Characters Who Got The Worst Endings In The Kaiju No 8 Manga

Titled Kaiju No. 8, the acclaimed action shōnen manga penned by Naoya Matsumoto, recently concluded, sparking a significant debate among its readers. While the final chapter was generally well-received and provided mostly satisfying resolutions to the main characters‘ narratives, it failed to offer such closure for many of the cast members.

Because the story’s ending was sudden and didn’t provide satisfying conclusions for many cherished characters, fans were left hoping for more in a potential sequel or spin-off. Notably, the main characters from Kaiju No. 8 experienced this unsatisfactory treatment.

Warning! Spoilers Ahead!

1. Reno Ichikawa

Kafka’s Best Friend Deserved Much Better

Debut: Chapter 1 (Manga) Episode 1 (Anime)

In the anime “Kaiju No. 8”, Reno Ichikawa plays a significant role as the second leading character. The narrative begins when he encounters Kafka Hibino, and consistently assists him in concealing his Kaiju abilities during the initial storylines. Reno is composed, unflappable, yet possesses a deep sense of kindness and respect for his older acquaintance. Regrettably, their paths diverge around the midpoint of the story, leaving Kafka, the young soldier, noticeably absent from the plot for a considerable number of episodes.

Eventually, Reno returned with his focus on mastering the Numbers Weapon 6 in combat, an intriguing endeavor indeed. With this new tool at his disposal, he became instrumental in the decisive battle against the Meireki Era’s Daikaiju, demonstrating sufficient power to engage Kafka on equal terms. Regrettably, Reno’s narrative concludes abruptly thereafter. Despite being promoted to Platoon Leader, like many other notable Third Division characters, it was clear that Reno merited a more distinguished position akin to Kikoru. If Kaiju No. 8 ever expands with a sequel or spin-off, Reno is a character whose backstory should be delved deeper into and granted a more fulfilling conclusion.

2. Iharu Furuhashi

He Was Just Reno’s Sidekick, Right Until The End

Debut: Chapter 4 (Manga) Episode 2 (Anime)

In my viewpoint, the Third Division is brimming with robust personalities that initially seemed destined to play significant roles in the narrative, only to fall short of expectations later on. One particularly memorable character who fits this description is Iharu Furuhashi. Initially presented as a delinquent type, boasting a fiery and impassioned spirit, he often found himself butting heads with Reno, creating an intriguing dynamic that promised friendship or rivalry. However, upon reflection, his impact on the storyline seemed rather underwhelming.

In the Fourth Division, Iharu teamed up with Reno, working closely together during their training with Number Weapon 6. They even fought an impressive action scene alongside other Third Division soldiers just before the climactic battle. Unfortunately, this moment turned out to be Iharu’s most significant contribution in the manga, as his subsequent appearances were relatively uneventful. Despite being promoted to Platoon Leader like everyone else, Iharu’s conclusion felt underwhelming compared to his initially captivating character development from the series’ start. It seemed that he was primarily portrayed as Reno’s sidekick whenever Kafka wasn’t present, rather than having a more substantial role in the storyline.

3. Haruichi Izumo

Another Fascinating Character Whose Story Went Nowhere

Debut: Chapter 4 (Manga) Episode 1 (Anime)

Haruichi Izumo was initially thought to be a significant character in the Third Division, but he largely faded from the story for much of its course. He’s a laid-back, intelligent, and somewhat conceited young soldier who possesses remarkable strength. He often hinted at a complicated and intriguing bond with his father, which has added an extra layer to his character. Even the animated adaptation included additional scenes focusing on him.

Sadly, just like many others in the Third Division, I found myself moved to another unit, leaving me apart from Kafka, Kikoru, Reno, and Iharu. It’s been hard not seeing Haruichi around after that, as it seemed his potential growth as a character was cut short. Granted, he did play a crucial role in helping Kafka halt the Third Wave before the final showdown, and by the end, we both earned the title of Platoon Leader – a common destiny for many in our Division. However, his finale didn’t have the unique spark it could have had, as it felt more like an expected progression rather than something extraordinary.

4. Aoi Kaguragi

The Least Interesting Named Character In The Third Division

Debut: Chapter 4 (Manga) Episode 3 (Anime)

Differently from Iharu and Haruichi, Aoi Kaguragi wasn’t initially known for being a standout secondary character. His generic appearance and somber demeanor often gave the impression of being rather dull. Yet, his role in the story, his effectiveness against Kaiju, and his camaraderie with fellow Third Division members demonstrated untapped potential for development, both personally and as a soldier.

Yet, similarly to Haruichi, Aoi was seldom present in the narrative during its latter portion. The standout moment for him was the thrilling action scene he engaged in alongside other Third Division soldiers prior to the climactic battle. Despite being promoted to Platoon Commander like his comrades, Aoi unfortunately developed into a rather unengaging character with much unexplored potential until the very final moments.

5. Bakko

His Intriguing Backstory Was Never Fully Detailed

Debut: Chapter 1 (Manga) Episode 1 (Anime)

From her initial appearance onward, Mina Ashiro was often observed with a massive white tiger named Bakko. This tiger played an instrumental role by using his strength to amplify Mina’s powerful attacks in battles. Readers gained further insights into this extraordinary creature when he leaped to rescue Mina from the grip of Kaiju No. 9 during the climactic storyline. It was then disclosed that Bakko is not a typical tiger, but rather a “wannabe kaiju” who demonstrated remarkable strength in the process.

It’s puzzling that the narrative didn’t clarify what a “wannabe kaiju” is or how Bakko joined the Defense Force. Despite this, it was clear that Mina had been nurturing him since he was a young kitten. Unfortunately, after his brave act, Bakko exited the story and only made a fleeting appearance in the final chapter’s single panel. This seemed to be a brief nod from the author, leaving many readers feeling let down by the resolution of such an intriguing and unique character within the series.

6. The Daikaiju Of The Meireki Era

The Final Boss Of The Series Disappeared As Abruptly As It Appeared

Debut: Chapter 113 (Manga)

In the main plotline, Kaiju No. 9 appeared as the primary adversary for much of the story, but the climactic chapters unveiled a twist: he was actually striving towards reviving his former master, the Daikaiju of the Meireki Era. This ancient colossus was not only an overwhelming threat, but it also played a pivotal role in the demise of all samurai who eventually became the enigmatic Larva, granting Kafka his abilities.

It’s undeniable that the Daikaiju from the Meireki Era was an intimidating final antagonist, and its epic showdown against Kafka, Mina, and other heroes is one of the series’ standout moments. However, its role in the narrative seemed rather limited because it was defeated soon after its introduction, leaving readers curious about its background and intentions. To add to the disappointment, unlike Kaiju No. 9, the Daikaiju had minimal dialogue and lacked a well-defined personality.

2025-07-24 21:06