Kaiju No. 8: Why Kafka Is Such A Great Protagonist

Highlights

Kafka Hibino’s relatable journey and hard work make him a standout protagonist in modern anime.
Despite his low power level, Kafka uses his knowledge and tactical mind to support his team effectively.
Kafka’s hilarious personality adds depth to his character, making him a lovable and relatable hero in Kaiju No. 8.

As a huge fan of Kaiju No. 8, I can’t help but be in awe of Kafka Hibino, the relatable and lovable protagonist at the heart of this modern Shonen action anime. His journey is one that resonates deeply with me due to its realistic portrayal of hard work and determination in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

As someone who has been an avid fan of anime for over a decade now, I can confidently say that Kaiju No. 8 is a modern Shonen action anime that has truly captured my heart and imagination. With its captivating world, exhilarating action sequences, and superb pacing, this series has left me in awe.

An intriguing aspect of this show lies in its main character, Kafka Hibino. While some of his characteristics may seem familiar from other works, Kaiju No. 8 presents them in an original, engaging, and comically appealing way. To understand why Kafka stands out as a remarkable protagonist in contemporary anime, let’s delve into his character traits.

A Compelling Backstory

An engaging and realistic origin

Kaiju No. 8: Why Kafka Is Such A Great Protagonist

From a young age, Kafka harbored grand ambitions of joining the Defense Force’s elite division to combat Kaiju and alleviate the suffering they inflicted. This experience strengthened his determination, prompting him to promise his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro, that he would one day become two of the strongest fighters within the Force.

Though he repeatedly tried to join the Force by taking the test, Kafka unfortunately failed each time. As a result, his life unfolded in an unexpected way, leaving him to work in the Kaiju cleanup crew every night, pondering how things turned out so differently from the typical Shonen protagonist’s journey. Most Shonen protagonists undergo rigorous training or are naturally gifted, making their rise to power a relatively smooth process. However, Kafka’s experience is distinctly unique with its challenges and hardships.

As a gamer, every time I set my sights on a new achievement or goal, I can’t help but feel like there’s someone, somewhere in the gaming world, who’s already mastered it. It can be disheartening at times, but it also fuels my determination to keep pushing forward and improve my skills. After all, the joy of the chase is just as important as reaching the finish line.

Kafka’s story feels authentic and relatable because it portrays him as an ordinary person with big aspirations, rather than a mythical hero or genetically exceptional character. His initial struggles make him a refreshing contrast to the typical Shonen archetype, offering a breath of fresh air to the current genre by distinguishing Kafka from other characters.

Because of his dedication and efforts, Kafka earns the respect of fans, making them cheer for him throughout the story. Though he’s an ordinary person, his determination makes him relatable, and fans find themselves empathizing with him deeply. Many viewers may identify with his character, adding to the emotional connection they have with the series.

He Relies On Himself

Kafka only uses his powers as a last resort

Although Kafka had previously been denied entry into the Defense Force due to failing the test several times, he persisted and eventually managed to join, despite being older than most recruits. Yet, upon joining, Kafka astonishingly set a new record for having the minimum power output in the Defense Force’s history. Regardless of his power being a mere 1%, Kafka never let it hinder his performance.

Although Kafka’s power was insufficient for him to utilize the power suit and weapons of the Force efficiently, his Kaiju abilities enabled him to outmatch his strongest comrades during that time. However, instead of displaying these powers, Kafka preferred to rely on his expertise in Kaiju biology to assist his teammates. Unlike most Shonen protagonists who crave the limelight and the chance to slay the monstrous foe using their immense power, Kafka remains content with providing backup and support. Despite possessing the capacity to vanquish the colossal beast himself, he seldom gets the chance to do so.

This time, I’m not giving up!

Kafka’s time with the Kaiju cleanup team significantly enhanced his expertise in Kaiju biology, surpassing that of his Third Division colleagues. Although he lacks the ability to battle a Yoju in its basic form, his knowledge has been crucial on numerous occasions. Instead of seeking personal recognition, he prefers to support his team.

When faced with a truly perilous predicament with no other viable options, Kafka undergoes a remarkable transformation into his mighty Daikaiju form, Kaiju No. 8. This is a drastic measure he employs only in the most extreme circumstances, such as when the confrontation with Kaiju No. 10 led to a catastrophic Kaiju Bomb that threatened the city’s existence, necessitating Kafka’s intervention.

A Hilarious And Lovable Character

Kafka is one of the funniest Shonen protagonists

The use of humor to make fans connect with characters is nothing new in various media. However, the way humor is employed to portray Kafka’s character stands out as particularly effective in recent times. Much like many protagonists in Shonen genres, Kafka comes across as innocent and sometimes foolish, but never to an extent that becomes irritating or exhausting.

Kafka’s portrayal as a comically entertaining character doesn’t hinder his growth or solemn moments. He maintains a serious demeanor when necessary yet is light-hearted when appropriate. His amusing actions and role as the target of his friends’ humor are endearing because they lack malice or negativity, making Kafka an adored character for audiences due to his unique blend of humor and sincerity.

Kaiju No. 8 can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

2024-07-20 22:03