Kaiju No. 8: Relax, Vol. 1

怪獣8号 RELAX [Kaijū 8-gō Relax] #1

by Kizuku Watanabe, Naoya Matsumoto (creator), David Evelyn (Translator)

Join the top fighters of the Japan Defense Force’s Third Division, a military organization tasked with the neutralization of kaiju, on their days off! Kafka Hibino attempts to bare his soul in meditation, only to end up baring something else. Then, an off-duty Captain Mina Ashido goes to the arcade, Reno Ichikawa faces his fear of ghosts, a quest to see Vice-Captain Hoshina’s eyes uncovers a sweet surprise, and Kikoru Shinomiya finally hangs out with her friends.

Genres: Manga, Comedy, Science Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy, Comics, Monsters

176 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2024

About the author

渡邉築

Reviews

[Rod Brown]

A goofy spin-off series looks at what the heroes of Kaiju No. 8 do on their days off: hiking, arcades, karoake, drawing, etc.

It's all silly situations and corny gags, and for a fan of the main series where it's pretty much non-stop monster battles it's a real treat to see the characters simply relax and revel in their friendships.

Kizuku Watanabe does such a good job of imitating the writing and illustration style of Naoya Matsumoto I forgot this book wasn't by the original creator at a certain point in the middle.

I can't imagine this would make much sense to someone who hasn't read the mother series.


FOR REFERENCE:

Contents:
• Chapter 1. Kaiju No. 8 and the Hiking Trip
- Episode 1. The Man with No Control
- Episode 2. Boyish Old Man
- Episode 3. Angel and Devil
- Epilogue
- Bonus Manga. Individual Differences
• Chapter 2. Kaiju No. 8 and the Arcade
- Episode 1. Kaiju No. 8 and the Arcade
- Episode 2. Mina and Superior Officers and Zombies
- Bonus Manga. Secret Training
• Chapter 3. Kaiju No. 8 and His Junior
- Episode 1. The Capable Junior
- Episode 2. The Shivering Junior
- Bonus Manga. The Capable Man's Artistic Appreciation
• Chapter 4. Kaiju No. 8 and the Vice-Captain
- Episode 1. The Vice-Captain's Open-Eyed Shot
- Episode 2. The Vice-Captain and the Mont Blancs
- Bonus Manga. Jealousy
• Chapter 5. Kaiju No. 8 and the Three Girls
- Episode 1. Drawing Contest
- Episode 2. Encounter
- Episode 3. Tsundere
- Bonus Manga. Zero Percenter
- Bonus Manga. Open-Eyed Collection

[[Name Redacted]]

This is cute and dumb.

[Kelli]

This is a fun collection of stories about what the main cast of the “Kaiju no 8” universe get up to on their days off.

Some of the stories are more interesting than others, especially those that feature Kafka getting into more shenanigans. We get lots of cameos from other characters in the Kaiju defense force.

All around, it’s a fun read for fans~

[mikaela (spinebreaker)]

An absolutely smashing good time! It's great to see Kafka and the crew in some fun shenanigans, especially because we don't have many of those break chapters in the main storyline. This is a breath of fresh air, a fun perspective shift, and extremely hilarious.

[Molly™☺]

These sorts of spin-offs are always fun. They are bite-sized - almost spoof - shorts that highlight the characters in a lighthearted setting, and Kaiju No.8 hits the formula with good stride. Some of the jokes are too far on the childish humour spectrum, but the overall quality is solid. Definitely a nice way to catch up with the cast!

actual rating 3.5 stars

[Katie❄️]

DNF 50%. Spin off done by a different author just not to my tastes.

[Mehsi]

I received this book from the publisher on Edelweiss in exchange of an honest review.


I am a big big fan of Kaiju No.8 so imagine my delight when I spotted this one up on Edelweiss. I had to try my luck at requesting it and YES, I was approved! I could finally read this fun delightful volume full of rest and probably plenty of humour!

