Kaiju Manga Ends After 5 Epic Years with a Final Battle Showdown
(Image credit: ©Toho Animation)
A Big Goodbye to a Giant Series!
After five thrilling years, the Kaiju No. 8 manga is finally coming to an end, wrapping up a journey that has kept fans glued to their screens since July 2020. This action-packed series created by Naoya Matsumoto first appeared on the Shonen Jump+ digital platform, quickly becoming one of its most popular titles. Alongside manga giants like Spy x Family and Dandadan, Kaiju No. 8 carved out a space for itself with its unique blend of monster mayhem, heartfelt friendships, and explosive battles.
In case you missed it, Kaiju No. 8 also received an anime adaptation, created by none other than Production I.G., the same studio behind Ghost in the Shell. With Season 2 set to premiere on July 19, 2025, the anime continues to grow even as the manga nears its conclusion. You can catch the anime on Crunchyroll, which will also likely stream the upcoming season.
The Last Arc Brings Everything Full Circle
The manga is currently deep into its 9th and final arc, called The Last Wave. As the name suggests, this arc signals the grand finale of the series. With only two chapters left, ending at Chapter 129, it’s clear that creator Matsumoto planned a tight, emotional closure to this epic story.
From the very beginning, the story of Kafka Hibino, a man who gains the power of the monsters he once feared, has been filled with high stakes and wild twists. In this final arc, Kafka, along with his comrades Mina, Reno, and Kikoru, faces the ultimate threat as humanity’s last line of defense. The pacing of the story has picked up with each chapter, leading us to a conclusion that feels big, emotional, and earned.
How It Ends Is Still a Mystery Worth Waiting For?
Even though we learn the manga will close with Chapter 129, many fans continue to wonder how things will wrap up. Could the heroes’ journey conclude with sacrifice and heartbreak? Or is it possible that the story ends with grace, showing that even with monsters around, people can rise above?
It seems as though the ending could be bittersweet, reflecting the inner struggles of Kafka with the fate of the world. Nonetheless, the true ending is not yet revealed, increasing the anticipation of those who have been reading for years. One thing’s for sure, fans can expect a powerful finale that stays true to the series’ emotional core.
Kaiju No. 8 Is A True Shonen Jump+ Star
What makes Kaiju No. 8 so special is how it helped define what Shonen Jump+ can be. Unlike traditional Shonen Jump titles that often follow a more typical path, this manga wasn’t afraid to be different. It mixed monster horror with real-world emotions, showing the toll of war, dreams lost and found, and the friendships that help carry us through.
The series became hugely popular, especially in countries like France, where it was even advertised on massive billboards. It’s also had over 18 million copies in circulation, proving just how much fans around the world have connected with the story. Few series manage to shine both in manga and anime form, but Kaiju No. 8 nailed both.
Manga's Shorter Lifespan Isn’t a Bad Thing
While some fans are surprised that such a popular manga is ending after just five years, that length is actually quite common in Shonen Jump history. Only a few titles like One Piece, Bleach, or Naruto lasted for more than a decade. Those were special cases, and the industry today is changing faster than ever.
So instead of dragging out the story, Matsumoto chose to end things at the peak of the series’ success. It’s a bold move, but one that could help make Kaiju No. 8 even more legendary in the long run. Ending on a high note gives it the chance to be remembered as a complete, tight story - not one that overstayed its welcome.
What Comes Next After the Final Chapter
Fans won’t be left hanging after the manga’s conclusion. With Season 2 of the anime premiering in July, there’s still more Kaiju No. 8 content to enjoy. Plus, the franchise already has a spin-off manga, a novel, and even a video game featuring an original storyline and characters.
It’s clear the world of Kaiju No. 8 won’t vanish after Chapter 129. Instead, it will live on in new ways, keeping the spirit of the series alive for both new and old fans. Whether you’re finishing the manga or diving into the anime for the first time, now’s the perfect time to join the hype.
Final Thoughts
Kaiju No. 8 has been a monster-sized journey, and now it’s heading toward an emotional finish that fans won’t want to miss. With its last arc in full swing, a big anime season on the way, and a fanbase that keeps growing, this series is ending, but its legacy is just beginning. Whether you’ve followed Kafka from the start or you’re just catching up, this is a story that proves some of the best things really do come to a close.