Kaiju No. 8: Kafka’s Story of Becoming a Kaiju Isn’t Anywhere Near to Eren Yeager Turning Into a Monster in Attack on Titan
Kaiju No. 8 released its first episode in April 2024 and the fans are already engrossed over the series. Although, the anime adaptation received mixed reviews fans are hardly deterred by it and are looking forward to the new episodes. After all, only the introduction of the world and the protagonist, Kafka Hibiko, has been disclosed. However, there is a lot more that unfolds in the story and Kafka’s transformation into a Kaiju is one of them.
Naoya Matsumoto’s manga began serialization in July 2022 for free in Shueisha’s Shonen Jump Plus app and website. The manga gradually garnered the attention of fans and soon an anime adaptation was announced for April 2024 release in mid-2023. The series began by introducing the monsters (Kaiju), the Defense Force, the Clean-Up crew, and the protagonist, Kafka Hibino. However, by the end of the episode, he transformed into one of the very monsters he aspired to kill.
Kaiju No. 8 Seems Like A Retelling Of Attack on Titan
Some fans view Kaiju No. 8 as a knock-off version of Hajime Isayama’s Attack on Titan, but there’s no saying if this new anime can topple Attack on Titan‘s position. Although allusive to the Godzilla franchise, Kaiju No. 8 shares similarities with Attack on Titan that cannot be ignored. Both protagonists, Kafka Hibino and Eren Yeager, can transform into monsters that invade their world and both series boast mind-boggling twists.
In fact, Kafka Hibino and Eren Yeager share similar traits: they were both considered weaklings in their respective worlds but determined to protect humanity. While the circumstances of their transformation were different – Eren Yeager undergoes the monstrous transformation by being injected with a serum and consuming the former Founding Titan, while Kafka Hibino notices a small mosquito-like Kaiju force its way into his body and transform into a Kaiju.
Also Read: Kaiju No. 8’s Need to Bend to Shonen Tropes May Have Essentially Destroyed Kafka’s Character
It also must be stated that both protagonists are hungry to prove themselves and save humanity despite being thwarted by the world and being labeled weak. Mina Ashiro’s strong efficiency and combat capabilities are reminiscent of Mikasa Ackermann’s personality. Initially, Kafka and Eren can’t control their new bodies and end up hurting their loved ones. However, this is where the similarities end. In comparison to Kaiju No. 8, Attack on Titan held a darker tone belying the destructive nature of war and deeper philosophical themes.
Kafka Hibino’s Transformation Into A Kaiju
After getting disqualified from the entrance test for the Defence Force for the umpteenth time, Kafka accepted defeat and made himself content with the sweeping job he currently had. While dismantling the remains of a Kaiju, Kafka and Reno Ichikawa get attacked by one. Kafka takes matters into his own hands and sends Ichikawa to get help. However, the latter returned to help Kafka which turned out to be a good decision as Kafka was severely injured.
After spotting an injured Kafka, the Defence Force led by Mina Ashiro quickly comes to his rescue. With an enviable efficiency, the team deals with the monster and takes the duo to the hospital. While Kafka is alone in the hospital bed ruminating about his situation, a small mosquito-like Kaiju appears in front of him and before he can even react, the Kaiju enters his mouth, turning Kafka Hibino into a Kaiju.
You can read Kaiju No. 8 on VIZ Media.
