This review might contain spoilers. You may proceed if you can handle the truth... https://anilist.co/anime/1488/Area88/ Between 1979 and 1986 the Japanese manga artist Kaoru Shintani created the 23volume graphic novel Area 88. Among aviation fans the manga receives praise for its realistic portrayal of aircraft and aerial combat. Besides critics highlight the protagonists strong character development and Shintanis moving storytelling. Because of its success Shintanis work was one of the first three manga translated into English and released in North America. In 1985 Studio Pierrot started to publish a threeepisode OVA series adaptation that ran until 1986. Although some international releases have only two episodes they contain the entire 200minute runtime of the Japanese OVA. The third and final adaptation was a twelveepisode TVseries aired in 2004. Noteworthy both adaptations and the manga have all different endings. Like the source material the OVA series shines with its detailed depiction of fighter jets but some more knowledgeable aviation fans may discover some inconsistencies. Even though the dogfights in Mamoru Oshiis Sky Crawlers are impressive the 1980s adaptation exceeds them in suspense intensity and action. Another strength of Studio Pierrots work is the protagonists struggle to avoid becoming a warloving maniac like his colleagues. Albeit the quality of the side characters varies the other pilots and the local merchant offer intriguing immoral viewpoints on war to challenge the viewer. Despite someones prejudice towards 1980s animation the fluid cell animation is stunning and has aged well in contrast to some CGI animations in the late 1990s or early 2000s. From a similar class is the decent soundtrack which elevates some scenes to another level and never distracts from watching. Notwithstanding the ambitious efforts to convey a persuasive antiwar message the thrilling aerial combat often pushes the horror of war into the background. Furthermore the parallel story about the protagonists girlfriend and his antagonist diverts the attention from not only the lead characters suffering but also the main plotline. The weakness of the side plot lies in the onedimensional rival who undertakes many convoluted and unnecessary attempts to kill the protagonist or indirectly force his girlfriend to betray him due to envy. Sadly the woman is also a rather dull character since she only exists to admire the protagonist to wait for his return from the battlefield and to be exploitable for the antagonist. In summary this underwatched 1980s gem is mandatory for all fans of old anime and aviation because of its unprecedented dogfights. If you enjoyed the blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick you also should not hesitate to give it a shot. While writing this review you can stream it on various platforms and have the choice to watch it dubbed or subbed.