Summary
Kaiju No. 8's unique plot and older protagonist make it stand out in the genre, offering an engaging twist on familiar themes. The anime's comedic elements, particularly focusing on Kafka's unintentional humor, add a layer of fun to the series. Moments like Kafka's embarrassing public outbursts and struggles in combat showcase both his charm and comedic appeal, making for an engaging show.
Kaiju No. 8 Production I.G.'s Kaiju No. 8 was the biggest hit in Shonen Jump this spring and is a surefire contender for Anime of the Year. Naoya Matsumoto's manga stands out in the genre with its uniquely compelling storyline and protagonist. Inspired by the author's personal life experiences, Kaiju No. 8 features a relatively older protagonist for the genre, with Kafka in his early 30s, far removed from his dreams.
While the foundational part of the series has captivated fans, Kaiju No. 8 still has all the other great elements found in the genre, and clearly, the comedic aspect of this anime stands out as one of its most appealing features.
Custom image by JR Waugh
The humor in Kaiju #8 revolves primarily around its main character, Kafka, who described him as unintentionally humorous, was only enhanced by his older age.. While the funniest moments in Kaiju No. 8 Part 1 are all over the place, we've picked out the ten best.
10 Kafka and Reno Make the Funniest Couple
Episode 1, “The Man Who Became Kaiju”
The first episode of the anime is filled with comedic moments, especially those that show the growing relationship between Kafka and Reno. After disappointing Reno for not pursuing his dream of becoming a member of the Self-Defense Forces, Kafka finds it reasonable that Reno is asked to clean out the monster's intestines. However, in a humorous twist, it is revealed that Kafka must also accompany Reno on this unpleasant mission.
After the horrifying experience, Kafka was eager to check on Reno, who was feeling nauseous from work. However, Kafka, having done it twice, felt worse. Despite this, Kafka did not complain, but instead instructed Reno on how to block out the smell by inserting a nose plug into his nose.. The following clips humorously depict Reno successfully removing the monster's stench, despite the boy crying the entire time.
9 Shinomiya's introduction establishes a unique and humorous bond between her and Kafka
Episode 2, “Kaiju Defeats Kaiju”
At the end of Kaiju No. 8 Volume 2, after Kafka and Reno arrive to take the test, fans are introduced to another intriguing character, Shinomiya Kikoru. This extraordinary newcomer had the audacity to call Kafka an old man. and asked him to move his car. While Kafka was annoyed at being called an old man, he was even more annoyed when he learned that the reason Shinomiya asked him to move his car was because he parked in her lucky parking spot.
Shinomiya's unreasonable demands clearly angered Kafka, and when he refused to comply, Kikoru demonstrated his impressive strength by single-handedly throwing Kafka's car aside. Kafka's loud and reasonable response stemmed from his concern, as the car was rented from the company. In a moment of tension, Kafka skillfully used his Kaiju powers to move and reposition the car, much to Kikoru's surprise. However, he was later scolded by Reno for using his powers inappropriately.
8 Main Characters Lose Control in a Hot Moment
Episode 5, “Join”
Kafka's most humorous trait is his unintentional sense of humor and his tendency to do the most inappropriate things in delicate situations. One such moment occurs during the ceremony to become an officer of the Self-Defense Forces. The speech of Ashiro Mina, the captain of the 3rd Division, prompted Kafka to recall his dream of being with her.As a result, Kafka shouted her name loudly to promise to stay by her side, in front of everyone.
The vice-captain of Squad 3 couldn't help but laugh after hearing Kafka's bold promise in front of everyone, while the other members were stunned by his unpredictability. As punishment, Ashiro Mina ordered Kafka to do one hundred push-ups, which he started immediately. The other members cheered him on as he neared his hundredth push-up, impressed by his determination and effort.
7 Kafka begs Shinomiya to keep the secret
Episode 5, “Join”
Immediately after Kafka completed one hundred push-ups as punishment for calling out the name of the 3rd Division captain, Shinomiya requested to speak to him alone. This request caused amusing speculation among the other members as to whether she was confessing her love. During their private meeting, Shinomiya revealed to Kafka that if the Defense Forces discovered his secret, he would be kept in the lab for experimentation and eventually turned into a weapon.
Upon hearing this, Kafka immediately begged Shinomiya to keep it a secret, crying and leaning on her while calling himself an old man. Shinomiya quickly kicks Kafka out for getting too close, but she promises to keep his secret, especially since he saved her life before.
6 Kafka integrates naturally with other members
Episode 5, “Join”
Despite being older than the other members of the group, Kafka still tries his best to fit in through humor. In Episode 5 of Kaiju #8, after a training session, the male members are seen in the communal bathhouse. In this scene, Iharu is comparing his muscles to Reno's. Trying to fit in, Kafka starts showing off his muscles to the others, but ends up struggling to hold his breath and hide his pot belly, causing the other members to mock him.
