One ordinary day at the office, while casually browsing the web for new and upcoming anime series, I stumbled upon a list featuring shows from the same studio behind Kaiju No 8. Curious to see what the hype was about, I intended to just watch a few previews or snippets. But to my surprise, I found the entire first season available on YouTube.
CHIBI GODZILLA RAIDS AGAIN
This show, also known as Chibi Gojira no Gyakushū or Chibi Godzilla Raids Again, is a delightful nugget in Toho’s Godzilla franchise that I didn’t know I needed until I stumbled upon it.
This short anime series, produced by Pie in the Sky and Toho, first aired from April to June 2023 on TV Tokyo, with episodes also available on YouTube as a web series. Now, fast forward to 2024, and the second season has already kicked off as of April 3.
Set on the whimsical Monster Island, this series brings together an adorable collection of chibi-style kaiju from the Godzilla universe. Watching these pint-sized monsters navigate their tiny world on the island is like seeing old friends in a new, light-hearted setting.
It’s a nostalgic nod to Godzilla fans, while also offering something refreshingly fun and easy to digest. And with the episodes readily accessible online, I found myself diving into this unexpectedly charming corner of the Godzilla franchise, a light-hearted escape from the usual chaos of the day.
Each episode is about two minutes and easy to digest. It’s funny and sometimes unhinged if you ask me.
QUIRKY CHARACTERS
Each character has its own quirks, which add layers of humour and charm to the series. For instance, Chibi Godzilla, voiced by Jun Fukuyama, is the heart of the show. He’s a tiny dinosaur with big dreams, hoping to one day be recognised by his colossal father.
His curiosity and youthful energy make him an endearing protagonist, and I found myself rooting for him as he explored the island with his new companion, Chibi Mechagodzilla.
Speaking of, Chibi Mechagodzilla, voiced by Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, is the perfect contrast to Chibi Godzilla’s playful nature. As a mecha stranded on the island, his serious and logical mind-set often clashes with the bizarre antics of the island’s inhabitants.
Watching him navigate the absurdity with a straight face adds a layer of dry humour to the show that I couldn’t help but chuckle at.
The ensemble of supporting characters is just as entertaining.
Chibi Ghidorah, with his three heads each having a distinct personality, never fails to amuse with his internal bickering.
Then there’s Chibi Mothra, voiced by Rie Takahashi, who balances shyness with hidden strength – becoming unexpectedly lethal when she cries. Her secret otaku nature, revealed in season two, was a twist that made me smile, seeing a character like her have such a relatable and quirky hobby.
Chibi Rodan, on the other hand, is the island’s insecure pterosaur. Voiced by Hiro Shimono, his self-centred yet faint-hearted character adds a touch of vulnerability to the mix, especially when his ego gets bruised.
And then there’s Chibi Anguirus, whose unintelligible roars speak louder than words. His voice has broken, resulting in guttural sounds that somehow still convey his emotions – a subtle yet clever character design that adds to the show’s charm.
One of my personal favourites is Chibi Biollante, voiced by Miyuki Sawashiro, who runs a cafe on Monster Island.
As a plant monster with a penchant for literary speech, her sophisticated dialogue juxtaposes hilariously with the more straightforward characters. Her scenes often feel like a break from the chaos, where the audience is invited to sit down, relax, and enjoy the witty banter over a drink.
Other memorable characters include Chibi Hedorah, the passionate sludge monster with a penchant for slandering humans, and Chibi Minilla, Chibi Godzilla’s younger sister, who adds a touch of sibling dynamic to the show.
There’s also Chibi Gabara, a mutant amphibian juggling multiple part-time jobs, and Chibi Titano, the self-proclaimed delinquent of Monster Island – though no one has ever seen him fight. Each character, no matter how minor, adds something unique to the island’s quirky ecosystem.
In the end, Chibi Godzilla Raids Again is a delightful departure from the usual Godzilla fare. It’s light-hearted and filled with humour, making it a perfect escape from the daily grind.
With its charming characters and playful take on iconic monsters, it’s a show that invites you to sit back, relax and enjoy the whimsical side of the Godzilla universe. – Izah Azahari
