怪獣8号 [Kaijū 8-gō / Kaiju No. 8]

From 2020 to 2025, Shueisha published Kaiju No. 8, a 16-issue manga series that reimagines the monster genre through the eyes of a middle-aged, underdog protagonist who gains the power to transform into a kaiju. Created by Naoya Matsumoto, the series follows Kafka Hibino as he joins the elite Defense Force to fight the very creatures that now course through his veins, blending workplace comedy with high-stakes action. Its brisk, tightly plotted run earned acclaim for subverting shonen tropes and delivering a complete, satisfying story that resonated with global audiences.