WHO'S WHO 2

Ultraman Neos

Ultra Stats

Height: 58 meters
Weight: 59,000 tons
Flight Speed: Mach 30
Running Speed: unknown
Home Planet: The Land of Light, Nebula M78
Human Form: Genki Kagura
Transformation Item: Estraller
Team: HEART (Hi-tech Earth Alert and Rescue Team... also spelled HRT) - Captain Minato, Genki Kagura, Uematsu, Hino, Nana, Ayumi, Secretary Fujiwara
Episodes: 12
Video Release Date: November 22, 2000

Weapons

• Neo Magnium Ray
• Ultra Multi Beam
• Ultra Eddy Beam

Comments by Absolute Ultraman!

A young, brave warrior of the elite YUHSHI SHIREI BU (Warrior Command Group). Neos was originally designed to appear in a new series with Ultraseven21 in the mid-90's, but this did not materialize (a two-Ultraman series concept that was used later in 'Ultraman Gaia'). Details about this original series proposal below.

Despite the original rejection and no hope of their own series, Neos and Seven21 seemed to have been accepted into the Ultra canon immediately, and had been used in group photos and live-action shows beginning in 1995.

Fortunately, after the success of several Ultra projects that ensued, the Neos/Seven21 concept was dusted off and repackaged as a direct-to-video series... Tsuburaya Production's Millennium project. Much of the staff are being rolled over from working on the recently-completed 'Ultraseven' videos. Filming was slated to commence 6/14/2000, and the first four episodes are to be released on DVD and VHS on November 22, 2000. Twelve 30-minute episodes are scheduled. Zoffy (and only Zoffy) will be making appearances, thus establishing that these are the first new Ultra heroes in a long while to be a part of the original Ultra universe. However, in episode 1, HEART doesn't seem to recognize Neos or the Ultraman concept, and the captain orders them to attack "the giant."

Set in the year 200X, strange phenomena (usually in the form of monsters and aliens) start showing up again as Earth passes through the dark matter of an "Unbalance Zone." If you watch the monitors closely in episode 1, you will notice some more faux English in action again.... they have a thing that says "Unbalance Keyward." A misspelling of "keyword." (let's not even go into the use of "unbalance" as an adjective instead of a verb, which is something Tsuburaya Productions has been doing since back in the days of Ultra Q...)

At the (ahem) heart of the series is "love, courage, and 'ROMAN'". 'Roman' is a Japanese false cognate that defies translation. Several of you have suggested that it is translated as "romance," but this is not the case. It refers more to "otoko no roman," or the 'roman' of a man. It kind of has to do with the dreams and aspirations and trials and tribulations of what it is to being a man, or being human. But it has nothing to do with the mushy stuff that happens between couples.

Moreover, like the name of the support team, the theme of the show wil be all about "HEART." HEART is formed to deal with the Unbalance Zone phenomena. All I know is, this support team had better have a cool monster-destroying strategy code-named the "HEART Attack", or I will be severely disappointed. Then again, we never did get to see a Big MAC Attack in Ultraman Leo, so I'd better not get my hopes up too high. HEART's uniforms are low-budget and their headquarter looks like a stripped down cafeteria, but what do you expect from a direct-to-video. But don't worry, HEART puns abound. Their fighters are called HEART Winners and the aerial carrier is the HEART Warmer. Their SUV is called the HEART Beater SX, and some conscientious HEART members rush in to move some road blocks out of the way so as not to mar the paint as it crashes into a haunted mine shaft. It can convert into a hovercraft, with a shielded defense mode.

Genki Kagura, like his first name in Japanese, is full of energy. His name is "Miracle Man," like some old Ultramen we know. 

Ultraseven 21

Ultra Stats                     

Height: 56 meters
Weight: 57,000 tons
Flight Speed: Mach 26
Running Speed: unknown
Home Planet: The Land of Light, Nebula M78
Human Form: had no fixed human form, but had the ability to take on different human forms as the need arises.

Weapons

• Adorium Ray
• Verzard: An Eye-Slugger type boomerang blade
• Rejia Shot

Comments by Absolute Ultraman!

