The author of Kaiju No. 8 inserted himself into the work

2024-06-01
The author of Kaiju No. 8 inserted himself into the work

In a recent interview, Naoya Matsumoto, author of the best-selling manga "Kaiju No. 8," revealed that his inspiration for creating the story came from Hideaki Anno's film "Shin Godzilla." Matsumoto shared how the film's stunning storytelling and visual effects sparked in him the creativity needed to bring his own work to life.

The author of Kaiju No. 8 inserted himself into the work

During the same interview, Matsumoto explained that the protagonist of "Kaiju No. 8," Kafka Hibino, is based on himself. Matsumoto detailed how he had successful friends who debuted in magazines and gained recognition, while he didn't make money and felt stuck. "I projected these frustrations on my sleeve, a 30-year-old man unable to achieve his dream came to me naturally," he confessed. This personal connection between the author and the protagonist adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the narrative of the work.

"Kaiju No. 8" has become a phenomenon in the manga world. Its success was so remarkable that the decision to adapt it into an anime was made only a year after its release. Before meeting the studios tasked with the adaptation, Matsumoto told a friend that "I'd be happy to die if Production I.G or Khara were the chosen ones. That's how much I love them." This comment highlights Matsumoto's admiration for these studies and their influence on his creative career.

The play "Kaiju No. 8" tells the story of Kafka Hibino, a 32-year-old man who works at a company that cleans kaijus, monstrous creatures that frequently attack Japan. Despite having given up on his dream of joining the Kaiju Defense Forces, an unexpected twist of fate grants him the ability to transform into a kaiju. With this new ability, Kafka decides to seize the opportunity to fulfill his dream and protect his country.

The anime adaptation of "Kaiju No. 8" has generated great anticipation and is currently airing, capturing the attention of both manga fans and new viewers. The series promises to bring to the screen the thrilling action and heartwarming moments that have made the manga a smash hit.

In conclusion, Naoya Matsumoto has transformed her own experiences and frustrations into a work that resonates with a wide audience. The inspiration of "Shin Godzilla" and the personal connection with its protagonist have been key in the creation of "Kaiju No. 8", a story of perseverance and overcoming that continues to conquer hearts and reap success both in the manga and in its anime adaptation.

Source: Manga Mogura