Many of you have probably seen Ultraman's transformation items and admired them. Since the "Beta Capsule" first appeared in the original Ultraman, transformation items have appeared in almost every series, playing an essential role in the Ultraman series. Transformation items will also be featured in the latest Ultraman series, "Ultraman Blazer," which begins in July. I'd like to introduce what these beloved transformation items look like in the latest installment. I'll also take a moment to look back at the transformation items used by previous Ultramen.
Ultraman Blazer's Transformation Items
I'd like to introduce the "Blazer Brace," the transformation item that appears in Ultraman Blazer. This is a bracelet-like item used by the series' protagonist, Hiruma Gent, to transform into Ultraman Blazer. It appears on Gent's left arm when he needs the power of Ultraman Blazer.
Blazer Stone
When Hiruma Gent transforms into Ultraman Blazer, he attaches a Blazer Stone to his Blazer Bracelet. It's a crystal imbued with the power of light. Loading it into the Blazer Bracelet transforms Gent into Ultraman Blazer. The Blazer Stone features a facial pattern reminiscent of Ultraman. Considering the New Generation Heroes series, it's likely there are many different types of Blazer Stones. Perhaps Ultraman Blazer can transform into various forms depending on the type and combination of Blazer Stones.
Evolution of Transformation Items: The Simple Era
Transformation items are an inseparable part of the Ultra Series, but their shapes and transformation methods vary from series to series. Here we introduce the transformation items and transformation methods from throughout the TV series. First, we'll start with the days when transformation items were simple.
Beta Capsule
This item is used by the original Ultraman to become one with Hayata, whom he killed in an accident, and transform into Ultraman. Pressing the red button on the Beta Capsule emits a 1,000,000-watt flash beam, and the transformation begins. The basic pose is to hold it high in your right hand and press the button. Despite its importance, he often dropped it during transformation. He also mistreated it, forgetting it in his room or losing it.
Ultra Eye
This is a crimson, glasses-shaped transformation item used by Ultra Seven when transforming. When transforming, the Ultra Eye is placed over his eyes, and he transforms into Seven, starting from the top of his head. He usually keeps it in his left chest pocket, but like Ultraman, he treats it very roughly. It's an important transformation item, but it's been stolen many times, dropped, and misplaced, making him treat it even worse than Hayata. It makes you wonder if Hayata and Dan were to blame for Ultraman's failure to use his transformation item in Return of Ultraman.
Ultra Ring
This was the first ring-shaped transformation item, and it featured a unique concept: Hokuto Seiji and Minami Yuko transformed into Ultraman A by combining two Ultra Rings worn on their middle fingers. The transformation method was basically to clasp or clasp hands and shout "Ultra Touch!" In episode 14, the two characters, who were in different locations, transformed by clasping hands over the screen, and various other transformation scenarios were used. In episode 28, after Minami returned to Pluto as a Lunarian and his friends, Hokuto began to transform by wearing Ultra Rings on both fingers and performing the Ultra Touch on his own. When alone, he crosses his arms in front of his chest, then opens them wide while rotating them, and transforms with an Ultra Touch in front of his chest.
Ultra Badge
When Kotaro Higashi was mortally injured in a battle with Astromons, Mother of Ultra and the five Ultra Brothers rescued him and bestowed upon him the Ultra Badge. It's a badge-shaped item that he usually wears on his left arm. During transformation, the Ultra Ruby in the center glows. Holding the badge in his right hand, he spreads his arms wide, raises them from in front of his face and overhead, and transforms into Ultraman Taro. In the final episode, Kotaro, determined to live as a human, returned the Ultra Badge to Mother of Ultra and defeated Alien Balky in his original form.
Leo Ring
This is the transformation item of Ultraman Leo, the first Ultraman not from the M78 Nebula. It's a ring-shaped transformation item inlaid with the "Lion's Eye" gemstone, made from "Leo Stone," a mineral found on planet L77 in the constellation Leo. Gen Otori wears it on his left ring finger, points his fist at his opponent, and shouts "Leo!" to transform. His younger brother, Astra, also appears in the series, but there is no scene in which he transforms. However, in the manga "Ultraman STORY 0," Astra is also depicted transforming with the Lion's Eye.
Bright Stick
This is the transformation item used by Ultraman 80, who works as a school teacher under the temporary name "Yataki Takeshi," to transform. He extends his right and left arms, then raises his right hand above his head while shouting "Eighty!" to transform into Ultraman 80. The Bright Stick can also be used in other ways besides the series' first transformation. It can also be used as a weapon by attaching it to the Riser Gun, and it also has the ability to generate a barrier.
Spark Lens
This is the transformation item given to Daigo Madoka when he fused with the stone statue of Ultraman Tiga. Ultraman Tiga was created as a series (the early Heisei trilogy) that did not inherit the setting of the previous Ultraman series (the Showa era Ultra series). It was created as a new Ultraman series, depicting the "Giant of Light," a ray of hope for humanity in ancient times. To transform, hold the Spark Lens in your right hand, swing both arms, and raise it above your head. The Spark Lens will open, and as light engulfs Daigo, he will transform into Ultraman Tiga.
