Series: Kaiju No. 8
Special: (Quick recap + OVA)
Director: Shintarō Itoga
Produced By: Production I.G with Studio Khara
Release Date: March 28, 2025 (Japan)
Distributed By: Toho Animation, Crunchyroll
Synopsis:
A quick compiled recap of episodes 1-10. It’s a compilation film that includes a recap of the first season of the Kaiju No. 8 anime series, showing most of the important scenes of Kafka getting selected to Kafka coming out as Kaiju No. 8. This jogs the memory. But there wasn’t anything about what happened after Kafka/Kaiju No. 8 was detained.
In the second part, Hoshina’s Day Off, Kafka is sick due to overeating due to stress, and it’s a day off for everyone. Iharu, Reno, Kikoru, Haruichi, Aoi, Hakua, and Akari trail the Vice-Captain Hoshina, thinking he is involved in something illegal. They abandon their own plans and unite for a greater good!
Trailer:
Images:
My Review:
As we waited for the arrival of Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 on July 19th, we got Kaiju No. 8: Mission Recon, which was a recap of important parts from episodes 1-10, + an original video animation created apart from the manga, Hoshina’s Day Off. The first part, the major part, was a compilation film that includes a quick recap of the first season of the anime series. It recalled scenes from Kafka getting selected to Kafka being revealed as Kaiju No. 8. This jogs the memory for the viewers, just before the 2nd season hits the screens. But there wasn’t anything about what happened after Kafka/Kaiju No. 8 was detained.
The second part, a special episode, HDO delivers a great slice-of-life levity. It’s a hilarious, heart-warming, light-hearted story. It shows that it’s good to have fun, even when things are serious or dangerous around you most of the time. The episode concentrated more on suspense and comedy. This episode takes place somewhere during training time, i.e., between episodes 1-7, focusing on the supporting cast. It celebrates cathartic comedy, although it was predictable to an extent. The episode was sort of a filler before the start of Season 2. The special episode closes on an excitement-filled note with Hoshina having the last laugh.
Final Verdict:
In all, the compilation + filler were good before S02 arrived, to rekindle the passion for the show.
