Summary

Kaiju No. 8is rapidly gaining popularity with each new episode released weekly. The most intriguing part of the anime is surely its main character, who defies the typical shonen tropes due to his relatively old age for the genre. In his early thirties,Kafka got a chance to follow his dream of becoming a Defense Corps memberthrough a mysterious incident. Since then, Kafka has been using his transforming abilities to protect others from monstrous threats.

However, as the series progressed, it became increasingly apparent that the series followed the same structure by having its protagonist save the day when things became harrowing. During the first exam where the participants had to defeat Kaijus, an incident occurs that forces Kafka to transform into his Kaiju form to protect Shinomiya. This sequence was particularly impactful, as it built incredible anticipation for Kafka’s heroics and solidified the “saving the day” motif.

Kafka in his Kaiju form looking malevolent as he is ready to jump

Not much later, in episode #7 ofKaiju No. 8, a similar scene was crafted where it became evident that Kafka would be leaping in to save the day, which the protagonist does as expected. But when the latest episode sets up what appears to be a repeated pattern,the series surprises viewers with a twist, reminding them that it has many other tricks up its sleeve.

Kaiju No. 8 Reminds Viewers It Has More to Offer Than Just the Protagonist’s Transformation

Ashiro Mina and the Third Division Steals the Show From Kafka Impressively

Episode #10 ofKaiju No. 8, “Secret Revealed”, features the rampage of Kaiju No. 10 on the Tachikawa Base while vice-captain Soshiro Hoshina fights valiantly to defeat the monster. However, the monster continues to evolve even after Hoshina’s limits are exceeded, which puts the beloved vice-captain in grave danger. Seeing no other option to save Hoshina, Kafka feels compelled to transform. Just when viewers are certain that Kafka will save the day, yet again, the moment takes an unexpected turn as his sort of rival and childhood friend steps in to save the day instead.

This sequence is very well crafted, as it not only features Ashiro Mina, the main pillar of the Third Division in action, but showcases the unit’s collective strength and diversity. It emphasizes that the Third Division’s greatness stems not only from its formidable captain but also from the array of unique officers within it. Shinomiya seizes another opportunity to demonstrate her prodigious talents, but Hoshino is no doubt the star of the episode, proving his position as the vice-captain.

A close up of Mina pointing a gun at Kaiju No 8

Nearing Its Finale, Kaiju No. 8 May Still Have More Surprises

The new-age shonen series has continues to outdo itself, meaning it could have more up its sleeve

Despite showing the collective efforts of the Third Division,Kaiju No. 8episode #10 concluded with Kafka yet again saving the day. However, this moment justifies Kafka’s need for transformation more than the other sequences as it eventually helped save thousands of lives. It was due to an emergency that Kafka even risked his secret to the Third Division, but this is where the true intrigue lies as it builds suspense regarding Kafka’s fate.

Kafka’s secret reveal couldn’t have been done in a better way, but the major question is what will happen next. The upcoming episode will surely unveil what repercussions the protagonist may have to face, but it is evident that the series is preparing for something grand with this reveal for the finale of this season. Thus, it is clear that shonen Jump’s hottest new anime,Kaiju No. 8,has more things up its sleevethan making the repeated mistake of showcasing Kafka leaping to save others.