The Rise Of Kaiju No. 8

Kaiju No.8 is a new sci-fi anime adapted from the ongoing Shonen Jump manga written by Naoya Matsumato. Produced by Production I.G. in collaboration with Studio Khara, renowned for their work on Evagelion, Kaiju No.8 swiftly immerses viewers into a world where Kaiju attacks are a daily reality. Japan, in particular, faces the brunt of these monstrous assaults, leading to the formation of the Anti-Kaiju Defense Force—a team of elite Kaiju hunters. For those unfamiliar with Kaiju, envision creatures akin to those in Pacific Rim, colossal beings capable of widespread destruction. The narrative revolves around childhood friends Kafka Hibino and Mina Ashiro as they strive to join the Anti-Kaiju Defense Force and combat the Kaiju menace.

In the initial episode, we witness Mina's ascent to a respected position within the Defense Force, while Kafka finds himself part of the Kaiju clean-up crew, dealing with the aftermath of defeated Kaiju. At 32 years old, Kafka repeatedly fails the Defense Force's entrance exam, teaming up with aspiring recruit Reno Ichikawa, each sharing aspirations of joining the elite ranks. The contrast in public perception between the revered Defense Force, seen as heroes and celebrities, and the overlooked Kaiju Cleanup crew, operating in anonymity without public acknowledgment, highlights the stark difference in recognition and treatment between the two teams. Hopefully we will continue to see how the two teams operate and the relationships between the two

Kaiju No.8 stands out as one of the Spring anime premieres I anticipated the most. For fans of the Kaiju genre, this series delivers on all fronts. Despite having only aired two episodes, the show effectively establishes its tone, pacing, and narrative. The animation, a fusion of Production I.G. and Studio Khara's styles, captivates with its attention to detail, particularly in depicting the attacking Kaiju. While the combat sequences haven't been fully fleshed out yet, the action in the initial episodes sets a promising tone for what's to come. The characters are instantly likable, with Kafka shining as a relatable and endearing protagonist. Supporting characters, such as Ichikawa, add depth and energy reminiscent of iconic figures like My Hero Academia's Shoto Todoroki. The development of Mina's character, while somewhat flat initially, holds the potential for greater depth and complexity as the series progresses.

The anime adeptly brings Kafka's internal struggle and protective instincts to the forefront, drawing parallels to Franz Kafka's literary work. Much like the themes in Franz Kafka's writing, the protagonist of Kaiju No.8 grapples with his identity and undergoes transformative experiences. Looking ahead, I anticipate the exploration of existential themes inspired by Franz Kafka's writing. Having thoes elements of existentialism would really set Kaiju No. 8 apart from some of it's counterparts in action anime.

Moving forward, I am eager to witness the world-building around the constant Kaiju threat and its impact on Japanese communities. The utilization of technology, crafted from Kaiju remnants, by the Anti-Kaiju Defense Force piques my interest, prompting a desire for further exploration into the creation process. Additionally, I hope to see a deeper exploration of the Kaiju themselves, delving into their perspectives, society, and culture—a narrative angle often overlooked in traditional Kaiju media.

Kaiju No.8 is available on Crunchyroll with new episodes weekly.