8.5 / 10 (based on 373 reviews)
The 18th show in Tsuburaya Productions’ ULTRA series. Komon Kazuki is the latest member of TLT, a secret organization that destroy the invading “space beasts”.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Main Cast: Takuji Kawakubo, Yasue Satô, Tamotsu Ishibashi, Masami Horiuchi
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 37 episodes, 24-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Ultraman Nexus (2004)
Urutoraman Zetto (2020)
7.8 / 10 (based on 258 reviews)
The newest Ultra Hero is Ultraman Zett, the disciple of Ultraman Zero, who is now celebrating his tenth anniversary. An admirer of Zero, Zett worked hard to become a member of the “Inter Galactic Defense Force.” With a passion inherited from his teacher Zero, Zett is an Ultraman who always looks forward and forges ahead.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Koshu Hirano, Rima Matsuda, Hikari Kuroki, Takaya Aoyagi
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 26 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
Urutoraman Ôbu (2016)
8.1 / 10 (based on 202 reviews)
Ultraman Orb, a warrior of light, battles monsters and aliens threatening Earth.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Hideo Ishiguro, Miyabi Matsuura, Naoto Takahashi, Hiroaki Nerio
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 26 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
Ultraman X (2015)
7.6 / 10 (based on 158 reviews)
A solar flare has awakened Spark Dolls from the depths of the earth and the ocean. Fifteen years later, Daichi Ozora transforms into Ultraman X to battle threats from both aliens and monsters.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Kensuke Takahashi, Akane Sakanoue, Yoshihiko Hosoda, Ukyô Matsumoto
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 24 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Ultraman Rûbu (2018)
7.5 / 10 (based on 119 reviews)
When two brothers with clashing personalities obtain incredible powers, they focus on overcoming their differences to defend Earth as a superhero team.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Yuya Hirata, Ryosuke Koike, Arisa Sonohara, Ginnojô Yamazaki
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 25 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
Urutoraman Taiga (2019)
7.7 / 10 (based on 96 reviews)
Aliens have been emigrating to Earth secretly, but only a handful knows about this truth. Living in such a society, Hiroyuki Kudo begins working at a private security organization E.G.I.S. The organization takes care of cases related with aliens, and Hiroyuki works day and night to protect peace.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Yuki Inoue, Ayuri Yoshinaga, Ryôtarô, Kou Nanase
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 26 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
Urutoraman: Kûsô tokusatsu shirîzu (1965)
7.9 / 10 (based on 874 reviews)
A human member of a defense force is given the life and ability to change into a giant super-hero to battle the monsters that wreaks havoc on Earth.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Main Cast: Susumu Kurobe, Sandayû Dokumamushi, Masaya Nihei, Bin Furuya
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 40 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Ultraman Jîdo (2017)
7.8 / 10 (based on 155 reviews)
After escaping from the raid of giant monster Skull Gomora, Riku Asakura and his partner Pega stumbled upon a secret base lied 500 m underground. Given the Geed Riser and Ultra Capsules by operating system Rem, he transforms into Ultraman Geed and becomes a hero that his childhood inspired.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Tatsuomi Hamada, Chihiro Yamamoto, Megumi Han, Yûta Ozawa
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 26 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
In the world of television, especially when it comes to the realm of tokusatsu (special effects) series, there’s a treasure trove of shows that have left an indelible mark on pop culture. Among these, the Ultraman series stands tall, a franchise that has captivated audiences for decades with its unique blend of monster-fighting heroes and intricate storytelling. Within this storied lineage, “Ultraman Nexus” (2004) emerges as a noteworthy entry, diverging from its predecessors in tone, narrative depth, and character development. Let’s take a closer look at what sets Ultraman Nexus apart and why it remains a significant piece of the Ultraman saga.
The Premise
At its core, Ultraman Nexus adopts the familiar premise of the Ultraman series: a giant hero battles monstrous creatures (known as Space Beasts) to protect Earth. However, Nexus takes a darker, more mature approach to this formula. The show is set in a world where the existence of these monsters is kept secret from the public by an organization called TLT (Terrestrial Liberation Trust). This secrecy adds a layer of intrigue and complexity to the narrative, as characters navigate the challenges of fighting an unseen war while dealing with personal demons and ethical dilemmas.
Characters and Development
One of the standout features of Ultraman Nexus is its focus on character development. Unlike many tokusatsu series where characters can sometimes feel one-dimensional, Nexus invests deeply in its cast, making their journeys and growth central to the story.
Komon Kazuki
The protagonist, Komon Kazuki, is a young recruit to the Night Raiders (a special team within TLT tasked with combating the Space Beasts). Unlike traditional heroes who are chosen because of their exceptional skills or lineage, Komon is an everyman, relatable in his fears and uncertainties. His growth from a naive recruit to a seasoned fighter, and eventually becoming the host for Ultraman Nexus, is a compelling narrative arc that offers a fresh take on the hero’s journey.
Other Key Characters
- Nagi Saijyo and Shiori Hiraki, fellow Night Raiders, offer contrasting perspectives on duty and morality, enriching the show’s exploration of its themes.
- The mysterious “Other” Ultraman, who appears sporadically, challenges the notion of what it means to be a hero in this universe.
Themes and Tone
Nexus distinguishes itself with its exploration of themes such as secrecy, the burden of knowledge, and the cost of war. The decision to keep the battle against the Space Beasts a secret from the public leads to ethical quandaries and personal conflict among the characters, providing a thought-provoking commentary on the nature of heroism and sacrifice.
The tone of the series is markedly darker than its predecessors. This is not just a show about defeating monsters; it’s a narrative that isn’t afraid to delve into the psychological toll of constant battle and the shadows that lurk within its heroes. This mature approach allows for a more nuanced and emotionally resonant story.
Visuals and Special Effects
Despite being a show from 2004, Ultraman Nexus impresses with its special effects and suitmation (a technique where actors wear suits to portray monsters and heroes). The design of both the Ultraman Nexus suit and the Space Beasts is intricate, blending traditional tokusatsu aesthetics with a modern flair. The battles, a hallmark of the Ultraman series, are well choreographed, combining physical stunts with CGI in a way that feels both grounded and spectacular.
Legacy
While Ultraman Nexus may not have been the most popular entry in the franchise during its initial run, its legacy has grown over time. Fans and critics alike have come to appreciate the show’s ambitious storytelling, character depth, and thematic richness. Nexus has been praised for pushing the boundaries of what a tokusatsu series can be, influencing subsequent entries in the Ultraman franchise and beyond.
Influence on the Ultraman Series
Following Nexus, the Ultraman series continued to explore more complex narratives and character-driven stories, a trend that can be traced back to the groundwork laid by Nexus. It proved that the franchise could evolve and adapt, remaining relevant and engaging for new generations of viewers.
Cult Following
Over the years, Ultraman Nexus has garnered a dedicated fan base. Its unique approach to the Ultraman mythos, combined with its darker tone and deeper narrative, has resonated with audiences looking for more than just monster battles in their tokusatsu entertainment.
Conclusion
Ultraman Nexus stands as a bold experiment within the Ultraman series, one that dared to tread new ground both thematically and narratively. Its focus on character development, combined with a more mature and thought-provoking approach to storytelling, sets it apart from many of its contemporaries. While it may have been underappreciated at the time of its release, its influence on the genre and its growing legacy as a cult favorite underscore its importance in the Ultraman saga. For fans of tokusatsu, Ultraman Nexus is a must-watch, offering a unique and compelling experience that challenges and expands the boundaries of what a superhero show can be.