Summary
Kaiju No. 8has proven to be more than justShōnen Jump’s latest hit of the spring of 2024. Its unique approach captivates both new viewers and long-time anime fans, keeping everyone glued to the screen, excited to see the events unfold before their eyes. Additionally, Production I.G. Studios has done a stellar job on the animation, making it one of the most aesthetically pleasing anime of 2024 so far. However, the most intriguing part ofKaiju No. 8is its protagonist, Kafka Hibino.
Shonen Jump’s hottest new anime features a 32-year-old protagonist, a refreshing departure from the typical tropes of the genre. Watching Kafka Hibino defy the classic conventions in the twelve episodes ofKaiju No. 8is incredibly satisfying. Though each episode has been a treat, some stand out more than others for their uniqueness.
12Kafka Officially Becoming a Defense Force Officer Is as Good as It Could Get
Episode 5 “Joining Up!”
Following a classical narrative of the Shonen genre where things go incredibly wrong after a mysterious encounter with the bad guys during tests, Episode 5 ofKaiju No. 8delves into the aftermath of the harrowing events. Thisepisode’s pacing is what the fans of the genre could expect from it, laying the foundation for future events.
Kafka’s determination to become a member of the Defense Forceis acknowledged greatly by Hoshina, and thus, the protagonist gets a step closer to his dream. The episode then transitions to a small celebration after the ceremony, which, of course, ends with men in a public bath sharing their experiences. The simplicity of this episode may make it less appealing to some fans, but it offers a charming and relatable glimpse into the characters' lives outside of battle.
11The Protagonist’s Determination Is Greatly Inspiring
Episode 3, “Revenge Match”
After being motivated by Reno Ichikawa,Kafka tries to achieve his dream for the last time, which eventually sees the protagonist and Reno on the grounds of the Defense Force for a physical test. During this,Kajiu No. 8does an excellent job ofintroducing new characterswho will become close to the protagonist in the future, with Shonomiya Kikoru notably standing out.
Despite giving Kafka incredible powers, the narrative sees him honestly taking the test, without using his superpowers, resulting in a modest power level of just 0.01%. In summary, this episode adheres to the typical Shōnen conventions of protagonists working diligently towards their dreams, which is especially inspiring to see with a relatively older protagonist.
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10Kafka’s Experience From His Old Job Pays Off
Episode 6 “Sagamihara Neutralization Operation At Daybreak”
Immediately after Kafka and the others are promoted to Defense Officers, the narrative shifts to a dire situation where the new members of Division Three are tasked with handling monsters terrorizing a nearby area. The stakes are high for these newly joined officers, as their lack of real battlefield experience means anything could happen.
However, the new members showcase calm and rational decisions, proving that they are more than qualified for this job. While Shinomiya is bashing through the monsters through her prodigious talents,Kafka uses his knowledge from his Kaiju cleanup jobto discover the Kaiju’s core, which aids others greatly. This episode elevatesKaiju No. 8to be more than its protagonist, offering enriching storytelling and highlighting the determination of other characters.
9Hoshino vs Kafka Was Thrilling
Episode 8 “Welcome to the Defense Force”
As things are being wrapped around after the Sagamihara incident, Kafka, in his Kaiju form, finds himself confronted by Vice-Captain Hoshina, who is determined to capture him. Thus, Hoshina initiates an intense battle to eliminate Kafka, while the protagonist strives to evade attacks and prevent harm to Hoshina.
Though brief,the encounter between Kafka and Vice-Captain Hoshina stands outas the episode’s highlight. Following this thrilling confrontation, the episode shifts to the Third Division celebrating their successful defense against their first significant threat, while also bracing for the looming danger of Kaiju No. 10. With so much happening in a single episode, the pacing in this episode might feel faster than others.
8Soshiro Hoshia in Action Is a Treat to the Eyes
Episode 9, “Raid on Tachikawa Base”
At this point inKaiju No. 8, it has become evident that theseries' narrative is paced more toward the action siderather than going into too much depth into each character and exploring their backstories. Following the incident in the Sagamihara sector, the story quickly moves to Kaiju No. 10’s raid on Tachikawa, where the Third Division is once again seen rushing into combat against the monsters.
