Kaiju No. 8 was one of thebest new anime to drop in 2024, an action-packed sci-fi epic that is quickly joining the ranks of lauded shōnen anime like Jujutsu Kaisen or My Hero Academia. In this world, humans are locked in battle with kaiju (or monsters) and use advanced mecha-type suits to defeat them.
We follow the journey of Hibino Kafka, who, after managing to get into the Defense Force, accidentally swallows a kaiju and turns into one. There are over 12 episodes in the first season, and although none of them are terrible, per se, some just stand out much better than others.
12Joining Up!
Episode 5
This episode is much slower than the others, though it’s not surprising since it’s the aftermath of anaction-packedepisode. After the unexpected chaos of the Defense Force Exam, Kafka and Reno receive their exam results to see if they’re admitted into the organisation.
In a surprising twist, Kafka stood out enough to be enrolled as a cadet rather than a full-blown officer, and we get an induction ceremony and a montage of the new members training and bonding with one another. Kafka not only gets a slap of reality from Kikoru about his secret kaiju status but also a warning from his superior, Vice Captain Hoshina.
11Revenge Match
Episode 3
Not only is Reno’s natural aptitude leaving him in the dust, but he also has to contend with the prodigy Shinomiya Kiriko and several other talented wanna-beDefense Officerswhile battling kaiju in an allegedly controlled environment. However, this episode introduces characters that will be pivotal to the show’s story later on and Kafka’s continued struggle to achieve his dream.
10The Man Who Became A Kaiju
Episode 1
The first episode introduces us to the world of Kaiju No.8 as well as to the goofy, lovable protagonist, Hibino Kafka. We get a flashback of Kafka’s childhood, growing up friends with Mina Ashiro, where the two dream of fighting kaiju. But while Mina manages to become a Defense Force Captain, Kafka works as part of a kaiju cleanup crew, lagging behind due to repeatedly failing the Defense Force Exam.
The episode also introduces the secondary protagonist, the kind-hearted and loyal Reno Ichikawa, who is working alongside Kafka while preparing to enrol in the Defense Force. Reno and Kafka build a bond, one that’s quickly tested when they’re attacked by a kaiju and end up hospitalised together.
9Sagamihara Neutralisation Operation At Daybreak
Episode 6
Kafka joins his first official mission and gets his first taste of a Defense Force operation. The team is tasked with neutralising a horde of kaiju that’s spread throughout Sagamihara city, and we get to see everyone in action, including Kafka.
Despite not having any physical prowess like everyone else, Kafka’s experience as a kaiju clean-up crew member comes in handy. We see him contributing by pinpointing the kaiju’s weaknesses, and the team gains the upper hand. However, the episode ends on a foreboding note when Reno and Iharu come across a strange sight.
8The Kaiju Who Defeats Kaiju
Episode 2
Following the unexpected turn of events from the first episode, Kafka swallows a mysterious parasitic kaiju. He transforms into a kaiju himself, and, along with Reno, escapes the hospital. What follows is a comical sequence as the duo panics and tries to find a place to hide.
Here, we get to see a glimpse of Kafka’s new kaiju powers and the unimaginable strength and ultra-sensitive hearing, capable of destroying a gigantic kaiju in one punch. However, this puts the Defense Force on his trail, being given the nickname ‘Kaiju No.8’. Kafka continues his job as a clean-up crew member, getting the hang of his kaiju transformation while gearing up for the Defense Force Exam.
7Fortitude 9.8
Episode 4
Hibino Kafka gets his One-Punch Man-esque moment in this episode, as well as seeing no other option but to let someone else in on his kaiju secret. We also get a glimpse into Kiriko’s backstory and the crushing expectations she has to meet.
In this episode, another sentient kaiju, Kaiju No. 9, makes an appearance and makes its first move. It essentially revived and powered up the kaiju that had been killed, and gave Kiriko and other candidates a hard time. Kafka shifts into his kaiju form, kills the kaiju, and saves Kiriko, though his existence is noted by Kaiju No. 9.
6Welcome To The Defense Force
Episode 8
After successfully driving away Kaiju No. 9 in battle, Kafka’s troubles continue as he’s caught in kaiju form by Vice-Captain Hoshina. We see Hoshina go toe to toe with Kafka, showcasing his speed and skill with the blade, as well as Kafka’s inner conflict.
The rest of the episode shows the Defense Force recuperating from the battle, celebrating their feats, and going over the sinister new enemy, Kaiju No. 9, and the strange oddity that is Kaiju No. 8.
5Kaiju No. 9
Episode 7
Kaiju No. 9, who had been posing as a human working in Kafka’s old clean-up crew, shifts into his true form after Iharu and Reno run into it. The duo soon realise Kaiju No. 9 is not your average kaiju with its sentience, abnormal strength, abilities, and recovery rate.
Although Reno and Iharu do their best to fend it off, Kaiju No. 9 nearly kills them, only to be interrupted by Kafka. Kaiju No. 8 and Kaiju No. 9 finally meet, and what follows is a cinematic, adrenaline-rushing fight sequence, as Kafka is faced with his first real challenge as a kaiju.
4Kaiju No. 8 Captured
Episode 11
With the truth out, Kafka is shunted into a maximum-security holding cell. His fate hangs in the balance, and there are many calls for his execution.
Most of his colleagues in the Defense Force are supportive of Kafka, believing that his actions thus far have been to protect them. However, the heads of the Defense Force believe he’s more kaiju than human, but Kiriko’s father ultimately wants to test Kafka by fighting him.
3Raid On Takichawa Base
Episode 9
The Defense Force had no time to take a breather, as after the attack on Sagamihara city, the Defense Force base itself was attacked. While Captain Mina is away, an army of dragon-type kaiju attacks while the organisation’s members are asleep.
Kafka helps supply his knowledge of kaiju anatomy to the team, helping them against the kaiju who are strangely learning to work together. But Vice-Captain Hoshina has the biggest hurdle to go through, battling the leader of the attack, a sentient, giant red Honju, who keeps shifting into more powerful forms until it’s taller than a building.
