When the 2024 anime season began, all eyes were on one name: Kaiju No. 8. Adapted from the record-breaking manga on Shonen Jump+, the production was heralded as a candidate for “anime of the year.” With a heavyweight studio like Production I.G (the makers of Haikyuu!! and Psycho-Pass) at the helm, combined with its unconventional protagonist, expectations were sky-high.
So, looking back after the first season’s conclusion, did Kaiju No. 8 manage to live up to that colossal hype? In short: Is it worth watching?
In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the anime’s pros, cons, and who it’s the ideal choice for.
Why the Concept is So Appealing
The story is set in a Japan routinely attacked by giant monsters known as “Kaiju.” The “Japan Anti-Kaiju Defense Force,” established to fight these monsters, are treated as national superstars.
However, we don’t follow the force’s brilliant soldiers; we follow 32-year-old Kafka Hibino. Kafka dreamed of joining the Defense Force in his youth but failed countless times. Now, he’s a man who has given up on his dreams, working for Monster Sweeper Inc., a company that cleans up the wreckage and body parts left behind after Kaiju attacks. Right from the start, the series begins from a perspective we’d never expect. No other shonen series touches on how the monsters are cleaned up after they’re killed. By starting with this different and intriguing concept, the series immediately stands out.
Kafka’s life changes completely when he accidentally ingests a small, parasite-like Kaiju. This event gives him the ability to transform into a humanoid Kaiju of immense power. Codenamed “Kaiju No. 8” by the Defense Force, Kafka is now hunted as one of the enemy, all while trying to hide his identity and achieve his childhood dream of joining the force. This concept is similar to what many of us know from Attack on Titan, where Eren is swallowed by a Titan and transforms into one. We can say the mangaka was likely inspired by Attack on Titan.
Why You Should Watch (The Pros)
Kaiju No. 8 has many valid reasons to be considered worth your time:
1. An “Adult” Shonen Protagonist
The anime world is full of 16-year-old high school heroes. Kafka Hibino, however, is 32, has failed in life, is full of regrets, and is on the verge of a “mid-life crisis.” His struggle isn’t just with giant monsters, but also with his past missed opportunities and his “loser” status in society. This adds incredible depth to the character and a maturity that allows the audience to connect with him.
Considering most shonen series focus on bratty main characters, Kaiju No. 8 offers a different perspective here too. Since shonen series appeal to young people, having a young protagonist makes it easier for viewers to empathize and identify with the characters. This increases both the series’ flow and the viewing pleasure.
2. A Visual Feast and High Production Quality
Production I.G, with animation support from Studio Khara (the studio behind the Evangelion rebuild films), did not hold back on the budget. The Kaiju fights are cinematic, fluid, and high-tempo. The monster designs and massive destruction scenes fully deliver the “big-budget action” viewers expect. The synergy of sound design and animation makes you feel the weight of every punch.
They’ve truly done quality work on the animations. Since I’m writing this before finishing the second season, I can’t fully comment on it, but from the 2-3 episodes I have seen, the quality holds up. I’ll share my full thoughts on season two after I finish it.
3. Music and Global Appeal
Working with major international names like Yungblud and OneRepublic for the opening (OP) and ending (ED) tracks shows how much the production is targeting a global audience. This music perfectly supports the anime’s modern and “cool” tone.
4. Strong Supporting Characters
In contrast to Kafka, the young and talented rookie Reno Ichikawa plays an important role in balancing the story’s seriousness and focus. Characters like Kikoru Shinomiya also stand out as strong figures with their own motivations, far from being mere clichés.
The supporting character in this anime strongly reminded me of Genos from One-Punch Man. They are very similar in their desire to get stronger, save their master, and the immense respect they show him. The series’ supporting characters don’t feel like they were just thrown in. They all have their own stories and are genuinely doing their best to advance.
Lastly, I want to touch on Kafka’s childhood friend. I really wish we could have seen more of his developing relationship with Mina. When the focus is on war and action, the romance gets lost in the shuffle, as happens in many shonen series. In shonen series, romance should either be absent entirely or, if it’s going to be included, it should be explored in more detail. The way it’s handled here, you can’t understand the romance that is there, but you also can’t say there isn’t any. It’s a very awkward situation.
What Didn’t Quite Meet Expectations (The Cons)
No production is perfect, and Kaiju No. 8 has also faced some criticism:
1. Pacing Issues
The most common criticism from manga readers is that the anime’s pacing is too slow at times. The time spent introducing characters and world-building, especially in the first few episodes, might bore some viewers who are just waiting for the action.
There’s an oddity with the show’s pacing. In some places, it slows to a crawl, while in others, it accelerates rapidly. Especially (as with many anime) when the finale approaches, the pacing goes flying and starts to get ridiculous. I wish the studios were more balanced in this regard. This trend of ramping up the tempo at the end of season one just to hook viewers for season two seems like it’s never going to end.
2. Conspicuous CG Usage
Kaiju No. 8 frequently uses 3D CG within its 2D animation. This is particularly noticeable on some of the giant Kaiju and the Defense Force’s armor. While the CG quality isn’t bad, the transitions from 2D to 3D can be jarring at times, and this might bother fans of traditional animation. Because the monsters called Kaiju are so massive, and because CG hasn’t yet been perfectly integrated into anime, problems arise here. Yes, the CG is jarring now and then, but there are no glaring issues.
The Verdict: So, Is It Worth Watching?
Absolutely, yes.
Kaiju No. 8 deserves to be one of 2024’s brightest stars. While not perfect, it more than satisfies fans of the genre with its fresh protagonist, mind-blowing production quality, and engaging story. If you are looking for an action anime with a different style, you should definitely check it out.
I’ve watched so much action anime that I was starting to say “nothing grips me anymore,” but Kaiju No. 8 managed to catch me completely off guard. After a long time, I found myself getting excited while watching a series, eagerly waiting for the next episode. After the first season ended, I learned that the second season had just started airing, but I didn’t want to start it until the whole season was released. I feel like the magic is broken when a series is left unfinished, so for me, it’s more enjoyable to watch it after it’s complete rather than watching it weekly.
Who Should Watch It?
- Those who love high-budget, cinematic action scenes.
- Those tired of classic high school heroes and looking for a more mature protagonist.
- Those who like the “humanity vs. giant monsters” theme of Attack on Titan but want a more “shonen” and hopeful story.
- Those who enjoy the “learning to control your powers” theme of My Hero Academia.
If you can show a little patience in the parts where the pacing slows down, Kaiju No. 8 promises a very solid anime experience that is both entertaining and character-driven. The first season laid a tremendous foundation for the second season, where the story is set to grow even larger.
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