What are digital weapons in Kaiju No. 8?

Lina Portman2 weeks ago

0 2 minutes read

The games change against monsters.

Digital weapons in Kaiju #8 represent humanity's best defense against the monstrous Kaiju wreaking destructive havoc.

These powerful battle gears, crafted from the remains of defeated Kaiju, are a testament to human ingenuity in the face of existential threats.

Credit: Naoya Matsumoto, Shueisha, Production IG, ONE Esports

These Kaiju weapons harness the Kaiju's most powerful special abilities, allowing elite Defense Force soldiers to take on even the most dangerous class of Daikaiju monsters.

However, wielding this devastating power comes at a high price. Only a select few within the Defense Force possess the strength and mental courage to don these suits and become the monstrous champions of humanity.

Warning: major spoilers for fans who have not read the manga.

What are digital weapons in Kaiju No. 8?

Credit: Naoya Matsumoto, Shueisha, Production IG, ONE Esports

Developed by Izumo Tech, Kaiju weapons are very different from standard Defense Force weapons and combat suits. They are, essentially, powerful exoskeletons constructed from the remains of defeated Kaiju.

These suits offer the ability to utilize the very strength and abilities of these colossal beasts, granting their wearer immense destructive potential. However, exercising such power has significant drawbacks.

Credits: Toho Animation, Shueisha, Production IG, Naoya Matsumoto

Compatibility is a critical factor. Only certain soldiers can don a digital weapon and hope to become a champion monster slayer.

The human body must first synchronize with the residual energy and cellular material of the deceased Kaiju. This process triggers a surge of neurotransmitters, pushing the user's physical and mental strength to their absolute limits.

Credits: Toho Animation, Shueisha, Production IG, Naoya Matsumoto

Due to the demanding synchronization process and immense physical effort, Numbers weapons are reserved for the elite of the defense forces, from seasoned captains and vice-captains to the most exceptional recruits with potential for greatness.

Additionally, the Kaiju's inherent primal instincts can cloud the user's judgment, potentially leading to self-inflicted wounds. Repeated use of a digital weapon takes a heavy toll on the user's body, building up stress and potentially reducing its lifespan.

Credits: Toho Animation, Shueisha, Production IG, Naoya Matsumoto

In the Kaiju #8 manga, users of Numbers Weapons often have ghostly visions of previous wearers of the suit. For example, Kikoru Shinomiya is tasked with using weapon number 4, the same weapon that her mother, Hikari Shinomiya, used as captain of the Second Division.

While using the suit, Kikoru sees apparitions of his mother in action, making his connection to the weapon both strange and deeply personal.

Credits: Toho Animation, Shueisha, Production IG, Naoya Matsumoto

The Northern Division captain suggested that it could be lingering memories, while the First Division captain, General Narumi, suggested that it could be the consciousness of the deceased Kaiju clinging to the combination.

Numbers Weapon 10 is unique because it functions as a sentient weapon. This suit contains the lingering consciousness of Kaiju no. 10, allowing him to speak and display some autonomous movement whenever Third Division vice-captain Soshiro Hoshina uses it.

All Number 8 Kaiju Weapons and Their Users

Credit: Naoya Matsumoto, Shueisha, Production IG, ONE Esports

KAIJU NO. 8 CHARACTER	FIGURED WEAPON	DEFENSE FORCE RANK
Isao Shinomiya	Numbers 2 (Kaiju #2)	General manager
Hikari Shinomiya	Numbers 4 (Kaiju #4)	Second division captain
Gen Narumi	Numbers 1 (Kaiju #1)	First division captain
Soshiro Hoshina	Numbers 10 (Kaiju #10)	Third division vice-captain
Kikoru Shinomiya	Numbers 4 (Kaiju #4)	First division officer
Reno Ichikawa	Numbers 6 (Kaiju #6)	Officer of the Fourth Division