goofy high school AU hits just a little harder than expected.

The artwork brings the comedy to life with expressive reactions and pitch-perfect timing. Shin’s deadpan expressions steal the show more than once, and the visual gags—from misplaced weapons to school uniforms gone rogue—add layers of charm. It’s bright, energetic, and surprisingly stylish for a story where dodgeball replaces death squads.

Reading 86 [EIGHTY-SIX]: Operation High School was a total blast. It’s a rare gem that turns tragedy into comedy without losing heart. Watching these characters find joy, friendship, and a little peace in a world where nobody’s trying to kill them? That’s the kind of content I didn’t know I needed. It’s weird, wonderful, and absolutely exhilarating from start to finish. And let’s be honest—Shin in gym shorts deserves its own spin-off.