If you’re a fan of Kaiju no 8, you’re likely drawn to its intense monster battles, compelling character transformations, and the high-stakes struggle against overwhelming odds.
This manga has captivated readers with its blend of action, suspense, and a touch of humor, all set in a world where humanity faces off against gigantic, destructive creatures.
Whether you’re fascinated by the adrenaline-pumping combat scenes, the journey of characters discovering their hidden strengths, or the sheer scale of the monstrous threats, there’s a wealth of other manga out there that offer similar thrills.
In this ONE Esports list, we’ll explore manga like Kaiju No. 8 that are packed with epic battles, evolving characters, and stories that keep you on the edge of your seat.
Top 11 manga like Kaiju no 8
Chainsaw Man
The story revolves around Denji, a young man who merges with his pet devil Pochita to become the Chainsaw Man or the Chainsaw Devil, allowing him to turn parts of his body into chainsaws.
Both the Chainsaw Man and Kaiju No. 8 series explore the protagonist’s journey as they adapt to newfound powers and use them to battle monstrous enemies.
Unlike Kafka Hibino who voluntarily joined JAKDF, Denji is pulled into the world of devil hunting. The blend of intense action and personal struggle creates a compelling narrative that explores the consequences of wielding such power.
While Chainsaw Man delves into the darker, grittier aspects of its narrative, it retains the power of friendship and personal sacrifice similar to Kaiju No. 8 that fans will appreciate.
World Trigger
World Trigger is set in a world where mysterious portals to another dimension allow monsters known as “Neighbors” to invade our planet. The Earth (or Japan) is protected by an organization called Border, which utilizes special weapons known as Triggers.
The story follows Osamu Mikumo, a Border agent, and Yūma Kuga, a humanoid Neighbor, as they navigate battles and alliances.
Like Kaiju No. 8, World Trigger explores humanity’s struggle against monstrous beings and the use of advanced weaponry and abilities to fend off invaders. Just as JAKDF defends against kaiju in Kaiju No. 8, Border agents in World Trigger strategize to fight the Neighbors.
If you also liked the weapon aspect of Kaiju No. 8, some of the characters in World Trigger possess a unique trigger specialized for them similar to numbered weapons in JAKDF.
Tokyo Ghoul
Tokyo Ghoul is the darker, more introspective counterpart to Kaiju No. 8, diving deep into the psyche of its half-human, half-monster protagonist.
This manga introduces us to Ken Kaneki, who becomes half-ghoul after a life-altering first date. He navigates a world where ghouls coexist secretly with humans, grappling with his dual identity.
While Kafka in Kaiju No. 8 embraces his role, Kaneki is forced into his ghoul identity, highlighting a darker, more psychological struggle. The exploration of identity and transformation in Tokyo Ghoul parallels Kafka’s journey.
Both protagonists deal with the internal conflict of their human and monstrous sides, making this series a perfect fit for those who enjoyed the psychological and societal themes in Kaiju No. 8.
One-Punch Man
One-Punch Man follows Saitama, a superhero who can defeat any enemy with a single punch. Despite his immense power, he battles a sense of boredom and a lack of recognition in a world filled with other heroes and monstrous villains.
Both One-Punc Man and Kaiju No. 8 feature protagonists who face extraordinary circumstances, with Saitama’s battles against formidable foes paralleling Kafka’s confrontations with giant kaiju.
One-Punch Man explores the unique challenges of being an overpowered hero and the personal struggles that come with such strength.
While Kaiju No. 8 showcases Kafka’s transformation and his fight to protect humanity, One-Punch Man presents a lighter, comedic take on the superhero genre. Fans of Kaiju No. 8 will enjoy the blend of action, humor, and introspection found in One-Punch Man.
Gantz
Gantz has no restrictions when it comes to monster hunting, making it a more mature counterpart to Kaiju No. 8.
Gantz tells the story of Kei Kurono and Masaru Kato, who are resurrected after death and forced to participate in a deadly game orchestrated by a mysterious black sphere known as Gantz. The series follows their fight for survival against bizarre and dangerous alien creatures.
Both manga feature high-stakes battles and the protagonists’ struggle against monstrous enemies. Like Kaiju No. 8, Gantz explores the theme of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary and dangerous situations.
While Kaiju No. 8 still has some comical relief, Gantz places its characters in a cruel and unforgiving game, highlighting themes of mortality and the value of life. Fans will appreciate Gantz’s intense action and its exploration of human nature under extreme circumstances.
Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan revolves around Eren Yeager and his friends, who join the military to fight against giant humanoid creatures known as Titans. The series delves into the mysteries of the Titans and the dark secrets of the world they inhabit.
Both the Attack on Titan and Kaiju No. 8 feature protagonists who join an organization to protect humanity from monstrous threats. The former’s exploration of humanity’s fight for survival and the mysteries surrounding the Titans resonates with the themes found in the latter.
Ironically, Eren and Kafka both use the power of the monsters they swore to destroy by transforming into the very threat they’re fighting.
While Kaiju No. 8 focuses on Kafka’s transformation and his battle against Kaiju, Attack on Titan presents a more complex narrative with political intrigue and deep-rooted secrets.
Dandadan
Dandadan is Kaiju No. 8’s quirky cousin, blending supernatural phenomena with a touch of humor and romance.
Dandadan follows Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura, who encounter aliens and supernatural entities, leading to a series of bizarre and comedic adventures. The story blends elements of sci-fi and the supernatural, with a focus on action and humor.
Like Kaiju No. 8, Dandadan features characters dealing with otherworldly threats and unexpected transformations. Its mix of action, comedy, and the supernatural aligns with the themes and tone of Kaiju No. 8.
While Kaiju No. 8 emphasizes Kafka’s personal journey and transformation, Dandadan offers a lighter, more humorous take on the battle against strange and powerful adversaries.
Jagaaaaaan
Jagaaaaaan is the dark, psychological counterpart to Kaiju No. 8, with a focus on the corrupting influence of power.
Jagaaaaaan tells the story of Shintaro Jagasaki, a police officer who gains the power to fight monstrous creatures known as Fractured Humans. The series explores the darker side of human desires and the consequences of power.
The two series highlight protagonists who undergo dramatic transformations and battle against monstrous threats. Jagaaaaaan’s exploration of human nature and the moral implications of power resonates with the themes of Kaiju No. 8.
While Kaiju No. 8 focuses on Kafka’s journey and his fight against kaiju, Jagaaaaaan presents a more psychological and introspective narrative. Its exploration of the human psyche gives it a darker theme than Kaiju no. 8.
Ajin: Demi-Human
Ajin: Demi-Human is Kaiju No. 8’s philosophical sibling, exploring the ethics of immortality and power.
The story follows Kei Nagai, a student who discovers he is an Ajin, a being with immortality and special abilities. The series explores Kei’s struggle to survive in a world that fears and hunts Ajin.
Both manga have protagonists who are transformed into powerful beings and face persecution and fear from society. Ajin’s exploration of identity and the consequences of power aligns with the narrative of Kaiju No. 8.
While Kaiju No. 8 focuses on Kafka’s decision to use his powers to protect humanity, Ajin presents a more complex narrative with themes of discrimination and survival.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who becomes involved in the world of Jujutsu Sorcerers after swallowing a cursed object. The series explores Yuji’s journey as he learns to control his newfound powers and battles cursed spirits.
Similar to Kaiju No. 8, Jujutsu Kaisen has a protagonist who discovers new powers and join organizations to protect humanity from supernatural threats.
While Kaiju No. 8 focuses on Kafka’s transformation and his battle against kaiju, Jujutsu Kaisen presents a more complex power system unique to each character.
Unlike Kaiju No. 8, Jujutsu Kaisen combines supernatural elements with action-packed battles and character growth. Unfortunately, here in JJK, most characters oftenly die or get stripped of their powers.
Solo Leveling
Solo Leveling is similar to Kaiju No. 8’s underdog story, showcasing a protagonist’s journey from weakness to unparalleled strength.
Solo Leveling follows Sung Jin-Woo, a weak hunter who gains the ability to level up and increase his powers after a near-death experience. The series chronicles his rise from the weakest to the strongest hunter, battling dangerous monsters and uncovering the secrets of his world.
Both series spotlight protagonists who undergo significant transformations and become powerful beings capable of battling monstrous foes. Solo Leveling’s focus on character growth and the struggle against overwhelming odds aligns with Kaiju No. 8.
While Kaiju No. 8 emphasizes Kafka’s journey, Solo Leveling offers a more game-like progression system and a focus on personal power and growth. Fans of Kaiju No. 8 and gamers alike will appreciate Solo Leveling’s epic battles, character development, and exploration of a world filled with danger and mystery.
READ MORE: 10 best anime for beginners who are ready to embrace their inner otaku
