I was a big fan of Ultraman when I was a kid. In the early ‘90s I discovered there was a new “Ultraman” show, but unfortunately I was more interested in acquiring episodes of the old show on VHS than I was episodes of the new one. Somewhat later I discovered that there have been many, many “Ultraman” series over the years, rivaling Doctor Who in its longevity. A brief search of the internet yields the following results (but I’ve probably missed a few).
Ultra Q
Ultraman 1966-67
UltraSeven 1967-68
Return of…(Jack) 1971-72
Ultraman Ace 1972-73
Ultraman Taro 1973-74
Ultraman Leo 1974-75
Ultraman 80 1980-81
Ultraman USA (The Adventure Begins) 1987
Ultraman Great (Towards the Future) 1990-91
Ultraman Powered (The Ultimate Hero) 1993
Ultraman Hero 1995
Ultraman Zearth (parody) 1996-97
Ultraman Tiga 1996-97
Ultraman Dyna 1997-98
Ultraman Gaia 1998-99
Ultraman Nice 1999-00
Ultraman Neos 2000-2001
Ultraman Cosmos 2001-02
Ultra Q: Dark Fantasy 2004
Ultraman: Next 2004 - p.82
Ultraman Nexus 2004-05 - p.82
Ultraman Max 2005-06 - p.86
Ultraman Mebius 2006-07 - p.91
Ultraman UltraSeven X 2007 - p.99
UltraGalaxy: Mega Monster Battle 2007-2009 - p.100
Ultraman Retsuden 2011-13
Neo Ultra Q 2013
Ultraman Ginga 2013
Ultraman Ginga S 2014
Ultraman X 2015-16
Ultraman Orb 2016
Ultraman Geed 2017
Ultraman R/B 2018
Ultraman Taiga 2019
Ultraman Z 2020
Ultraman Trigger 2021
We’ve been discussing other tokusatsu series in this forum lately, and because those series were produced later than Ultraman, I expected them to be technically better, but I ended up being somewhat disappointed in Super Robot Red Baron and Iron King. I enjoyed them, but I didn’t like them as much as I hoped to. Now I’ve started watching Ultraseven, and it’s everything I hoped it would be.
As the liner noteson the DVD set point out, “the difference in the overall quality in production between Ultraman and Ultraseven was marked, and made the show memorable 45 years later. According to Wikipedia, “Such is his popularity that Ultra Seven (or simply 'Seven') has appeared or at least made cameos in nearly every Ultra Series following his own and has had far more exposure than even the original Ultraman (though the original Ultraman is without a doubt the face of the Ultras).”
My wife and I disagree about the relative merits of Ultraseven in comparison to SRRB/IK. I would like to start the discussion with a look at the opening title sequence and music, then open the floor for rebutal.
The title sequence of Ultraman, as you will recall, looks as if it had been spelled out in a can of paint, slowly stirred, then run backwards. Ultraseven looks more like it had been spelled out in brightly colored confetti, placed atop one of those old electric football games, shaken apart, then run backwards. Whereas the soundtrack of Ultraman is jazzy, that of Ultraseven shows more of a classical influence.
Here is the English translation of the lyrics…
Seven… Seven… Seven… Seven…
Seven! Seven! Seven!
Seven! Seven! Seven!
A distant star was once his home
Ultra Seven! Fighter Seven!
Ultra Seven! Seven! Seven!
Onward to the edge of the galaxy
Use your Ultra-Eye and… STRIKE!
Seven! Seven! Seven!
Seven! Seven! Seven!
Dan Moroboshi is his borrowed name
Ultra Seven! Hero Seven!
Ultra Seven! Seven! Seven!
Defeat the great fire-breathing monster
Use yout Ultra-Beam and STRIKE!
Replies
This is the end of the regular Ultraman Blazar series.
Next: The irregular Ultraman Blazar series!
Not quite. Next are three special recap episodes...
In the first of these, a television crew (think Clark Kent, Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen of the Japanese GBS) are putting together a documentary of Ultraman Blazar and the kaiju phenomenon, reviewing newscasts and stock footage. The stinger at the end of the episode is that the producers have changed their minds: instead of a documentary, they want to do an animated feature.
The second recap epsiode is that animated feature. It is narrated by a little robot named PAG (which stands for Perfect Analyze Gadget). The first part of the special concentrates on Blazar's weapons and powers, the second on all the various and sundry kaiju. I think I mentioned the sword he acquired in whichever-episode-it-was. the sword (toy) has a "ripcord" on the hilt which must be pulled to activate it. What I hadn't realized was the the specific power of the sword is determined by how many times Blazar pulls the ripcord... just like Thor's hammer.
The third recap episode is also animated, but it is revealed that it takes place in a two-dimensional universe, and PAG and the two kaiju "co-hosts" have watched events unfold in our reality. Actually, a briefe recap is provided for all Ultramen across the various multiverses. Then it moves into a further description of Blazar's powers, more kaiju, the history of Earth Garon, and a chronilogical recap of the entire series' storyarc. All of this leads into...
