ULTRAMAN is set 40 years after Ultraman's departure. Officer Hayata, who fought by merging with Ultraman, is now elderly. His son, Shinjiro, becomes Ultraman and protects the Earth from aliens. However, unlike the Ultraman I remember from my childhood, who simply defeated evil, this is a very modern story. The story is quite complex, with many plot twists. Among these, ULTRAMAN features characters inspired by the nostalgic Ultraman brothers. In this article, I would like to introduce these characters and the Ultra Brothers who inspired them.
Introducing the Ultra Brothers: Ultraman
Shinjiro Hayata
Of course, the protagonist, Shinjiro Hayata, has a connection to Ultraman. His father, Shinjiro Hayata (former Officer Hayata), assimilated with Ultraman and protected the Earth, so he inherited the Ultraman gene from his father. Possessing superhuman physical abilities, he takes over Shinjiro Hayata's role as Ultraman. Early in the story, he hesitates to become Ultraman, but during his battle with Ace Killer, he removes his limiter and unleashes the Specium Ray from his broken arm, leading Ed (a surviving Zetton species) to declare that a true Ultraman was born.
Bemular
This enemy, who appears as the beginning of everything and attacks Shinjiro Hayata early in the story, is later revealed to be the Ultraman himself. Why did he take on the form of Bemular to prevent Shinjiro from becoming Ultraman? Perhaps it has something to do with the explosion of the artificial sun created by the Ultramen. While there are still many mysteries surrounding this, there was something deeply moving about the scene where Shin Hayata, Shinjiro Hayata, and Bemular unleash the Specium Ray together.
Ultraman
This special effects superhero series first aired in 1966. It was a huge hit, and various series have aired since. The story begins when Officer Hayata dies after coming into contact with Ultraman while pursuing Bemular. Ultraman assimilates with Officer Hayata to save him. To fulfill his role as Ultraman, Officer Hayata returns to Ultraman and fights various monsters. His assimilation with Ultraman ends during the battle with Zetton. Ultraman and Shin Hayata are defeated by Zetton. Zoffy appears, splitting them into two and reviving them.
Introducing the Ultra Brothers: Ultra Seven
Dan Moroboshi
Dan Moroboshi fights as Ultraman wearing the Ultraman Suit Ver. 7. Nicknamed Seven, he's not a human, but an alien. His glasses are thought to be a reference to Ultra Seven's original response, which was to wear the Ultra Eye. Moroboshi is constantly using new weapons. During the battle against the Dark Star, he also faces off against his long-lost twin brother, Rei, who was abducted by terrorists long ago. Though cold-hearted, his emotional turmoil sets him apart from those who simply destroy evil.
Ultra Seven
Ultra Seven's human disguise is Dan Moroboshi, meaning he is completely alien. He joins the Ultra Guard and, by donning the Ultra Eye, transforms into his true form, Ultra Seven, protecting Earth from monsters. The name Seven comes from the idea that he is the seventh member of the Ultra Guard. In the final episode, he confesses to Anne that he is Ultra Seven. Though hurt, driven by his personal love for Earthlings, he transforms back into Seven and fights for Earth. Upon learning the truth about Seven, the members of the Ultra Guard shouted, "Dan!" in a moving final episode.
Introducing the Ultra Brothers: Ultraman A
Hokuto Seiji
Hokuto Seiji is caught up in an aircraft assassination attempt orchestrated by the Cluster Council. He is rescued by Bemular. He then had Yapool, a former engineer for the Cluster Council, create an Ultraman-type suit for him, and began working as Ultraman to exact revenge on the assassins of his aircraft. He was mortally wounded in a battle with Ace Killer, but Bemular saved him. Since then, he appears to have been working alongside Bemular.
Ultraman A
The Yapool people begin their invasion of Earth with the Super Beast. Seiji Hokuto and Yuko Minami are sacrificed in the process. Ultraman A saves them. From then on, the two combine to form Ultraman A and begin their fight to save Earth from the Super Beast. "Don't lose your kindness in the final episode. Be considerate to the weak and help each other. Don't lose your desire to be friends with people of all nationalities. Even if those feelings are betrayed millions of times... That is my final wish." This is one of Ultraman Ace's most famous lines.
Introducing the Ultra Brothers: Ultraman Taro
Kotaro Azuma
Kotaro Azuma was trying to become a photographer in America. However, due to the effects of a drug taken by Dark Star, he gained superhuman powers and began working as a hero. However, his heroic activities led to his friend Dave being killed by members of the Dark Star. He joined forces with Red and Agito, but realized that he had no hope in himself for having caused his friend's death, and so he became Taro. Incidentally, Kotaro originally made his own hero suit. The suit has horns because he thought it looked cooler.
Ultraman Taro
Kotaro Higashi, an aspiring boxer, joined the Space Science Guard (ZAT), but was defeated by the monster Astromons. The Five Ultra Brothers come to his rescue and take him to Planet Ultra, where he assimilates with Taro and becomes Ultraman Taro. In fact, in the final episode, Ultraman Taro decides to live his life as a human and returns his badge to Mother of Ultra. In the final battle, Kotaro Higashi defeats the monster as a human and disappears into the crowd.
Introducing the Ultra Brothers: Conclusion
I'm sure there will be even more new Ultra Brothers to come. Personally, I'd love to see Hanuman make an appearance somewhere! That's what I think, but, well, it's probably not going to happen, lol.
ULTRAMAN Related Products
ULTRAMAN Merchandise
With the anime airing, the number of related merchandise has increased once again! While there are many different types of merchandise on sale, this time we'll introduce some of the products that the Anime Mill editorial team is paying close attention to! If you're interested, be sure to check it out!
Manga Version
Just like the old Ultraman characters, Taro and Seven also appear! The manga is also available on Kindle!
