Between Duty and Obligation, Ultraman Rising Delivers DreamWorks Style Quality To This Japanese IP

Coming to Netflix Nov 14, 2024

Just how many Ultramen exist depends on who you ask. With Netflix hosting its own series simply titled after this hero (which feels like a rehash of Iron Man Armoured Adventures) and also Ultraman Rising, the count has unofficially increased by two. Back in 2013, Tsuburaya Productions acknowledged thirty-six heroes existed since Ultra Q’s debut in 1966. As for how many more have existed since then, I believe at least eight have been added

Here, Ken Sato (Yuki Yamada) is an all American baseball star by day, and a Japanese hero by night. The only reason he’s pulling double duty is that his father, who was the previous incarnation, suffered an injury. Someone said it’s best for him to come home.

Even though everybody in Japan loves Ultraman, not everyone agrees. There are other folks who see him as a vigilante. Dr. Onda (Fumihiko Tachiki) is kind of like Harvey Bullock in the Batman universe; he’s a staunch opponent, although both protect Japan from monsters. This scientist leads the Kaiju Defence Force whereas the sports personality is solo. And that attitude won’t get him far in a sport dependent on teamwork.

But there’s more to hate about this scientist as the film progresses. Writer/director Shannon Tindle handles revealing just how unhinged this person is with care. There were times I could sympathise. He lost his wife and daughter following the last rampage, but to take it out on the wrong person hints at an issue common in many a giant monster movie. We never get to witness the potential PTSD that results after, and this work is great at offering a work that is just as good as Godzilla Minus One, but it’s coming from a “bad guy’s” perspective.

Meanwhile, Ken has his own problems to face. After a fight with Gigantron, another kaiju, Ultraman saves an egg from being taken by the KDF! I wasn’t sure if I’d like the next act or not, but overall, to see this athlete juggle between getting to the next game, practice and raising a giant baby reptile is hilarious! The moments are as heartwarming as How to Train Your Dragon, and even sad when he realises she must be taken home.

Visually, what’s presented is just as amazing as a DreamWorks produced work. The beasts look like they are illustrated and animated by talents from this studio. But in truth, Industrial Light & Magic did the work, and created the exciting pop art spectacle that is the finale. They’ve gone all out to provide a film that not only honours what defines the franchise with some classic poses and zippy manga lines, but also recalls Iron Giant. The way Ultraman’s eyes glow is very telling.

And the Easter egg offered at the end is great at suggesting a sequel will delve into established lore. As for whether that will happen, it’s tough to say. There’s enough cute moments to excite young newcomers to become fans. Even though I haven’t seen every single past iteration, this latest has my seal of approval because this film assumes audiences know who Ultraman is. We can enjoy the action now, and learn why the Sato family are the designated protectors later.

5 Stars out of 5

Ultraman Rising Trailer

Author: Ed Sum

I'm a freelance videographer and entertainment journalist (Absolute Underground Magazine, Two Hungry Blokes, and Otaku no Culture) with a wide range of interests. From archaeology to popular culture to paranormal studies, there's no stone unturned. Digging for the past and embracing "The Future" is my mantra. View all posts by Ed Sum