English Dub Review: Kaiju No. 8 “Wall”

Overview:

Iharu and Reno’s trust in each other becomes a powerful weapon that leads them in battle.

Our Take:

It’s football season in the United States, and I think it’s a fitting time for this episode. The reason I bring it up is that typically, football players are always the best in their town. Then they go to college or the pros; everyone is the best from their respective towns. That’s what Iharu is like. He was the best of the best when he was in school, but when he came to the defense academy, he realized there were a bunch of people better than him. He’s handled that disappointment a lot better than some other people would, and I think this episode shows how much resiliency he has.

On the flip side, Reno feels like the weakest in the defense force after falling behind to Kikoru and not being able to protect Kafka. Being able to make the No. 6 weapon work is something he HAS to do. He does a good job, but eventually the suit gets the best of him because it hides the fact that he’s tearing muscles and breaking bones to try and keep up with its enormous power. Luckily, Iharu swallows his pride and realizes he might need to be in a more supportive role, and helps Reno reach his potential.