"Kaiju No. 8," a Jump+ work set to become an anime in April 2024, is based on a manga by Kafka Hibino, a protagonist who has been transformed into a Devilman-like monster-human in Japan, where giant monsters appear by chance like a disaster. The anime follows the battles between the defense force that deals with the monsters and the incredibly powerful monsters that suddenly appear. In the story, there are super-powerful monsters called "identified monsters," many of which stand in the way as enemies. Here, we've compiled information on these identified monsters in numerical order!
Identified Monster #1: Kaiju No. 1
Said to be Japan's oldest identified monster, it possesses the ability to visualize signals emitted from the brain during movement, detecting them before the subject's body even moves. Records indicate it was a fearsome monster capable of unleashing unavoidable attacks. Since only records remain with the Defense Force, it appears that it has since been defeated. Kaiju No. 1's retina, "Rt-0001," was transplanted into the eye of First Unit Commander Gen Narumi and is currently in use.
Identified Monster Part 2: Kaiju No. 2
The second individual to be assigned an identification number, Kaiju No. 2 nearly destroyed Sapporo City in 1972. It's said to have been a gigantic monster with tremendous destructive power and a fierce determination that remained unyielding until its last breath. After its defeat, a suit and arms were crafted based on its body. However, only one person was able to master the equipment: Isao Shinomiya, the current commander of the Defense Forces. While his combat abilities remain intact, the decline of old age cannot be hidden. During Kaiju No. 9's attack, his memories and equipment were stolen by the monster.
Identified Monster No. 3: Kaiju No. 4
While it's unclear when it appeared or what kind of monster it is, the existence of an identified monster weapon known as Number 4 suggests it was a monster previously defeated. This identified monster weapon was operated by Shinomiya Kikoru's mother, Shinomiya Hikari, and was nicknamed "Valkyrie," gaining popularity among the people. However, Hikari was killed in the line of duty during a cluster disaster caused by Kaiju No. 6. It seems that no one else compatible with it has appeared for a long time, but the equipment was passed down to her daughter, Shinomiya Kikoru.
Identified Monster #4: Kaiju No. 6
Ten years ago, this terrible monster caused a cluster disaster, resulting in the deaths of 200 team members and three team captains. After being defeated, it was weaponized, but it is said to be particularly powerful and dangerous among the identified monster weapons, placing a great strain on the user, and no one had ever been compatible with it until now. Ichikawa Reno has shown signs of compatibility and has begun training.
Identified Monster #5: Kaiju No. 8/Hibino Kafka
This is the monster form of Hibino Kafka, the protagonist of this work. Originally a normal human, Kafka was infected by a mysterious small monster, giving him the ability to transform into a monster. Kafka generally has the initiative and can even reverse his transformation. Of particular note is his incredible combat ability, possessing superhuman physical strength capable of defeating a giant monster with a single punch and the ability to instantly heal missing body parts. Perhaps as a result, Kafka was barely able to utilize the full potential of the Defense Force's suit, which was made from monster material.
Identified Monster No. 6: Kaiju No. 9
This humanoid monster has repeatedly attacked the Defense Force, starting with its attack on Shinomiya Kikoru during the Defense Force's entrance exam. It stands out from the monsters that have come before it, possessing a high level of intelligence that allows it to understand and use human language, as well as the ability to mimic the humans it preys on and blend into human society, the ability to command numerous monsters, and the ability to create giant monster-level monsters, making it the strongest and most fearsome monster in the series. What makes it most threatening is its high learning ability, which allows it to steal key personnel and weapons from the Defense Forces. It also creates new monsters to counter the Defense Forces' capabilities, engaging in strategic battles that have caused significant damage to both buildings and human lives.
Identified Monster #7: Kaiju No. 10
A monster created by Kaiju No. 9. Like No. 9, this monster can speak human language and communicate, and its personality is one of battle mania, seeking a duel between strong opponents. He realizes that Soushirou Hoshina is the strongest person present and engages in a life-or-death battle. He pushes Hoshina to his limits, but is defeated with the help of Kikoru and Mina. After being defeated, he is recovered by the defense team, but still conscious. Seeking a duel with a stronger opponent, he becomes a special monster weapon. Number 10 is now operated by Soushirou Hoshina.
Special Monster #8: Monster No. 11
A water-controlling monster created by Monster No. 9. After stealing Isao Shinomiya's memories, Kaiju No. 9 analyzed the characteristics of Gen Narumi's Number 1 and created this monster to counter them. He attacks Number 1, exploiting its weaknesses, causing Gen Narumi a difficult battle, but he is defeated by Gen Narumi, who is able to counter even his movements.
Identified Monster No. 9: Kaiju No. 12
This monster, specialized for close combat, was created by Kaiju No. 9 using data from the prototype, Kaiju No. 10. He engages in a fierce battle with Soushirou Hoshina, who wears the number of Kaiju No. 10. He learns from the battle and torments both Hoshina and No. 10 until the very end, but is ultimately defeated by a coordinated attack from outside his consciousness by Hoshina and No. 10.
Identified Kaiju No. 10: Kaiju No. 13
This monster was created by Kaiju No. 9. While Gen Narumi was dealing with No. 11, Shinonome and the rest of Unit 1 attempted to deal with it, but were unable to do anything and destroyed it. Kafka, who was on standby, rushed to the scene and defeated it with the power of the transformed No. 8.
Identified Monster No. 11: Kaiju No. 14
A monster with a face carved into a monolith appeared over Tokyo. It destroyed the city with aerial bombardment. The defense forces attempted to intercept it, but were unable to break through its impenetrable shield. It was sunk in one hit by Mina's high-powered artillery fire. However, its remains served as a teleportation device, bringing forth Kaiju No. 9, who desired Mina's power.
Identified Monster #12: Kaiju No. 15
A monster created from the memories of Isao Shinomiya, Kaiju No. 15 bears a striking resemblance to Kikoru Shinomiya. Kaiju No. 9 created it to deal with Kikoru Shinomiya, and its true strength lies in its psychological attacks directed at Kikoru personally. Initially, Kikoru struggled, but he eventually succeeded in defeating it thanks to his growth during the battle. Like Kikoru, Kaiju No. 15's personality was driven by a desire to be recognized by his creator. However, Kaiju No. 9 saw him as nothing more than a pawn, and he disappeared in tears.
[Kaiju No. 8] Summary of Identified Monsters
Here's a list of the identified monsters that appear in Kaiju No. 8! Past identified monsters have not yet been named, so they have been excluded. We're excited to see what new monsters will appear, but we're also excited to see the great monsters of the past!
