REVIEW: ‘Kaiju No. 8’ Episode 3 — “Revenge Match”

Kaiju No. 8 Episode 3 slips into some narrative familiarity in “Revenge Match.” Protagonist Kafka Hibino(Masaya Fukunishi) and his friend Reno Ichikawa (Wataru Kato) are trying to join the Anti-Kaiju Defense Force. Having already passed the first portion, the exam now splits into two parts — the physical and the aptitude exam. It’s a comedy-heavy episode until the last few minutes when Kafka presses himself beyond his limitations.

For most of the episode, “Revenge Match” leans heavily on visual gags and broader (louder) humor. Due to their first interaction in Episode 2, Kafka butts heads with young superstar Shinomiya (Fairouz Ai), a 16-year-old touted as the “greatest talent ever.”

That doesn’t stop Kafka from having a one-sided competition against her. Unfortunately, his results in the physical exam are less than ideal. He places 219 out of the 225 applicants, while Shinomiya places fifth. It’s a discouraging start to his day, especially as he and Ichikawa both hoped that the physical is where they could make up for any aptitude shortcomings.

Some of the biggest laughs in Kaiju No. 8 Episode 3 continue to be scenes with Kafka and Ichikawa. Despite the latter being 18 years old, he adopts a protective, worried demeanor when it comes to Kafka. This is especially true when he stresses whether Kafka might accidentally reveal his kaiju powers.

Powers that, as the testing progresses, Kafka grows more and more convinced he should be using. While he might want to honor the other contestants who’ve put in necessary training to get here on their own merits, he also can’t help but wish to allow his new gifts to do some of the literal heavy lifting.

Ichikawa convinces Kafka that, despite the poor showing in the physical, they have a real chance in the aptitude. The previous two-year aptitude tests involved applicants having to dispose of kaiju remains to showcase that they knew more than just how to fight them.

Much to their dismay, it’s the opposite this year. They must neutralize the kaiju. While other contestants find aid in the combat suits given to them, Kafka is again at a disadvantage. Other applicants’ power outputs in the suits are at least 10%, with Shinomiya’s being 46%. Even Ichikawa is at 8%, though. Meanwhile, poor Kafka is at zero.

According to Hoshina (Kengo Kawanishi), who runs the test, this is the first time. It’s hard not to feel bad for Kafka, but I’m also frustrated that the show needed to beat him down before allowing any potential triumph. He often laments that so many of his struggles are due to his ripe old age of 32. He worries in the physical that he is so much slower than he used to be because he’s in his thirties. For a series that speaks so positively about what it means to seek out our dreams regardless of age, it leans a little too heavily on the idea that 30 is “past our prime.”

Yes, it makes it when he finally moves up in the percentage more moving. But it also would be nice for him to have a semblance of power without the kaiju powers. Instead, the writing makes up for it in his intellect about the kaiju themselves, making this one of two monster lovers in anime this year.

Like Delicious in Dungeon’s Laois, Kafka’s immense knowledge of monster anatomy makes him a formidable asset in battle. Recognizing that his strength won’t be of help, he instead plans on offering support, Ichikawa in tow. For a second, it works, too, as he can help dispatch a major kaiju because of his quick thinking.

Of course, though, it ends on a cliffhanger. His body is broken and bloodied as he declares that while he may seem too old for a dream, he’s chasing his anyway. His determination is partly his own but heightened because he knows his childhood friend, Mina (Asami Seto), is watching. We know this isn’t the end of Kafka’s journey, but seeing how he gets out of such dire circumstances will be interesting. If he uses his kaiju powers, how much? And what risks he will run in doing so.

The episode thrives in these little character-building moments and the pockets of action in the back half. Shinoymia, in particular, delivers some balletic moments as she scales buildings to take out kaiju, the direction following her steps in a fluid push. The decimation of the kaiju themselves remains bloody and visceral as we watch them fall to gruesome pieces. It makes the first half and the exaggerated facial expressions feel rudimentary in comparison, though they work better in isolation.

Kaiju No 8. Episode 3 is very much part one of a two-part story. Its action and emotional internal character struggle help bolster the story. Kafka is an engaging hero who stumbles just as often as he triumphs, making for someone relatable to latch onto.

Kaiju No. 8 Episode 3 is out now on Crunchyroll.