Long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away, there was this live action kids’ show from Japan called Ultraman. A generation later, it is time for a new Ultraman – and this one is animated. And not for kids! There is a bit of blood, some limb hacking, disembowelment of aliens, and a bit of profanity. But for those kids who enjoyed the original Ultraman and have since grown. . . . Are you in for a surprise!
The mantle of Ultraman passes to a high school student named Shinjiro, who happens to be the son of the original Ultraman, who now is a government minister and a bit past middle age. Shinjiro has the strength, but lacks the experience and maybe a bit of the will to be a truly effective Ultraman. Probably that is why he does get his butt kicked here and there. But there are surprises in store. Plot twists are waiting. Could it be there are other Ultramen? Well, there is this cute pop star who catches Shinjiro’s attention, but she has this grudge. . . . Say no more.
As the newest member of the Science Patrol, Shinjiro is expected to do what he is told. This is kind of difficult considering one of Shinjiro’s superiors is a first class jerk named Moroboshi. But Moroboshi has a few tricks up his sleeve. I will say no more. Then there is Bemular, a villain – perhaps. He has a few surprises as well.
The artwork is good, but the animation is superb. Movements are more lifelike with more advance technology than what you usually see in an anime series. Great action scenes make this a must-see for action fans.
One complaint is that the final episode’s ending is very formulaic. You can pretty much guess what happens and how it plays out. The series does end in a way which will allow a second season, for which I eagerly await. Meanwhile, check out Ultraman on Netflix Streaming.
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