MANGA REVIEW | "Kaiju No. 8" - Volume Six
I’ll say this about Kaiju No. 8: it knows how to keep the adrenaline pumping! While many long shonen battles can cause plenty of fatigue (looking at you, Jujutsu Kaisen!), Naoya Matsumoto figured out how to keep this current battle with No. 9 always interesting. Although the key element to its success is presentation, it’s how in-your-face this battle is that makes it so fun to read! In its sixth volume, Kaiju No. 8 shows us why it hasn’t even broken a sweat yet!
Beginning where the fifth volume ended, the Defense Force is in the midst of its fight with the No. 9 kaiju. But as Kikoru is facing off against the monsters, Kafka is having trouble transforming into Kaiju No. 8. What he thinks is a power by another kaiju winds up being his own internal fears, something that Kikoru does her best to help him snap out of. After all, everyone in the Defense Force is strong, so why should Kafka worry if he misreads his own strength?
That’s when Kafka lets the monster out, and aids Kikoru in defeating the beasts in their area. The way they showcase each other’s strengths is a testament to their bond as both soldiers and friends, with Kafka earning Kikoru’s trust the more he demonstrates his skills as an ally. Even though the Defense Force itself can’t trust Kafka yet, it’s clear at this point that those he cares most about in the team have his full support. As a result, Kafka manages to let loose and rip & tear through the kaiju like nobody’s business!
However, last volume’s MVP Gen Narumi has his moment to shine in this battle. On top of his gun skills, it’s revealed that he’s got a little trick hidden within one of his retinas. The skill gives Gen the upper hand in his fight with No. 9, to a point where the behemoth starts showing some concern. And considering that Gen’s the type whose cockiness has some legit backing, one can’t blame a monster for shaking in their boots when facing him.
Alas, Kaiju No. 8 once again pulls the wool over its readers’ eyes, with the end of the battle nowhere near close! And that’s when Isao Shinomiya has to demonstrate his kaiju-killing talents. But at his age, such a fight could bring him to the brink of death. However, with his goal to leave a world much peaceful for his daughter Kiroku, he throws everything that he’s got to protect that future peace.
Does Shinomiya succeed? That’s something you’ll have to find out for yourself. What I can tell you is that Kaiju No. 8 delivers one exciting and heart-pounding moment after another in its sixth volume. There’s a reason why Matsumoto’s story is one of the more popular ones in Shonen Jump, and the amount of action, heart, and spirit Kaiju No. 8 showcases here is exactly what makes it a compelling read!
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.
