Kaiju No.8 [Season 2 (Episodes 1-11), Season 0 (Episode1)]

Let’s cut to the chase—Kaiju No.8 Season 2 was everything we fans could’ve asked for and more, and if you skipped Season 0 Episode 1, you’re missing out on some chef’s kiss backstory. For those who binged Season 1 (guilty), you know Kafka Hibino’s journey from a washed-up 30-something to the Defense Force’s most dangerous asset (and liability) as Kaiju No.8 was wild. Season 2 picks right up after that massive operation that left him confined, and let’s just say the Defense Force’s struggle to handle their first human-Kaiju hybrid is the drama we needed.

First off, Season 0 Episode1—this prequel is a must-watch. It takes us back to Kafka’s teen years: him and Mina laughing while practicing for the Defense Force exam, his first brush with a Kaiju that left a hidden scar (literally and metaphorically), and the moment he realized his dream of fighting Kaiju wasn’t just a pipe dream. Fans were gushing about how this episode made Kafka’s later struggles feel personal; one MyAnimeList comment said, “I never realized how much Kafka’s childhood dream meant to him until I saw that scene where he cried after failing the exam.” It’s the kind of prequel that doesn’t just fill gaps—it makes you care deeper about the character.

Now, Season2 Episodes1-11: The action is next-level. Crunchyroll’s stream quality makes every Kaiju battle feel like you’re right in the middle of it—explosive particle effects, smooth movements, and Kaiju designs that are both terrifying and cool. Episode1’s opening fight? Fans were spamming social media with “EPIC” and “I rewatched that scene 5 times” comments. But it’s not all punches and roars; Kafka’s struggle to balance his human side with his Kaiju instincts is the heart of the season. One Reddit user pointed out, “Kafka’s panic when he almost hurt a teammate in Episode3 was so real—you can feel his fear of losing control.”

Streaming-wise, you can catch all episodes on Crunchyroll (duh, it’s their exclusive), but if you want to own them, Apple TV and Fandango At Home have downloads too. The release schedule was Saturdays at 10am EST/7am PST, so I was always up early with my snacks ready—no spoilers, but Episode7’s cliffhanger had me refreshing Crunchyroll every 5 minutes the next week.

What makes Season2 stand out is how it doesn’t forget the little things. Side characters get more screen time: Reno’s growth as a rookie, Mina’s struggle to trust Kafka again, even the Defense Force’s quirky support staff. Fans loved that the writers didn’t just focus on big battles but also on team dynamics. A MyAnimeList user wrote, “Episode10’s team-up between Kafka and Reno made me cry—finally, someone sees Kafka for who he is, not just the Kaiju.”

Episode4’s training arc is a standout too: Kafka spends weeks in a simulation room, falling over and over until he masters his Kaiju form without losing control. The montage of him grinding had fans tweeting, “Kafka’s grind reminds me of when I practiced for my dance recital—relatable AF.” And Episode8’s rooftop scene? Kafka sitting alone, talking to his old friend about being scared of becoming a full Kaiju—fans shared screenshots with captions like “me when I’m worried about messing up my future.”

If you’re under 20, you’ll vibe with the themes of identity and chasing dreams even when odds are stacked against you. Kafka’s not a perfect hero—he’s messy, scared, but he keeps going. That’s the kind of character we can all root for.

In short, Kaiju No.8 Season2 (plus Season0 Episode1) is a banger. Whether you’re here for the action, the feels, or just to see giant Kaiju fight, this season delivers. Go stream it now—you won’t regret it (and don’t skip the fan discussions online; theories about Season3 are wild!).

P.S. Catch it on Crunchyroll every Saturday—set your alarms!
Available to buy on Apple TV & Fandango At Home too.
Join the MyAnimeList forums to rant/rave about your favorite episodes!