NEXT: The Ultraman Blazar Movie
ULTRAMAN BLAZAR - THE MOVIE: TOKYO KAIJU SHOWDOWN: "Kaiju are swarming into an industrial zone! the Special Kaiju Reaction Department, led by Captain Gento, confront them in battle, but no matter how many kaiju they take down, more engage and attack. SKaRD believes that the incident is connected to Necromass Co., an advanced chemical company that has a factory located in the inductrial zone and researches and disposes of kaiju corpses. They hurry over to meet with the CEO of the company, Dr. Mabuse, who is one of the world's leading chemical researchers. They learn that at Necromass Co.'s research facilty, a substance is being developed whose purpose is related to the very root of life. Called Damudoxin, its development is nearly complete, and it will realize the dream of eternal youth. Amidst this revelation, the mysterious Alien Damuno, who call themselves the rulers of the universe, suddenly appear. A tank containing Damudoxinis broken, and the substance leaks into the research facility, swallowing up its samples and giving birth to a giant, terrifying creature... Gongilgan, the DemoniCarcarcas Kaiju. Ultraman Blazar and SKaRD clash with this giant kaiju in the middle of Japan's capital of Tokyo, and a heroic battle breaks out!"
I'm going to let that summary stand... this movie is way to ciomplicated to explain further! I will say that the Alien Damuno are not what they purport to be. This "movie" is like a triple-length episode which picks up right where the series left off. It ends with the SKaRD crew having bar-b-que at Gento's house with his family. At this point I'm going to have to put this topic on an temporary involutary hold until Ultraman Z is released. (Should be about a week or so.)
"Doctor Mabuse"? Any relation to the German super-villain?
No, (but we had the same thought).
Sucks when you invade on the cheap and have to take the train to the place you're supposed to conqquer.
ULTRAMAN Z:
Ultraman Z (Zett): The rookie Ultra looks up to Zero and self-proclaims to be his disciple. Although Zero recognizes Z's talent and potentil, he says that Z is only "half ot maybe one third" of a fully-fledged hero. Tough and athletic, Z always operates at full power. He also has a humerous side, as he is unused to Earth's culture and occasionally misuses words. Despite his youth, Z's passion for peace and justice burns brighter than anyone else.
Ultraman Zero: Ultraman Z's master and the son of UltraSeven. Ulttraman Zero is a skilled hero who's foguht across multiple universes. To protect himself from dangerous missions, his master, Ultraman Leo, granted him the "Ultra Zero Mantle." While pursuing monsters in the Land of Light, he was trapped in an alternate dimension.
It looks as if we are back in the original "Ultra" universe for this series. The "Ultra" relationships are becoming as complicated as those of the Jedi Knights. In addition to those mentioned above, Ultraman Ace is Ultraman Z's Godfather.
GAF: Global Allied Forces
STORAGE: GAF's anti-monster robot unit
Shota Hebikura - GAF Captain
Haruki Natsukawa - Ultraman Z's alter ego
Yoko Nakashima - GAF Sevenger pilot
Yuka Ohta - GAF scientist/inventor
Chief Kojiro Inaba - older, non-STORAGE GAF officer
Ultraman Z is the only Ultra series which lists the cast's real names and character names during the opening credits in English, so that helps. In addition, there is a hard-nosed "Director" (45 seconds in to the opening theme) is probably a recurring character as well as an older advisor (42 seconds in) whose names were not listed in the credits. (I plan to ammend this post as further details are revealed.)
CHANT MY NAME!: "Haruki Natsuwaka is a pilot for Global Allied Forces Japan's robot unit, "STORAGE". As he fights day and night to keep peace on Earth, a new Ultra Hero alights before him. that hero's name is Ultraman Z (Zett). He's a hot=blooded hero who introduces himself as the disciple of Ultraman Zero. In the face of the Ferocious Space Shark Genegarg's onslaught, the two imperiled heroes become one, and the story of a new Ultra begins!"
Kaiju: Gomess, the Ancient Monster; Genegarg, the Ferocious Space Shark
The episode opens with a throwaway battle between the GAF robot Sevenger and the kaiju Gomess, just to start with some action and show what to expect from the series. (Great special effects!) Yoko is piloting and Haruki is assisting the evacuation on the ground. He rushes back to save a dachshund, a tactical error which results in additional property damage. The whole team is later reprimanded by the Director for his rash action (although he did save the dog). Haruki has a habit of responding to orders by saying " 'Kay!" instead og "Roger!"
In space near the Moon, three Ultras fight Genegarg. Some sort of dimensional rift opens and sucks Ultraman Zero in. The rookie Ultraman Z is relegated to pursue Genegarg to Earth. In the ensuing battle, Z is gravely injured and Haruki is killed, but Z is able to save Haruki by bonding with him. (The scene is meant to evoke the original Ultraman and Hyata.) Z gvies Haruki a toy transformation item, the "Z Riser", and explains in detail how to use it. Haruki says he really doesn't have time for this, but Z tells him that time passes differently within the transformational field, one second in real time for every minute spent in the zone. (I always figured that must be the case, because the more recent Ultraman sometimes take upwards of a minute on screen to transform.) they defeat the monster and the status quo is established. Ultraman Z flies a "Z" pattern in the sky as he departs.
