ultraman
Ultraman (ウルトラマン, Urutoraman?) is a character featured in tokusatsu (special effects) television programs in Japan. Ultraman made his debut in the tokusatsu SF/kaiju/superhero TV series, Ultraman: A Special Effects Fantasy Series (ウルトラマン 空想特撮シリーズ, Urutoraman: Kūsō Tokusatsu Shirīzu?), a follow-up to the television series Ultra Q. The show was produced by Tokyo Broadcasting System and Tsuburaya Productions, and was broadcast on Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) from July 17, 1966 to April 9, 1967, with a total of 39 episodes (40, counting the pre-premiere special that aired on July 10, 1966).
Although Ultraman is the first series to feature an Ultra-being, this is actually the second Ultra Series. Ultra Q was the first. A major pop culture phenomenon in Japan, the show has spawned dozens of imitators as well as numerous sequels and remakes, which continue to be popular today.
To distinguish him from subsequent Ultra Warriors, Ultraman is referred to as the original Ultraman (初代ウルトラマン, Shodai Urutoraman?), the first Ultraman, Ultraman Hayata (a reference to his host's surname) or as simply Man.
Contents [hide]
The Ultraman project had the following working titles/plots:
The first series begins when Science Patrol (Kagaku Tokusou Tai) member Shin Hayata is flying his plane and a red sphere of light crashes into his Mini-VTOL. The sphere turns out to be the transport (Travel Sphere) for a red-and-silver giant being called Ultraman. Feeling remorse for killing the human, he merges his essence with Hayata to revive him. In return, Hayata serves as the human form for this being, and when danger threatens, he raises and activates a power-object and artifact called a "beta capsule" and transforms to Ultraman to save the day.
[edit] Monsters and heroes The Ultraman series used various monster costumes, known as kaiju in Japan, prior to other series such as Kamen Rider and Himitsu Sentai Goranger. The principals were played by famous stunt actor Haruo Nakajima, who played the original Godzilla. His apprentice, Bin Furuya, started out as Ultraman. Nakajima had a martial arts background, but the earlier episodes used mostly wrestling-style fight choreography. However, in later episodes sequences gradually evolved into more complex fighting.
Often costumes of famous monsters like Godzilla and Baragon would be recycled and altered, sometimes with nothing more than spray paint and often while the actor was still inside. Nakajima quipped once that the staggering gait of some of the monsters he portrayed was due less to his acting than to the fumes he had to endure. Some of the costumes could not be shown fully as his feet would be exposed, a necessary allowance to maintain balance in the often cumbersome outfits. Also, the expense of repairing the scale cities and landscapes used for battle scenes required economy of movement and meticulous planning.
For more on the monsters go here: List of Ultraman monsters
[edit] The story The storyline begins in the near future, as referenced from the mid-1960s. In episode 23, "My Home Is Earth", it is definitively established that the series takes place in the early 1990s, via a plaque shown at the end of the episode dated 1993. Sinister aliens and giant monsters constantly threaten civilization during this period. The only Earth organization equipped to handle these disasters is the Science Special Search Party (SSSP), a special worldwide police force equipped with high-tech weapons and vehicles, as well as extensive scientific and engineering facilities. The branch of the Science Patrol that is focused on in the series is located in Tokyo, Japan. Led by Captain "Cap" Muramatsu (shortened to "Captain Mura" in the dubbed English-language version), the Science Patrol is always ready to protect the Earth from rampaging monsters, but sometimes finds itself outclassed. When the situation becomes desperate, Hayata, the Patrol's most capable member, holds the key to salvation in the form of the "beta capsule," which, when activated, allows him to transform secretly into the super-humanoid-powered giant from space, who becomes known to the people of Earth as Ultraman.
While active as Ultraman, Hayata's human body goes into a type of deep coma, reviving only after the threat has been neutralized and Ultraman willingly departs. Victory is never assured, however, as Ultraman's powers--his very life force--comes from rapidly depleted, stored solar energy. At the beginning of each transformation from Hayata-to-Ultraman, the warning light on the giant's chest begins as a steady blue color. Yet as Ultraman exerts himself, the Color Timer changes to red, then blinks-—slowly at first, then with increasing rapidity—-as his energy reserves get closer to exhaustion. As the voice-over narration reminds the viewer—beginning with episode 2 and for each episode thereafter—-if Ultraman ever reaches the point of total energy depletion, he "will never rise again."
In episode 39, "Farewell Ultraman", Ultraman fights an enemy called Zetton, who employs an unexpected weapon-—one which damages his Color Timer and disables his ability to measure his power supply. As a result, Ultraman stays in his form too long and collapses into a dormant state. Fortunately, despite this loss, the Science Patrol's members are able to defeat Zetton on their own. When Zoffy, Ultraman's superior, comes to retrieve the fallen hero, Ultraman pleads for Hayata's life and offers his life completely, so that Hayata may live as a normal man. Zoffy then says he has brought two lives and that he will give one to Hayata. He then separates them, giving Hayata new life, but Hayata seems to have no memory between the time he first collides with Ultraman's ship (in the first episode), and his standing outside Patrol Headquarters as he watches Zoffy take Ultraman home. This is a rather different finish to the series than stated in the English dub, which states both that Ultraman will return and that Hayata retains his beta capsule as he awaits Ultraman's return.
[edit] Characters [edit] The Science Patrol
Ultraman rarely engages in conversation, and when he does it seems to be in a telepathic manner. In Episode 1, as he reveals who he is and what he must do to keep Hayata alive, his discussion with the clearly unconscious Hayata in the damaged TravelSphere can only be explained via telepathy. His conversation with the monster Mephilas does not follow this pattern. Zoffy also speaks to Ultraman in the final episode while the two are in Zoffy's TravelSphere, though it is not clear if this is via telepathy. Otherwise, Ultraman does engage in vocalizations, specifically the shouts and barks he makes in reverberating human-like cries ("kiais") while fighting a monster. Although these sounds and other grunts of exertion are most common, Ultraman also has one oft-repeated, and now extremely iconic phrase that he clearly utters: "Shuwatch" (シュワッチ, Shuwatchi?), which he shouts when jumping into the air to fly. In Japanese pop-culture, "Shuwatch" or 'Shoowatch' has been the phrase most associated with Ultraman.
