‘Kaiju No. 8’ Season 1 Review- Monster Or Man?

This anime aired in 2024.

Based on the manga created by Naoya Matsumoto, Kaiju No. 8 is a science fiction anime produced by Production I.G. The first season had a total of twelve episodes.

Japan and other nations are under constant threat of kaiju, monsters that assault the populace. Kafka Hibino (Nazeeh Tarsha) works in sanitation, but dreams of joining the Defense Force and serving with his childhood friend, Captain Mina Ashiro (Katelyn Barr). When he and his co-worker, Reno Ichikawa (Adam McArthur), are injured after helping defeat a small kaiju, the monster infects him, and he soon transforms into a strange hybrid.

Using his newfound strength, he passes the JDF test and ends up in Mina’s squad, where Vice Captain Soshiro Hoshina (Landon McDonald) notes his strength. Kafka is soon forced to transform into a kaiju to battle a stronger one and save his teammate Kikoru Shinomiya (Abigail Blythe). This threatens his secret and could put him in real danger.

The show did change a few things from the manga. Conversations were shorter, some longer, and others had added exposition, which I think was used to set up the world-building. This was more of an annoyance than an issue because it maintained most of the plot, but I just wanted to highlight it.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the incredible theme song “Abyss” from the British band Yungblud. It is not only the perfect theme song for this show, but it is also fantastic. I know it is sort of a tradition for anime to change OP themes after an arc, but I hope this one stays.

Also, the animation is incredible. The animators at Production I.G did an excellent job of bringing the manga to life. I especially loved how they brought Kafka’s battles with the other kaijus to life. This was some top-tier work and I was so impressed with it.

Of course, the story gets you hooked. Kafka wants nothing more than to defend his friends while standing beside his childhood friend. However, his transformation into a monster prevents this. It creates a battle inside him as his human side fights with the monster, all while trying to keep it a secret.

This battle between two worlds makes it for some compelling action, plot, and character development as we watch Kafka grow in this scary circumstances. I am so glad that this anime got renewed for a second season because it is has become one of my favorite anime.

Check out the OP Theme song below:

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Minor foul language, Strong violence, Disturbing elements

This review is based on the dub from Crunchyroll.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, anime, or novel you would like me to review.