ULTRAMAN is a popular series that has been serialized since the first issue of Monthly Heroes. It has also been decided that it will be adapted into an anime series starting in April 2019. This ULTRAMAN is set in a world several decades after the Ultraman we know, but it has a different style and setting from previous Ultraman stories. This time, we will introduce Bemular, the villain who appears to attack Shinjiro. However, it seems that Bemular also has a secret. We would like to introduce him to you.
What kind of character is Bemular originally?
Why is it called the original enemy?
Source: ULTRAMAN ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULT
Bemular calls himself the original enemy. In fact, Bemular is the monster that triggers the battle between Shin Hayata and Ultraman, who merge together in Ultraman. Bemular was considered a demonic monster threatening the peace of the universe. Ultraman was escorting him to the Space Graveyard, but Bemular escaped and flew to Earth. While pursuing Bemular, Ultraman unfortunately came into contact with Shin Hayata. He died as a result, but was revived by assimilating with Ultraman. From then on, as Ultraman, he continued to fight space monsters for the peace of Earth until he was defeated by Zetton and separated from Zoffy.
Bemular at the Time
Bemular has made numerous appearances in the Ultraman series. He flies in as a blue sphere, reaches a speed of Mach 1.3, and spits blue flames from his mouth. Although Bemular has appeared countless times, he is always defeated by one of the Ultra Brothers, but the name Bemular is most strongly associated with the first episode of the first Ultraman series, "Operation Ultra No. 1."
What was Bemular's purpose?
Bemular attacks Shinjiro
Source: ULTRAMAN ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULT
Shinjiro is now a high school student. Having inherited the Ultraman gene, he has superhuman powers but lives a peaceful life. However, Bemular appears and begins attacking Shinjiro. What is his purpose?! When Shinjiro asks, he replies, "That power has no place on Earth."
Bemular Has No Reason to Fight
Source: ULTRAMAN ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULT
Bemular appears after his battle with Ace Killer. He offers to treat Hokuto, who was severely injured in the battle. Everyone is shocked by Bemular's sudden request, as he had previously appeared as an enemy, but before that, Bemular tells Shinjiro that there is no longer any reason to fight. Later, Hokuto also returns safely. What exactly was Bemular trying to do?
Considering Bemular's Purpose
Source: ULTRAMAN ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULT
Based on these words and actions, it seems Bemular didn't want Shinjiro to become Ultraman. Bemular attacked Shinjiro, but instead of killing Hayata Shin, he was probably hoping to somehow get him to give up on Ultraman. However, after killing Ace Killer, Shinjiro became Ultraman. Now that Bemular can no longer prevent Shinjiro from becoming Ultraman, perhaps he no longer has any reason to fight?
Bemular's True Identity
Bemular, the One Who Saved Earthlings
Source: ULTRAMAN ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULT
Bemular offers to save the injured Hokuto. As he leaves, he mentions that he has saved Earthlings before. There's even talk that the photo of the plane and monster at the beginning of it all may have been an attempt to save the plane, so perhaps this is what they're referring to?
Bemular's True Identity is Ultraman
Source: ULTRAMAN ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULT
As the story progresses, Bemular joins forces with Shinjiro and his friends. Shin Hayata and Shinjiro realize that Bemular's true identity is Ultraman. In other words, it was Hayata Shin who saved Earthlings in the past. And the aliens who are currently migrating to Earth were forced to do so after the artificial sun created by the Ultraman race went out of control and many stars were destroyed. It seems Hayata Shin realized early on that Bemular is Ultraman.
What will happen to Bemular in the future?
The Situation of Bemular (Ultraman)
Source: ULTRAMAN ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULT
While we now know that Bemular is not an enemy within the Science Patrol, many aliens lost their home planets due to the Ultraman species, and Bemular is a hated presence in their eyes. However, there are still many mysteries surrounding him, including why he tried to save the plane. The story is becoming increasingly complicated, and it seems a strange love square will develop between the Council, the Darkness, Earth, and Bemular and his allies. Whose side will Bemular be on?
The Mystery of Bemular and Ultraman
One thing we still don't know is why Ultraman is dressed as or assimilated with a different species, Bemular. There are still few hints, so we'll just have to enjoy the story until it's revealed!
Bemular's Final Words
The story is far from over, and with an anime adaptation already confirmed, it looks like it will be a fun show for fathers and children to watch together! I used to watch Ultraman and Kamen Rider a lot as a kid, and I remember my dad buying me transformation merchandise. Dads out there, why not watch it with your sons and reminisce about the good old days?
ULTRAMAN Merchandise
With the anime airing, the number of related merchandise has increased! While there are many different products 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