Ultraman is one of the few Ultras who remains connected with his human host; in this case, Shin Hayata still serves as a vessel for the mighty alien warrior, as seen in the Ultraman Mebius series and movies.
[edit] The Science Patrol In the Ultraman television show, the Science Patrol is the name of the fictional organization which seeks out the monster of the week. One of its members is named Shin Hayata, and as he is secretly Ultraman's host, the monster is always defeated.
The symbol of the Science Patrol is the outline of a five-pointed star with the outline of a conventional rocketship having its nose in the center of the star.
The Science Patrol operates many different vehicles, most of which are depicted by models. But their car is a customized 1961 rear engine air-cooled corvair sedan. One of the smallest cars Chevrolet made.
The uniforms of the Science Patrol are noteworthy. These are orange, and based on that of the film Forbidden Planet in having a mantle that descends from each shoulder in front with a curved hem. However, they wear a white shirt and tie instead of a ribbed imitation of a sailor's striped shirt. Their tie tack is an emergency detector; it flashes and beeps when a monster is near. They wear plastic airman's helmets with the insignium in the middle, which also appears on both descending parts of the mantle. As a precursor to the later Star Trek's communicator being incorporated into the insignium, theirs functions as a two-way radio once a tiny antenna is raised from the star on the insignia on the left.
[edit] The Science Patrol's arsenal The Patrol personnel wear special orange field-uniforms that are worn under a regular duty blue business suit uniform with white trousers or skirts. When the order to go into the field is given, the outer suit is designed to be quickly removed in favor of the field uniform. Accompanying the field uniform are special helmets with ear fixtures that improve the reception of their communicator pins, and visors that provide visual aid (such as when using weapons). The field uniform/helmet combination also provides a degree of protection from radiation—even enough to allow a human to operate in space.
It must be noted that 2 monsters from Ultra Q, the series' prequel, make a reappearance. These monsters are Ragon and Kemur. Their appearance may have been an attempt to indicate Ultraman's storyline connection with Ultra Q.
[edit] Episodes
In June 2009, Mill Creek Entertainment acquired the rights to the series and subsequently re-released the complete series set on September 29, 2009, in a 4-disc set with the same special features.[2] By then, rights to Ultraman went back to Tsuburaya Production after a court case.
There has also been a digital re-release movement in Japan where the entire Ultraman series are to be released as a collector's box set. These box sets feature the entire series plus various limited edition items such as posters, etc.
[edit] Adaptations Harvey Comics Entertainment published two short comic book series based on Ultraman in 1993 and 1994.
Dark Horse Comics published a manga-style series based on Ultraman Tiga in 2003–2004.
[edit] See also
Ultra Q Sunday 7:00 p.m. TBS (Takeda Hour)
7/17/1966 - 4/9/1967 Succeeded by
Ultra Seven [hide] v • d • e Ultra Series Created by Eiji Tsuburaya & Tsuburaya Productions Shōwa era series: Ultra Q • Ultraman • Ultra Seven • The Return of Ultraman • Ace • Taro • Leo • The ☆ Ultraman (anime) • 80 Heisei era series: Tiga • Dyna • Gaia • Cosmos • Ultra Q: Dark Fantasy • Nexus • Max • Mebius • Ultraseven X • Ultra Galaxy • Ultra Galaxy: NEO Others: Ultra Fight • Nice (CM) • Neos (Direct-to-DVD) • Heisei Ultra Seven (OV) • Ultra Idemitsujin (CM) Films: Shōwa era films: Ultraman (1967) • Great Violent Monster Fight • Jissoji's Ultraman (1979) • Ultraman: Great Monster Decisive Battle • Zoffy: Ultra Warriors vs. the Giant Monster Army • Ultraman Story Early Heisei era films: Ultra Q The Movie • Zearth • Revive! Ultraman Tiga films: Tiga & Dyna: Warriors of the Star of Light • Tiga & Dyna & Gaia: Battle in Hyperspace • Tiga: The Final Odyssey Cosmos films: Cosmos: The First Contact • Cosmos 2: The Blue Planet • Cosmos vs. Justice: The Final Battle Other Heisei era films: ULTRAMAN (THE NEXT) • Mebius & Ultra Brothers • Super Ultra 8 Bros. • Ultra Galaxy Legend • Ultraman Zero Video games: PD Ultraman Battle Collection 64 • Ultraman Nexus Ultraman Fighting Evolution 1 • 2 • 3 • Rebirth • 0 Co-productions: 6 Brothers vs. Monster Army • 11 Ultramans vs. Monster Army • The Adventure Begins (USA) • Towards the Future (Great) • Ultraman vs. Kamen Rider (with Toei) • The Ultimate Hero (Powered) Related series: Mighty Jack • Redman • Iron King • Gridman • WoO Related: Zoffy • Zearth • Father of Ultra • Mother of Ultra • Ultraman King • Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad • Project DMM • Ultra Monsters Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultraman" Categories: 1966 television series debuts | 1967 television series endings | 1993 comics characters debuts | Extraterrestrial superheroes | Fictional shapeshifters | Fictional characters who can teleport | UltramanHidden categories: Articles to be merged from March 2009 | All articles to be merged | Articles needing additional references from July 2007 | All articles needing additional references | All articles with unsourced statements | Articles with unsourced statements from January 2009 Personal tools Namespaces Variants Views Actions Search Navigation Interaction Toolbox Print/export Languages
Although Ultraman is the first series to feature an Ultra-being, this is actually the second Ultra Series. Ultra Q was the first. A major pop culture phenomenon in Japan, the show has spawned dozens of imitators as well as numerous sequels and remakes, which continue to be popular today.
To distinguish him from subsequent Ultra Warriors, Ultraman is referred to as the original Ultraman (初代ウルトラマン, Shodai Urutoraman?), the first Ultraman, Ultraman Hayata (a reference to his host's surname) or as simply Man.