A member of the Space Garrison and the UCHUH HOANCHOH (Space Security Department). When he was about to be assigned to the Earth, some emergency prevented him from leaving his post. So the Security Department requested assistance from the Warrior Command Group. They sent the younger Ultraman Neos, and Seven21 ends up being more of a backup for Neos.

Ultraseven21 (pronounced "Ultraseven two-one") was originally designed to appear in a new series with Ultraman Neos, but this never materialized (a two-Ultraman series concept that was used later in 'Ultraman Gaia'). Seven21 was accepted into the Ultra canon along with Ultraman Neos, however, and is used in group photos and live-action shows.

Ultraman Cosmos

Executive Summary

A kinder, gentler Ultra hero released in the summer of 2001 to coincide with the 35th anniversary of the original Ultraman. The launch of the TV show is quickly followed by a feature film prequel, and is the first time for an Ultra movie and TV series to be so closely linked. Following recent trends, Cosmos is another type-changing Ultraman, with the all-blue Luna and asymmetrical red and blue Corona modes. The modes represent a "gentle" side and a "strong" side, respectively. Later in the series, Cosmos also develops the "courageous" Eclipse mode, with a symmetrical blue, red, and gold design. The series was extended to 65 episodes, which makes it the longest-running in the franchise to date, although it was briefly canceled due to the arrest of the main actor for a crime he didn't commit. Later movies include even more modes.

Ultra Stats

Height: 47 meters
Weight: 42,000 tons
Modes: Luna (default), Corona, Eclipse. Post-series modes: Space Corona, Skeleton Corona (Phantom Cosmos), and Future.
Human Form: Musashi Haruno (a boy in the movie, which is a prelude to the TV show, which takes place 8 years later when he is a man)
Tranformation Item: Cosmo Pluck
Teams:

• Defense Army (Sharks) -- Commander Shigemura (Cosmos 1)
• SRC (Scientific Research Circle) -- Captain Akatsuki, Raiden, Kyohko, Icninose, Kido, Sakaguchi (Cosmos 1)
• Team EYES (Elite Young Expert Squadron) -- Captain Hiura, Fubuki, Musashi, Deputy-Captain Shinobu, Ayano, Doigaki (Cosmos TV)
• Team SEA -- Captain Kido, Hyuhga, Makabe, Kanoh (Cosmos 2)

Episodes: 65
First Broadcast: July 7, 2001 - June 8, 2002; and July 20, 2002 - TBD (special alternate ending epiodes aired on June 22 and June 29, 2002 because of the short-lived cancelation scandal); MBS/TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System, NOT Turner) Saturdays 6 PM
Feature Films:
'Ultraman Cosmos: The First Contact', 7/20/2001 (Shochiku studio). Toshihiro Ihjima, director,
'Ultraman Cosmos 2: The Blue Planet', 8/3/2002. (Shochiku studio) 'Ultraman Cosmos vs. Ultraman Justice: The Final Battle', summer, 2003. (Shochiku studio)

Luna Mode

(pictured above)
Luna Stats:
Atmospheric Flight Speed: mach 7
Running Speed: mach 2
Aquatic Speed: mach 1
Subterranean Speed: mach 1.2
Jumping Height: 1000 meters

Luna Abilities:

• Luna Shootless: Takes away the energy of his opponent.
• Reverse Spike: Shoots back an enemy's weapon.
• Full-Moon Rect: Calming Ray.
• Luna mode can deflect all enemy attacks by spinning rapidly

The blue and silver Luna Mode is Cosmos' default state. In Luna Mode, he never wounds or hurts opponents. He is a forgiving giant who tries to pacify enemies rather than destroy them. His many special powers are for doing things like blocking and defending himself and others. The center of the top of Cosmos' head is crowned with a crescent-shaped fin, which is decorated in front by a small blue lamp known as the "Moony Spot."

The Luna default represents Cosmos' pacifist essence, and shows that he is by nature a peaceful "dove". "Like the tender light of the moon, a blue giant of gentleness."

