In the best episode of the series so far, Kaiju No 8 Episode 10 delivers an intensive battle that strikes at a moment of dread we’ve all been waiting for. As Hoshina (Kengo Kawanishi) continues his battle against the Honju from Episode 9, character relationships rise to the surface in a fight that, at the start, seems like an impossible challenge. With staggering visuals throughout the combat, character dynamics that continue to define these significant personalities, and a devastating cliffhanger, “Secret Revealed” hits all the right notes.
We knew this moment had to come, but it doesn’t make it less impactful as Kafka’s secret is revealed in Kaiju No 8 Episode 10. For a moment, though, the writing manages a bait and switch. We once again believe that Kafka, somehow, has gotten away unscathed. Hoshina still takes point throughout the main action, though he becomes increasingly fatigued. He’s at his literal limit, his suit overheating as he maxes out the capacity of its power. Regardless, he manages a few critical blows while remembering his past.
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He was never meant to be a high-ranking official. Since his childhood, people have told him that his skill with blades would render him useless in a fight against Kaiju. Mina, however, saw things differently. She can’t use blades but is a tank on the power front, able to deliver devastating, hostile hits with a single output. Hoshina will clear the path in battle to pass her the baton before letting her take over. It makes sense why they’d work well together, even if, on paper, their strengths are so opposing. Kaiju No 8 Episode 10 makes it abundantly clear that those oppositions are what makes them such a strong unit.
And we see it in play as Hoshina once again can cut through the battlefield to give Mina access as she arrives just in time. Hoshina’s battles are more visually dynamic because his weapon of choice is close-quarter blades. One shot, in particular, follows his ascent up the kaiju and then back down as he cuts at vulnerable spots that dizzy through tremendous, cohesive framing. Mina’s power, comparatively, is less balletic or artistic. However, the animators visualize the musculature that goes into her movements. From the electrical force that comes from her cannon fire to how the blowback pushes her back, we understand the gravity of her strength.
When Hoshina and Mina need help, Shinomiya gets to prove herself and aids Hoshina in a small but significant attack. Everyone is doing all they can, and it’s enough to move Kafka to tears by the time the Honju is seemingly defeated. This is what he aspires to be, and this is the version of the Defense Force that he believes to be motivating. It’s a charming, lighthearted scene as he bubbles over with emotion, ugly crying at how cool his squad is. And perhaps it’s that easy joy that should’ve been a warning to viewers. While it’s happy momentarily, the switch to darkness is swift.
Because all of the smaller kaiju amass to become something equitable in strength to a nuclear weapon. With the major players out of commission, all the squad can hope for is for members to run away fast enough to avoid being casualties. The direction does a tremendous job of conveying just how quick-to-action Kafka is. He doesn’t hesitate, instead launching himself straight at the skyborne figure to take it out and save the lives of those he cares for. It’s a profoundly moving sequence, and Masaya Fukunishi delivers an emotive voice performance as Kafka runs through a litany of emotions as he realizes the ensuing trouble he’ll be facing.
Making it even more impactful are the onlookers. From Hoshina’s disbelief and hurt even at the idea of being tricked to Ichikawa’s sheer panic, the characters we care for and their reactions imbue this scene with even more heartbreaking energy. Kafka saves the day, and the animation astonishes as his kaiju form crackles with electric energy but isn’t going to get a celebration. It makes for a bittersweet, somber moment, even as he flies through the sky and forces the threat away from his friends.
Ending on a note that speaks to the world-weary acceptance Kafka feels, Kaiju No 8 Episode 10 speaks to what makes the series so addictive. From the lovable characters to the generous nods to old-school Godzilla films with the score and some standout action set pieces, Kaiju No 8, at its best, is impossible to turn away from.
Kaiju No 8 Episode 10 is out now on Crunchyroll.