Contents [hide]
- 1 Series background
- 2 The story
- 3 Characters
- 4 The Science Patrol
- 5 Monsters
- 6 Episodes
- 7 Theme song
- 8 DVD releases
- 9 Adaptations
- 10 See also
- 11 References
The Ultraman project had the following working titles/plots:
- WoO (WoO, Wū?): This story featured a corporeal space creature with two large eyes, who befriended a reporter named Jôji Akita, but the Self Defense Forces, who perceived the alien as a threat, went after them. This was basically the monster version of the British science fiction series Doctor Who (1963), and Woo's personality was also to be comical.
- Bemular (ベムラー, Bemurā?), then retitled Scientific Special Search Party: Bemular (科学特捜隊ベムラー, Kagaku Tokusō Tai - Bemurā?): The main characters are a defense force (with the same Japanese name as the Science Patrol) disguised as an art/photography team. One of the members, little did anyone (even his teammates) know, gained the ability to transform into a giant birdlike humanoid monster called Bemular (this is not the same Bemular that Ultraman would fight in Episode # 1 of the actual series), who defends Earth from monsters, aliens and other threats. Unlike Woo, Bemular was a tough and righteous fighter (and looked very similar in design to the title monster of the 1967 kaiju film Gappa, the Triphibian Monster). Allegedly the plot was scrapped when it was worried audiences might have trouble telling that one monster was good and the other evil.
- Redman (レッドマン, Reddoman?): The title hero of this project slightly resembled Ultraman as we know him, but he looked more demonic and had horns. He came to Earth after his planet was destroyed by aliens from Planet X. (Ultra Seven also shared this working title.)
The first series begins when Science Patrol (Kagaku Tokusou Tai) member Shin Hayata is flying his plane and a red sphere of light crashes into his Mini-VTOL. The sphere turns out to be the transport (Travel Sphere) for a red-and-silver giant being called Ultraman. Feeling remorse for killing the human, he merges his essence with Hayata to revive him. In return, Hayata serves as the human form for this being, and when danger threatens, he raises and activates a power-object and artifact called a "beta capsule" and transforms to Ultraman to save the day.
[edit] Monsters and heroes The Ultraman series used various monster costumes, known as kaiju in Japan, prior to other series such as Kamen Rider and Himitsu Sentai Goranger. The principals were played by famous stunt actor Haruo Nakajima, who played the original Godzilla. His apprentice, Bin Furuya, started out as Ultraman. Nakajima had a martial arts background, but the earlier episodes used mostly wrestling-style fight choreography. However, in later episodes sequences gradually evolved into more complex fighting.
Often costumes of famous monsters like Godzilla and Baragon would be recycled and altered, sometimes with nothing more than spray paint and often while the actor was still inside. Nakajima quipped once that the staggering gait of some of the monsters he portrayed was due less to his acting than to the fumes he had to endure. Some of the costumes could not be shown fully as his feet would be exposed, a necessary allowance to maintain balance in the often cumbersome outfits. Also, the expense of repairing the scale cities and landscapes used for battle scenes required economy of movement and meticulous planning.
For more on the monsters go here: List of Ultraman monsters
[edit] The story The storyline begins in the near future, as referenced from the mid-1960s. In episode 23, "My Home Is Earth", it is definitively established that the series takes place in the early 1990s, via a plaque shown at the end of the episode dated 1993. Sinister aliens and giant monsters constantly threaten civilization during this period. The only Earth organization equipped to handle these disasters is the Science Special Search Party (SSSP), a special worldwide police force equipped with high-tech weapons and vehicles, as well as extensive scientific and engineering facilities. The branch of the Science Patrol that is focused on in the series is located in Tokyo, Japan. Led by Captain "Cap" Muramatsu (shortened to "Captain Mura" in the dubbed English-language version), the Science Patrol is always ready to protect the Earth from rampaging monsters, but sometimes finds itself outclassed. When the situation becomes desperate, Hayata, the Patrol's most capable member, holds the key to salvation in the form of the "beta capsule," which, when activated, allows him to transform secretly into the super-humanoid-powered giant from space, who becomes known to the people of Earth as Ultraman.
While active as Ultraman, Hayata's human body goes into a type of deep coma, reviving only after the threat has been neutralized and Ultraman willingly departs. Victory is never assured, however, as Ultraman's powers--his very life force--comes from rapidly depleted, stored solar energy. At the beginning of each transformation from Hayata-to-Ultraman, the warning light on the giant's chest begins as a steady blue color. Yet as Ultraman exerts himself, the Color Timer changes to red, then blinks-—slowly at first, then with increasing rapidity—-as his energy reserves get closer to exhaustion. As the voice-over narration reminds the viewer—beginning with episode 2 and for each episode thereafter—-if Ultraman ever reaches the point of total energy depletion, he "will never rise again."
In episode 39, "Farewell Ultraman", Ultraman fights an enemy called Zetton, who employs an unexpected weapon-—one which damages his Color Timer and disables his ability to measure his power supply. As a result, Ultraman stays in his form too long and collapses into a dormant state. Fortunately, despite this loss, the Science Patrol's members are able to defeat Zetton on their own. When Zoffy, Ultraman's superior, comes to retrieve the fallen hero, Ultraman pleads for Hayata's life and offers his life completely, so that Hayata may live as a normal man. Zoffy then says he has brought two lives and that he will give one to Hayata. He then separates them, giving Hayata new life, but Hayata seems to have no memory between the time he first collides with Ultraman's ship (in the first episode), and his standing outside Patrol Headquarters as he watches Zoffy take Ultraman home. This is a rather different finish to the series than stated in the English dub, which states both that Ultraman will return and that Hayata retains his beta capsule as he awaits Ultraman's return.
[edit] Characters [edit] The Science Patrol
- Captain Toshio "Cap" Muramatsu (ムラマツ・トシオ(村松 利夫), Muramatsu Toshio?): The Science Patrol's leader. He is known as Captain Mura in the US version.
- Actor: Akiji Kobayashi
- Daisuke Arashi (アラシ・ダイスケ(嵐 大助), Arashi Daisuke?): The Science Patrol's rotund tough-guy marksman.
- Actor: Sandayū Dokumamushi
- Mitsuhiro Ide (イデ・ミツヒロ(井出 光弘), Ide Mitsuhiro?): The Science Patrol's somewhat comical inventor. Although he sometimes feels that Ultraman's intervention makes his role useless, his inventions have occasionally been critical in saving the day such as helping the superhero defeat particularly formidable monsters. He is known as Ito in the US version.
