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Join MJ for a discussion of Ultraman on the Ultraman Day. What do you love about Ultraman?
Read my Ultraman-Inspired Story for kids
Blogified Transcript
Ultraman Day 2024: Reflections on Imagination and Storytelling
Happy Ultraman Day, fellow tokusatsu enthusiasts! It’s July 10th, 2024, and as an Ultraman fan (though perhaps not quite an “Ultramaniac”), I wanted to share some thoughts on recent developments in the franchise.
With Ultraman Arc just starting and Ultraman Rising becoming a family favorite in my household, I’ve been pondering Tsuburaya’s recent emphasis on imagination. It’s a theme explicitly referenced in Arc, with Yuma being told to “unleash your imagination,” and it’s central to their recent promotional efforts.
At first glance, this focus on imagination might seem at odds with Ultraman’s relatively consistent visual style. Compared to the wild variety we see in Kamen Rider or Super Sentai designs, Ultraman maintains a more cohesive look. But I’ve come to believe that Ultraman’s imagination lies deeper than surface-level aesthetics.
The Ultraman stories I’ve enjoyed most have captured my imagination in profound ways. They’re thoughtful properties that resonate with truth and stay with you long after watching. Take Ultraman Rising, for example. Its unique animation style might be divisive, but the story structure and world-building aspects spark the imagination in unexpected ways.
Similarly, Ultraman Arc presents us with a fresh universe full of unstated questions. It’s been 16 years since K-Day, there were seven kaiju that first appeared – these details invite the audience to engage more deeply with the story and the world.
This approach to storytelling, I believe, is what Tsuburaya means when they talk about imagination being core to Ultraman. It’s not about creating the most outlandish designs, but about crafting narratives that stick in your mind and encourage you to think beyond what’s explicitly shown.
As we celebrate Ultraman Day, I’m excited to see how this focus on imagination continues to shape the franchise. Whether it’s through innovative animation like Rising or intriguing new series like Arc, Ultraman continues to prove that sometimes, the most powerful imagination is the one that leaves room for the audience to fill in the gaps.
I’m looking forward to diving deeper into Ultraman Rising in a future post. Until then, make it an ultra day and be your ultra best self!
Don’t forget to check out MJMunoz.com for more of my work, and let me know your thoughts on Ultraman’s approach to imagination in the comments!
MJ Muñoz 