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 series. The story involves the protagonist, Hayata Shinjiro, battling monsters as Ultraman, but the setting and background are quite different. We would like to introduce you to the protagonist of this series, Hayata Shinjiro.
Shinjiro Hayata, who inherited the Ultraman Gene
Why he possesses the Ultraman Gene
Source: ULTRAMAN ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULT
Shinjiro Hayata, the father of the protagonist Shinjiro, was a former member of the Science Patrol. However, when he died in an accident, his life was saved by assimilating with Ultraman. As Ultraman, he fought monsters plotting to invade Earth and maintained peace. However, Ultraman was defeated in the final battle with Zetton. Zoffy appeared at that moment, separating Ultraman and Shinjiro Hayata, and they were resurrected. The Ultraman gene possessed by Shinjiro, who had assimilated with Ultraman, was passed on to his son, Shinjiro, and he also possessed it.
Possessing the Ultraman Gene
What does it mean to possess the Ultraman Gene? Shinjiro has been incredibly strong since he was a child, seemingly able to fall from a third-story building without any problems. As a high school student, he displays incredible strength, but he seems to generally exercise restraint in his daily life. There seems to be a close relationship between the Ultraman gene and his battles as Ultraman, but this connection remains unclear.
The Trigger for Shinjiro Hayata to Become Ultraman
The Battle with Bemular
Source: ULTRAMAN ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULT
One day as a high school student, Shin Hayata, acting as Ultraman, went into battle to protect Shinjiro, who was attacked by Bemular. He succeeds in saving Shinjiro, but is too old to defeat Bemular. Then Shinjiro reappears wearing an Ultraman-type powered suit. He successfully defeats Bemular and saves his father, Hayata Shin. This is where the story of how he becomes Ultraman begins.
Who is Bemular, the original enemy?
Source: ULTRAMAN ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULT
This is the first time Shinjiro dons the Ultraman suit and faces Bemular. As he leaves, he refers to himself as Bemular, his original enemy. Bemular is said to be a demonic monster that disturbs the peace of the universe, and Hayata Shin loses his life when he comes into contact with Ultraman, who is pursuing Bemular, and ends up assimilating with Ultraman. In this film, Bemular appears to be the villain, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Surprisingly, he was actually the Ultraman who had originally assimilated with Hayata Shin. However, there are still many mysteries surrounding him, and the details are not yet known.
Shinjiro Hayata Decides to Become Ultraman
The Appearance of Moroboshi
Source: ULTRAMAN ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULT
After his battle with Bemular, Shinjiro is tasked with becoming Ultraman, but he still feels uneasy about the idea of killing aliens and is unsure whether to become Ultraman. Meanwhile, Moroboshi also puts on an Ultraman-type suit, commonly known as Seven, and begins acting as Ultraman. Shinjiro seems to be jealous of him. This is also the time when he gradually begins to become aware of the importance of acting as Ultraman. Incidentally, Moroboshi is an alien.
The Birth of a New Ultraman
Source: ULTRAMAN ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULT
During the battle with the mercenaries, Moroboshi releases his limiter. Edo observes him and says, "A new Ultraman is born." There have been many turning points in his life up until now, such as when he gained the ability to fly, but it may have been this battle that solidified his identity as Ultraman. How will he be involved in the story going forward?
Ultraman Shinjiro Hayata and Rena Sayama
Source: ULTRAMAN ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULT
Idol Rena Sayama became a fan of Ultraman after being saved by him. Her father is a detective. Her live performance was also the setting for the incident involving the former prince of Planet Igaru. One day, Sayama Rena goes to the Giant of Light Memorial Museum and dresses up. She ends up talking to Shinjiro, who happens to be there, and it seems that Sayama Rena has feelings for Ultraman. However, Shinjiro is in a tricky position, as he can't bring himself to call himself Ultraman, yet he thinks Sayama Rena is cute. Will their romance progress in the future?
Ultraman Shinjiro Hayata's Specium Ray
Source: ULTRAMAN ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULT
In fact, the Specium Ray is one of the functions built into the Ultraman suit. During his first battle with Bemular, he was able to activate it by stacking the connectors. Seeing an old technique like this pop up in a world view that's so far removed from the original makes me feel nostalgic. Incidentally, it's known that his father, Bemular, also uses the Specium Ray.
Ultraman Hayata Shinjirou: The Finale
Source: ULTRAMAN ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULT
The story is still far from over, and an anime adaptation has been confirmed. It looks like it would be a fun show for fathers and children to watch together! I used to watch Ultraman and Kamen Rider a lot as a child, and I remember my father buying me transformation gadgets. Dads, 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!
