One of my preferred anime from the past year is coming back for Season 2 on the 2025 TV lineup, and it’s a must-see for fans who love Godzilla. Even though many may be familiar with the monster who has collaborated with King Kong in numerous escapades, I’m sorry that too few people are aware of the anime that debuted last year, leaving them craving more monster-filled action. For those not in the know, hold on tight because Kaiju No. 8 is a must-see!
Similar to many anime titles, this one doesn’t provide much information about its content. However, I believe it stands out as an excellent choice for those new to anime, offering a great introduction to the genre and demonstrating how anime can excel in representing various themes when compared to other media forms.
What Is Kaiju No. 8?
Born in a world frequently tormented by Kaiju assaults, Kafka Hibino dreamt of someday joining The Defense Force, contributing to the select band of humans tasked with subduing the gigantic monsters and safeguarding mankind. Regrettably, fate had different ideas for him, and he ended up as a member of the cleanup team responsible for managing the chaos left behind by these battles. It was an unappreciated role, but one that would forever alter his existence.
A tiny creature originating from a giant monster (kaiju) invades Kafka’s body, granting him the power to transform into a humanoid kaiju whenever he wishes. Despite his size staying consistent, he possesses the strength and speed characteristic of a kaiju, all while maintaining his original personality and mental control. Realizing that the world would be skeptical about such an unprecedented event, Kafka chooses to conceal this new ability and join The Defense Force.
Kafka aspires to utilize his abilities for a noble cause: shielding humanity from monstrous kaiju and rekindling the bond with an old friend he’s been apart from for a while. However, he finds himself in a precarious position where those around him might imprison him if they learn about his extraordinary powers. This thrilling predicament sets the stage for an enthralling first season that viewers should definitely tune into.

How Is Kaiju No. 8 Similar To Godzilla?
The clear link between “Kaiju No 8” and “Godzilla” lies in their shared genre of Japanese kaiju. If you’re a fan who enjoys the contemporary Godzilla films but also appreciates the diverse array of monsters showcased in the classic movies, then “Kaiju No. 8” will cater to that preference.
One notable aspect I admire about this anime is that it presents a scenario where humanity has the strategic opportunity to counteract these monstrous creatures by using specialized armor made from kaiju body parts. Unlike the colossal robots in Pacific Rim, these humans can balance the scales with synchronized assaults and powerful weapons capable of swiftly defeating a kaiju, given its size.
In essence, if you enjoy watching monsters wreak destruction, “Kaiju No. 8” offers plenty of such scenes. In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s slightly more intriguing than a typical Godzilla film because it introduces a group of humans who balance the power dynamic, although they don’t always come out on top. It’s a series that has me hooked and I plan to keep watching until the Pacific Rim series comes out.

Kaiju No. 8 Mixes Comedy With Thrilling Action
One aspect I adore about certain anime is their knack for shifting effortlessly between humor and intense situations, and Kaiju No. 8 definitely falls into this category. Although Kafka embodies the heroism reminiscent of traditional Japanese heroes like Ultraman, he’s also quite clumsy and his blunders in non-combat scenarios often result in hilarious moments.
Concurrently, the enigma of his body merging with a kaiju’s DNA sets off a larger, intriguing mystery that forms the basis for an engaging narrative the series handles with sincerity. Combine this captivating plot with stunning animation and thrilling fight scenes, and it’s no surprise why viewers were drawn to it when it debuted on Crunchyroll.

Season 1 Sets The Stage For A Thrilling Season 2
Previously mentioned, the narrative of Kaiju No. 8 surpasses typical kaiju tales in many aspects. Beyond the enigma of why Kafka shares DNA with a kaiju, there seems to be a suggestion that the story behind these mysterious monsters runs much deeper than one might imagine.
What strikes me as amusing, even more so considering my past musings on the redundancy of humans in kaiju tales, is my affection for the human characters within the defense force. What sets this series apart from other kaiju narratives is that Kaiju No. 8 explores humanity’s persistence amidst a world where colossal monsters are commonplace. The monsters play a crucial role in the narrative, but they aren’t the sole focus of the story.
The narrative principally revolves around Kafka and his unusual metamorphosis, as well as honoring a pledge he made to an old friend. Unlike typical stories where the climax is reaching the demise of a monster, this one delves deeper into its aftermath, making it engagingly intriguing. I’d rather avoid spoilers, but let me assure you that the captivating development of this tale within merely 12 episodes of an abridged season will leave viewers craving for more.

Kaiju Adventures In Animation Tend To Be Able To Do What Live-Action Cant
In simpler terms, animation as a whole offers unique possibilities that are either costly or complex with CGI or live-action. Although not all animated series fully utilize these advantages, I am certain that “Kaiju No. 8” does so exceptionally well, reaching heights comparable to top-tier action films.

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Managing a kaiju encounter is no small feat, regardless of whether the entity involved is purely human or a mix of human and kaiju, armed with an arsenal of weapons designed for their elimination. It requires careful planning and synchronized teamwork to bring down the colossal monsters that occasionally appear in this universe.
This anime, “Kaiju No. 8”, becomes particularly chaotic when the larger monsters release smaller ones to join the action. The series is packed with intense battles, but what truly sets it apart is the intriguing insights into the characters and the broader world that you’ll discover in between these fights. To put it simply, Season 1 is a thrilling ride, and if you find yourself captivated like I did, Season 2 is right on the horizon!
You can now stream Kaiju No. 8 on Crunchyroll, and Season 2 is set to debut on the 19th of July. Don’t forget to catch up with Season 1 if you haven’t yet, as more exciting tales are coming your way soon!
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2025-06-18 23:08