The overall effect is that he herds around monsters and comes across "more like an intergalactic zookeeper than a warrior," as Mike Fontaine says.

No wonder Cosmos has the name of a flower. Hippie.

Corona Mode

Corona Stats:
Atmospheric Flight Speed: mach 9
Running Speed: mach 2.5
Aquatic Speed: mach 1.5
Subterranean Speed: mach 2
Jumping Height: 1200 meters

Corona Weapons:

• Naybuster Ray: His primary weapon.
• Rage Whipper
• Blazing Wave: A wave of fire.
• Prominence Ball: A fireball.

Should the need arise, Cosmos can switch to the red, blue, and silver Corona Mode. It is used to combat hopelessly intractable foes who cannot be swayed from aggression and must not be forgiven. In this "super combat" Mode, he has increased power and speed and has many weapons. The swirling color patterns on Corona's body are designed asymmetrically, which is rare for an Ultra. Unlike all previous type-changing Ultras, Cosmos' head design changes when he switches between modes. Some dents appear on his forehead in Corona Mode, and a horizontal crease appears from the tops of his ears to above his eyes. The crescent fin is now wedge-shaped, and it is decorated in front by an oblong red gem known as the "Sunny Spot."

Corona Mode is "Like the burning flame of the sun, a red giant of battle."

However, since Luna Mode is his default, it is clear that Cosmos is still at heart a pacifistŠ it is not his true will to destroy his enemies. He will try to resolve conflicts in Luna Mode before having to resort to Corona Mode.

Eclipse Mode

Eclipse Stats:
Atmospheric Flight Speed (Eclipse Fly): Mach 16
Running Speed (Eclipse Run: Mach 3
Aquatic Speed (Eclispe Swim): Mach 2
Subterranean Speed (Eclipse Drill): Mach 1.5
Jumping Height (Eclipse Jump): 2200 m
Grasping Strength (Eclipse Power): 80,000 tons

Corona Weapons:
Goldenlight Barrier
Cosmium Beam: Cosmos' ultimate Ultra beam.
Eclipse Blade: a moon-shaped sword of light.

Introduced in episode 30, this third form of Ultraman Cosmos represents Cosmos' courageous side. He is a red, blue, silver, and gold giant, with a symmetrical design. The yellow that covers his chest and shoulders represents courage. The yellow gem on his fin is known as the "Pluck Spot."

Eclipse Mode is "Like the overflowing flare of when sun and moon overlap in an 'annular solar eclipse,' a mysterious giant" ('annular' means forming or shaped like a ring). Who comes up with these goofy mottos, anyway?

Comments by Absolute Ultraman!

This series is preceded by the feature film, Ultraman Cosmos: The First Contact.

The TV series takes place eight years after the events in the movie, when monsters are once again plaguing humanity. Now Musashi is a 19-year-old young man. He joins an wing of SRC known as Team EYES. Musashi encounters Cosmos again, and the two merge to defend the Earth.

As mentioned above, Cosmos starts off with two forms. The Luna-Corona dichotomy becomes less absolute as the Luna and Corona modes blend to form the inevitable third Eclipse mode later in the series.

Team EYES has aircraft known as Tecch Thunders. The Tecch Thunders have core modules onto which parts can be combined to create four variations. The EYES is a bit of a pun. In Japanese, it is pronouned JI AIZU. "AI" means love, and "JI-AI" is a more profound form of benevolent love. Later, Tech Spinners are introduced. Their car is known as the Shepherd (note that the car that serves as its base is a 100% electric vehicle.

The recurring villain in this series is the Chaos Header, a virus that either infects monsters or replicates them, creating a more violent and agressive version. Lidoriass, Golmédé, Clevergon, and even Ultraman Cosmos himself. Usually, you can distinguish the original monster from the infected monster becuase the infected one hs "Chaos" as a prefix in its name and has a head with a lot more junk on it. This series has a lot of monsters that pay homage to monster from the past. The Baltans are the most blatant example. Golmédé and Lidoriass are similar to Gomess and Litra in episode 1 of Ultra Q. There is also Supittol (with head-covering armored petals around his neck like Gabora of Ultraman episode 9), Gigi (with distinct black and white lines and three faces like Dada of Ultraman episode 28) and Mienin and Gamoran (like the perennial favorites, Pigmon and Garamon, respectively).

