KAIJU NO. 8 CH. 33 – Manga Review

In KAIJU NO. 8 CH. 33, available from Weekly Shonen Jump on May 13th, 2021, Kafka’s secret is out. The government wants to dissect him and Mina still won’t speak to him.

The Details

• Written By: Naoya Matsumoto
• Art By: Naoya Matsumoto
• Letters By: Brandon Bovia
• Translation By: David Evelyn
• Release Date: May 13, 2021

Was It Good?

Author’s Note: Before we dig in, it’s a pleasure to welcome our third manga title to our review cycle. We hope you enjoy KAIJU NO. 8 as much as we do.

This chapter had the potential to be a filler chapter because not much happens in terms of overall plot or action. However, the chapter is elevated to better than good because one specific event happens that fans of the series have been waiting for since the first chapter.

What’s It About?

[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]

We pick up a short while after the events of Ch. 32 where Kafka was forced to transform in Kaiju No. 8 to save his squad from the monster attacking the base.

The chapter begins with assorted military personnel discussing what to do with Kafka. Should they dispose of him outright? Should he be submitted for scientific study? Will other governments want a piece of him?

This scene is helpful because it reveals that, despite Kafka’s service and heroics, the military leadership defaults to treating him as a threat infiltrating their ranks. It sets a tone of mistrust and fear that carries through most of the chapter.

Cut to Kafka sitting in a high-security chamber and locked in a restraining harness. He thinks about what he’s done and feels guilty about lying to and disappointing so many people, including Mina. Suddenly, the chamber door opens, and in walks Mina with two armed guards to escort Kafka to a prison transport truck.

Outside, Kafka’s squad is armed and ready to react to any threat, if needed. Mina enters the back of the transport with Kafka, but before the door is closed, Ichikawa calls out that he has faith Kafka will return to them.

In the transport, Mina does the one thing she’s avoided doing since the first chapter. She talks to Kafka. She acknowledges him and speaks as though she clearly remembers the promises they made to each other so long ago.

The issue concludes with Kafka reaching his next destination.

How Does It End?

Kafka asks Mina a very important question. Mina gives a straight answer. “Kaiju No. 8 Is Now Contained.”

Final Thoughts

KAIJU NO. 8 CH. 33, available from Weekly Shonen Jump on May 13th, 2021, is light on action or plot, but it answers a critical question introduced almost since the beginning. This chapter successfully sets the stage for a new direction in the story.

Score: 8.5/10

★★★★★★★★★

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