In this one we get 5 chapters in which we see various characters from our defense force have a good time as they relax after a busy and gruelling day hunting/defeating Kaiju. There is a lot of focus on Ichikawa, Kafka, and Kikoru, but also other characters come by in big or smaller roles and I was so excited to see them all and get to see what they are going to do in these chapters. Each chapter is a day relaxed and is split up in several sections and I really adored how that one was done, instead of just giving it all in one go you get parts. Fun! What kind of fun things can you expect? Zombie hunting in the arcade (and catching some cats), photographing Hoshina with his eyes open (which made me laugh as this was indeed something I always wondered about in the OG series, how does he see and does he ever open his eyes), eating cake, we see how Kikoru became friends with 2 other girls in the squad, and there is more. It was such a feast to read and I had oodles of fun.

Oh, and I had such a laugh at the two old timers at the arcade! I hadn’t expected that one!

But there was a moment that I was confused. In the first chapter Kikoru, Kafka, and Ichikawa are going hiking. That starts with Kafka not able to turn back and him panicking as no one can know he is Kaiju. Yet in the next part they are going hiking (I would think it is the same moment) and Kikoru is not fazed by him transforming in Kaiju 8 when he is chomped by a venomous snake.

The art was a great one! While it is by a different mangaka the style of the characters and the feel of the OG manga is still all there. And I love seeing characters make different faces and stuff from the OG manga. Kikoru has some fabulous ones in this one.

All in all, I really would like more of this series, it is cute to see the teams just relax and have a good time. Given all the things that are happening in the OG manga they deserve some peace and quiet and I could use it as well. 😂 I would recommend this one to fans of the series, this is definitely one you need to read along with the OG, if you read it without any basic knowledge you will probably be confused by many things or get spoilers.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Amy]

So silly, I loved it!!

[Astilbe The Hobbit]

I didn’t realize when I bought this it wasn’t written and illustrated by the original author. So the art style is a little different but I find still obviously good.

One thing I was worried about is maybe the characters feeling a little maybe not themselves? I think Kizuku Watanabe did an okay job. I love the idea of seeing my favorite characters being goofy and doing fun things in their days off but some of the characters, at least to me didn’t feel like the characters I fell in love with it or maybe even how I’d see them act in situations? Maybe I’m being picky?

[Jamie Nimitz]

I didn’t love the first chapter - felt too silly & corny, and had to adjust to a different artist/writer.
But once I got on board with this series for what it is, I loved it. The second chapter about a “capable” Reno was super funny to me, and the next about “face fans” was absurdly & absolutely hilarious.
I also love that this really does add some backstory and dimension to the characters in the original series!
Lighthearted & fun (if you’re into absurd and ridiculous humor)

[John William William Young]

One of the most goofiest and strangest mangas I’ve ever seen in my entire life.

3.5*

[Kuroyuri]

Super funny

[Singe]

I like seeing what shenanigans the crew get up to in their free time. :)

[Karima]

so funny

[Elizabeth]

This was a quick interesting read about the characters and their down time.

[Eu]

Actual rating 3.0-3.5/5.0 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Kaiju No. 8: Relax by Kizuku Watanabe is a spin-off series of the popular Kaiju No. 8 manga by Naoya Matsumoto. This volume is set early in the Kaiju No. 8 plotline, so readers don't need much context to enjoy it. Structured as five short stories, each divided into two parts (with bonus comics in between), this book follows five of the most popular Kaiju No. 8 characters as they relax on their days off.

As spin-off series go, Relax was decent; it feels like officially sanctioned doujinshi, and maintains general continuity with the original source material. There are some minor differences in art style, but nothing that takes away from the experience--this felt like the fun filler episodes in between major plotlines, and indicates successful franchising of a beloved series. This is a good read for fans who enjoy humorous shenanigans and genre tropes, with comedic plotlines. While this series isn't groundbreaking, I did enjoy reading, and will definitely be continuing this series as more volumes are released!