This series is followed by the feature film, Ultraman Cosmos: The Blue Planet, in which Cosmos gains a couple of new modes (Space Corona and Skeleton Corona). This in turn is followed by Ultraman Cosmos vs. Ultraman Justice: The Final Battle (Future mode).

Trivia

Ultraman Justice

Executive Summary

The 29th official Ultraman. Appears in the Ultraman Cosmos 2 movie and the Ultraman Cosmos vs. Ultraman Justice movie. One of the few Ultras who chooses a woman for a human form.

Ultra Stats

Height: 46 meters
Weight: 41,000 tons
Modes: Standard, Crusher
Atmospheric Flight Speed: mach 13
Running Speed: mach 3.5
Jumping Height: 1600 meters
Aquatic Speed: Mach 2
Subterranean Speed: Mach 2.5
Grasping Power: 90,000 tons
Human Form: Juli
Tranformation Item: Justice Lancer
First Appearance: 'Ultraman Cosmos 2: The Blue Planet', 8/3/2002. (Shochiku studio)
(Source(s): [UA, vol. 6, 2002], p. 9).

Weapons

Victorium Ray
Justice Punch
Justice Kick
(Source(s): [UA, vol. 6, 2002], p. 9).

Crusher Mode

Crusher Stats:

Crusher Weapons:

• Dagrium Ray

The second form of Justice, which makes a first appearance in the Ultrmaan Cosmos vs. Ultraman Justice movie. Plots harmony of the universe. Sides with the Grokers, who plan to annihilate life on Earth, and fights against Cosmos.

Comments by Absolute Ultraman!

Following the succession of themes established by Ultraman Cosmos (YASASHISA, TSUYOSA, YUHKI =Gentleness, Strength, Courage), this new Ultra's theme is "SEIGI" (Justice, as his name implies). He's powerful and rather feral, and is the "God Who Shines with Light" mentioned in the legends of the people of Shau and Jean. Like Cosmos, he is a kind warrior who defends the weak.

Takes an anti-Earth and anti-Cosmos stance in his second appearance. His human form is a woman, Juli. She is a mysterious alien who appears before Musashi as an advocate of universal justice.

Ultraman Legend 

Executive Summary

The 30th official Ultraman. A legendary warrior of golden light, who makes an appearance at the end of the movie, Ultraman Cosmos vs. Ultraman Justice: The Final Battle. (Source(s): [TPFC, vol. 72], p. 5).

Ultra Stats

TBD
First Appearance: 'Ultraman Cosmos vs. Ultraman Justice: The Final Battle,' 2003

Weapons

TBD

Comments by Absolute Ultraman!

This is all recent stuff, so that's about all I have for now. Please don't flood me with information, speculation, and questions...I will report what I find from the sources that I like to use given what little time I have to do so these days.

Not to be mistaken with Ultraman DENSETSU, which translates into English as "Ultraman Legend."

And yes, his looks will take some getting used to. 

Ultraman Millennium                                          

Executive Summary

Also called Ultraman Shu, Millennium is unauthorized by Tsuburaya Productions and is a creation by Chaiyo Production co., Ltd of Thailand. I include him here to provide information to fans who want to know. I have heard much from the Thai perspective on this issue... if I hear an official statement by Tsuburaya Productions on this issue, I will gladly upload that here as well. In the meantime, here is a link to Chaiyo's site.

Ultra Stats

Height: 40 meters
Weight: 40,000 tons
age: 2,000 years (according to Mong) or 2,600 years (according to Sukun T.)
Human Form: Captain Sho of AET's Unit III
Transformation Item: Warp Changer
Team: AET (Alien Eradicaion Team)

Weapons

• Lunar Blast Beam
• Extreme Wide Shot: He was instructed by Ultraseven and developed his style.
• Orion arrow
• Double arm shot
• Cross cutter

Comments by Absolute Ultraman!