Leaf Flasher
This is the transformation item used in Ultraman Dyna (the second of the early Heisei trilogy), a sequel set seven years after Ultraman Tiga. Asuka Shin is hit by a bullet during a battle with the Sphere and is adrift in space when he merges with Ultraman Dyna and survives. To transform, the Leaf Flasher can be thrust forward at an angle, or held in the right hand, rotated counterclockwise, and raised above the head.
Esplendor
This is the transformation item used by Gamu Takayama to transform into Ultraman Gaia (the third installment of the early Heisei trilogy), and it is the first item in the series that Gamu created himself. The Esplendor is a container for the "Light of Gaia," and the "Light of Gaia" is the body used for transformation. To transform, hold the Esplendor in your right hand, place it against your left shoulder, and thrust it upward to transform. From the middle of the series, Gamu began to often transform by shouting "Gaia!"
Cosmo Plaque
This is the transformation item used by Haruno Musashi to transform into Ultraman Cosmos. It was originally a stone called "Pyroxene" given to Musashi by Cosmos when he was 11 years old. When Musashi and Cosmos merged, it transformed into Cosmo Plaque. He transforms into Ultraman Cosmos by raising it above his head while shouting "Cosmo-o-oooo!" This is the first TV series of the 21st century, produced to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Eiji Tsuburaya's birth. It is the first in the series to feature Ultraman, whose basic form is blue.
EVOLTLUSTER
This is Ultraman Nexus's transformation item. Ultraman Nexus was created under the concept of the "ULTRA N PROJECT," and is distinct from the traditional Ultraman series. The protagonist, Ikki Komon, transforms into Nexus in the final episode, a setting never seen before. Until then, only humans called Dynamists, chosen by Ultraman's light, transformed into Nexuses. Ikki Komon is the fifth Dynamist, and his final, final transformation into Ultraman Nexus is a moving experience for fans. Because there are five Dynamists, there are four different transformation poses, but we won't go into them here.
Max Spark
This is the first Ultraman to arrive from Nebula M78 since Ultraman 80. It's the transformation item Touma Kite uses to transform into Ultraman Max. He holds the Max Spark in his right hand, holds it above his head to charge up light, and then attaches it to his left forearm to transform. The way he transforms, enveloped in light and gradually using the power timer on his chest, is similar to Ultra Seven. Even after transformation, the Max Spark remains attached to his left forearm, allowing him to perform various techniques, such as firing the Maxium Cannon.
Mobius Brace
Ultraman Mebius was created to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Ultraman series and as an official sequel to the 80th. The Mebius Brace was an item bestowed upon Ultraman Mebius by Father of Ultra when he dispatched him to Earth. Mebius was a member of the CREW GUYS under the guise of Hibino Mirai, modeled after Hiroto Ban, who sacrificed himself to save his comrades. He transformed into Mebius with the Mebius Brace and fought. He held his right hand over the Mebius Brace worn on his left forearm and rotated his arm to yell, "Mobius!" " he transforms by raising his hands and shouting, "Ultraman Blazar!"
Transformation Items: The Era of Multi-Functionality
In the current Ultraman series, known as New Generation Heroes, transformation items have undergone a dramatic transformation. Previously, transformation items were standalone, but by equipping Spark Dolls, cards, medals, and more, you can transform into various types of Ultraman and even strengthen your own transformation. In the second half of this series, we'll introduce these multi-functional transformation items.
Ginga Spark
The Ginga Spark is the transformation item used by Hikaru Reido to transform into Ultraman Ginga. However, the Ginga Spark alone is not enough to transform. Instead, the Spark Dolls must be restored to their original form using the Ginga Spark, and then Ultra-Live, allowing them to become one with Hikaru. Spark Dolls are dolls created by Dark Lugiel to represent Ultraman and monsters. Hikaru can transform not only into Ultraman, but also into monsters using monster Spark Dolls. Furthermore, by using the Ginga Spark to guide Ultraman Taro's Strium Breath, he transforms into Ultraman Ginga Strium. This tradition of transforming into a more powerful form using various items has continued since Ginga.
Ex-Deviser
The item that Daichi Ozora uses to transform into Ultraman X was originally the Geo-Deviser, a communication device carried by Xio's members. However, X took a liking to it and stayed inside the Geo-Deviser, transforming it into Ex-Deviser. Daichi uses the Ex-Deviser to unite and transform into X. He then powers up by reading the Cyber Card with the Ex-Deviser. Cyber Cards are cards that digitize the powers of monsters and Ultra Warriors. Once loaded, it can be worn as armor and the digitized abilities can be used. Transformation is achieved by pressing the button on the top of the Ex-deviser, which converts to X-mode and then leads the X Spark Dolls.
