Eiji Tsuburaya intended to conclude the Ultra Series with Ultraseven. Tsuburaya Productions moved on to new science fiction and fantasy programs, such as Mighty Jack and Operation Mystery. These shows were popular with critics but drew smaller audiences than the Ultra trilogy. Eiji Tsuburaya began developing a concept for a new Ultraman show, sketching an outline for a program titled Return of Ultraman.
Continue reading “Return of Ultraman: An Introduction”
Directed by Kazuya Konaka. Written by Aya Takei. Airdate Dec. 2, 2013.
After two episodes of nutty, wonderful fun, Ultraman Ginga S switches to a story about UPG politics to set up the final stretch of episodes. The Defense Organization governing the UPG steps in to seize control of operations. They kick out all the members (with one important exception) and escalate UPG’s anti-alien measures by unleashing a secret weapon that’s been in the base the whole time: a Victorium-powered laser cannon.
Continue reading “Ultraman Ginga S Ep. 13: Split! UPG”
Directed by Tsugumi Kitaura. Written by Keiichi Hasegawa. Airdate June 21, 1997.
The digital effects in Ultraman Tiga are one of its major flaws. They hit their nadir in this episode, where they account for around 90% of the visual effects, leaving only a fraction for old-fashioned suitmation action in the finale, where Tiga takes on the giant robot form of an artificial intelligence called, no kidding, “Karen.”
Continue reading “Ultraman Tiga Ep. 42: The City Where the Girl Disappeared”
Directed by Kiyotaka Taguchi. Written by Sotaro Hayashi. Airdate Nov. 25, 2013.
Ultraman Ginga S follows an excellent standalone episode driven by bizarre comedy and a sweet story with … another excellent standalone episode, one that pokes into the weird corners of Ultra history while also telling a sweet story. I’m not certain what was happening in the show’s creative department that led to this explosion of terrific episodes honoring the finest Showa-era programs. But I’m thrilled it happened. Kiyotaka Taguchi directed both episodes, and he clearly wanted to honor the legacy of the franchise.
Continue reading “Ultraman Ginga S Ep. 12: To Meet You”
