Summary
Kaiju No. 8has been Shōnen Jump’s most unique debut so far this year, with its hero Kafka redefining what fans thought was possible with the genre. Though the kaiju hero shares many similarities with iconic shonen heroes, he has a few traits that make him truly stand out from the crowd.Kaiju No. 8takes a fresh approach with Kafka by making him significantly older than most of his shonen contemporaries. While Shonen Jump heroes are often teenagers or even preteens, Kafka is in his early 30s.
Kafka’s age is a major factor in what makesKaiju No. 8so compelling. His determination to pursue his dreams, despite years of setbacks, is deeply motivating. These traits have resonated with viewers across various age groups, a rarity for a new Shōnen series. Although Kafka has been the focal point ofKaiju No. 8Season 1, these moments truly showcase the protagonist’s standout qualities.
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The reunion between Kafka and Mina that Kaiju No. 8 readers have been waiting for since the manga’s beginning has finally transpired in chapter 69.
10Losing Control When Inspired
Episode #5, “Joining Up”
Kafka, like many Shonen genre protagonists, doesn’t hesitate to express his emotions. In contrast, he is arguably the most emotionally responsive protagonist in the genre. While this level of expressiveness might seem at odds with his age, it’s difficult to imagine Kafka being any other way. A prime example of this trait is showcased in the fifthepisode ofKaiju No. 8, where, after being inspired by Ashiro Mina, Kafka passionately declares that he will be by her side.
This announcement startles everyone, prompting the other members of the Defense Force to deem Kafka senile while Hoshino continues to laugh uncontrollably. However,it is evident in this scene that Ashiro Mina has always appreciated this side of Kafka, as she leaves with a smile after his bold declaration.
9Not Giving Up Even After Being Faced With the Brutal Reality
Episode #3, “Revenge Match”
The primary reason that Kafka couldn’t pursue his dream of becoming a Defense Force officer was his lack of the extraordinary physical abilities and other skills required for the role. This is emphasized during his training when Kafka struggles to even activate 1% of the special suit provided by the Defense Force. Despite this, Kafka joins the training session, giving his last chance to follow his dream a full throttle.
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Kaiju No. 8 Season 1 has been the hit of Spring 2024 and it is not only due to the protagonist’s relatively old age.
Kafka’s determination is powerfully evident when he openly admits that he probably looks foolishand too old to be chasing his dream. Yet, he’s willing to stake everything on it. This moment is pivotal for Kafka, as it underscores his unwavering resilience and his willingness to risk everything, even his life, to pursue his dream.
8Discovering Kaiju’s Core to Help Others
Episode #6, “Sagahmihara Neutralization Operation At Daybreak”
Though a Defense Force officer needs to be really strong and face Kaijus without any fears,Kafka proves that he can contribute in other ways by leveraging the skills from his previous job. During his first official mission, Kafka manages to activate 1% of his suit’s power. While this is far from enough to take on the monster directly and keeps him on the sidelines,Kafka seizes the opportunity to assist his team by applying his extensive knowledge of Kaiju anatomyto support their efforts.
Kafka’s quick thinking not only aids him in battle, but also prevents a potential massacre
The protagonist starts dismantling the body of the dead Kaiju to look for the core and is successful in doing so. Additionally, he discovers that the monster they are battling has reproductive organs and immediately alerts Hoshino. This crucial information allows the Defense Force officers, even those with weaker powers, to effectively defeat the monster. Kafka’s quick thinking not only aids him in battle, but also prevents a potential massacre that could have resulted from the creature’s regenerative abilities.
7Punching A Kaiju To Death For the First Time
Episode #2, “The Kaiju Who Defeats Kaiju”
While it was expected thatKafka would go on to remain an ordinary person and would be stuck on his job, he suddenly and mysteriously gained the power of transforming into a Kaiju. Shortly after this unexpected event, Kafka and Reno encounter a Kaiju terrorizing a nearby area. Upon seeing a terrified child, Kafka immediately steps up and announces that he will stop the Kaiju.
With no idea how to stop the Kaiju, Kafka instinctively decides to punch the monster as hard as he can in his Kaiju form. However, even Kafka was surprised that his Kaiju form garnered so much power that a single punch was more than enough to defeat that big a monster. Although this scene highlights the scale of Kafka’s newfound powers,it is also a symbol of Kafka’s newfound hope for following his dream for the last time.
6Beating Kaiju No. 9
Episode #7, “Kaiju No. 9”
Kafka’s Kaiju powers are best showcased in his fight against Kaiju No. 9 in episode #7 of the anime, which also makes it clear that the anime’s narrative is leaning toward the action side. This encounter between Kaiju No. 8 and Kaiju No. 9 was crucial, as it provided the perfect opportunity to display Kafka’s full strength. Without this clash, it would have been a missed opportunity to highlight his abilities at their peak.
