Upon first glance, the artwork of Kaiju No. 8’s anime and manga might lead you to believe it’s just another dark, blood-soaked monster saga. Even the cover art, with its chilling depiction of the monstrous Kaiju, had me bracing for a fright. But, despite my scaredy-cat reactions, I soon discovered that each episode was a source of joy and laughter.
It’s not really something I expected, but somehow, Kaiju No. 8 has the makings of a tremendous feel-good anime. Now, I know what you’re thinking: How could a violent monster mash be feel-good? Well, there are a lot of factors that come into play, from its comical lean to heartfelt brotastic moments.
If you need to familiarize yourself with the premise of Kaiju No. 8, it follows the story of Kafka Hibino, a clean-up worker who helps polish up the city’s monster messes. The Kaiju often plague the world with destruction, and it’s up to the Defense Force to keep them at bay. Unfortunately for Kafka, he initially didn’t quite meet the standards of the DF, hence why he’s part of the clean-up crew.
Although Hibino’s time in the Professional Kaiju Cleaning Company is short-lived, I rather enjoyed the normalcy of this 9-5 lifestyle. This feeds into its feel-good element, as Kafka always tries to remain positive at work despite being deep inside a monster’s guts while cleaning. Of course, he is still inclined to complain, like any other job, but he’s determined to get the job done no matter what.
Kaiju No. 8’s humor is, by all means, its most standout feature. It’s the kind of comedy that genuinely makes me burst into laughter. Take, for instance, when Hibino (spoiler alert) unexpectedly transforms into a Kaiju in the first episode. He reacts in a hilarious way, the same as I would if I transformed into a dreadful monster: by screaming uncontrollably. Even his sad attempt at a smile looks more like Godzilla preparing to unleash an Atomic Breath on the city.
Then, the show immediately delves into the most profound question: how do you use the bathroom as a monster? It’s a bit out of left field, but I live for this wacky content. Forget about the reasoning behind Kafka’s transformation; I want to know the deep secrets within a monster’s potty breaks.
I couldn’t help but draw some comparisons to that of Attack On Titan, which also features a similar premise of the main character turning into the very thing they hate. While Eren Jaeger’s reaction portrays a cool-guy approach of fierce determination, Kafka’s reaction is anything but. The two worlds are filled with dread and despair, yet Kaiju No. 8 has a much softer tone to balance out its violent action. If a scene focuses on the show’s sanguinary side, you best believe some slapstick comedy will be mixed in there.
It’s not forced comedy, either; the showrunners know how to time jokes well. These scenes mainly showcase a realistic approach to how people react to a human-like Kaiju. Kafka’s other form has either caused people to cry or fall flat on the ground. It may get tedious in the later episodes, but I continue to laugh at his failed attempts each time, simply because he remains surprised when they don’t react positively.
Kaiju No. 8’s realism also enhances the show’s relatability. This is just a regular guy trying to make ends meet in a chaotic world. This relatability makes the series feel much more welcoming and pleasant. One aspect I truly appreciate is the fact that Hibino is 32 years old. Many anime tend to focus on the traditional high-school age range, so seeing someone more in line with my age feels refreshing. Even if you are a part of the younger generation, Kafka is definitely a kid at heart, especially with how he naively handles his robust powers.
Besides Kafka, his right-hand man Leno knows a thing or two about comedy. He screams as much as Hibino, and his expressions can be just as hysterical as Spy x Family’s Anya Forger. However, above all else, Leno is a true bro. This man doesn’t hesitate to help Kafka as he tries to figure out a plan for his newfound abilities. Maybe he’s violently shouting while doing it, but hey, he’s there for Hibino, nonetheless.
The series also delves into childhood nostalgia, with Hibino often reminiscing about his time with his old best friend, Mina Ashiro (the captain of the Defense Force). These memories inject a sense of cheerfulness and naivety into the otherwise grim world of Kaiju No. 8. This balance of light and dark is what makes the series so compelling and enjoyable.
So, to add to the pile, Kaiju No. 8 is a feel-good monster mash anime with a hint of bromance. Although the series is only a few episodes into its adaptation, I already know Leno is, without a doubt, a homie. I love watching their friendship unfold on a monster battlefield, giving us more light-hearted moments. The show’s unique blend of humor and wholesomeness, where even in the midst of chaos and danger, the characters find moments of joy and camaraderie, is what sets it apart from other visceral monster scraps.
I never knew I needed Kaiju No. 8’s wholesomeness and comedy, but I can’t get enough of it now. As a big AOT fan, it helps fill the void that the series finale left behind, while also introducing a new concept (at least for me) of classic feel-good elements in otherwise violent events. One thing is certain: anime will always keep me guessing, and I’m thrilled that shows like Kaiju No. 8 will continue to break the mold.
