The midlife crisis of 'Kaiju No. 8'

So, it’s come to this. Hunter x Hunter is still on hiatus, Kimetsu No Yaiba’s manga run is over, Attack on Titan is nearly over, Boku No Hero Academia just announced that it’s on its final chapters, and you’re still looking for the next update of Solo Leveling.

If you’re running out of mangas to binge read, then I’ll have to introduce you to one of the newest mangas that’s most likely going to end up as one of the biggest names in modern shonen.

Kaiju No. 8 is written and illustrated by Naoya Matsumoto, he previously wrote and illustrated works such as Pochi Kuro and Neko Wappa!, but this manga has got to be one of the most ambitious ones he has put out to date.

This manga has gone viral on the pages of Jump +, and for a good reason. It’s laced with quick-paced action and a strong protagonist that rivals the likes of One Punch Man, absolutely decimating powerful enemies in just one blow.

But there’s something else about this manga that has drawn older audiences to its story. Unlike most shonen protagonists who are usually upstarts at the age of twelve to nineteen, the manga stars a 32-year-old menial worker named Kafka Hibino.

The story takes place post-futuristic where kaijus have ravaged the world ala Pacific Rim, minus the giant robots. There we meet our average joe protagonist, Kafka Hibino who is currently working as one of the members of the cleanup crew who mops up the mess after the kaijus are killed by the corps. It’s a thankless job, however a necessary one.

But as much as his job provides him a decent living and being able to buy him all the food and beer that he likes, he still yearns for something better.

This manga paints a realistic portrait of a man who thought he’d achieve great things, but instead he’s working a dead end job. What makes this particular situation biting is that a childhood friend, Mina Ashiro, whom he promised that he will join with to battle against giant monsters, has risen through the ranks and became the corps captain. This leaves him with bitter disappointment which he hides through a facade of hard work and humor amongst his peers.

That is until a cockroach-like kaiju crawls down his throat and he gets transformed into one of the most powerful kaijus. Then he decides to finally chase his dreams of crushing monsters despite his older age.

His tale is familiar because it’s a pain that many adults feel, that they haven’t achieved enough, and Kafka is a character that is likeable and easy to root for due to his compassionate nature and providing guidance and encouragement to his younger peers.

What makes him even more endearing to the audience is that he is not naturally talented or privileged. But his expertise and experience, despite the lack of natural talent, makes up for this.

We want him to achieve when he has a chance to fulfill his dreams, because everyone in some way or form see ourselves in him. And seeing him fulfill his wants is simply catharsis.

One of the most heartrending advice Kafka gives to his friend, Leno, sticks to readers. “Chasing your dreams means to continue losing to someone every second of every minute. But there’s so much passion that makes you forget all that!” Kafka knows he’s risking, he’s wizened enough to know how losing feels like, but for him it’s better to chase late than forever regretting that hasn’t achieved it.

It brings comfort to older readers who are facing similar circumstances, the validation of chasing your dreams, even when you feel that you’re not of age anymore. The encouragement given by others are also a great blessing because it gives you the push you need to achieve things.

Another subversion we’re treated to is Kafka’s character who seems to be much suited to be the comic sidekick than the main protagonist. In fact, his closest confidant, Leno Ichikawa, seems to be more in line of the description of a common shonen protagonist.

Young, aloof, and serious, the roles are switched here, with Ichikawa’s constant reminders of not to let Kafka’s identity slip, and sometimes being the only source of common sense at times. Leno has a lot of potential for a young man, and a lot of talent, but here, he’s not the star, he’s the one who is constantly chasing after Kafka when he runs off to save people.

Aside from the relatability of the protagonist, we’re also treated to fast-paced action, and a well thought-out lore. The story doesn’t slough through and every bit of it contributes to the narrative, while at the same time, feeding you exposition that isn’t forced. This series is also more lighthearted compared to its contemporaries such as Attack on Titan or Promised Neverland, lending more to the likes of Kimetsu No Yaiba and Black Clover.

But despite not having gloom and doom throughout, Naoya Matsumoto presents the kaijus as an actual threat that needs to be disposed of. Of course, the tone is kept consistent, and the humor does not take away from the seriousness of the action scenes.

We haven’t even gotten to the detailed illustrations that make up the manga, Naoya Mastumoto’s art is a feast for the eyes that places you dab smack into the world of future Japan, without coming off as too cyberpunk or futuristic. It gives a more down-to-earth depiction of the future, while keeping the advanced tech in the background.

Of course, the art style for the humans are simplistic to pave way to the intricately drawn monsters, that are either mottled with veins, or spooky, scaley, Godzilla-like beings. This provides a contrast between the small humans and the powerful kaiju.

With it’s gorgeously drawn backdrops, evenly paced story, and hard-hitting action, it’s no doubt that Kaiju No. 8 may be a potential shonen manga that will capture the attention of the next wave of readers.

One thing is certain, whether an anime adaptation pops up or not, this title deserves a spot in one of the likes of Fullmetal Alchemist and Yu Yu Hakusho.

Kaiju No. 8 is available for free online on Mangaplus (as Monster #8 on its English version) and is updated every Thursday at 11:00 p.m.

(Images from Viz Media)