- Actor: Masanari Nihei, also known as Masanori Nihei
- Akiko Fuji (フジ・アキコ(富士 明子), Fuji Akiko?): The Science Patrol's radio/communications operator, and ostensibly their token female member. However, in most adventures, Fuji proves to be the most level-headed and capable member after Hayata.
- Actor: Hiroko Sakurai
- Isamu Hoshino (ホシノ・イサム(星野 勇), Hoshino Isamu?): A little boy. The Science Patrol's unofficial mascot, he gets to hang out with the full-fledged members and is even issued a uniform later on. He often gets into trouble, and sometimes Ultraman would have to save him. He is known as Hoshino Fuji in the US version, which describes him as Akiko Fuji's younger brother.
- Actor:: Akihide Tsuzawa
- Shin Hayata/Ultraman (ハヤタ・シン(早田 進)/ウルトラマン, Hayata Shin/Urutoraman?): The Science Patrol's brave, no-nonsense deputy captain. His life changed irreversibly when Ultraman accidentally crashed into his "Delta VTOL" with his TravelSphere and killed him, destroying both ships. To make amends, Ultraman merges his own lifeforce into that of the Earthman before the brain functions of the latter are irreversibly terminated, thus reviving him. He then gives Hayata the power-object called the beta capsule, a microphone-like device, with which he can transform into Ultraman by depressing a red push-button switch on its side with his thumb to ignite it.
- Actor: Susumu Kurobe; Ultraman himself is played by Bin "Satoshi" Furuya
- Doctor Iwamoto: The head scientist of the Scientific Research Center, who created the Science Patrol's basic weapons and aircraft, and serves as their main scientific advisor.
- Actor: Akihiko Hirata (Episodes 5, 12, 13, 16, 25, 39). When Hirata was unavailable, due to scheduling conflicts, other actors stepped into the role as advisors.
- Doctor Yamamoto: Scientific advisor from the Scientific Research Center.
- Actor: Haruhiko Asaka (Episode 11)
- Doctor Morita: Scientific advisor from the Scientific Research Center.
- Actor: Yoshio Tsuchiya (Episode 18)
- Doctor Yamakawa: Scientific advisor from the Scientific Research Center.
- Actor: Yasuyuki Kachi (Episode 24)
- Doctor Yamamoto: Scientific advisor from the Scientific Research Center.
- Actor: Hisaya Ito (Episode 33)
- Unnamed Scientist: Scientific advisor from the Scientific Research Center.
- Actor: Bin Morizuka (Episode 36) - originally slated as "Doctor Iwamoto", but left unnamed in the actual episode.
- Home Planet: "The Land Of Light," Nebula M78
- Height: 40 meters (131 feet)
- Weight: 35,000 tons (Earth gravitation)
- Age: 20,000 Earth years old
- Flight Speed: Mach 5
- Jump Ceiling: 800 meters (2,600 feet)
- Running Speed: 450 kilometers per hour (280 miles per hour)
- Swimming Speed: 200 knots (230 miles per hour)
- Physical Strength: Though never precisely measured in the stories, it is presumed to be enough for him to be able to lift (press) over 100,000 tons. He can lift a 100,000-ton tanker; Skydon was twice as heavy.
- Occupations: Teacher at Space University (Uchū Daigaku?); Chief of Space Garrison Milky Way Office (宇宙警備隊銀河系局, Uchū Keibitai Gingakei Kyoku?)
- Family Structure
- Human Form: Shin Hayata (host)
- Transformation Item: Beta Capsule (Bētā Kapuseru?)
- Spacium Ray (スペシウム光線, Supeshiumu Kōsen?): Ultraman crouches slightly forward and crosses his wrists together, with his right forearm vertical and left forearm horizontal in front of it, and the thumb edge of his hands facing his body, to shoot from the outer edge of his right hand a particle/light-ray that kills most opponents. The effect is either an explosion or a fatal burn. The ray can be reflected (see Alien Baltan II) but loses intensity once reflected. The ray can also be negated by similar energy (see Alien Mephilas). Spacium is actually a substance found on Mars that itself is deadly to at least one monster species (the Baltans), as established in Episode 2 ("Shoot the Invader"). The Spacium Ray—indeed all of Ultraman's Spacium-type energy attacks—may be based on that substance, but this is never stated as the case in the series. Regardless, the Spacium Ray is perhaps Ultraman's most powerful single weapon, and very few creatures are immune to it, such as Antlar, Keronia and Zetton. In Ultraman vs. Kamen Rider, Ultraman uses it in conjunction with a giant Kamen Rider 1's Rider Kick to destroy Sasori-Gadoras, who had managed to absorb the ray earlier. (This weapon was used on nearly all opponents.) In Ultraman Mebius, he used this to destroy Mephilas' blasts. In the movie, he used this on Ukillersaurus, and combined it with Ultra Seven's Wide Shot in an attempt to defeat alien Guts.
- Ultra Slash (ウルトラスラッシュ, Urutora Surasshu?): Ultraman fires a saw-like Spacium-energy ring (a Cutting Halo (八つ裂き光輪, Yatsuzaki Kōrin?)) from his hand. This Halo can slice his opponent in half. The Cutting Halo does have drawbacks however: a Baltan alien was able to deflect a Halo with his barrier, Gubira was lucky enough to catch a second Halo on his nose, rather than be sliced by it, and Keelar was just as lucky to catch a third Halo with his tail. Alien Mephilas destroyed a fourth Halo with his Bare Hand Beam, and a fifth Halo shattered after striking Zetton's barrier. In Ultraman vs. Kamen Rider, Ultraman used this to sever Sasori-Gadoras' tail after Kamen Rider 1 had been struck. (This was used against Redking and Alien Baltan II, among other opponents.) In the Mebius movie, he used it cut Ukillersaurs' tentacles during the final battle. In Episode 47 of Ultraman Mebius (Urutoraman Mebiusu, 2006), Alien Mephilas was able to evade a pair of the halos Ultraman sent at him for a while, before shattering them with his bare hands.