Readers who like this book may also enjoy: the main Kaiju No. 8 series by Naoya Matsumoto, other spin-offs such as Kaiju No. 8: B-Side by Kentaro Hidano and Kaiju No. 8: Exclusive on the Third Division by Keiji Ando (light novel), Godzilla and Godzilla Raids Again by Shigeru Kayama, Godzilla Minus One by Takashi Yamazaki, Tokyo Fears Rhapsody by Akira Sugito, Dandadan by Yukinobu Tatsu, and other series featuring kaiju monsters and motley crews.

[Lucien Blackthorne]

⭐⭐⭐ 3/5 Stars – Kaiju No. 8: Relax Volume 1 Review
Kaiju No. 8: Relax Volume 1 offers a lighter and more comedic look at the world of Kaiju No. 8, trading large-scale battles and high-stakes action for everyday moments and character-focused humor. Fans looking to spend more time with the cast outside of combat will likely find plenty to enjoy here.
The strongest aspect of this volume is its cast. Seeing familiar characters interact in more relaxed situations helps flesh out their personalities and provides a fun change of pace from the intensity of the main series. The comedy lands often enough to keep the chapters entertaining, and several moments highlight why readers have grown attached to these characters.
The artwork is clean and expressive, capturing both the humor and charm of the spin-off format. Character reactions and comedic timing are handled well, making many scenes genuinely enjoyable.
However, readers expecting the excitement, tension, and momentum of the main Kaiju No. 8 story may find this volume somewhat lacking. The episodic nature of the chapters means there is little overarching plot progression, and some jokes feel repetitive over time. While the slice-of-life approach has its appeal, it doesn't always provide enough substance to maintain the same level of engagement as the original series.
Overall, Kaiju No. 8: Relax Volume 1 is a pleasant side story that gives fans more time with beloved characters, but it doesn't reach the heights of the main manga.
A fun and occasionally charming spin-off that succeeds as light entertainment, though its lack of major story development keeps it from being essential reading. ⭐⭐⭐

[寿理 宮本]

This is pretty good for a spin-off! The art style is pretty close, and the humour is DEFINITELY on-par with the (comedy parts of the) original! I even really appreciate the mental image of the brass (Director General Shinomiya and Deputy Director Itami) being EXTREMELY good at Taiko no Tatsujin and DDR, haha.

I'm... LESS excited about the mental image here:



Unfortunately, you probably are now, too!

Recommended for fans of the main series, though if I'm being honest, I don't know if I'll pick up any more. It's good but actually... TOO relaxed??

[mimo]

Chaotic silliness. The art style is noticeably different from that of the original creator, and honestly sometimes the jokes seem to be taken a bit too far relative to the characters' usual personalities. I mean, even in the main manga and its anime adaptation, you get humorous moments, marked by a different art style and voice-acting, but this whole spin-off comprises episodes where such moments are sustained for longer, and it doesn't always work. For example, I thought the one about Mina getting too into an arcade game and mistaking it for reality was a bit undignified for her.

My favourite gag in this volume is probably the one about getting Hoshina to open his eyes. I also enjoyed Mina winning the cat plushie. Oh, and I do like that the last chapter is about Kikoru and the two girls she's friends with, Hakua and Minase. They get barely any airtime, so it's nice to actually learn about how they became close.

[kuristina- tabreez]

Kaiju No. 8 Relax is a cute spin-off of the main series wherein it follows the Defense Force and Kafka Hibino specifically on their days off. While I still far prefer the main series, “Relax” is a nice window into the life of the characters during their lower stakes moments, their goofier moments (such as Mina, Kafka, Isao, and Itami at the arcade), and their more relaxed moments (Mont Blanc!!).
I liked to see how the characters bond outside of their duties and uphold their hobbies and relationships in ways that don’t involve saving the world, but rather, only involve saving themselves. It’s important to take breaks and to relax, even if you’re a Japan Defense Force soldier in a Kaiju-infested world. And maybe you’re even someone who is so obsessed with your duties that you can even find ways to relax while maintaining your form, such as the case with Itami and Isao.

