Within the manga community, Kaiju no. 8 by Naoya Matsumoto has grown to be a cherished classic. However, recent updates from the author may leave fans with mixed emotions as Matsumoto hinted that the series might be reaching its climax, despite its soaring popularity.
Thanks to the anime adaptation’s popularity, it became one of the most popular shows of the spring of 2024. Kafka Hibino’s story has reached an exciting new high with the upcoming Kaiju no. 8 season 2 and spin-off series like Kaiju No. 8: B-Side and Kaiju No. 8 Relax that feature other characters and expand the manga’s universe.
Amidst the success, this sudden indication may leave fans with a mix of shock and disappointment as they would have to be prepared for the potential end of their beloved manga.
Matsumoto’s Comment about the Future of Kaiju no 8
In a comment shared by Oricon News, Naoya Matsumoto expressed his gratitude for the success of the 13th volume of the manga released on July 4th, which has sold over 15 million copies in domestic circulation. Matsumoto thanked the fans who supported his manga since the beginning along with the new readers who started reading Kaiju no. 8 manga after the release of the anime.
Along with the gratitude message, Naoya Matsumoto hinted about the potential end of Kaiju no. 8. He also hinted about the future development of this successful manga series, quoting:
The story currently being serialized is reaching its climax, but I will continue to put my all into drawing ‘Kaiju no. 8,’ so please continue to support us.
The manga potentially reaching to its climax represents sad news for readers who have been following the series for a long time.
The premise of Kaiju no. 8 centers on middle-aged Kafka Hibino, who aspires to join the Japan Defense Force in order to combat kaiju, hideous monsters that pose a menace to humanity. The story takes a surprising turn when Kafka himself turns into a kaiju, gaining extraordinary abilities but also having to conceal his true identity.
The manga series stands out in the shounen genre because it deftly strikes a mix of humorous moments and poignant character development alongside powerful action sequences.
The Success and Future of Kaiju no. 8
Right after the first chapter of Kaiju no. 8 was released on the manga app Shonen Jump+ in 2020, it received over 3,200 comments in a single day and trended on Twitter ( currenly, X). The viewership of the manga currently boasts over 2 million views per chapter.
It also took home the top spot in the “Web Manga Category” of the “Next Manga Award 2021“. Among other honors, it placed first in the “First Volume Sales Ranking” declared by the online publication “Hon no Hikidashi” by Nippan (Nippon Shuppan Hanbai Inc.), sixth in the “Manga Taisho 2021“, and second in the “5th TSUTAYA Comic Awards“. A sequel to the TV anime, which ran from April to June 2024, has been decided.
Manga has inevitable ends, but a well-written plot leaves an impression that lasts long after the last page is flipped. Since Matsumoto gave it everything he had, Kaiju no. 8 has already cemented its reputation as a significant and unforgettable series, and its legacy will only become stronger.
One thing is clear though, as fans eagerly anticipate further updates and the ultimate resolution, Kaiju no 8 will never cease to captivate and inspire readers—just as it has since the beginning.
You can read Kaiju no. 8 on MANGA Plus by Shueisha.