- Electrical Immunity: When attacked by Neronga in Episode 3 of the series, and by Alien Mephilas in Episode 47 of Ultraman Mebius, Ultraman evidences immunity to electrical or lightning attacks. Not all Ultra-beings have this immunity.
- Ultra Attack Beam (ウルトラアタック光線, Urutora Attakku Kōsen?): By focusing energy from his left hand into a spiral energy beam around his right arm, then directing the energy at a target creature, Ultraman can induce a temporal stasis, in effect paralyzing the target. This is a rare power, and was only used once, against Keronia in Episode 31, when the Spacium Ray had failed him. Resembles a Karate "Seiken-zuki".
- High Spin (ハイスピン, Hai Supin?): Ultraman can counter temporal/spatial attacks or can damage opponents by spinning rapidly in an upright position. The attack is remote, and does not involve beams, but it can rip space on a local level, cause remote explosions, or create immobilizing rings of force. He used it against Bullton successfully; he also used it against Zetton, who interfered with the attack.
- Ultra Air Catch (ウルトラエアキャッチ, Urutora Ea Kyatchi?) Version I: Using narrow beams from his index fingers, Ultraman can paralyze objects suspended in mid-air. This is followed by a Cutting Halo that divides in two to cut the suspended object into thirds. (He used this power against the second Redking, who had swallowed a quantity of bombs, so that he could carry the top third, containing the missing bombs, into outer space where they could explode harmlessly.) It is also called Ultra Anti-Gravity Beam (Urutora Han Jūryoku Kōsen?)
- Ultra Air Catch (ウルトラエアキャッチ, Urutora Ea Kyatchi?) Version II: With considerable concentration, Ultraman can converge two parallel swirls of energy originating from his palms to lift an opponent off the ground and repel it. This power also may involve a remote attack, as it was followed by explosive destruction of the target. It was used against Keelar.
- Ultra Psychokinesis (ウルトラサイコキネシス, Urutora Saikokineshisu?): Ultraman's telekinetic power. Used before the Ultra Air Catch Version I. It is also called Ultra Willpower (ウルトラ念力, Urutora Nenriki?).
- Flight (飛行能力, Hikō Nōryoku?): Ultraman can propel himself in a controlled manner through the air. Apparently it takes little energy to do this, as he almost always is able to launch at the conclusion of a fight and get out of sight to change back into his human host. Book sources indicate this is possibly due to special jet boots, but that effect is never in evidence on the television programs.
- Teleportation (テレポーテーション, Terepōtēshon?): In dire emergencies when flying to a location would be too slow, Ultraman can teleport to it instead. Ultraman used this power to return to Earth from Planet R, in order to combat an invading Baltan force in Episode 16. However, this power has a high energy demand and his warning light will usually turn red and/or begin to blink as soon as he arrives at his destination. In the English-language dubbed version only, a peculiar symptom of Ultraman's preparation to teleport is manic laughter. When Ultraman teleports, he leaves behind Hayata's body in its comatose state, and the two cannot re-merge until they are in sufficient proximity. Note: despite the statement in the show that teleportation is a major drain of his energy, when Ultraman teleported from Planet R to Earth his warning light was still blue, and this was also after having destroyed Baltans on Planet R.
- Ultra Current (ウルトラ水流, Urutora Suiryū?): Ultraman can direct a high-pressure stream of water from his fingertips by touching his hands together. This may not actually be water from Ultraman's body, but rather a forced condensation of water in the atmosphere channeled into a stream. It was used to kill Jamilar, whose body was water-soluble, and to extinguish the fires caused by Pestar.
- Dynamic Size Change (巨大化能力, Kyodaika Nōryoku?): Ultraman can control his molecular structure, phasing from human-size to giant-size. He places his hands in front of his chest at 45 degree angles, thumb edge facing inward, and then sharply gestures outward. This is not the same as his transformation from human form as Hayata. It was used only once, to counteract Dada's micronizer ray.
- Clairvoyance Beam (透視光線, Tōshi Kōsen?): Ultraman's vision extends into a wider range of the electromagnetic spectrum than that of humans, at least into infra-red and ultraviolet, and probably further to include gamma rays and X-rays. One manifestation of this power is a beam of energy, resembling a spotlight, that is emitted from Ultraman's eyes and which renders electromagnetic cloaks used by shielded objects and beings inoperative. (Used to spot the Baltan spaceship in Earth's atmosphere at night, and the Dada when it attempted to remain invisible.)
- Ultra Chop (ウルトラチョップ, Urutora Choppu?): A standard karate chop, though a more powerful version is accompanied by a flash of energy on impact. Ultraman used an example of the latter to defeat the monster Jirass/Keyra. It is also called Ultra Mist Cut (Urutora Kasumi Kiri?).
- Ultra Punch (ウルトラパンチ, Urutora Panchi?): It has the power of 50 Indian elephants.
- Ultra Kick (ウルトラキック, Urutora Kikku?): Ultraman has a shoe size of 320 mon and Three-Fold Joints (Sanjū Kansetsu?).
- Ultra Swing (ウルトラスウィング, Urutora Suwingu?): Ultraman swings an opponent around several times before letting go. It was used against Keronia and defeated the first Redking and Terresdon.
- Ultra Eye Spot (ウルトラアイスポット, Urutora Ai Supotto?): When Alien Baltan II's barrier deflected Ultraman's Cutting Halo, Ultraman used this eye beam to neutralize the barrier. It is also called Ultra Discernment (Urutora Gankō?)
- Slash Beam (スラッシュ光線, Surasshu Kōsen?): In his battle against Alien Mephilas, Ultraman used this line of chevron-like bolts fire from his fingertips while the two where in flight, and Mephilas countered with his Bare Hand Beam, which resulted in Ultraman being temporarily blinded.
- Catch Rings (キャッチリング, Kyatchi Ringu?): Ultraman, spinning at high speeds, can produce three yellow energy rings to bind an opponent. It was used on Z-Ton, who managed to break free. It is also called Paralysis Beams (Kanashibari Kōsen?).
- Operation: Star of Ultra (ウルトラの星作戦, Urutora no Hoshi Sakusen?): In Return of Ultraman Episode 38, Ultraman and Ultra Seven used this tactic to free Ultraman Jack.