[Vanna Book-Mage]

Kaiju No. 8: Relax, Vol. 1 is a spin-off of the popular manga series Kaiju No. 8 and showcases the lives of the kaiju fighting members of the Third Division of the Japan Defense Force on their days off as they blow off steam, hike, chill, do karaoke and spend time with their friends.

Overall this was a heartwarming, lighthearted slice-of-life manga. It fills the gaps of what the Third Division do in their spare moments amongst the stress of ridding the city of kaiju.

If you’re looking for a funny and fast-paced manga filled with hijinks and chaos then this is for you.

Thanks NetGalley and VIZ Media for this free arc/copy of Kaiju No. 8: Relax, Vol. 1; all opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Adam Howells]

Never read a gag manga before, and this seems a good place to start. I audibly chuckled (twice!) at some truly puerile antics. Kaiju No. 8 is a patently ridiculous series, and the absurdism turned up to 11 in these short stories mostly works well if you overlook Shinomiya’s chapter. (Did I miss that her friends are part of this world? Were they made up for this story? Regardless, this one felt tacked on.)

Highlights:

- Misunderstood (precisely understood?) homoeroticism throughout
- Reno’s essential goodness parodied to perfection
- Cupcakes
- Snake venom nipple dispersal (Oops—spoilers!)

There are two more translations in the pipeline. Happy to read them.

[The Book Dragon]

This is a spin-off of Kaiju No. 8. It appears to take place after Kafka joins the Defense Force but before the end of Volume 4.

Basically, it's a bunch of gag stories based on the Kaiju No. 8 characters. As always, gag manga tend to be hit-or-miss in the laugh department. But there doesn't appear to be any major spoilers so feel free to read at your leisure.

[E (manga_runner)]

This spin off is from a different author than the original series, so don't go into it thinking it will have the exact same feel. Especially since it's not focusing on the action part of their story but an off the clock, leisure/relaxing side.

I enjoy reading this, as it was a nice change of pace in my manga reads. Instead of all the action like in the main series, this one is closer to a slice of life following what the characters are doing in their free time. I liked how even the superiors were added and kinda like a switch flipped they are in their off work mode too.

[Stephen]

My oldest daughter was reading this book, so I decided to pick it up. Upon entering into reading, I realized there should be a warning to all....DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE MAIN STORY! I have not, and so this was ultimately a very confusing book. Did I get the jokes and the overall premise, yes...but I could tell that I was missing pieces of jokes and story because of my lack of the main story. I plan to read the main series before continuing on. But I still want to say that the art and story seem good, and I enjoyed what I understood of the book.

[Brandon]

It's more Kaiju No. 8! Do you love Kaiju No. 8 and want to see goofy side stories of their characters? Maybe you'll like it. Do you hate Kaiju No. 8 and dislike the characters, as I do? You probably won't like it! Hey, maybe the main series could have used more downtime stuff like this, maybe it would have made the series better. But I don't know, this did nothing for me. A few panels in the entire volume were alright.

[Megan]

This was a fun read! I love when manga series do silly little spin-offs like this.

We learn what the gang get up to during their downtime. Some of the stories are more fun than others, but this was a really enjoyable read overall. They're all so loveable and silly.

thanks to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads)]

This was an amusing collection of stories featuring the Defense Force on their day off. I enjoyed it, even though the art style is a bit different from the original manga and Kafka being a little bit over the top in his childishness.

*ARC provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.*

[Hannah]

Thank you Viz Media for the arc! This was an enjoyable and refreshing read that explored the daily lives of Kafka and his crew outside of combat. I loved seeing the different perspectives and quieter moments, which added more personality and charm to the characters we already know. A fun, lighthearted addition to the Kaiju No. 8 universe.

[Jill]

This was adorable! I loved getting to see the characters on their days off. I feel like we really got to know them better. I liked the structure of this book. The stories focus on different characters doing fun things on their days off and we get to see a few stories of how some of the characters met. I can't wait to read more of this series!