While the epic encounter between Kaiju No. 8 and Kaiju No. 9 is undeniably thrilling,the real highlight of this scene is how Kafka is fueled by the determination to protect his friendsfrom the monster rather than just abusing his powers. After taking a devastating hit from Kaiju No. 9, Kafka reflects on the pain and danger his colleagues must have endured against such a powerful foe. Resolute, he vows to make Kaiju No. 9 experience the same, channeling his strength not just for victory, but to defend those he cares about.
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Kaiju No. 8 is veering from its original narrative trajectory, risking losing the elements that made it appealing in the first place.
5Kafka Suddenly Gaining Powers
Kaiju No. 8would have been a really different series if Kafka hadn’t gained the mysterious powers. Nevertheless, Kafka gaining his powers is one of the most pivotal moments in season one ofKaiju No. 8, fundamentally altering Kafka’s fate and shaping the series as a whole. Unlike many other shōnen series, which often focus on emotional narratives following a protagonist’s first acquisition of power,Kaiju No. 8incorporates humorous twists.
Kafka’s response to this suddenness is filled with charm and humor, possibly also featuring perhaps thefunniest moment fromKaiju No. 8with Kafka in his Kaiju form, pissing from his nipple. However, the profound meaning behind this scene is how it serves as a powerful reminder to viewers who may be on the verge of giving up on their dreams that persistence can lead to unexpected opportunities.
4Risking His Secret To Help Everyone
Episode #10, “Secret Revealed”
Kafka’s best trait is his self-sacrificing heroic spirit, which is often portrayed in the series, and therefore, a scene fromepisode #10 ofKaiju No. 8pictures Kafka’s best moment from this season. After an amazing display of teamwork among the Third Division of the Defense Force officers against Kaiju No. 10, things take a turn for the worst when the Kaiju leaves a bomb as a parting gift. If it hadn’t been for Kafka’s heroic act, the Third Division would have been wiped out.
Realizing this, Kafka leaped to save his colleagues, putting aside his own safety and the potential consequences of revealing his Kaiju transformation. This moment, yet again, also highlights thatKafka’s power is even greater than initially thought. Despite the enormous explosion from the bomb, Kafka emerges without a scratch.
3Kafka Proctecting Shinomiya
Episode #4, “Fortitude 9.8”
Kaiju No. 8Season 1 establishes arecurring trend where Kafka arrives just in time to protect others, making these moments pivotal for both his character and the series. A prime example of this “saving the day” motif occurs in episode 4 when Kafka intervenes to save Shinomiya from a deadly Kaiju attack. In the process, Kafka reveals his secret transformation and uses his extraordinary Kaiju powers to shield Shinomiya from harm, showcasing his commitment to protecting others despite the risks.
While this is a pivotal and emotional scene,Kafka’s charisma adds a distinctive flavor to the moment, making it even more memorable. His ability to punch Kaijus to death with sheer force has become one of the most compelling aspects of the series, which is bound to have any fans get up and cheer for Kafka.
2Gaining Control Over His Kaiju Form
Episode #12, “Kafka Hibino”
Kafka has had no problems maintaining his Kaiju form and using it to protect his friends from monstrous threats. Therefore, it is a thrilling moment when the protagonist loses control over his Kaiju form for the first time. It underscores that Kafka’s Kaiju powers carry risks greater than initially perceived. This struggle for control becomes even more significant, as it highlights the importance of mastering his abilities and reflects the protagonist’s growth and potential.
Fans curious to see what happens to Kafka after episode #12 ofKaiju No. 8should start with the manga’s 39th chapter.
The true highlight of this moment is how Kafka is able to gain control of his monstrous side, which again stems from his deep desire to protect his friends and ensure their happiness. When Kafka realizes that he may kill Isao in front of Kikoru, he takes decisive action to regain control by punching himself in the chest to overcome his monstrous instincts, emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding those he cares about.
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Episode #1, “The Man Who Became a Kaiju”
The best trait ofKaiju No. 8’s protagonist is his self-sacrificing heroic spirit
Kafka’s best trait doesn’t reside in his Kaiju form and landing a barrage of punches until the monsters are obliterated. The best trait ofKaiju No. 8’s protagonist is his self-sacrificing heroic spirit that compels him to protect those around him. This quality shines brightest when he leaps to save Reno, even without the power of his transformation.
Episode #1 ofKaiju No. 8features Kafka leaping to save Reno, a stranger he just met that morning, risking his own life to protect him from a monster. This moment truly highlights how Kafka is determined to follow his dream of becoming a Defense Force officer to protect others, proving that his desire to protect others is more than just empty words. This selfless act mirrors the heroic spirit ofDeku fromMy Hero Academia, suggesting thatKaiju No. 8’sKafka might have drawn inspiration from Deku’s relentless drive to protect those in need.
Kaiju No. 8
Cast
Kaiju No. 8 follows Kafka Hibino, who dreams of joining The Defense Force alongside childhood friend Mina Ashiro in a world beset by Kaiju. Kafka’s path diverges as he works cleaning up post-battle, but his encounter with Reno Ichikawa reignites his vow to defend humanity. Released in 2024.
