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Join MJ for a discussion of Ultraman Arc 01. What did you think of it?
Read my Ultraman-Inspired Story for kids
Blogified Transcript
As a long-time Ultraman fan, I was excited to dive into the first episode of Ultraman Arc. I’m pleased to report that this new series takes the franchise in an intriguing direction, distinct from its predecessors like Ultraman Z and Blazar.
What struck me immediately was the decision to introduce Yuma as an established Ultraman. Skipping the origin story is a refreshing change, though I’m curious if we’ll get glimpses of how he became Ultraman Arc later on.
The connection between Yuma and Arc is fascinating. Unlike the language barriers in Ultraman Z or the primitive communication in Blazar, Arc speaks directly to Yuma, guiding him to “unleash his imagination.” This ties into Tsuburaya’s recent marketing push emphasizing imagination and creativity in their storytelling.
The manifestation of Yuma’s powers through imagination is a novel concept. I’m intrigued by the possibility of multiple forms hinted at in the opening sequence, a departure from Blazar’s single form change.
Yuma’s relationship with his Ultra alter-ego feels genuinely alien and foreign, but in a way that’s distinct from previous iterations. There’s a sense of wonder and gratitude when he transforms, suggesting a complex dynamic between host and Ultra.
I appreciate the focus on protecting citizens rather than just battling kaiju. Though the focus is different, it feels akin to the balance spoken of in Ultraman Rising. The on-screen timer during fights is a nice touch, and I hope they maintain consistency with the three-minute time limit.
The action sequences are interesting, with Yuma’s movements appearing somewhat stiff and childlike. It’s as if he’s still learning to control his Ultra form, with Arc coaching him through battles.
I’m curious to see how the series handles the nature of kaiju. The parasites infecting Shagong hint at a more nuanced approach to these creatures, which I hope the show explores further.
The supporting cast seems promising, with the smaller core team at SKIP offering potential for interesting dynamics. I particularly enjoyed Mr. Ishido bringing an espresso machine to the coffee-deprived office!
As the series progresses, I’m looking forward to seeing how Yuma develops as Ultraman Arc, how the relationship between SKIP and the Space Defense Force unfolds, and what larger threats might emerge.
It’s great to be back reviewing tokusatsu after focusing on my book for so long. I’m excited to continue sharing my thoughts on Ultraman Arc and other series. Don’t forget to check out MJMunoz.com for more of my work, and let me know your thoughts on the episode in the comments!
P.S.
I forgot to mention a few things in the original audio/video I made. I love a couple visuals in the show 1) seeing people watching Arc from within a building was cool, especially when he cracked the glass as he used it for support to get back up 2) during the transformation, Arc HUGS Yuma. That is adorable and it feels like it is meaningful. It leads me to some speculation I won’t indulge in at the moment, but it reinforces the child-like and innocent vibe I get from Yuma
MJ Muñoz 