MANGA REVIEW | "Kaiju No. 8" - Volume Eleven
We all aim to impress someone. Sure, many of us may claim we’re doing something for our sake. But let’s be real: be it a parent, a crush, or even a celebrity, we all try to do something that gets us noticed. This is a big theme of the eleventh volume of Kaiju No. 8, where just about everyone is doing something for the sake of someone else.
It starts with Shinonome, who wants Captain Narumi to look at her in battle. She is facing off against a Kaiju, putting her very life on the line. And as this battle goes on, all she can think of is Narumi, whom she hopes is watching her every move. But then, just as the last few chips are plopped down, Shinonome has a thought that’s not selfish in the slightest. In fact, it’s a realization that I believe every solider comes to when they’re in the heat of battle: there’s reward not in death, but rather in continuing to live on.
Fortunately, she and the rest of the Defense Force have Kafka in their corner. And just in the nick of time, our title character comes in and showcases why he’s a true badass. A daring rescue, a powerful block, and a kaiju smackdown that makes him a true People’s Champion. In true Kaiju No. 8 fashion, every moment of this is captured with undeniable coolness.
The focus switches to Kikoru, whom even after her father’s death is still trying to prover her worth to him. Kaiju No. 15 attempts to weaken her with these thoughts, with her child self showcased with tears running down her face. But just like Shinonome, she has an awakening. No more does Daddy’s Little Girl have to try to impress her deceased parents; she’s got more than enough friends who’ll be proud of her work!
Alas, the same can’t be said about Kaiju No. 15. In a rare moment for Kaiju No. 8, we get an enemy’s flashback, one that sympathizes with the monster. All she wanted was to be loved by her creator, and even with all the training she does, that love (and even a simple acknowledgment) is met with pure indifference. It’s a sad situation, albeit not quite sad seeing as this is a creature that’s murdered one too many innocent humans.
Finally, there’s Gen Narumi. Just like Kikoru, all he wanted was to make the late Director General proud of him. But in life, all he ever got was criticism. So naturally, he fuels that rage and anger into his fight with a kaiju, demonstrating why he’s truly the strongest pure human on the Defense Force team. But even when he tastes victory, there’s one thing that he wants that he knows he’ll never have: the vision of the Director General with a tear-stained face.
There’s a lot of emotion in the eleventh volume of Kaiju No. 8. But in true shonen manga fashion, it’s also got a lot of balls-to-the-wall action to balance it out. Every feeling this series throws at its audience lands right in the gut, whereas the fights deliver a true adrenaline rush. Needless to say, this is one volume of Kaiju No. 8 that I can’t wait to see Production I.G bring to life!
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.
