Set after Kaiju No. 8’s first season finale, Season 2 continues Kafka Hibino’s story with the power to transform as a human-sized Kaiju aiding a military organization whose goal is to combat giant monsters. Meanwhile, Kaiju No. 9 launches a global giant monster war across Japan. Struggling to transform, Kafka has no other option, fight without relying on his power. He’ll need all the help he can get from his allies, Kikoru, Reno, Hoshina and his childhood friend, Mina.
All 11 episodes plus one breather episode in Kaiju No. 8’s second season are now streaming on Crunchyroll. Like its previous season, this one earned positive reviews from critics and streamers alike. A third and final season will conclude Kafka’s story. As of January 2026, no official release date’s confirmed. Before the grand finale streams sometime this year, I wanna share my thoughts on Season 2. By the way, “Godzilla Minus Zero” will released on November 3 in Japan and November 6 in America.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS.
Huge & Small Aspects
Huge: Voice Actors reprise their roles from Season 1 and they all did a terrific job for their respective performances.
Fun Fact: I saw Kafka (Nazeeh Tarsha) in the flesh signing autographs and takin’ selfies with people at Fan Expo Dallas in 2024. I didn’t get a pic with him. I chose Chris Rager instead. The latter’s known as Hercule Satan off of “Dragon Ball Z.”
Animation brings every single detail to life such as character models, creature designs, lighting, fluid movement and environmental locations.
Action Sequences are great.
There’s some funny moments.
The series is influenced by “Godzilla,” “Ultraman,” “Pacific Rim” & “Starship Troopers.”
Pacing for each episode didn’t feel like a slow burn.
Episode 12.5, “ Hoshina’s Day Off” acts as a breather episode for the characters relaxing. In other words, a calm before the storm.
We’re introduced to a new character named, Narumi. When he’s not on duty, he’s a gamer like me. He also builds Gundam model kits. Meaning, Gundam exists in the manga/anime series.
Kafka struggles to control the Kaiju within his body affecting his ability to transform. The equivalent of erectile dysfunction.
Kaiju No. 9’s army introduces new giant monsters.
Season Premiere introduces Narumi fighting a giant monster who looks exactly like Godzilla. To quote a joke from “Austin Powers in Goldmember.” “It looks like Godzilla, but due to international copyright laws it’s not.” “Still, we should run like it’s Godzilla!” “Though it isn’t.”
A swarm of giant ants pays homage to the classic giant monster movie, “Them.” “Fallout 3” also payed homage to it as a side quest known as, “Those.”
We learn about back stories surrounding Kikoru & Iharu. Plus, an emotional connection between Kafka & Mina.
There’s some shocking moments that’ll make you gasp. Can’t tell you all about ‘em. You’ll have to see for yourself.
Hoshina & Reno acquire new “upgrades.” Thus, the stakes drastically increase.
AURORA’s “You Can’t Run From Yourself” plays during the Opening Credits.
OneRepublic’s “Beautiful Colors” plays during the End Credits.
An episode’s Post-Credits Scene features Hoshina hosting a podcast interviewing various characters. Which is played for laughs.
Small: I know the soldiers wear protective suits, but a soldier or two aren’t equipped with protective helmets. How come none of ‘em suffer a concussion or brain hemorrhage? If this were real life, they wouldn’t last a single day.
Season 2 Finale abruptly ends on a cliffhanger. Didn’t feel like wrapping up a storyline. Now I gotta wait for Season 3.
The Final Verdict: B, FOR BIGGER AND BETTER!
Kaiju No. 8’s a great follow up to Season 1. If you’re new to the series, watch Seasons 1-2. Which ongoing anime is your favorite? Please leave a comment. Mine’s “Shangri-La Frontier.”
Nickthemoviecritic.com 