I definitely think that the anime medium is a far better way to tell this story, largely due to the fact that we can visualize the epic battles more clearly (and their stakes), as well as the legendary Sawano soundtrack. It also adds a little bit extra that shapes the supporting cast, which is necessary as the light novels only seem concerned with Lena and Shin's development (if you can even call it development :/).
In terms of the author's writing style, it's irritating because its engaging but a slog to get through. She brings up very interesting moral dilemmas (usually tied with a sci-fi theme, such as converting dead soldiers' minds into ai fighters), and typically that is the most interesting and engaging component of each volume's arc. Characters like Uncle Jerome and later Vika are especially interesting because they serve as a necessary foil to Lena's idealism and overall are very complex characters. However, at the same time the author uses the same internal-struggles and character-arcs over and over again in her volumes, giving the impression that her characters aren't actually improving (or at least changing), despite claiming otherwise.
I wanted to like Lena, but she is an example of the most annoying form of SJW you could have. She insists on embracing a savior complex and freeing the 86 from what is effectively institutional racism. She continues to do this even when the 86 ask her not to act on their behalf repeatedly, and instead perseveres anyway to solidify some sort of moral high ground that not even she understands. To add to the ridiculousness of this, she is always baffled and upset in EVERY. SINGLE. VOLUME. when the 86 don't want to talk to her or open up because of her oppressive savior complex, and despite promising to change her demeanor constantly, she never actually does. To the light novel's credit, it actually touches on this point briefly, and Lena does reflect on her hypocritical nature. However, that plot point doesn't go anywhere, and is instead replaced in later volumes with Shin's cumbersome personal journey that takes up the entire volume.
Shin isn't as much of an issue to me as Lena is. Yeah he's extremely edgy and refuses to progress as a character, but given his effed up background I'll give him a pass. Obviously, trauma isn't something that is healed over night, and given Shin's circumstances it probably never will be. I only wish that the author didn't try to remind us in every other chapter that he and the other 86 are battle-hardened combat veterans that want to stay on the field no matter what the outside world thinks of them, because this is the only life they know and that it is their purpose in existing. It's badass and cutthroat and sexy and all, but for ffs we get it already. Move on to something else!
That brings me to my final major critique, which is really a summary of everything that's already in this review. As established, the writing style of the author is very long-winded and repetitive, and what that means is she doesn't have the time or space to develop any other characters that aren't Lena or Shin. Sure, some characters like Anjou, Raiden and Frederica have their moments, but their impact is typically restricted to a chapter per volume, and that's being generous. I think that's unfortunate because 86 has very strong world-building and has the opportunity to be a profound science-fiction story. Not to mention the "mecha genre revival" that it is effectively spearheading in the 2020s (pun intended). I see the potential in this IP as not only a modern sci-fi staple but also as a comprehensive commentary on select social and psychological issues. It's just that, in my opinion, the author's writing skills are holding this story back. I hope to see more seasons to the anime and what they can accomplish with this template.
