REVIEW: ‘Kaiju No. 8’ Episode 1 Is An Exhilarating Introduction

Living in a world constantly threatened by monsters is always a good recipe for a story. A lot can be explored, but it’s usually a solid source of action entertainment with the promise of gore. Enter the latest anime adaptation tackling this premise: Kaiju No. 8. Produced by Production I.G., this anime follows Kafka Hibino (Masaya Fukunishi), a man who finds himself cursed with the ability to turn into a kaiju after accidentally forcibly ingesting one. In Kaiju No. 8 Episode 1, viewers are introduced to a Japan under constant threat of kaiju, with various divisions of the Defense Force being the only ones able to destroy them.

Kaiju No. 8 Episode 1 opens with an attack on the city. In a brilliant display of smooth animation, a kaiju arises from the depths and wreaks havoc, but the Third Division of the Defense Force takes it down. Exploding in a rain of blood and viscera, the city is a mess. While the Defense Force is celebrated, Monster Sweeper Inc., the kaiju disposal unit, is left doing the dirty work. This is where we meet Kafka. He’s 32 years old and still dreams about joining the Defense Force. Unfortunately, his age bars him from trying again. At least for now.

After cleaning up kaiju guts, Kafka finds himself reminiscing upon seeing the news highlighting a former friend, Mina Ashiro (Asami Seto). At 27 years old, Mina is now captain of the Third Division. As children, Kafka and Mina swore they would defeat kaiju together. In the present, their paths couldn’t be more different. She is cold and dangerous, killing kaiju seamlessly. Kafka handles the literal dirty week of cleaning up the dead.

The next day, Kafka meets new part-timer Reno Ichikawa (Wataru Kato). Kafka tries to get off on the right foot with the young man, but Reno refuses to give up his dreams like Kafka. The harsh reality of cleaning up kaiju guts gets to the young man, however, and Kafka steps in to help. By the end of the day, Reno has a new respect for his Senpai. One that ultimately pays off in a much larger way in Kaiju No. 8 Episode 1.

They are the last to leave the site when a yoju—a much smaller kaiju—surprises them. The yoju is grotesque and dangerous despite being weaker than the much-bigger kaiju from the beginning of the episode. Regardless, Kafka saves Reno twice before pushing the young man to get out of dodge. Instructing him to call in the attack, Kafka refocuses on the monster. It is a chase that is both anxiety-inducing and fascinating to behold.

Here, we see Kafka’s potential as a Defense Force operative, but without the nerve to attack the creature directly. Is this why he has never been able to pass before? Either way, he is quick on his feet and can use his intellect to lure the monster away. This demonstrates his courage, fearlessness, and ability to think on his feet.

Unfortunately, it was not enough. A moment’s hesitation, and the yoju injures him. It almost becomes critical before Reno steps in for the save. Reno is able to hold him off until a cannon blast completely decimates the yoju in one shot. It turns out Mina is the one who made that shot. This is the last thing Kafka sees before passing out. This is also likely the last time the man will ever know what peace feels like.

Kafka wakes up in a hospital bed, with his memories going back to Mina. She is the cool Kaiju killer he dreams of being. Reno interrupts his thoughts from the other side of the room. The younger man tells Kafka how cool he is. Just before Kafka can fully register what he’s saying, he stares face to face with a flying tiny Kaiju in his room.

This results in a moment that can be described as ‘Wow, this escalated quickly.’ In moments, Kafka is transformed into a Kaiju himself, resulting in a final segment of surprise and hilarity before the credits roll. There is an end credits scene, so do not click away once you see the credits begin.

Kaiju No. 8 Episode 1 does an excellent job of establishing the world and its characters. There is a definite hierarchy at play, which is established by Kafka’s dialogue towards the beginning. Even Reno’s initial reaction to Kafka hints at this between those who are in the Defense Force versus those who are not. It’s an interesting dynamic made even more intense by the threat of the Kaiju.

So far, the Kaiju designs have been unique. In Episode 1 alone, we encounter four different Kaiju, each drastically different from the other. For monster/Kaiju fans, this provides exciting variety that fills viewers in on the power types without further exposition. Either way, it easily stokes excitement for what other Kaiju we’ll see in the series.

Kaiju No. 8 Episode 1 immerses viewers into the universe without needless explanation. With a well-rounded protagonist right off the bat with goals that feel all too real, we already have someone to root for in Kafka. With his newfound dilemma, it’ll be interesting to see how he handles this crisis he’s found himself in.

Kaiju No. 8 Episode 1 premieres on Crunchyroll on April 13, 2024.