The popular manga and anime series Kaiju No. 8 is expanding its universe with a brand-new spin-off manga, titled Kaiju No. 8: Relax, set to debut in Fall 2025. This announcement comes hot on the heels of the confirmation of the anime’s second season, scheduled to premiere in July 2025, promising a jam-packed year for fans of the series.
A “Chill” Spin-Off: Kaiju No. 8: Relax
Unlike the high-octane action and suspense of the main series, Kaiju No. 8: Relax promises a more lighthearted, slice-of-life experience. The spin-off will feature fan-favorite characters like Kafka Hibino, Mina Ashiro, and Reno Ichikawa in relaxed, off-duty scenarios. This “chill” manga, as described by Viz Media, will explore the hilarious adventures of the Defense Force members when they’re not battling giant monsters.
The new manga is based on the characters created by Naoya Matsumoto, the author and illustrator of the original Kaiju No. 8 manga. However, the story and art for Relax will be handled by Kizuku Watanabe, known for their work on Koro-sensei Q!.
While an exact release date hasn’t been specified, the first chapter of Kaiju No. 8: Relax is confirmed to be released in Fall 2025. A promotional visual for the spin-off shows Kafka, Mina, and Reno relaxing, hinting at the comedic and easygoing tone of the new series.
Kaiju No. 8: A Quick Recap
Kaiju No. 8 is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Naoya Matsumoto. It has been serialized on Shueisha’s Shōnen Jump+ online platform since July 2020. The story follows Kafka Hibino, a man who, after an unexpected encounter with a parasitic creature, gains the ability to transform into a kaiju. Despite this, he aims to join the Japan Anti-Kaiju Defense Force, a group dedicated to eliminating the kaiju that threaten humanity.
The manga has garnered immense popularity, with over 11 million copies in circulation by March 2023 and has been collected into 14 tankōbon volumes as of November 2024. It has also been published digitally in English and several other languages on Shueisha’s Manga Plus platform and Viz Media.
The Anime Adaptation’s Success
The anime adaptation of Kaiju No. 8, produced by Production I.G, premiered in April 2024. The series was a hit, captivating audiences with its blend of action, comedy, and drama, and is available on Crunchyroll. The anime’s first season finale was followed by an announcement of the second season, solidifying the series’ continued success.
A compilation film of the first season, including an original episode titled “Hoshina’s Day Off,” will also be screened in Japanese theaters starting March 28, 2025, and will also be screened “worldwide.” Crunchyroll will stream the second season which is scheduled to premiere in July 2025.
More Kaiju No. 8 Content
Adding to the excitement, a series of short episodes titled Minute! Kaiju No. 8 began airing on Toho Animation’s YouTube channel in December 2024, offering fans even more bite-sized content. This isn’t the first time the franchise has expanded its narrative beyond the main manga. In early 2024, Kaiju No. 8: B-Side, a spin-off manga illustrated by Kentaro Hidano, was published, which explored side stories of the Defense Force members, based on the light novel Kaiju No. 8: Exclusive on the Third Division.
Kaiju No. 8: B-Side ran from January 5 to July 12, 2024, and focused on the character Soshiro Hoshina, showcasing his backstory and battles and giving fans new perspectives of the main narrative. This previous spin-off shows the franchise’s continued commitment to enriching the world and characters.
Why This Matters to Fans
The announcement of Kaiju No. 8: Relax is a treat for fans looking for a different perspective of the Kaiju No. 8 universe. The series has already gained popularity for its blend of action, humor and character development. The introduction of a spin-off that focuses on everyday scenarios will provide a welcome contrast to the intense battles of the main series. The additional content being released, from short videos, to theatrical releases, to new manga, means there is something for every fan to enjoy.
The Growing Kaiju No. 8 Universe
The Kaiju No. 8 franchise continues to expand with not just anime and manga content, but also with video games. A Kaiju No. 8 smartphone and PC game is in development by Akatsuki Games, further proving the franchise’s popularity and reach. This game is expected to feature familiar characters such as Kafka Hibino, Kikoru Shinomiya, Soshiro Hoshina, Ichikawa Reno, and Mina Ashiro, and is set to be available on PC via Steam, and mobile via the Apple Store and Play Store.
Looking Ahead
With a new spin-off manga on the horizon, the anime’s second season set for July 2025, and a compilation film screening in theaters, Kaiju No. 8 fans have much to look forward to. The franchise’s continuous expansion showcases its popularity and the creators’ dedication to providing a variety of content for its audience.
Key Takeaways:
- Kaiju No. 8: Relax, a new slice-of-life spin-off manga, will be released in Fall 2025.
- The second season of the Kaiju No. 8 anime is scheduled to premiere in July 2025.
- A compilation film of the first season, including an original episode, will be released in Japanese theaters March 2025 and worldwide.
- Kaiju No. 8 also has a previous spin-off, Kaiju No. 8: B-Side, which was released in 2024 and focused on the character Soshiro Hoshina.
- A Kaiju No. 8 smartphone and PC game is also in development.
The Kaiju No. 8 franchise is showing no signs of slowing down, continuing to engage fans with new and exciting content, further solidifying its place in the anime and manga landscape.
