The main character of this work is Kafka Hibino, a 32-year-old man who has given up on his dream of becoming a member of the Defense Force. I think there are many people who are looking forward to the anime’s broadcast because the sight of him pursuing his dream again, the relationship between his fellow members of the Defense Force, and the battle scenes with monsters are alluring.
Did you know that this work has a spin-off called “Kaiju No. 8 side B”? In this article, we will introduce the synopsis and highlights of “Kaiju No. 8 side B” as well as the summary! Now that the anime is being aired to great acclaim, this is a story you should definitely experience.
This work is “Monster No. 8 Close Contact! This is a comic version of the novel “Third Unit”. The story is told in the form of a public broadcasting television interview at the Tachikawa base where the 3rd unit, to which Kafka and his friends belong, closely interviews the new members of the 3rd unit.
The novel consists of four volumes, and the comic version is currently being serialized in the manga magazine app “Shonen Jump +”. Currently being released are Soushiro Hoshina and Kikoru Shinomiya, two of the most popular characters in the series. We will introduce the synopsis and highlights of these two movies.
Soshiro Hoshina, the vice-captain of the 3rd unit, is a sword specialist, and his ability to subjugate small and medium-sized monsters and close combat surpasses that of the captain, Mina Abyaku. He is a caring superior who also takes on the role of trainer for new recruits such as Kafka, and is admired by his subordinates for his strict yet kind guidance.
This work depicts the story of how Hoshina joined the 3rd unit.
Hoshina was interviewed by the reporting team about the new members. Hoshina says, “This year’s new recruits are excellent,” but the interviewer questions the hiring of Kafka, who seems to be less capable than the other members.
When asked about his intentions in hiring him, Hoshina said, It was for a comedy role,'' and further criticized him, saying, He’s reckless and stupid,” He doesn't have the stamina, but he's got a lot of spirit,'' and He runs around the scene needlessly.” However, in the end, he adds, “I don’t hate idiots like that.”
Apparently, he had seen a similar idiot before — and it turned out to be Soshiro Hoshina himself. While training with talented newcomers, Hoshina thinks back to his past self.
That was when Hoshina was still a member of the Kansai Defense Force. At that time, firearms were already the mainstream way to subdue monsters, and subjugation with swords was said to be outdated. Therefore, no matter how much Hoshina improves his sword skills, those around him always encourage him to step back from the field and become an instructor.
One day, while visiting the Tachikawa base for business, Hoshina is suddenly called by the captain, Ahaku, and is scouted to join the 3rd unit. Although he is good at handling firearms, Ahaku is not very good with knives, so he says he needs Hoshina’s help.
While Hoshina is confused by words that no one has ever said to him, a monster disaster occurs. Without replying to the scout, Hoshina decided to join them in the subjugation. Will Hoshina be able to prove his existence on the battlefield?
Hoshina is popular for his loyalty to Ahaku, the first person who recognized him, and for the way he continues to improve his sword skills despite the opposition from those around him. Hoshina’s past and his feelings towards the sword are also clearly depicted.
The first meeting and cooperative play with Akira, who is now subjugated with wonderful cooperation, are also points to pay attention to. Personally, I would love to see Mina in her bob cut, with her long hair currently tied in a ponytail.
Kafka’s classmate, Kikoru Shinomiya, is an elite who graduated from an overseas National Defense Academy at the top of his class. She is a girl who is hailed as the most talented girl in history, and her enlistment record is of course at the top. She was raised strictly by her father, Isao Shinomiya, the Chief of the Defense Forces, and has continued to do her best to live up to his expectations.
Although he is a rookie, Kikoru is second in skill to the captain and vice-captain in the 3rd unit, and has been given a special ax-shaped weapon. What is revealed in this work is the story until you get your hands on a special weapon.
Two months have passed since he enlisted, and after successfully completing his first mission, Kikoru spends his days training with his classmates, and is called to the operation room where Ajiro and Hoshina are. Kikoru asked, wondering, and was told that a special weapon would be provided.
専用武器は隊長格から支給されるのが通例。しかし、現状とキコルの実力を鑑みて支給されることとなったのです。用意された専用武器は大きな“刀剣”。まだ試作品ということで、さっそく訓練場で試すことになります。
討伐対象は蟹の姿をした本獣1体と余獣3体。硬い甲羅に覆われており、一般隊員の使う炸裂弾は全て跳ね返されてしまいます。しかし、専用武器を使うキコルは余獣をあっという間に撃破。
本獣も難なく討伐……かと思いきや、余獣とは比にならないほどの硬度で、専用武器を用いても傷ひとつ付けることができません。何度も攻撃を試みるキコルですが、ついに専用武器を奪い取られてしまい、丸腰に。
そんな時、戦闘の衝撃で倒れた武器輸送車からもうひとつの試作品が姿を見せます。それは、とんでもない重量の大斧でした。規格外で保留扱いとされた大斧を手に、キコルは再び本獣に立ち向かいます。とはいえ、相当な重さの斧……キコルは使いこなすことができるのでしょうか……。
本編では初めから斧型だった専用武器。しかし、最初に提示された専用武器はなんと刀剣型だったというのが驚き。大斧を豪快に振り回して怪獣を撃破するキコルはなんとも格好良いのですが、刀剣を手に戦場を駆ける彼女もスマートで惚れ惚れしてしまいます。
専用武器の特性やギミックなどについても解説されているため、武器に注目したい方にもおすすめです。
さらに、なぜだかカフカを意識してしまう、キコルの乙女な部分も垣間見えます。キコルに焦点が当たるからこそ、本編ではなかなか見せない可愛らしい表情が飛び出すシーンにもぜひ注目していただきたいと思います。
本編では描かれなかったエピソードが語られる『怪獣８号 side B』。さらにキャラクターや作品の理解が深まるスピンオフ作品です。「ジャンプ＋」で初回に限り全話無料で読むことができるので、大型連休中に、アニメ『怪獣８号』の放送中に、ぜひ読んでみてくださいね。
少年ジャンプ＋｜人気オリジナル連載が全話無料！の最強WEBマンガ誌
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