- Ultra Separation (ウルトラセパレーション, Urutora Separēshon?): In the 1996 movie Revive! Ultraman, Ultraman created four duplicates of himself to fight various monsters simultaneously.
- Marine Spacium Beam (マリンスペシウム光線, Marin Supeshiumu Kōsen?): A rainbow-colored Spacium Ray used to defeat Zeton in Revive! Ultraman.
- Energy Transfer Beam:In Ultraman Tiga Episode 49, Ultraman used this to replenish Ultraman Tiga's stamina.
- Final Cross Shield (ファイナルクロスシールド, Fainaru Kurosu Shīrudo?): In the prologue of Ultraman Mebius & Ultraman Brothers, Ultraman, Ultra Seven, Ultraman Jack, and Ultraman Ace used this to imprison U-Killersaurs and Yapool in the sea at the cost of their ability to transform.
- Energy Exposure (エネルギー照射, Enerugī Shōsha?): In Ultraman Mebius and Ultraman Brothers, Ultraman, Ultra Seven, Ultraman Jack, and Ultraman Ace gave energy from four directions to Ultraman Mebius, who had been imprisoned by Alien Guts.
- Giga Spacium Beam (ギガスペシウム光線, Giga Supeshiumu Kōsen?): In the PlayStation 2 video game Ultraman: Fighting Evolution Rebirth (released in 2005), Ultraman, who had been pummeled by the Chaos Spacium Beam (Kaosu Supeshiumu Kōsen) of Chaosroid U (Kaosuroido Yū) (but survived) and empowered by the light of the Plasma Spark, used this extremely powerful version of the Spacium Ray to destroy Chaosroid U and save the Land of Ultra from Alien Mephilas' invasion.
- Beta Capsule Transformation: Ultraman's cohabitation within Hayata's body is not entirely unlike the religious or spiritual concept of possession[citation needed]. However, Ultraman does not attempt to control Hayata's decision-making. Hayata's mind and spirit control his body under ordinary circumstances. Yet it is possible, as evidenced by the many close calls to Hayata's life, that Ultraman can intercede in some way to protect Hayata's body, presumably in the form of accelerated healing of injuries as Hayata would be injured in some episodes. However any injury that Hayata receives is not transferred to Ultraman when Hayata triggers the Beta Capsule, and Hayata can still be shown as wounded when Ultraman reverses the change. Also when Hayata was hypnotized by underground aliens in an effort to control Ultraman, the plan failed since they didn't count on the fact that Ultraman would be immune to mind control by them. Only the Beta Capsule can trigger the physical transformation from Hayata to Ultraman. Where the Beta Capsule goes when Ultraman is active is not known, but during his first battle with Gomora (Gohora in US version) the Beta Capsule was somehow separated from him by a strong attack from the monster. This also revealed that the Beta Capsule only works for Hayata, as the child who retrieved the capsule tripped its igniter switch and nothing happened to either the child or Hayata. When Hayata ignites the capsule, Ultraman does not have to appear precisely where Hayata was standing, but he usually does appear very close to that location, and often, but not always, in a similar pose. Should Hayata use the Beta Capsule inside a building, Ultraman can choose to appear from within it or outside of it, even projecting himself during transformation through the specially-reinforced walls of Science Patrol Headquarters. One occasion demonstrates the variability: Hayata was atop a building during a mission where Alien Baltan was attacking, and the Beta Capsule fell out of his reach and landed on a ledge below. With Hayata needing to transform immediately and having no way to reach the device safely, he took an extraordinary gamble and threw himself head first off the building and managed to grab the capsule and ignite it as he fell. Ultraman then appeared on the ground, safely standing on his feet. Ultraman changes back to human form by beaming a spiral of energy from his hands to a point on the ground. Hayata's body materializes within this spiral, and Ultraman's body vanishes. The only episode that showed Hayata split from Ultraman and laying in a coma was when Ultraman teleported from a planet he had destroyed some Baltans on back to Earth so that he could finish off the rest off them. For unknown reasons, Hayata's body was left behind in a deep coma state, possibly in stasis, until Ultraman returned. Either the teleportation power somehow split them apart or else Ultraman left Hayata's body behind to maintain the secret identity.
Ultraman rarely engages in conversation, and when he does it seems to be in a telepathic manner. In Episode 1, as he reveals who he is and what he must do to keep Hayata alive, his discussion with the clearly unconscious Hayata in the damaged TravelSphere can only be explained via telepathy. His conversation with the monster Mephilas does not follow this pattern. Zoffy also speaks to Ultraman in the final episode while the two are in Zoffy's TravelSphere, though it is not clear if this is via telepathy. Otherwise, Ultraman does engage in vocalizations, specifically the shouts and barks he makes in reverberating human-like cries ("kiais") while fighting a monster. Although these sounds and other grunts of exertion are most common, Ultraman also has one oft-repeated, and now extremely iconic phrase that he clearly utters: "Shuwatch" (シュワッチ, Shuwatchi?), which he shouts when jumping into the air to fly. In Japanese pop-culture, "Shuwatch" or 'Shoowatch' has been the phrase most associated with Ultraman.
Ultraman is one of the few Ultras who remains connected with his human host; in this case, Shin Hayata still serves as a vessel for the mighty alien warrior, as seen in the Ultraman Mebius series and movies.
[edit] The Science Patrol In the Ultraman television show, the Science Patrol is the name of the fictional organization which seeks out the monster of the week. One of its members is named Shin Hayata, and as he is secretly Ultraman's host, the monster is always defeated.
The symbol of the Science Patrol is the outline of a five-pointed star with the outline of a conventional rocketship having its nose in the center of the star.
The Science Patrol operates many different vehicles, most of which are depicted by models. But their car is a customized 1961 rear engine air-cooled corvair sedan. One of the smallest cars Chevrolet made.
The uniforms of the Science Patrol are noteworthy. These are orange, and based on that of the film Forbidden Planet in having a mantle that descends from each shoulder in front with a curved hem. However, they wear a white shirt and tie instead of a ribbed imitation of a sailor's striped shirt. Their tie tack is an emergency detector; it flashes and beeps when a monster is near. They wear plastic airman's helmets with the insignium in the middle, which also appears on both descending parts of the mantle. As a precursor to the later Star Trek's communicator being incorporated into the insignium, theirs functions as a two-way radio once a tiny antenna is raised from the star on the insignia on the left.