However, this time, the urgency of the situation calls for Soshiro Hoshina, the vice-captain of the division, to step into action. Hoshina’s choice of weapon, blades, makes him stand out, as he demonstrates why he holds such a high position. This episode is particularly compelling due toits focus on close combat action, a rarity in the series unless the protagonist is involved.
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7The Third Division Admires Kafka
Episode 11 “Kaiju No. 8Captured”
Kafka reveals his secret to the Third Divisionwhile protecting them when he realizes that everyone will die if the bomb left by Kaiju No. 10 explodes.Episode 11 ofKaiju No. 8follows the secret reveal and unfolds the thrilling and gripping narrative regarding Kafka’s fate. Despite fearing the outcome of the situation, the protagonist is somewhat relieved when he learns that the Third Division is rooting for him.
This includes Shinomiya going as far as to confront her father, revealing Kafka’s past heroic actions in saving her life. Meanwhile, Ashira Mino and other members of the Third Division gather evidence to prove Kafka’s humanity. But all is in vain when Kikoru’s father, Isao, the general director of the Defense Corps, forces Kafka to transform, which results in Kafka losing control.
6Changing The Course OfKaiju No. 8’s Initial Narrative
Episode 2 “The Kaiju Who Defeats Kaiju”
Episode 2 ofKaiju No. 8had a lot to follow, especially after the dramatic cliffhanger at the end of the series' pilot episode. Kafka suddenly gains the powers of Kaiju after a mysterious incident, and the episode skillfully addresses this development, delving into Kafka and Reno’s efforts to grasp the gravity of the situation.
Following this, the narrative unfolds with a blend of amazing elements,including a comedic tone that lightens the moodamidst the chaos. This episode concludes with Kafka defeating a kaiju to death with only a single punch, revealing that the powers he acquired are far greater. With the newfound powers, Kafka’s dream of saving others is once again ignited, and a new journey, full of challenges and secrecy is hinted at in this episode.
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5Kafka Proving His Humanity Is a Pivotal Moment
Episode 12 “Kafka Hibino”
The finale of season 1 ofKaiju No. 8was a perfect closure for the season as it sets new compelling narratives for the future. While it was anticipated that Kafka would eventually gain control of his Kaiju form, the buildup towards this narrative resolution was highly engaging. The journey ofwitnessing Kafka struggle to master his Kaiju abilities is significant, highlighting that his transformation comes with challenges and complexities that weren’t initially anticipated.
This notion also sets the stage for potential future conflicts where the protagonist may grapple with inner turmoil. The fight betweenKaiju No. 8and Isao is another aspect of the episode that essentially makes it better than other episodes for its intensity. Therefore,season 2 ofKaiju No. 8will make Kafka’s imminent return even more significant after this event.
4Blending Intense Action and Thrilling Elements
Episode 7, “Kaiju No. 9”
The Sagihamara incident reached its peak moment withKaiju No. 9’s arrival on the scene for its nefarious purposes. Unfortunately, things take a turn for the worse when Reno and Ihara find their path crossed by Kaiju No. 9, who immediately renders the defense officers helpless. Amidst the chaos, Reno and Ihara’s unwavering determination to protect as defense force officers shine through as they bravely support and save each other in this thrilling and pivotal moment.
Kafka’s arrival at the right time to confront is subtly crafted and the excitement for the battle between the numbered Kaijus was undoubtedly very high. Though Kafka got victory over Kaiju No.9, the situation allowed the villain to slip before Kafka could eliminate it. With a blend of intense action and thrilling encounters,Episode 7 offers a well-paced narrativecomplemented by stellar animation from the studio.
3This Pivotal Moment Gives a Chance To Another Character To Shine
Episode 10 “Secret Revealed”
Kaiju No. 8repeatedly featured Kafka’s timely arrival to save othersin his Kaiju form from other monsters. However, when it was certain that Episode 10 ofKaiju No. 8was following the same suit, with Hoshino being only a grip away from being dead,Ashiro Mina’s arrival saved the day instead. This unexpected turn not only showcases Mina’s bravery but also allows the other members of the Third Division to shine brightly, demonstrating their individual skills and contributions to the team’s success.
Though this episode may have ended with Kafka revealing his secret while saving the Third Division from imminent danger, the narrative allowed the other characters a chance to shine, featuring a blend of teamwork in the process. This dynamic storytelling and enriched narrative elevate Episode 10 above the others.
