How Kafka Hibino became Kaiju No. 8: An Explanation

Just recently, the highly anticipated first episode of Kaiju No. 8 was released, and it did not disappoint. The manga, created by Naoya Matsumoto, started being published for free on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ app and website in July 2022. As it gained a following, an anime adaptation was announced in mid-2023 for April 2024.

In April, the highly-anticipated first episode premiered and lived up to all expectations. It opened by introducing viewers to Kaiju, the Defense Force, the Clean-up Crew, and ultimately, the protagonist and member of the Clean-up Crew, Kafka Hibino.

In the end, the 32-year-old character became one of the very creatures he had set out to defeat in the episode.

Kaiju No. 8: The Evolution of Kafka Hibino

After witnessing his home and school being destroyed in a Kaiju incident, Kafka Hibino made a vow to join the Defense Force and rid the world of these monsters. His childhood friend, Mina Ashiro, also pledged to fight alongside him.

As a result, Mina and Kafka were separated and went their separate ways, with Mina eventually rising to the rank of commander in the Third Division and Kafka joining the Clean-up Crew. In the midst of cleaning up a recent Kaiju attack, Kafka was joined by a new recruit named Leno Ichikawa. While they initially had trouble getting along, they eventually found common ground and worked well together.

While working one day, Kafka and Ichikawa were suddenly attacked by another Kaiju. Kafka quickly instructed Ichikawa to go and seek help, urging him to survive so that he could try out for the Defense Force in the future. Just as the situation seemed dire, Ichikawa returned at the last moment to save Kafka’s life. Shortly after, Mina appeared and swiftly defeated the Kaiju.

In short, Kafka and Ichikawa were both hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the incident. However, while they were talking, a tiny insect-like Kaiju suddenly appeared before Kafka.

Kaiju No. 8 (Kafka Hibino) and Leno Ichikawa in Kaiju No. 8 (Image via Production I.G)

Without giving him a chance to respond, it swiftly charged towards him and entered his mouth. The man fought and flailed in his bed until the metamorphosis into a Kaiju was finalized.

Despite this, there is a noteworthy aspect to consider – upon encountering Kafka, the small Kaiju appeared to say “Found you”before forcefully entering his mouth. This detail inevitably raises the question of whether it was intentional or if the Kaiju possess more intelligence than commonly believed.

Final thoughts

Upon viewing the first episode of Kaiju No. 8, it is clear that Production I.G. has achieved an exceptional result. The animation, music, character and Kaiju designs all possess a sharp and well-balanced quality.

Currently, it has been confirmed that the first season of the anime Kaiju No. 8 will consist of 12 episodes. The first episode successfully covered the entire first chapter, staying true to the story by closely adapting each panel.

Now that the main plot point (Kafka’s transformation) has been addressed, it will be intriguing to observe the pacing the studio chooses for the future developments.

Links that are related:

The second episode of Kaiju No. 8: Release date and time, countdown, anticipated content, and additional details.

Is Kaiju no. 8 being compared to Attack on Titan? Examined.

Crunchyroll is introducing popular Spring 2024 anime such as Kaiju No.8 and Wind Breaker to the Indian audience.