[edit] The Science Patrol's arsenal The Patrol personnel wear special orange field-uniforms that are worn under a regular duty blue business suit uniform with white trousers or skirts. When the order to go into the field is given, the outer suit is designed to be quickly removed in favor of the field uniform. Accompanying the field uniform are special helmets with ear fixtures that improve the reception of their communicator pins, and visors that provide visual aid (such as when using weapons). The field uniform/helmet combination also provides a degree of protection from radiation—even enough to allow a human to operate in space.
- The Jet VTOL is the Science Patrol's iconic principal craft, and is frequently just called the "VTOL." (The prop for the Jet VTOL was originally from the 1962 Toho SF epic, Gorath, but repainted and probably modified for this series. It should be noted that the Gorath prop was slightly pointier than the rounded VTOL.) Up to three are seen. A hydrogen-rocket modification is later built for it, allowing it to go into space. It is generally armed with missiles of varying quality, depending on the episode.
- The Sub-VTOL, a smaller, triangular version of the Jet VTOL, is actually an STOL with no VTOL capabilities. This was the vehicle piloted by Hayata when he crashed it into Ultraman's "TravelSphere" ship in the first episode and destroyed both. Generally not used to attack monsters, as it lacks the heavier firepower and carrying space of the Jet VTOL.
- Submarines S16, S21 and S25 are the Science Patrol's underwater vehicles, which are airlifted by the Jet VTOL one at a time.
- The Underground Tank Pelucidar is the Science Patrol's subterranean vehicle with a huge drill at the front. Similar to the Mole from Thunderbirds, it is named after the underground world from Edgar Rice Burroughs' At the Earth's Core. It appears to have its own incidental music when it is first used.
- The Science Patrol Car is a silver 1961 Chevrolet Corvair four-door sedan with the Science Patrol logo on the doors and roof.
- The Supergun is the basic sidearm carried by each Science Patrol member. When unholstered, the barrel flips out from the handle and the gun is ready to fire. The weapon discharges either a wave of what looks like electricity or, alternatively in some episodes, a thin beam of energy. Three of them can be combined for a "triple shot," which is powerful enough to take down a (revived) monster. Returns for an episode of Ultraman Dyna (as an "older model").
- The Spider-Shot is the heavy atomic gun that Arashi uses frequently; it is his favorite weapon. Fashioned as a two-handed weapon—somewhat like a submachine gun with a massive maw—it is clearly more powerful than the standard Supergun sidearm, and visually more impressive. It has at least three settings; stun, red-heat, and heavy damage.
- The Mars 133 is a gun, invented by Ide/Ito, that works on the same principle as Ultraman's Spacium Ray, and is thus mortally effective against Baltans. The name is read "Mars ichi-san-san" (one-three-three) in Japanese.
- The QX Gun is a two-handed blaster, which attacks a monster's nervous system. Stands for "Quickly eXtinguish Gun" (called the "M-Ray Gun" in the US version).
- The Mad Bazooka is a large shoulder-mounted bazooka created by Ide/Ito.
- The Spark 8 is an attachment for the Supergun invented by Ide/Ito, and used by him, that enables the gun to fire rapid shots. The effect is best described as a Gatling gun that disintegrates its target in parts. It is easily the most effective handheld weapon the Science Patrol has in its arsenal, yet Ide/Ito only uses it twice; against a revived monster (Dorako II) and Geronimon.
- The Monster Translator was invented by Ide/Ito to translate any monster's language. It was used to communicate with the friendly monster Pygmon, in the second of the two episodes he appeared in. A more modern (i.e.: no tape reels) version is invented early on in Ultraman Tiga.
- The "Science Patrol Shuriken." Hayata hurls a shuriken or shaken shaped like the Science Patrol's logo at the man-sized version of the monster Baltan in episode 2. (On the DVD, it can actually be seen bouncing off before the film is edited to show it sticking into the monster.)
- Communicator Pin. Each Science Patrol officer is equipped with a small pin shaped as the organization's emblem that has a radio transmitter of considerable power and range for its size. All the operator has to do is pull out the small antenna at the top of the pin to activate it and send a message.
It must be noted that 2 monsters from Ultra Q, the series' prequel, make a reappearance. These monsters are Ragon and Kemur. Their appearance may have been an attempt to indicate Ultraman's storyline connection with Ultra Q.
[edit] Episodes
- Ultra Operation No. 1 (ウルトラ作戦第一号, Urutora Sakusen Dai Ichigō?)
- Blast the Invader (侵略者を撃て, Shinryakusha o Ute?)
- Science Patrol, Move Out (科特隊出撃せよ, Katokutai Shutugeki seyo?)
- Five Seconds to Detonation (大爆発五秒前, Dai Bakuhatsu Gobyō Mae?)
- Secret of the Miloganda (ミロガンダの秘密, Miroganda no Himitsu?)
- The Coast Guard Command (沿岸警備命令, Engan Keibi Meirei?)
- The Blue Stone of Vallarge (バラージの青い石, Barāji no Aoi Ishi?)
- The Violent Monster Region (怪獣無法地帯, Kaijū Muhō Chitai?)
- Operation: Uranium (電光石火作戦, Denkōsekka Sakusen?)
- The Mysterious Dinosaur Base (謎の恐竜基地, Nazo no Kyōryū Kichi?)
- The Rascal from Outer Space (宇宙から来た暴れん坊, Uchū kara Kita Abarenbō?)
- Cry of the Mummy (ミイラの叫び, Miira no Sakebi?)
- Oil S.O.S. (オイルSOS, Oiru Esu Ō Esu?)
- The Pearl Defense Directive (真珠貝防衛指令, Shinjugai Bōei Shirei?)
- The Terrifying Cosmic Rays (恐怖の宇宙線, Kyōfu no Uchūsen?)
- Science Patrol Into Space (科特隊宇宙へ, Katokutai Uchū e?)
- Passport to Infinity (無限へのパスポート, Mugen e no Pasupōto?)
