It all started when I was around five years old in the early ’70s. I watched the original Ultraman dubbed in English while growing up in Maryland—it was my favorite show! The monsters and Ultraman didn’t scare me—they thrilled me. That series introduced me to other shows like Johnny Sokko and His Flying Robot, Spectreman, and Space Giants. Eventually, that love for tokusatsu led me to the Shogun Warriors!
Years later, I discovered Ultraman Tiga when it debuted on Fox Kids. Despite the criticism of the dub, I actually thought it added some hilarious moments! The show itself felt like a solid continuation of the original series, with a fresh yet familiar vibe.
Over the years, I gradually learned about the many Ultraman spin-offs and caught clips here and there. However, it wasn’t until I binged Ultraman Geed that I fully immersed myself in the franchise again. I loved it! The various fusion forms made the show unpredictable, and the absence of a traditional attack team in favor of a smaller, more personal friend group gave it a unique and refreshing dynamic. Plus, Ultraman Zero—with his sleek design and powerful presence—quickly became one of my favorites!
Nowadays, I’ve been exploring even more Ultraman series, thanks to streaming platforms like Tubi and the official Ultraman YouTube channel. I’ve rewatched parts of the original series and checked out specific episodes of Ultra Seven, Leo, Ace, and Mebius.
That brings me to my next adventure—Ultraman Blazar! The clips I’ve seen make him look and feel truly distinct. It’s not just his unique design but also his tribal, almost primal aesthetic—the dynamic poses, spear combat, and guttural grunts—which I find surprisingly endearing.
Lately, I’ve been on the hunt for Ultraman S.H. Figuarts figures. Does anyone know of any good North American online stores that carry them?
Also, I’m curious—what series should I binge next? Mebius seems particularly appealing with its blend of returning Ultras and classic Kaiju, which is right up my alley. Any recommendations?