Who Is Ultraman?
One of the greatest heroes of all time has arrived from the stars to defend humanity against a legion of destructive giant monsters and scheming aliens. As tall as a skyscraper, clad in red and white, and supremely powerful, only one name could properly convey the majesty of such a being—Ultraman.
Ultraman was the first of a number of Ultra Heroes, beings of light hailing from Nebula M78, who would protect the Earth for more than half a century now, each one unique in skill and arsenal, but united in purpose, and each deserving of the Ultraman title.
By bonding with human hosts or having a human incarnation, they only turn into Ultras in moments of great crisis with their personal transformation devices. These heroes are awe-inspiring…and yet imperfect. Each guardian, in their own way, must seek for resolutions to the postponed issues while they dedicate to restore order and maintain justice, if they—and their newfound allies—are to survive.
More than space warriors, Ultras also set an example for the human race. Their true goal is to help us elevate ourselves, realize our potential, and in doing so come to play a vital and positive role in the intergalactic community. Together, the Ultra Heroes will never abandon their struggle to bring courage, hope, and kindness to the universe.
Ultraman Series
The Ultraman Series of television shows and movies enter their 55th year in 2021. Within that venerable history, three distinct eras of storytelling have emerged, each presenting a distinct feel and style resonant with the times and audience expectations.
First Generation
The First Generation of the Ultraman Series, also known as Classic Ultraman, started with 1966's Ultra Q, and distinguished itself immediately with its emphasis on mystery and the bizarre, explaining and solving those strange situations with the power of science. The heroes who emerged in this time period, like the original Ultraman and Ultraseven, were bold and stoic beings of action, working to uncover the unknown and protect humanity from marauding Kaiju. In addition, despite the episodic nature of each series, the universe of Classic Ultraman maintained a strong continuity, with the heroes of earlier series often arriving to help their contemporaries, passing the torch to them, and even teaming together to form the fan favorite team, the Ultra Brothers.
Check out key Ultra Heroes here.
Check out key Kaiju here.
Second Generation
The Second Generation of the franchise, beginning with 1996's Ultraman Tiga, stood in contrast to the single canonical universe of the Classic series, exploring diverse and fascinating spins on the Ultraman concept. Frequently exploring perspectives and situations of non-human species that come into contact with the Giants of Light, the Second Generation promoted a diversity of beliefs and thoughts, with each Ultra hero being significantly different from those before and after.
Third Generation
The Third Generation, having begun with 2013's Ultraman Ginga, has drawn inspiration from many of the best qualities of its predecessors, while forging an entirely new identity. Focusing on the power of the bonds between individuals, the stories of the Third Generation have distinguished themselves with long-running, serialized plots and a greater unified continuity. The Ultra heroes form closer friendships with one another and with the humans around them, and those friendships prove to be key to solving problems, averting crises, and routing the forces of darkness.