While Kafka tries to justify his body structure by attributing it to his age, Aoi Kaguragi enters the room with her perfect figure.causing the other members to feel inferior. Later, when the boys discuss their determination to become National Defense Officers inspired by Ashiro Mina, they are surprised to learn that Mina and Kafka were childhood friends. The boys insist that Kafka share everything he knows about Mina, leading to a humorous ending where everyone faints from being in the hot water for too long.
5 Secrets About to Be Revealed
Episode 8, “Welcome to the Self-Defense Forces”
Kaiju No. 8 Episode 8 sees the members of the 3rd Division recovering from their first official mission. When Reno wakes up in the hospital, he immediately thanks Kafka for saving him and Ihara from Kaiju No. 9, not realizing that Ihara was also present in the room. Ihara surprises Reno by asking why he would thank Kafka when it was Kaiju No. 8 that saved them. However, thanks to Shinomiya's quick thinking, they explain to Ihara that Reno was thanking Kafka for finding the Kaiju's core.
Meanwhile, as Ihara begins to brag about Kaiju No. 8 and its incredible power, Kafka began to feel embarrassed and proud of these compliments, causing Ihara to ask why Kafka was blushing.. Shinomiya appears again while beating Kafka and comments that his face always looks stupid, to which Ihara agrees. Reno then exclaims that they are relieved that it was Ihara, as the other members might have discovered Kafka's secret.
4 Kafka tries to develop his fighting power
Episode 3, “Revenge Match”
Before becoming an official Defense Officer, candidates must undergo a variety of tests, the final of which involves neutralizing Kaiju in combat. To aid candidates in their fight against the monsters, each candidate is provided with a special Kaiju combat suit designed to enhance their physical abilities. The suit's effectiveness varies for each candidate, drawing on and amplifying their overall strength.
While Shinomiya draws an impressive 46% of his suit's power and everyone else performs well, Vice Captain Hoshina notes that achieving anything above 0% is enough to pass, and he has never seen anyone reach 0%. In a humorous twist, Kafka unexpectedly draws 0% of his suit's power. Embarrassed, Kafka tries to activate his fighting power but to no avail, causing Hoshina to humorously comment that Kafka looks like he's trying to poop..
3 Kafka feels confident on his first official mission only to be run over by a Kaiju
Episode 6, “Operation to Neutralize Sagahmihara at Dawn”
The 3rd Division's first official mission took place without warning at dawn, catching the inexperienced members by surprise. Despite the risks, Kafka remained unusually calm and confidently declared that he was ready. However, as the other members jumped off the building and rushed into battle, Kafka was seen carefully crawling down the building, a comical contrast to his earlier determination.
When it actually comes time to face the monster, Hoshina inspires the members to do their best. This motivates Kafka, who rushes into battle, tries to use 1% of his power through his battle suit.. He confidently declares his readiness, and the animation reinforces this, assuring the viewer that Kafka has indeed improved. However, in a humorous turn of events, Kafka is immediately knocked out of the area. Kikoru is startled and angrily tells him to stay behind, pointing out that his fighting power is only 1%.
2 Kafka's charm and humor are unaffected in his Kaiju form
Episode 4, “Power 9.8”
From the very first episode, the protagonist of Kaiju No. 8 is portrayed as unintentionally humorous and charming, making everyone around him think Kafka is a very unique person. Fortunately, Kafka's special traits are not hindered in his Kaiju form, if anything, they are only enhanced. In Episode 4, after Kafka performs a heroic act to save Kikoru from being killed by the Kaiju, he begins to beg Shinomiya to keep his transformation a secret.
After kneeling before Shinomiya to keep his transformation a secret, Kafka destroyed the Kaiju with a single punch, amazed at his own extraordinary abilities and challenging the Kaiju to come back to life. When the destroyed Kaiju fragments actually showed signs of regeneration, Kafka panics and politely asks Kaiju not to come back to life.. He is clearly relieved that the Kaiju is finally defeated. The moment also highlights how Kafka's feigned bravado is one of his greatest comedic traits, often leading him into unforeseen and hilarious situations.
1 First time transforming into Kaiju is full of hilarious moments
Episode 2, “Kaiju Defeats Kaiju”
While in most shonen series, when a main character first gains power, it is either very emotional or inspiring, setting up an incredible journey for the protagonist. However, Kaiju No. 8 takes a humorous approach to its protagonist. Immediately after Kafka is forced to consume a mysterious Kaiju, he transforms into a Kaiju. While most people would be terrified of such a transformation, Kafka experiences a completely different set of emotions.
While trying to convince an old man who has just reported to the Defense Forces that he is human, Kafka accidentally gives the old man a blow with his smile. As Reno and Kafka try to figure out what just happened and find shelter, Kafka's newfound body leads to some unexpected and hilarious moments. One of the funniest scenes in Kaiju No. 8 occurs when Kafka, while running, discovers that he can pee out of his nipples. This This sequence is the funniest moment of Kaiju No. 8 season 1, highlighting one of the show's greatest aspects: humor..