English Dub Review: Kaiju No. 8 “Fortitude 9.8”

The writers for Kaiju No. 8 have their ears to the ground at this point. The shots that have been taken so far are absolutely killing the game so far. There has been zero misses. Zero. The writers have given me exactly what I’ve been missing from anime for close to a decade, and I can’t be happier. If the quality keeps up, this is easily going into my top list of anime.

There hasn’t been many miscues, if any at all. “Fortitude 9.8” continues the trend, as it continues right where “Revenge Match” left off. Kikoru overachievement starts off looking like she’s the pride and joy of the current class. She took down the remaining kaiju in the test, only to get shot up by a second transforming kaiju. This is where Kafka reenters the scene, and not only protects the Kikoru, but making the reanimated beast turn into a blood mist puddle. We also learned that the power of a kaiju is measured as “fortitude.” The title is what Kafka’s power is as he’s powering up to kill the main kaiju of the test.

There was very little exposition to go over this week. However, the small amount that was given in “Fortitude 9.8” was very important. Kikoru finally got her backstory! Her dad was seemingly absent most of the time. He only coming home to tell her that she must be perfect for country and her mom. There was a just enough to give us a taste, and a need for more.

Kikoru ultimately covers for Kafka when the vice captain came in to question the events. It seems like she may be coming around to being at least respectful towards Kafka. The first act is definitely over, and it’s only going to escalate from here. As I stated in the begging, we’re in for a ride to get to the end of the season.

Kaiju No. 8 has had some amazing animation thus far. However, “Fortitude 9.8” took that animation to a whole different level. I was amazed at the sequence of the one shot kill Kafka displayed when he was protecting a very hurt and dying. The pinks and purples were so vibrant, and the explosion from the kaiju’s attack was beautiful. However the beauty of it was when Kafka powered up, rooted down into the concrete, and unleashed his most powerful attack yet. The blues just shooting off of him like lightning, and his kaiju skin acting as braces to keep him on point. Even the kaiju visera explosion was beautifully done.

I’m all in and invested. Watching Kafka take a back seat for Kikoru to take center stage was much needed. She was the first adversary for Kafka.  So you need reasons for why she is how she is. Also, there are some things that will help her come around. There was no mention of how the prospects did yet, because everyone is still reeling from the aftermath. I need more. I think it’s about time for me to start getting into the manga. Kaiju No. 8 is what I’ve been missing.