'Ultraman' Season 2 Review: Remarkable action sequences define the sequel season
DISCLAIMER - SPOILERS AHEAD
Netflix's latest anime series 'Ultraman' kicks off by showcasing a gigantic red and silver sleek armor adorned figure, complete with yellow eyes and a glowing blue orb protruding from his chest. Who is this strange being?
This Japanese superhero, popularly known as Ultraman, would soon be the ideal prototype for several movies under the Kyodai Hero genre of Tokusatsu films, the Japanese term for a live-action movie. Further, an action-packed superhero series is sure to spawn decades worth of sequels to the Ultraman Universe. What's special about the Ultraman? For starters, he is one of the very first Kyodai Heroes, one that transforms into monster-sized beings to fight aliens, and other creatures.
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The series' plot revolves around the mass disappearance of human life from the Earth for which, alien organization Dark Star is to blame. This seems pretty eerie and has an intriguing, horror-like premise throughout.
One of the definite pros of the 6-part series is Ultraman’s fight scenes. Who doesn't like some solid one-on-one counterattacks, coupled with superhero powers and martial arts? The said fight scenes may even remind you of the ones in 'Power Rangers' when the Rangers locked horns with giant monsters and beasts.
While some viewers may be game for uniquely implemented and out-of-the-blue battle scenes, it may seem monotonous for others. In addition, all six human hosts or the Ultramen, Shinjiro Hayata (Ultraman), Shin Hayata (Zoffy), Dan Moroboshi (Seven), Seiji Hokuto (Ace), Jack (Jack), and Kotaro Higashi (Taro), play equally important roles in eradicating the alien force, saving humanity and bringing back the lives of those disappeared.
In terms of visuals, the contrasting, colorful costumes of Ultraman definitely stand out, giving off an elite superhero vibe. Ultraman's signature suit gives up the spandex for a classy, sleek metal armor that is sure to make Marvel characters a tad jealous. The pro here? The sleek design might just pave the way and open doors to several viewers, who are more familiar with the action genre of anime when compared to the live-action Tokusatsu films.
One of the best scenes in the series is when Kotaro Higashi (Taro) transforms into a literal fire man, not being able to contain his superhero powers. This scene in particular stands a class apart due to the graphics involved to deliver.
What's different about Netflix’s 'Ultraman' as opposed to the original and many others within the Ultraman lineage is that it screams live-action for CGI animation. It also gets rid of the supersizing of Ultraman, thereby allowing all the action sequences to take on more frenetic and fluid energy increased tenfold.
'Ultraman' was re-introduced by Netflix in 2019. The series is based on a Manga series of the same name by Eiichi Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi. Having said that, the show has a strong fanbase and even has a rating of 6.8 out of 10 on IMDb, making its way on the famous MyAnimeList as well.
Season 2 of 'Ultraman' was released on April 14, 2022, on Netflix.
