Ultraman is one of the giant hero legends that has captivated people worldwide for nearly 60 years. In 2019, a major return in animation form brought excitement to fans once again. ULTRAMAN, the Netflix anime, presents a story set decades after the original, focusing on Shinjiro Hayata, son of Shin Hayata, the astronaut who once hosted Ultraman. This new adventure is full of thrilling action and thought-provoking conflicts.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The series begins in a peaceful world after Ultraman's departure. Shinjiro Hayata, a high school student living a simple life, discovers he has special powers from Ultraman's DNA inherited from his father. When alien threats emerge again, Shinjiro must don the Ultraman suit to protect Earth. The story moves quickly with intense battles and complex relationships between characters, especially Bemular, an alien who becomes an ally, and Rena Sayama, a close friend hiding her own secrets.
Performance and Characters
Though an anime, the voice acting by the main cast is excellent. Ryohei Kimura voices Shinjiro perfectly, capturing both his gentleness and determination. Hideyuki Tanaka as Shin Hayata, the former hero father, conveys his concern for his son well. Kaji Soze as Bemular gives a mysterious and intriguing voice. Each character has depth and development, especially Ide, the loyal friend, and Edo, a comedic character who lightens the mood.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Directed by Kenji Kamiyama and produced by Production I.G. (in collaboration with Sola Digital Arts), the visuals are beautiful and fluid. The blend of 3D CGI and 2D makes action scenes dynamic and powerful, especially the sleek, modern Ultraman suit design. The music by Kohei Tanaka fits the atmosphere, enhancing emotion and excitement in key scenes.
Editorial Analysis
ULTRAMAN anime is not just a remake or continuation of the legend; it's a bold and interesting reinterpretation. The editorial team finds the series deeply handles themes of legacy and responsibility. Shinjiro must contend with societal expectations and the pressure of being a hero's son. The conflict between humans and aliens subtly reflects real-world racial issues. However, some parts of the story feel rushed and have minor plot holes, but overall, it's an enjoyable and thought-provoking series.
Verdict
ULTRAMAN (2019) is a well-made anime with great action and story. It's suitable for both old fans wanting a new take on the legend and general viewers who enjoy sci-fi hero series. If you're looking for an exciting, intense, and layered series, this is a must-watch.
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👍 Pros
- +Exciting action and beautiful visuals
- +Characters with depth and engaging development
- +Fresh reinterpretation of the Ultraman legend
- +Excellent voice acting in both Thai and Japanese
👎 Cons
- −Some parts feel rushed with plot holes
- −May not please old fans expecting tradition
- −First season is relatively short (13 episodes)
Top Cast
FAQ
It's quite different. This version is a CGI anime focusing on Shinjiro, the son of the original Ultraman, using an armor suit instead of transforming into a giant. The storytelling is more intense and modern.
There are 3 seasons totaling 31 episodes: Season 1 has 13 episodes, Seasons 2 and 3 have 9 episodes each.
No, this series can be watched standalone as it tells a new story. However, old fans will enjoy it more due to references to the original.
It's suitable for children aged 10 and up due to some violence and complex content, but it has fun action and inspiring themes.
