Naoya Matsumoto’s Kaiju No. 8 received a well-deserved and more than decent anime adaptation by Production I.G. The series has captivated viewers each week with its stunning visuals and gripping narrative. Set in a world overrun by human-eating giants, Kaiju No. 8 follows a 32-year-old protagonist whose lifelong dream of joining the Defense Force is reignited after a mysterious encounter.

Bestowed with the power to transform into a Kaiju, Hibino Kafka is determined to protect his friends from monstrous threats. The narrative also highlights other compelling characters, with a mix of horror and comedic tone. As the first season concludes with 12 fantastic episodes, let’s reflect on what made the debut season of Kaiju No. 8 Shonen Jump’s big hit by revisiting its 10 best moments.

10

Kafka Punching A Kaiju To Death

Episode 2, “The Kaiju Who Defeats Kaiju”

While the first episode of Kaiju No. 8 featured decent animation, the second episode of the anime takes things up a notch to showcase Kafka’s first punch on a monster. As Kafka and Reno run around to hide Kafka’s sudden transformation into a Kaiju, they encounter a Kaiju who is terrorizing others. Unsure of what should be done, Kafka tells Reno that he is going to punch the monster as hard as he can.

Kafka prepares to punch the Kaiju as the animation and soundtrack are enhanced to underscore this moment. His punch obliterates the Kaiju, surprising everyone, including Kafka himself. This scene from Kaiju No. 8 proves that the series will deliver many visually stunning moments, setting it as a sure hit for Shonen Jump.

9

Kaiju No .8 Vs Kaiju No. 9

Episode 7, “Kaiju No. 9”

It would have been a missed opportunity if there hadn’t been a fight between two Kaijus capable of maintaining a human-like appearance. Fortunately, the first season delivered exactly what viewers had hoped for. Until Kafka confronts Kaiju No. 9, the protagonist was finishing the monster with a single punch. However, his encounter with Kaiju No. 9 underscores that there are other Kaiju with greater power and will need more than one punch.

Arriving in the nick of time to save Reno and Iharu from Kaiju No. 9, Kafka unleashes his rage with a barrage of punches that obliterates the monster. This sequence is enhanced again with the aesthetic and soundtrack that are hard to ignore. If it hadn’t been for the arrival of other Defense Corps members, Kafka would have finished destroying Kaiju No. 9’s core. But it is obvious that there will be another encounter with the adjacent numbered Kaijus in th future, a battle that likely won’t be in the favor of Kafka as it was now.

8

Hoshino Proving Himself To Be Worthy of a Vice-Captain

Episode 9, “Raid on Tachikawa Base”

This moment in Kaiju No. 8 greatly emphasizes that the series is not only about Kafka’s saving the day motif. Among the few that were highlighted in the first season, Soshiro Hoshina, the vice-captain of the Third Division stole the spotlight, arguably more than the other supporting characters in the main cast, Reno and Shinomiya. The fact that Hoshina wields a Katana as a weapon further distinguishes him from the rest of the cast.

The fight between Kaiju No. 10 and Hoshino was the most thrilling and close to hand-to-hand combat the anime has featured yet. Wielding his katana in an era dominated by high-powered projectile weapons, Hoshina nearly succeeds in killing Kaiju No. 10. If the monster hadn’t had more tricks up its sleeve, it was clear that Hoshina alone could have defeated it. This encounter highlights the importance of Hoshina’s close-range combat skills, which will likely play a crucial role in future seasons, underscoring the need for close-range combat against some Kaijus.

7

Kafka Saving Shinomiya

Episode 4, “Fortitude 9.8”

The notion of something going wrong during a training session in the Shonen genre is also highlighted in the genre’s big hit of spring, Kaiju No. 8. After Shinomiya almost single-handedly owns the competition, things take a turn for the worse when the monsters get enhanced by Kaiju No. 9. This leads to Shinomiya confronting the monster that is clearly stronger than her prodigious talent.

When all hope seems lost for Shinomiya, Kafka makes his heroic entry and saves Shinomiya from imminent danger. While this moment is enhanced with yet again greater visuals and the captivating rock soundtrack, Kafka’s comedic tone also adds more diversity to this scene. The variety of elements at play at this moment in Kaiju No. 8 Season 1, proves that the series is on the way to becoming Shonen Jump’s next great hit if it isn’t already.

6

Third Division Stealing the Spotlight

Episode 10, “Secret Revealed”

Kaiju No. 8‘s narrative has crafted a repeated trend that sees its protagonist, Kafka, transforming into his Kaiju form and saving others when things become harrowing. However, in episode 10, when the vice-captain Soshiro Hoshina is on the verge of being killed, it’s expected that Kafka will transform to save him. Instead, Ashiro Mina steps in and saves the Third Division’s quirky vice-captain. This moment is followed by other division members stepping up to assist the captain in defeating Kaiju No. 10.