- The Brother from Another World (遊星から来た兄弟, Yūsei kara Kita Kyōdai?)
- The Devil Rises Again (悪魔はふたたび, Akuma wa Futatabi?)
- Terror on Route 87 (恐怖のルート87, Kyōfu no Rūto Hachijūnana?)
- Breech the Wall of Smoke (噴煙突破せよ, Fun'en Toppa seyo?)
- Plans to Destroy the Surface (地上破壊工作, Chijō Hakai Kōsaku?)
- My Home is Earth (故郷は地球, Kokyō wa Chikyū?)
- The Undersea Science Center (海底科学基地, Kaitei Kagaku Kichi?)
- Rogue Comet Cyphon (怪彗星ツイフォン, Kai Susei Tsuifon?)
- The Prince of Monsters: Part 1 (怪獣殿下 前篇, Kaijū Denka Zenpen?)
- The Prince of Monsters: Part 2 (怪獣殿下 後篇, Kaijū Denka Kōhen?)
- Human Specimens 5 & 6 (人間標本5・6, Ningen Hyōhon Go Roku?)
- The Challenge Into Subterra (地底への挑戦, Chitei e no Chōsen?)
- Phantom of the Snow Mountains (まぼろしの雪山, Maboroshi no Yukiyama?)
- Who Goes There? (来たのは誰だ, Kita no wa Dare da?)
- The Endless Counterattack (果てしなき逆襲, Hateshinaki Gyakushū?)
- The Forbidden Words (禁じられた言葉, Kinjirareta Kotoba?)
- A Gift from the Sky (空の贈り物, Sora no Okurimono?)
- The Monster Graveyard (怪獣墓場, Kaijū Hakaba?)
- Arashi, Don't Shoot! (射つな! アラシ, Utsuna! Arashi?)
- The Littlest Hero (小さな英雄, Chiisana Eiyū?)
- The Spaceship Rescue Command (宇宙船救助命令, Uchūsen Kyūjo Meirei?)
- Farewell, Ultraman (さらばウルトラマン, Saraba Urutoraman?)
- Revive! Ultraman (甦れ!ウルトラマン, Yomigaere! Urutoraman?) (short film produced in 1996)
- "Ultraman no Uta" (ウルトラマンの歌, Urutoraman no Uta?, "The Song of Ultraman")
- Lyrics authorship: Kyōichi Azuma
- Music composition: Kunio Miyauchi
- Performing artist: Misuzu Children's Choral Group
In June 2009, Mill Creek Entertainment acquired the rights to the series and subsequently re-released the complete series set on September 29, 2009, in a 4-disc set with the same special features.[2] By then, rights to Ultraman went back to Tsuburaya Production after a court case.
There has also been a digital re-release movement in Japan where the entire Ultraman series are to be released as a collector's box set. These box sets feature the entire series plus various limited edition items such as posters, etc.
[edit] Adaptations Harvey Comics Entertainment published two short comic book series based on Ultraman in 1993 and 1994.
Dark Horse Comics published a manga-style series based on Ultraman Tiga in 2003–2004.
[edit] See also
- The Ultra Series—Complete list of official Ultraman-related shows.
- Bio Planet WoO
- Ultraman monsters—a list of Ultraman Foes.
- ^ http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Site-News-BCI-Shut-Down/11064
- ^ "Ultraman - Rights to The Complete Series Picked Up". http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Ultraman-Re-Release/12142. Retrieved 2009-06-26.
Ultra Q Sunday 7:00 p.m. TBS (Takeda Hour)
7/17/1966 - 4/9/1967 Succeeded by
Ultra Seven [hide] v • d • e Ultra Series Created by Eiji Tsuburaya & Tsuburaya Productions Shōwa era series: Ultra Q • Ultraman • Ultra Seven • The Return of Ultraman • Ace • Taro • Leo • The ☆ Ultraman (anime) • 80 Heisei era series: Tiga • Dyna • Gaia • Cosmos • Ultra Q: Dark Fantasy • Nexus • Max • Mebius • Ultraseven X • Ultra Galaxy • Ultra Galaxy: NEO Others: Ultra Fight • Nice (CM) • Neos (Direct-to-DVD) • Heisei Ultra Seven (OV) • Ultra Idemitsujin (CM) Films: Shōwa era films: Ultraman (1967) • Great Violent Monster Fight • Jissoji's Ultraman (1979) • Ultraman: Great Monster Decisive Battle • Zoffy: Ultra Warriors vs. the Giant Monster Army • Ultraman Story Early Heisei era films: Ultra Q The Movie • Zearth • Revive! Ultraman Tiga films: Tiga & Dyna: Warriors of the Star of Light • Tiga & Dyna & Gaia: Battle in Hyperspace • Tiga: The Final Odyssey Cosmos films: Cosmos: The First Contact • Cosmos 2: The Blue Planet • Cosmos vs. Justice: The Final Battle Other Heisei era films: ULTRAMAN (THE NEXT) • Mebius & Ultra Brothers • Super Ultra 8 Bros. • Ultra Galaxy Legend • Ultraman Zero Video games: PD Ultraman Battle Collection 64 • Ultraman Nexus Ultraman Fighting Evolution 1 • 2 • 3 • Rebirth • 0 Co-productions: 6 Brothers vs. Monster Army • 11 Ultramans vs. Monster Army • The Adventure Begins (USA) • Towards the Future (Great) • Ultraman vs. Kamen Rider (with Toei) • The Ultimate Hero (Powered) Related series: Mighty Jack • Redman • Iron King • Gridman • WoO Related: Zoffy • Zearth • Father of Ultra • Mother of Ultra • Ultraman King • Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad • Project DMM • Ultra Monsters Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultraman" Categories: 1966 television series debuts | 1967 television series endings | 1993 comics characters debuts | Extraterrestrial superheroes | Fictional shapeshifters | Fictional characters who can teleport | UltramanHidden categories: Articles to be merged from March 2009 | All articles to be merged | Articles needing additional references from July 2007 | All articles needing additional references | All articles with unsourced statements | Articles with unsourced statements from January 2009 Personal tools Namespaces Variants Views Actions Search Navigation Interaction Toolbox Print/export Languages
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