Believe me, I wish the two companies could resolve the dispute to their mutual satisfaction. This is just a fan site... I don't want to have to take a position on this.

Personally, I am torn. One one hand, I think the more the merrier, and wish TPC would ease up and let the franchise go in new directions. On the other hand, I don't want to see them lose control of their own brand. Though some would argue that TPC gave away this control (and from what I hear, various courts agree that they have), the analogy I like to use is that I would hate to see Mickey Mouse produced by anyone other than Disney.

But anyway, here is the lowdown on the millennium guy. Information provided by Sukun Tan and Kamoltham W. (Mong) from Thailand.

Salient features of this Ultraman include:

• Blue eyes
• Flat color timer which can charge incredible energy and change shape when firing beams and can open a dimension gate to link between Earth and Nebula M-78
• Flexible body armor. His secrets are hidden in the flexi-armour stripes with numerous weapons and unlimited energy.

The overall effect is very reminiscent of Ultraman Powered.

Millennium comes to Earth in 2010.

Millennium's real name is Ultraman Shu (Shu isthe ancient Egyptian god of light and wind). He is a member of the Ultra Garrison, assigned to work on the Chaos moon at the edge of Nebula M78. This moon was involved in the fight with an invading monster army some 40,000 years ago, and is now used as a prison for bad aliens or monsters. During his stay at Chaos, Ultraman Shu invents his deadly weapon and names it ŒLunar Blast Ray¹ "which is no second to Storium ray of Ultraman Taroh" (I assume this means it's second only to the Storium Ray).

One day, Knuckle-seijin escapes from Chaos moon and goes to the Solar System. Shu pursues him to Io (a Jovian moon). There, human Captain Sho helps him arrest Knuckle, but is killed in the process. Ultraman Shu revives him, but apparently does not merge himself to Sho because he's not assigned to protect Earth at that time. (But I assume that he is asigned to be on Earth later).

Like Ultraman Cosmos, Ultraman Shu does not like violence. He always chooses the peaceful way to solve the problem, and no one is killed.

He was trained by Ultra Seven to use the Y-shot (Ultra seven deadly weapon) which he further developed into a new ŒExtreme Y-Shot¹ . Ultraman Shu does not like killing or exterminating even in the endangered situation of his life which he usually chooses to end the event without any loss of lives.

The Millennium staff is led by Mr Peerasit Saengduanchay.

The Controversy

As you may recall, Chaiyo Production Co., Ltd collaborated with Tsuburaya Productions to create "The Six Ultra Brothers vs. the Monster Army."

Chaiyo claims that it is the legitimate owner of the Ultraman franchise outside of Japan. Apparently, they've won three out of three lawsuits with Tsuburaya Productions in Japan and Thailand, with appeals pending.

Please see this ASIAWEEK article for an explanation of the issues:
http://www.asiaweek.com/asiaweek/magazine/life/0,8782,185619,00.html

According to the wife, who was in Tokyo at the time, the 3/1/2003 Asahi newspaper reported that TPC lost their latest case on 2/28 in a Tokyo court against Chaiyo. According to various sources culled by zonnel2 (www.zakzak.co.jp; www.sankei.co.jp; www.cinematopics.com; www.sanspo.com), Chaiyo Production co., Ltd. has a contract document that TPC claims is a fabrication. However, the presiding judge determined that the stamp (equivalent of a signature) is official on a document that gives a foreign right of use from 1976 and a letter of confirmation of this from 1996. The judge "strongly confirmed" the veracity of the claim. There's some serious legalese that I can't even begin to translate.

The original document in question is from 3/4/1976, to be exact. Contains right to reproduce, right to distribute, and right to use characters. However, the claim to authorship rights was denied (not sure exactly what this is cuz it's Japanese...maybe the right to create new stuff?)

Apparently, the head of Chaiyo, Sompote Saengduenchai (60 years old) befriended Eiji Tsuburaya while traveling abroad.

The claim is on approximately 300 episodes, and 2 movies, and covers everything from Ultraman through Ultraman Taroh.