When asked which character from Japan is the most iconic, I personally believe that’s tough to answer. It’s either Gojira or Ultraman. While everyone knows who the former is and why he came to be, a sense of mystery still surrounds The Origin of Ultraman. A quick look online reveals a deceptively simple narrative: he is an alien who came to Earth to protect humanity. And, to be fair, Gamera is niche.
Yet, when debating which of the two franchises is truly recognized as an institution, I would argue it is Ultraman, hands down. Yu Nakamura and Kazuki Yoshida’s excellent documentary not only provides terrific insights from filmmakers, artists and historians around the world about how Tohl Narita shaped the iconic face and costume design, but also reveals what went on in his mind behind all the creature designs he sketched out too. This work also firmly shows why this hero is so beloved from the perspective of many individuals.
Myself, I firmly believe the credit belongs to Narita and Eiji Tsuburaya. Without these two men, this alien from Nebula M78 would not be who he is today. I particularly loved the commentary from Narita’s son, Kairi, who explained how the hero’s aesthetic actually dates back to Greco-Roman times. Although its original purpose was completely different, Ultraman’s “Archaic Smile” deeply resonated with the masses. That subtle grin is perhaps the secret behind why this silver-and-red costumed hero remains so timeless.
When compared to Superman or Spider-Man, Ultraman’s heroic garb of red and blue feels just as universal. Though neither of those American heroes features silver spandex, the distinct bug-eyed lenses that form Ultraman’s gaze feel uniquely global. In fact, this specific eye shape stands out far more than the Web-Slinger’s mask, making him instantly recognizable from miles away.
To achieve this iconic look, the silver rocketman’s designer adhered strictly to three rigid rules:
Monsters must not be mere “specters” with lazy asymmetry.
Narita adamantly refused to create monsters by simply slapping on extra body parts. Every creature had to look like a biologically cohesive, functionally sound entity, no matter how alien.
Monsters must not simply be enlarged, giant animals.
Drawing on his background as an art historian, Narita utilized surrealism, abstraction and the fusion of different biological concepts to craft original beasts.
No designs associated with damaged, mangled or exposed body parts.
Unlike many modern monster films from Hollywood, Narita completely avoided gore and mutilation. He firmly believed that monsters should look “dignified,” meaning physical decay was strictly forbidden.
Serving as much more than a simple love letter or tribute, the documentary beautifully explores the legendary creators of Ultraman alongside the modern directors who were profoundly influenced by him. I couldn’t help but laugh at the anecdotes.
Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro revealed how he was inspired to run around the streets wearing a tin can on his head, while Swedish director Nicolas Winding Refn was impacted in his own, less dramatic fashion. These stories perfectly reveal how the series shaped these talents, who later adapted elements of the show’s direction into their own filmmaking styles. Even Hideaki Anno speaks extensively about how the franchise heavily influenced his own landmark works, namely Neon Genesis Evangelion.
For newcomers, the documentary masterfully handles the “story within the story” by providing all the necessary background. And if you are discovering this hero for the first time, this film does an excellent job of getting you up to speed.
Shinji Higuchi, director of Shin Ultraman, recognized that the character’s history needed a bit of a revamp to be screened successfully for global audiences. Anno knew it too when he outlined plans to pen a cinematic trilogy, beginning with Shin Ultraman and potentially continuing with Zoku Shin Ultraman and Shin Ultraseven. Sadly, we are all still waiting for that official green light for the future films to turn on.
While there are no new updates regarding Anno’s plans, we should all be incredibly grateful to celebrate this 60th anniversary milestone with such a fantastic documentary. And, of course, there is the exciting debut of Ultraman Teo! More celebrations
5 Stars out of 5
Fantasis 2026 Presentation
After the Screening of The Origin of Ultraman