This instance proves that though Kaiju No. 8‘s sole focus is on its titular protagonist, there are elements that the anime could dive into and provide a dynamic narrative. With the Third Division now being separated, each member could potentially have their own storyline. This sets the stage for Kaiju No. 8 season 2 to be more diverse than the first season, as the foundations for various narratives have already been laid.

5

Kafka Losing Control of His Kaiju Form

Episode 11, “Kaiju No. 8 Captured”

It was evident that Kafka would lose control of his Kaiju form sooner or later. Unfortunately, this happened at the worst possible time — when Kafka had to prove his humanity to the Defense Force. Isao Shinomiya pushed Kafka to the brink of death, which triggered Kafka’s inner Kaiju to act instinctively and fight Isao to death. This encounter precisely highlights that Kafka’s Kaiju form is a sort of time bomb if not checked.

Perhaps this is what the General Director wanted to ensure before the Defense Force made a haste decision regarding Kafka’s survival. It is also worth noting that Isao was only testing the durability and control of Kafka’s Kaiju which, the protagonist has passed, though not with flying colors. Despite the predictable outcome, this moment in Kaiju No. 8‘s first season was highly captivating due to its intensity and the potential narrative shift towards darker themes.

4

Kafka Risking His Secret To Save the Third Division

Episode 10, “Secret Revealed”

After the Third Division successfully apprehends and eliminates Kaiju No. 10 without Kafka’s assistance, a new urgency arises when the Kaiju leaves behind a nuclear bomb as a parting threat. Without thinking twice, Kafka rushes near the bomb while transforming into his Kaiju form. Kafka’s monologue reveals that he can’t think about himself, and thus he has to act despite whatever repercussions might be followed later.

After rescuing others, Kafka shows no intention of fleeing and instead prepares to face whatever consequences await him. This moment underscores Kafka’s heroism and self-sacrificing spirit yet again. The members of the Third Division later reveal that they are grateful for Kafka’s actions and are rooting for his return to the Division.

3

Kafka Proving His Humanity

Episode 12, “Kafka Hibino”

The finale of the series was intense as it featured the protagonist in a pickle. Isao Shinomiya was determined to understand the potential benefits of Kaiju No. 8 and thus, he pushed himself and Kafka beyond their limits. The battle between them was essentially a clash of two numbered Kaijus, and I.G. Production once again elevated it with their outstanding animation and perfectly chosen soundtracks.

Kafka was able to gain control of Kaiju at the last moment because he couldn’t bear to kill Isao in front of his daughter. This underscores that Kafka values the well-being of those around him more than his own fate. Perhaps this is another reason why Isao went against the whole defense force and gave Kafka a chance to prove his humanity to others as well.

2

Reno And Ihara Saving Each Other

Episode 7, “Kaiju No. 9”

During Kaiju No. 9’s nefarious plot in Episode 7, Reno and Ihara unfortunately stumble on Kaiju No. 9’s path. Disguised as a human, the Kaiju instantly attacks Ihara and Reno, overpowering them in a mere second. Recalling that it is the same Kaiju that appeared during the test, Reno utilizes this knowledge to evade the attacks and directs Ihara to flee to safety.

Initially, Ihara runs away from the field, grappling with self-doubt over being repeatedly saved by others. However, he ultimately returns and rescues Reno just as the monster is about to deliver a fatal blow. Even though Reno and Ihara were fighting a losing battle, they showed courage and sound judgment in a dire situation, reaffirming their commitment to become Defense Officers. Moments like this in Kaiju No. 8 precisely exemplify that it has other great elements than Kafka’s Kaiju transformation.

1

Kafka Leaping To Save Reno Ichikawa

Episode 1, “The Man Who Became a Kaiju”

Stemming from the Shonen genre, Kaiju No. 8 anime does well to feature the classical traits of the niche. The protagonist of the series, Kafka Hibino, also inherits the classical, self-sacrificing spirit from the genre. After Reno Ichikawa inspires Kafka to make one last attempt to join the Defense Force, Reno is immediately attacked by a Kaiju. However, Kafka quickly leaps into action to save Reno before the Kaiju can harm him.

The protagonist continues to protect Reno from the monster and puts his life at risk by luring the creature to himself. Though this moment doesn’t feature the amazing and aesthetically pleasing battles yet to come, it is significant as it highlights the protagonist’s desire to genuinely save people from monsters, and not only through lip service, an ability reminiscent of Deku’s from My Hero Academia.