REVIEW: ‘Kaiju No. 8’ Episode 2 — “The Kaiju Who Defeats Kaiju”

Kaijui No. 8 Episode 2 picks up directly where the premiere left off. The lovable Kafka Hibano (Masaya Fukunishi) has, against his will, ingested a kaiju. Now, to his initial shock and horror, he has the ability to transform into one. By picking up exactly where Episode 1 ended, we get to engage yet again in the initial realization and the broad comedy that follows as Kafka, along with his new friend, Reno Ichikawa (Wataru Kato), must figure out how to escape the hospital and evade the Defense Force.

Based on the manga written and illustrated by Naoya Matsumoto, Kaiju No. 8 Episode 2 packs a lot into its runtime. However, the bulk of the episode takes place on the first night of Kafka’s kaiju awakening. It’s a destructive introduction to his new powers, from his formidable strength to the realization that even while rescuing others, he needs to find a way to soften his appearance. Luckily, Ichikawa is ready and willing to help him immediately. The two rush from their now decimated hospital room to get Kafka as far away from the Defense Force as possible.

Perhaps one of the most shocking developments for non-manga readers is just how cute the story is. Yes, Kafka’s abilities are tremendous, but his sweetness and camaraderie with Ichikawa provide the heart of the episode. Despite his new transformative powers, he’s relatable. It’s refreshing to see a Shonen hero in their early 30s, and Kafka is proof of why we need more of it. Yes, he’s more assured in some ways and able to tackle familiar story arcs from a different point-of-view than his 18-year-old friend, but more than that, it’s a chance to show how even in our 30s, we’re still discovering who we are.

Kaiju No. 8 elevates this notion of finding change at different times in your life. It just so happens that a monumental change of self comes with Kafka’s potential career shift. Masaya Fukunishi delivers a hilarious performance as Kafka as he and Ichikawa race through the streets, Kafka trying to get a handle on his new powers. At one point, Ichikawa tries to double-check by asking Kafka if it’s “really him,” and Kafka desperately replies that he’s not even sure anymore.

The creature animation is superb, capturing the hard angles and ridges of Kafka’s kaiju design. In contrast with the kaiju they square up against, this is striking, the latter an actual monstrosity. However, this new threat is pivotal for Kafka, as he must save a mother and her daughter from the imminent threat. With his enhanced strength, he can immediately dispatch the monster, causing it to rain blood as he obliterates it with one punch. It’s garishly beautiful, and the animation superbly captures how the moment turns into a scene of warfare.

Despite this, the moment still holds room for the requisite heart for this series. The little girl whom he rescues is initially frightened by his appearance. He accommodates that fear by telling her the Defense Force will be on the scene soon, so she can rest easy knowing he’ll leave. But rather than leave it on that bittersweet note, the series provides hope as the child thanks him. Later, they double down as she asks Mina Ashiro (Asami Seto) to please spare the “good kaiju.”

Kaiju No. 8 Episode 2 settles into a more leisurely pace following this moment. We jump three months ahead, and the news is still reporting on Kafka, dubbed ‘Kaiju No. 8.’ He presents as a threat to the public because he’s the only kaiju ever to escape the Defense Force. Regardless, we learn that he is learning how to control his powers and ability to transform despite mixed results. He and Ichikawa pass stage one of the entrance exams to join the Defense Force. However, Kafka brings down the moment by sharing that it’s always the second round where he fails.

This is where the episode leaves us as the two arrive for their exam. Again, this is a relatively predictable step in the story. But that predictability isn’t bothersome when the show is brought to life with such visual fervor and anchored by an engaging and likable hero who doesn’t adopt the same energy or age of other shonen leads. The series looks great, and it provides plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Its most vital elements are the characters and animation style, which shine through.

Kaiju No. 8 Episode 2 delivers big laughs and wonderful character moments in the quick-paced “The Kaiju Who Defeats Kaiju.” The series continues to be off to a great start with a loveable protagonist and a sweet center despite its monster-infested world.

Kaiju No. 8 Episode 2 is out now on Crunchyroll.