REVIEW: ‘Kaiju No 8’ Episode 12 — “Kafka Hibino”

In the action-packed finale, Kaiju No 8 Episode 12 unleashes Kafka Hibino’s full potential. It’s a solid conclusion to a season that’s faced its ups and downs with tone and pacing and promises a thrilling second season. Kafka battles within himself to reclaim control over his body while those who know and care for him rally. And while the ending tees up the incoming arcs, it’s that first half of the episode that genuinely thrills with some of the best animations of the season and reaffirmation of why Kafka makes for such a tremendous leading character.

Kafka (Masaya Fukunishi) is put through the emotional and physical ringer through Kaiju No 8 Episode 12 as he squares off both with the kaiju hijacking his body and General Isao Shinomiya (Tesshō Genda). The General is a formidable opponent, but with the kaiju overtaking Kafka’s body becomes more vulnerable. Isao notes that Kaiju No. 8 is now attacking with animalistic fury and intellect. His attacks are thought out, destroying his body to move and gain the upper hand since it knows it can regenerate as long as its core is intact.

It makes for a thrilling and stress-inducing fight sequence, as the reverberations of both attackers are visualized as the manifestation of echoes. Isao and Kafka are shrouded in deliberately messy animations that help visualize the sheer power emanating from both of them. For a moment, “Kafka Hibino” even convinces us that Isao could die here or, at least, face a devastating injury. It’s made worse when we realize that Isao isn’t just out for the kill but is testing Kafka. The only reason he doesn’t is because Kafka is fighting for his life and, mainly, the happiness of Shinomiya (Fairouz Ai). He refuses to be the monster that kills her father right in front of her.

But even he can’t simply overcome the kaiju through positive thought. Instead, he loses once more, it seems, with the kaiju consuming him, severing his legs as he lay defenseless. He thinks of Mina (Asami Seto) and his promise to her as kids. It’s a genuinely affecting moment as the visage of her as a child reaches out to him, pulling him along with her. He was meant to follow and stand by her side. And this pushes him to the surface, delivering what should be a killing blow through his chest. If he must die here, he’ll die as a human.

Kafka lives, of course. But it’s not without severe scarring. His chest is molted over from his self-inflicted wound. He is to be kept alive and utilized as a weapon. It’s not so much a victory in Kafka’s eyes as he wants to be seen as a human and member of the Defense Force, not simply a kaiju they can wield however they please. But he’s using it as an opportunity to prove his worth further.

His team is already well aware of his heroism, and they all have gone to bat for him while his trial awaits. Mina, in particular, tells the leaders that Kafka’s humanity burns bright despite them believing him to be a kaiju. His heart is what makes him a hero, something the upper ranks scoff at. They don’t believe something as simple as “heart” is enough to justify saving him. It’s ironic, then, that it’s his core that determines him a monster in their eyes, as it takes the spot a human heart would be.

While the back half doesn’t live up to the energized spectacle of the start, and the series seems determined to introduce and linger on characters we aren’t interested in, Kaiju No 8 Episode 12 is a solid enough closer to the season. Ichikawa (Wataru Kato) deserves more time as he desperately trains to be strong enough to save Kafka next time his friend needs it, and Shinomiya isn’t given the spotlight she deserves. Even Mina and her relationship with Kafka need more time, considering how much their dynamic drives the series. The flashback of the two of them as kids is moving but would’ve been more effective had we spent more time with them.

But it, at the very least, honors the episode’s namesake and allows Kafka to be on the center stage. Kaiju No 8 Episode 12 is at its best when it remembers who the series’ soul is. With tremendous action sequences that hone in on the brutality and physicality of its characters, the finale delivers some lasting blows.

Kaiju No 8 Episode 12 is out now on Crunchyroll.