Upon first look, the paintings of Kaiju No. 8’s anime and manga would possibly lead you to imagine it’s simply one other darkish, blood-soaked monster saga. Even the quilt artwork, with its chilling depiction of the monstrous Kaiju, had me bracing for a fright. However, regardless of my scaredy-cat reactions, I quickly found that every episode was a supply of pleasure and laughter. 

It’s probably not one thing I anticipated, however someway, Kaiju No. 8 has the makings of an amazing feel-good anime. Now, I do know what you’re considering: How may a violent monster mash be feel-good? Effectively, there are numerous elements that come into play, from its comical lean to heartfelt brotastic moments.

If you must familiarize your self with the premise of Kaiju No. 8, it follows the story of Kafka Hibino, a clean-up employee who helps polish up town’s monster messes. The Kaiju typically plague the world with destruction, and it’s as much as the Protection Drive to maintain them at bay. Sadly for Kafka, he initially didn’t fairly meet the requirements of the DF, therefore why he’s a part of the clean-up crew. 

Though Hibino’s time within the Skilled Kaiju Cleansing Firm is short-lived, I slightly loved the normalcy of this 9-5 way of life. This feeds into its feel-good ingredient, as Kafka all the time tries to stay optimistic at work regardless of being deep inside a monster’s guts whereas cleansing. After all, he’s nonetheless inclined to complain, like every other job, however he’s decided to get the job accomplished it doesn’t matter what. 

Kaiju No. 8’s humor is, by all means, its most standout characteristic. It’s the sort of comedy that genuinely makes me burst into laughter. Take, as an illustration, when Hibino (spoiler alert) unexpectedly transforms right into a Kaiju within the first episode. He reacts in a hilarious means, the identical as I might if I reworked right into a dreadful monster: by screaming uncontrollably. Even his unhappy try at a smile seems to be extra like Godzilla getting ready to unleash an Atomic Breath on town.

Then, the present instantly delves into probably the most profound query: how do you utilize the toilet as a monster? It’s a bit out of left subject, however I stay for this wacky content material. Neglect concerning the reasoning behind Kafka’s transformation; I wish to know the deep secrets and techniques inside a monster’s potty breaks. 

I couldn’t assist however draw some comparisons to that of Assault On Titan, which additionally encompasses a related premise of the principle character turning into the very factor they hate. Whereas Eren Jaeger’s response portrays a cool-guy method of fierce willpower, Kafka’s response is something however. The 2 worlds are full of dread and despair, but Kaiju No. 8 has a a lot softer tone to stability out its violent motion. If a scene focuses on the present’s sanguinary facet, you greatest imagine some slapstick comedy will likely be blended in there. 

It’s not pressured comedy, both; the showrunners know how one can time jokes nicely. These scenes primarily showcase a sensible method to how folks react to a human-like Kaiju. Kafka’s different type has both prompted folks to cry or fall flat on the bottom. It might get tedious within the later episodes, however I proceed to chuckle at his failed makes an attempt every time, just because he stays shocked once they don’t react positively. 

Kaiju No. 8’s realism additionally enhances the present’s relatability. That is only a common man attempting to make ends meet in a chaotic world. This relatability makes the sequence really feel rather more welcoming and nice. One side I really recognize is the truth that Hibino is 32 years outdated. Many anime are likely to give attention to the standard high-school age vary, so seeing somebody extra consistent with my age feels refreshing. Even if you’re part of the youthful technology, Kafka is unquestionably a child at coronary heart, particularly with how he naively handles his sturdy powers. 

Moreover Kafka, his right-hand man Leno is aware of a factor or two about comedy. He screams as a lot as Hibino, and his expressions may be simply as hysterical as Spy x Household’s Anya Forger. Nevertheless, above all else, Leno is a real bro. This man doesn’t hesitate to assist Kafka as he tries to determine a plan for his newfound skills. Possibly he’s violently shouting whereas doing it, however hey, he’s there for Hibino, nonetheless. 

The sequence additionally delves into childhood nostalgia, with Hibino typically reminiscing about his time along with his outdated greatest buddy, Mina Ashiro (the captain of the Protection Drive). These reminiscences inject a way of cheerfulness and naivety into the in any other case grim world of Kaiju No. 8. This stability of sunshine and darkish is what makes the sequence so compelling and fulfilling. 

So, so as to add to the pile, Kaiju No. 8 is a feel-good monster mash anime with a touch of bromance. Though the sequence is only some episodes into its adaptation, I already know Leno is, unquestionably, a homie. I like watching their friendship unfold on a monster battlefield, giving us extra light-hearted moments. The present’s distinctive mix of humor and wholesomeness, the place even within the midst of chaos and hazard, the characters discover moments of pleasure and camaraderie, is what units it aside from different visceral monster scraps. 

I by no means knew I wanted Kaiju No. 8’s wholesomeness and comedy, however I can’t get sufficient of it now. As a giant AOT fan, it helps fill the void that the sequence finale left behind, whereas additionally introducing a brand new idea (at the least for me) of traditional feel-good parts in in any other case violent occasions. One factor is for certain: anime will all the time hold me guessing, and I’m thrilled that exhibits like Kaiju No. 8 will proceed to interrupt the mildew.