Back at some secret facility, personnel are moving around cannisters of something highly dangerous. One of the canisters spills and splashes all over the worker transporting it. With no one else around, a "face hugger" leaps from the cannister and is absorbed by the man, who says the words "kiete" and "kare kareta" (that's how they are subtitled).
THEME
I ask that you chant my name!
Ultraman Z!
What is the most important thing to you? (what is it?)
I will defend it with my life! (Z!)
Who do you possess this power for? (who is it?)
I'm seeking the meaning of true kindness
Bored aliens that run rampant
Giant monsters that are resurrected for excitement (monsters)
I won't let anyone disturb the peace
Hurry up! Call out my name! Z!
I want to protect this earth
I want to see your smile
I don't care if I'm wounded and fall
Strong (strong), kind (kind)
Ultraman Z!
Who is the final opponent to stand in the way? (who will it be?)
The one to brandish the spirit of justice then bare their fangs!
The one who has obtained ultimate power (what is it?)
Where will they go, who will they fight? Tell me
Join forces and go forth!
An enemy or an ally? As you waver, which will you be?
In order to bring an end to this conflict
Growing up! The power of Ultra, Spark!
The planet weeps again
Kindness is power
Fight together, Pave the way to the future
Passionate, intense
Ultraman Z!
I ask that you chant my name!
Z!!
I want to protect this earth
I want to see your smile
I don't care if I'm wounded and fall
Strong, kind
Passionate, intense
Ultraman Z!!
Ultraman Z!!
A WARRIOR'S PRINCIPLE: "STORAGE has a new mission: subdue the Transparent Monster Neronga, who can turn invisible. Haruki fights a hard battle against Neronga as the monster absorbs Sevenger's power. In order to defeat Neronga, STORAGE must come up with a new strategy. Can Haruki and Z really take down Neronga?"
Kaiju: Neronga, the Transparent Monster
The older man I mentioned yesterday is Chief Kojiro Inaba. One of the (non-STORAGE) GAF officers asks Yoko out on a date. She agrees only if he can beat her at arm wrestling... which he can't. One of the other officers refers to her as a "gerbil", sort of the opposite of a "cougar", in other words, a young woman interested in older men. And Chief Inaba is definitely a "zaddy". She calls him "Bako-san."
Here are some notes on Japanese translations. Haruki's "'Kay!" is not English; I assume it is the Japanese equivanlent of the English "'kay." Ultraman Z is suuposed to be talking funny, but that doesn't really come across in subtitles (sometimes he uses "ain't" or somesuch). And they definitely are referring to him as Ultraman Zett (which I assume is Japanese for "zed").
Ultraman Z, although a "rookie", is 5000 years old. Yuka Ohta is the team scientist/inventor. Yoko is behaving strangely, and Yuka speculates that she may be in love... but it's evidently not with chief Inaba. When Haruki lets slip that Ultraman Z is 5000 years old, Yoko definitely shows signs of having a crush. (Haruki then has to sidestep how he came by that bit of knowledge.) Yuka then goes off to dissect Neronga.
When Haruki lets slip that Ultraman Z is 5000 years old, Yoko definitely shows signs of having a crush.
So, she goes for really older men.
LIVE COVERAGE! THE MONSTER TRANSPORT OPERATION: "The Ancient Monster Gomora hibernates in a mountain where a tunnel is being built. The anti-monster robot force STORAGE begins a major operation to transport Gomora to an uninhabited island. However, Gomora awakens, causing panic. Ultraman Z fights Gomora, but a new power arrives in an unexpected form."
Kaiju: Guigass, the Freezing Mondter; Gomora, the Ancient Monster
Haruki is something of a f*ck up. Funding is on the line for a second robot, and Haruki pilots Sevenger into an observatory. This episode features many Americans. One of them is fluent in Japanese (hey, he sounds fluent to me), but the others are pretty much stereotypes. they are about my age, and when Sevenger first arrives on the scene to transport the sleeping Gomora, one of them says it looks "just that that giant robot on the Japanese TV show I used to watch as a kid." Later, when things go south and Ultraman Z appears, the Japanese-speaking American say, "It's Ultrman!" (and it's subtitled in Japanese). Funding for the second robot is approved.
This series is obviously made by fans who grew up watching the show. They take pains to explain (i.e., make canon) everything fans had to assume about previous series. I already mentioned that bit about time passing slower within the transformation field. Today's episode makes clear that Haruki's transformation device is invisible to eveyone but him. Also, in a previous episode, Ultraman Z asked Haruki to chant his name as he transforms (which perhaps accounts for Hiroyuki shouting, "Buddy, go!" before changing into Ultrman Taiga).
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