Based on Naoya Matsumoto’s manga series: Kaiju No. 8” (KN8) delivers a thrilling ride from its inaugural episode to its latest instalment on June 29. This series is a must-watch for fans of monster versus human action, akin to Godzilla vs. Kong, seasoned with engaging human characters and humor.
Following the familiar trope of Japan under the Kaiju attacks, the Japan Anti-Kaiju Defense Force (Defense Force) promptly deploys its divisions to combat these monstrous threats whenever they emerge. KN8 revolves around Kafka Hibino (played by Masaya Fukunishi), a member of the cleanup crew tasked with disposing of the remains left behind after Defense Force operations. Despite his attempts to join the Defense Force, Kafka’s plans are thwarted until a twist of fate turns him into a human-kaiju hybrid with enhanced abilities, due to a small kaiju invading his body.
Throughout its eight episodes, KN8 entertains with comedic chaos as Kafka, aided by his apprentice Reno Ichikawa (Wataru Katoh), strives to conceal his monstrous alter ego from the very organization designed to eradicate creatures like him.
As an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances, Kafka’s journey is compelling to root for. Lacking the military training and strength of his comrades in the Third Division, Kafka struggles with even the simplest tasks, from basic exercises to wielding standard infantry weaponry. The first half of the season focuses on Kafka’s journey, while the latter half delves into his evolving relationships, particularly with Reno and other members of the Third Division, fostering a connection that viewers will appreciate as one of KN8’s greatest strengths.
In the realm of monster anime, KN8 shines with its top-tier action sequences that evolve in complexity with each episode. Initially featuring straightforward battles where soldiers engage monsters in combat, the series later diversifies its dynamics, showcasing Kafka’s hand-to-hand combat skills and other characters wielding short swords and massive battle axes. Production IG, the studio behind the anime, excels in animation, particularly evident in the climactic episodes.
However, despite its strengths, KN8’s first season follows a somewhat predictable formula, with story beats that unfold exactly as expected. Characters often find themselves in perilous situations yet seem safeguarded by plot armor, diminishing the tension and stakes of their confrontations with towering kaiju. Instances where characters recover miraculously from severe injuries after a brief hospital stay further detach viewers from emotionally investing in their fates.
Moving forward, KN8 would benefit from more uniform character development across its main cast, particularly pivotal figures like Mina. Strong characters necessitate robust backgrounds and layered motivations, aspects currently lacking for characters such as Mina, whose primary backstory centres on grief over a pet’s death during a kaiju attack.
While KN8 stands as a captivating series for enthusiasts of monster-slaying action, addressing these narrative and character development opportunities could significantly elevate its potential in subsequent seasons.
“Kaiju No. 8” is available for streaming on Netflix.
