A lot has happened since Kafka Hibino became able to turn into a daikaiju, also known as “No. 8” and joined the Japan Anti-Kaiju Defense Force (also known as the “Defense Force”). Since his secret ability to transform into a Kaiju was discovered, Kafka was reassigned from the Third Division to the First Division. After having former Captain Isao Shinomiya watch over him (under a microscope at first, too) Kafka finally seemed to earn his place in the Defense Force. But it seems everyone around Kafka is getting better, getting stronger, ready, and waiting to seek revenge for Captain Shinomiya. So, what will Kafka do to catch up to all of his comrades? In Volume 9, creator Naoya Matsumoto has delivered another spectacular collection of stories that gives each essential cast member proper focus while elevating the series to another level.
With Kaiju No. 9 merging with the former captain, their combined power and prowess marks the biggest threat in the series thus far. With Volume 8 ending with Kafka deciding he needs to train more to rise to the level of his peers, this volume immediately goes into detail on how hard he’s been training. Soshiro Hoshina isn’t to be taken lightly, and his mentorship reminds readers just how skillful he is. Meanwhile, we see other characters strive to achieve new limits throughout the volume. While Kafka has been training, several of his peers have made significant combat and skill-based improvements. Overall, this volume was able to brilliantly showcase how various parts of the defense force are preparing for the pending attack from No. 9.
Naoya Matsumoto’s electric art style has made Kaiju No. 8 such a spectacular series. Somehow, no chapter feels long enough because of how quickly they fly by. With countless double-spread pages of intricate linework, this volume moves at the speed of light. Part of Matsumoto’s strength comes from his ability to do explosive splash of action. Since this volume doesn’t have a lot of that, there is a stronger focus on the calmer and more serene moments in the story. Through this focus, Matsumoto showcases his ability to create a relaxing environment. These more serene moments show how the series has reached the calm before the storm, with things slowly ramping up.
With things ramping up for the series, Kaiju No. 8 Vol. 9 is another great volume for an enjoyable series. Over the course of the last eight volumes, we’ve seen the supporting cast develop and become more fleshed out. However, this volume puts a strong focus on the protagonist while still subtly (or not so subtly) fleshing out the main side characters. Through this, the volume becomes one of the most memorable thus far and succeeds in being a great combination of action and character development.
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