Crunchyroll has announced the acquisition of the highly anticipated Kaiju anime issue #8, scheduled to premiere in spring 2024.
Through a press release, Crunchyroll confirmed that the series will have both English subtitles, dubbing, and an exclusive broadcast following its release in Japan. This news follows Crunchyroll’s acquisition of popular Fall 2023 anime like Spy x Family and Jujutsu Kaisen. Most recently, Crunchyroll revealed plans to bring anime even further into the mainstream with the announcement of a 24/7 television service, Crunchyroll Channel.
During Crunchyroll’s panel at New York Comic Con, Kaiju No. 8 creator Naoya Matsumoto introduced himself and introduced his series to new viewers. “It’s the story of someone who struggles in a harsh world without ever giving up,” Matsumoto said, “in the hope of leading people to an even slightly brighter future. For those of you who are facing the complexities of reality while reading this manga, I hope it can help make your future a little brighter as well. Next year when Kaiju No. 8 begins airing in the US and around the world, I look forward to seeing your reactions. I hope you are looking forward to it too!”
Anticipation for Kaiju No. 8 is growing with character introductions. Earlier this year, the designs of main trio Reno Ichikawa, Kikoru Shinomiya and Kafka Hibino were criticized for being too simple. However, excitement built with the release of the trailer, which expanded on Hibino and Ashiro’s backstory as well as the Kaiju world in general. The trailer was produced by Production IG, while Studio Khara (Rebuild of Evangelion) oversaw the kaiju artwork and design. As previously announced, Masaya Fukunishi voices Hibino and is joined by Wataru Katoh (Ichikawa) and Asami Seto (Ashiro).
The official synopsis for Kaiju No. 8 reads: “In a world plagued by menacing creatures known as Kaiju, Kafka Hibino wishes to join the Japanese Self-Defense Forces to defeat them. ‘Let us destroy the Kaiiju together,’ Kafka pledged to his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro. Over time, life circumstances forced them to go their separate ways and caused him to give up his lifelong ambition.”
“He is employed by Monster Sweeper, Inc., a professional cleaning company that specializes in cleaning up the aftermath of Kaiju battles. Meanwhile, Mina Ashiro is currently the Captain of the Self-Defense Forces’ 3rd Division. As things stand, he’s currently not worthy of fighting the Kaiju alongside her. At work, Kafka comes across the highly motivated Reno Ichikawa. Reno’s undying determination to join the Self-Defense Forces leaves no room for failure. His perseverance awakens Kafka’s ambition to stand beside Mina as they together protect humanity from the Kaiju. A dream frozen in time, thawed by a burning promise.”
Source: Crunchyroll press release