Orb Ring
This item allows Gai Kurenai to transform into Ultraman Orb. At the beginning of the story, Gai was unable to transform into his true Orb form. He used Ultra Fusion Cards, cards that contain the powers of the Ultra Warriors, to transform into various Orb forms and fight. In episode 17, he regained the courage to believe in his own power and was able to transform into his true form, Orb Origin. To transform, double-read Ultra Fusion Cards into the Orb Ring, then shout "Fusion Up! Ultraman Orb!" and say the name of the form you want to transform into. Except for Orb Origin, you can transform into various forms by combining two or more cards.
G-Riser
This item allows Riku Asakura to transform into Ultraman Geed. However, it can also be used by enemies to transform into monsters (though it's not called the G-Riser). This is related to the fact that Riku Asakura is the son of Ultraman Belial. However, Riku was raised as a human without knowing this. Riku is destined to be Belial's son as an Ultra Warrior, and resolves to fight his father. To transform using the Z-Riser, he scans the Ultra Capsules containing the Ultra Warrior's powers and fuses them into various forms of Z. However, enemies also use Monster Capsules to transform and fuse into various hybrid beasts.
Rube Gyro
This item allows brothers Katsumi and Isami Minato to transform into Ultraman. The older brother Katsumi transforms into Ultraman Rosso, and the younger brother Isami transforms into Ultraman Blu. Both of them possess the Rube Gyro, marking the first time in the series that multiple Ultramen have appeared using the same item. To transform, they set a Rube Crystal containing the power of an Ultra Warrior into the Rube Gyro, and transform into a form with the attributes of the Ultra Warrior set in it. Only the attributes can be inherited; the Ultra Warrior's techniques and forms are not reflected. Furthermore, since there is only one Rube Crystal of each kind, Rosso and Blu cannot use them at the same time. In episode 17, by equipping a Kiwami Crystal created from Ultraman and Belial's crystals, Rosso and Blu are able to transform into a combined Ultraman Rube. It is also the first time in the series that a combined Ultraman appears in the middle of the TV series.
Taiga Spark
This is the item Hiroyuki Kudo uses to transform into Ultraman Taiga, Ultraman Titas, or Ultraman Fuma. It's a gauntlet-shaped item that remains attached even after transformation. To transform, slide the Taiga Spark over your left hand to activate standby mode, then lead the Ultra Taiga keychain accessory. As the story progresses, you can transform into Taiga's powered-up form, Photon Earth, using the Photon Earth keychain, which combines the power of the Earth with the Taiga keychain. You can also transform into the Tri-Strium, a fusion of Hiroyuki and the Tri-Squad of Taiga, Titas, and Fuma.
Ultra Z Riser
This item was developed in the Land of Light, centered around Ultraman Hikari, and entrusted to Ultraman Z by Ultraman Zero. Haruki Natsukawa, who lost his life in the battle against Genegarg, merged with Ultraman Z and subsequently fought alongside him. To transform, press the button on the grip of the Ultra Z Riser to summon the Hero's Gate and enter it. Then, insert an Access Card into the center slot, attach three Ultra Medals, scan them, and press the trigger to Ultra Fusion. Depending on the combination of Ultra Medals, you can transform into forms with various abilities. Among them, the Delta Rise Claw form, transformed into using the Rise Ultra Medals of Zero Beyond, Geed, and Belial Atrocious, is Z's most powerful form.
GUTS Spark Lens
This gadget, developed by Akito Hijiri of the defense team "GUTS-SELECT," can be transformed by equipping the GUTS Hyper Key, which contains the power of the Ultraman Trigger. The gadget itself can be used in both Spark Lens Mode and Hyper Gun Mode. Kengo Manaka, who grew up on Mars, manifested a mysterious power when a monster attacked the ancient ruins on Mars. Seeing this, Shizuma Mitsukuni entrusted the GUTS Spark Lens to Kengo, merging with Ultraman Trigger, who had been sleeping on Mars. Wishing to protect everyone's smiles, Kengo resolved to fight as Trigger. Like Ultraman Tiga, it has three forms: Multi Type, Power Type, and Sky Type, and can be transformed by equipping the corresponding Hyper Key.
Ultra D Flasher
Seven years after Ultraman Trigger Episode Z, this transformation item was given to Asumi Kanata, along with the Ultra Dimension Card, by Ultraman Decker when she stood up to Earth when it was attacked by the space-borne object Sphere. The design is similar to Ultraman Dyna's Leaf Flasher, but it's larger and has a handle on the back. Depending on the type of Ultra Dimension Card, you can transform into different forms. There are also Dimension Card monsters, which can be summoned and used in battle like capsule monsters.
A Summary of Ultraman's Transformation Items
This article introduces the transformation items from the latest Ultraman series, "Ultraman Blazer," as well as the transformation items of the main Ultramen from previous TV series. While the series initially had a simple design, the design, size, and transformation methods have changed over time. One reason the transformation items have become so multifunctional may be that they are marketed as toys in the Ultraman transformation kit, but I believe that this does not change the fact that they are essential items in the Ultraman series. Thank you for reading to the end.
