The comedy in the first half of the season detracts significantly from the show's quality. Given that Kafka is a 30-year-old protagonist, I expected a more mature character. Instead, the constant gags and interruptions of serious moments made it difficult to take the story seriously, and I nearly dropped the show because of it. Fortunately, the second half of the season tones down the humor and focuses more on the plot, which was a welcome change. Consistency is key, and it seems the creators finally realized that even younger shounen fans don’t appreciate forced comedy in a serious context. Overall, the story feels like a poor man's mix of "Attack on Titan" and "Parasyte," with little originality or creativity.
The animation, produced by the reputable Production I.G., is stellar. With Kamiya Tomomi at the helm, an animation and storyboard expert who has worked on Shingeki no Kyojin, Fate/Zero, Chainsaw Man, and Mob Psycho, the direction is commendable. The art style, while crisp and realistic, lacks uniqueness, and the backgrounds in many scenes could use more detail. It's serviceable for the show but not particularly memorable.
The opening theme is underwhelming, with neither the music nor the animation standing out. The ending theme, featuring OneRepublic, was a pleasant surprise cause I usually prefer not to mix Western music with anime but it worked well enough here. The background music is adequate but not impactful, and the sound effects during action sequences sometimes fail to convey the intended intensity, most noticeably in the first half of the season.
Kafka is likable but too goofy for his age. His poor comedic timing and lack of combat sense are frustrating, though he compensates with his kaiju knowledge. At 32 years old, Kafka’s journey is marked by a sense of regret and unfulfilled potential. His transformation into Kaiju No. 8 offers him a second chance at his dreams, creating an interesting dynamic between his human and kaiju forms. While his goofiness and lack of maturity can be off-putting, they also make him relatable as someone who hasn't fully come to terms with his failures.
Ichikawa is a solid supporting character with potential for growth, driven by a desire to help Kafka live without regrets. Ichikawa's motivations remain somewhat mysterious, suggesting there’s more to his character that could be explored in future episodes. His unwavering support and belief in Kafka’s potential provide a strong emotional anchor for the series, balancing Kafka's more erratic personality with his calm and composed demeanor.
Shinomiya Kikoru pleasantly surprised me; initially appearing as a typical tsundere, she turns out to be hardworking and compassionate, adding depth to the cast. Unlike other tsundere characters who often remain one-dimensional, Shinomiya displays a wide range of emotions and reactions that make her feel more real and relatable. Her skills as a fighter and her dedication to protecting others are impressive, and her growth into a team player adds significant value to the narrative.
Hoshina, although listed as a main character, feels more like a supporting role, providing tension and conflict while managing the pacing effectively.
The show’s themes of unity and teamwork are thinly developed. The story doesn't explore its themes deeply, leaving them feeling superficial. The concept of an alien invasion and a monster-hunter protagonist who can transform into a monster himself is nothing new and lacks the originality needed to stand out in a crowded genre.
Kaiju No. 8 is an attempt to capitalize on the popularity of kaiju and monster-hunting anime. Its inconsistent tone, lack of originality, and reliance on forced humor undermine its potential. While the animation and some character development are highlights, they aren’t enough to elevate the series.
Art: 6/10
Animation: 8/10
Story: 5/10
Characters: 8/10
Pacing: 8/10
Comedy: 3/10
Enjoyment: 7/10
Overall, Kaiju No. 8 may appeal to some for its action and occasional humor, but it falls short of being a standout series in the genre.
