Review Kaiju No 8 Episode 1: A new sci-fi, action-animated movie is out and we're really excited about it. Let's see how the first episode of this brand new series goes.
Overview of Kaiju No 8
Kaiju No. 8 stands out as a remarkable manga series by the skilled Matsumoto Naoya. Taking on the role of adapting the anime are directors Miya Shigeyuki and Kamiya Tomomi, while the task of writing the script and composing the series falls to the talented hands of Ookouchi Ichirou. Gou Fumiyuki, known for works such as Blue Lock, Mieruko-chan, and Araburu Kisetsu no Otome-domo yo, serves as music director. Bringing the images to life is Production IG, famous for its work on series such as Haikyuu!! and Kuroko no Basket.
Regarding the songs, the opening theme “Abyss” performed by YUNGBLUD, adds a special energy to the series. Meanwhile, the ending theme “Nobody” comes from OneRepublic, perfectly complementing the anime.
Volume 1 of Kaiju No. 8 can also be called the first volume of Kaijuu 8-gou (怪獣8号).
I've tried my best to keep the review as spoiler-free as possible, but there are certain elements that I have to cover in order to give a proper response.
– Kaiju No Review 8 episode 1 contains minor spoilers –
Review Kaiju No 8 episode 1: The path to becoming a hero
I really loved the first episode. Now that my opinion on this show is clear, let's dig deeper into the good points of this anime. The premise is interesting as we see a Japan tormented by frequent Kaiju attacks. If you don't know about Kaiju, it's basically a Godzilla-like monster that emerges from the ocean and then wreaks havoc with the sole goal of destroying everything in its path.
As this situation has been going on for a very long time, there have been dedicated defense forces allocated to handle a Kaiju attack. These are very skilled and powerful soldiers, essentially heroes who protect civilians from Kaiju monsters with absolute skill. These soldiers are respected and everyone wants to be like them like our hero, Kafka.
Kafka, also wanted to become a Self-Defense Forces Officer and aimed to achieve greatness. But like many of us who don't get what we want in life, Kafka had to choose another career. He was on the cleanup team tasked with cleaning up the remains of the Kaiju once the Self-Defense Forces were done with it. But never think that this is an easy job. No, it's more difficult and even more dangerous when the people doing these jobs don't have enough strength or equipment to support or protect themselves.
In such a scenario, Kafka lives a mundane life but suddenly everything that is normal changes when his day at work turns extremely bad. The pacing of this show is very good and not once do you feel like you want to take your eyes off the screen. The animation above is extremely neat and accurately portrays the terror of the Kaiju.
Not only that, the plot combined with the fight sequences are also very nicely written and well done. The soundtrack, especially the one where Mina, the captain of the Self-Defense Forces' 3rd division, first steps in to destroy a Kaiju keeps you excited for what's to come. Even the opening of One Republic fits the overall mood of the anime wonderfully.
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Verdict
As someone who loves good action anime, this feels like an absolute treat. The producers of this film also did not hesitate to show gore to clearly portray what could happen if such an animal were to explode in the middle of the city. Kafka is also a very likeable and likable protagonist, with thoughts and feelings similar to ours. As of now, I just want to fast forward to the second episode as soon as possible.
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