“Kaiju No. 8” premiered its first episode in April 2024, quickly attracting the attention of fans. Despite receiving mixed reviews for the anime adaptation, viewer enthusiasm remained strong as they eagerly anticipated the new episodes. The first episode introduces the world and protagonist Kafka Hibino, setting the stage for a story that promises important developments, including Kafka's transformation into a Kaiju.
The manga, written by Naoya Matsumoto, began serialization in July 2022 on Shueisha's Shonen Jump Plus app and website. It gradually gained popularity, leading to the announcement of an anime adaptation to release in April 2024, which was announced in mid-2023.
Kafka's transformation into a Kaiju contrasts with Eren Yeager's transformation into a monster in Attack on Titan
The first episode sets the stage by introducing the Kaiju monsters, the Self-Defense Forces, the Cleaners, and Kafka Hibino. At the end of this introductory episode, Kafka undergoes a drastic transformation into one of the monsters he initially aimed to eliminate.
Some fans have compared “Kaiju No. 8” and “Attack on Titan” by Hajime Isayama, suggesting that the former could be considered a derivative work. Both series feature main characters—Kafka Hibino and Eren Yeager—who transform into monsters that threaten their world.
Each main character shares the same situation of being considered weak but is motivated by a strong desire to protect humanity. Different transformation processes: Eren's transformation occurred through serum injection and consumption of the Founding Titan, while Kafka's transformation was caused by a small Kaiju entering his body.
Despite these similarities, including those between Mina Ashiro's fighting prowess and Mikasa Ackermann's skills, “Kaiju No. 8” differs from “Attack on Titan” in significant ways. While both Kafka and Eren initially struggled to control their monstrous forms, “Attack on Titan” was noted for its darker themes and deeper philosophical content exploring nature. destruction of war.
Kafka's transformation into a Kaiju occurred after several failed attempts to join the Self-Defense Forces. He resigned from his job on the Cleanup team. While on a routine mission to dismantle Kaiju remains, Kafka and his colleague Reno Ichikawa are attacked.
Kafka sends Reno to help, but Reno returns to assist Kafka, who is seriously injured. The Self-Defense Forces, led by Mina Ashiro, arrive just in time to rescue Kafka and Reno, effectively neutralizing the threat and transporting the injured duo to the hospital. While recovering, Kafka encounters a small Kaiju that enters his body through its mouth, causing him to transform into a Kaiju.
