Summary
Kaiju issue 8 appears to take inspiration from Pacific Rim in both world-building and monster design. The series also incorporates an Attack on Titan-like plot twist by allowing the main character to transform into a Kaiju. Premiering on April 13, 2024, on Crunchyroll, the anime appears to be a promising new addition to the Kaiju genre.
A new anime is airing Crunchyroll this season, Kaiju number 8has the potential to be the film’s long-awaited spiritual successor Pacific rim. Guillermo del Toro’s take on the classic Kaiju story has developed a cult following since its debut in 2013. The combination of giant monsters with giant machines makes for a party excellent vision. The film has become a favorite among del Toro fans and now a new anime could prove to be a perfect sequel.
Crunchyroll recently revealed its April lineup along with a list of upcoming shows aimed at attracting fans for the spring 2024 anime season. There are quite a few notable entries, such as the third season of Konosuba being announced. long awaited, but What attracts the most attention is the new series called Kaiju No. 8. Based on the 2020 manga of the same name by Naoya Matsumoto, the series follows a character named Kafka as he wants to join the Japanese Self-Defense Forces to destroy Kaiju that are invading Japan. The official trailer for the series on Crunchyroll’s YouTube offers a deeper look at what’s to come for this bold new take on the traditional Kaiju saga.
On the surface, the new series looks like an exciting new Kaiju story for fans of the monster movie genre. However, there are some interesting elements that seem to be taken directly from Pacific Rim.
Pacific Rim’s world-building and Kaiju design seemed to inspire Kaiju No. 8
Produced by Production IG; based on the original manga by Naoya Matsumoto
“…this is a world where Kaiju appear regularly, so there are people who take advantage of the resources provided by Kaiju for the benefit of humanity.”
While no mechs appear in Kaiju No. 8, del Toro’s Pacific Rim influence is certainly there. The trailer’s opening moments show what happens when a Kaiju is killed on the streets of Japan as a group of hunters harvest the creature’s skin and organs. This is similar to the Kaiju Organ Harvesting Organization, headed by Ron Perlman’s Hannibal Chau, which takes organs from dead Kaiju and sells them on the black market. It’s hinted that this is a world where Kaiju appear regularly, so there are people who take advantage of the resources provided by the Kaiju for the benefit of humanity.
What stands out about Kaiju No. 8 is the design of its monsters. The use of neon lights for some of these creatures, especially with Kafka’s Kaiju form that he attains midway through the trailer, which has deep similarities to Pacific Rim’s Kaiju. Plus, with exaggerated features that make it easy to distinguish the monsters, it’s clear how influential del Toro’s film was when Matsumoto created the story. However, there’s more to Kaiju No. 8’s style than just Pacific Rim.
Kaiju No. 8 attacks Titan Twist to the Pacific Rim
The character’s ability to transform into a Kaiju is reminiscent of Eren Jaeger’s Titan form
What’s interesting about Kaiju No. 8 is that it also takes inspiration from Attack on Titan, not long after the latter officially ended. The Kaiju themselves also have similar characteristics to the Titans, especially in regards to their monstrous human features, making them appear otherworldly. However, the biggest attraction is the fact that Kafka can transform into a Kaiju himself. Even though he was nowhere near the same size as the Kaiju he was fighting, Obviously Attack on Titan had a big influence on the story as Kafka charges into battle with his new form.
Fans will be able to witness an exciting crossover between these two iconic franchises when Kaiju No. 8 premieres on Crunchyroll on April 13, 2024. Kaiju storylines are extremely popular right now, with storylines like Attack on Titan and Godzilla Minus One drawing large crowds. witness action of enormous scale. Now, Crunchyroll’s Kaiju number 8 could be the next big thing for fans of the sub-genre as it serves as a spiritual successor to Pacific rim and other notable Kaiju works.
Source: Crunchyroll, Crunchyroll YouTube