If you think Ultraman is just a children's toy or a repetitive retro series, open your mind to Ultraman Taiga, the 2019 series that is more than just giant battles with monsters. It's a modern narrative that weaves in social issues and opens a new Ultraman universe seamlessly connected to predecessor series like Ultraman R/B and Z.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story takes place in a world where aliens secretly live on Earth, known only to a select few. Hiroyuki Kudo, a young man working for a private security firm called E.G.I.S. that handles alien-related cases, lives to protect peace. But within him lies a secret he doesn't know: he harbors the 'light particles' of Ultraman Taiga. When Taiga's power awakens from Hiroyuki's body, a new adventure begins.
The series blends episodic storytelling with a main plot that gradually reveals the secrets of various organizations and characters like kaiju (monsters) that have more depth—not just villains to be dealt with, but with backgrounds and relationships to the aliens living on Earth.
Acting and Characters
Lead actor Yuki Inoue as Hiroyuki Kudo effectively conveys the character's brightness, determination, and confusion. He has good chemistry with his E.G.I.S. teammates, especially Pirika Asikawa (played by Ayuri Yoshinaga), who adds color and humor, while Homare Soya (played by Ryotaro) brings seriousness and gravity, balancing the team well.
Supporting actors like Chiharu Niiyama as Sasaki Kana and Kô Nanase as Kirisaki play important roles in driving the story. Although some characters may seem shallow at first, they develop satisfactorily as the story progresses, especially in revealing the complex relationships between humans and aliens.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Director Kôichi Sakamoto and the team successfully adapt the series' tone to the modern era. The visuals are sharp, and CGI effects are used appropriately, especially during transformations and battles, which are fluid. Despite budget constraints, the experience remains enjoyable.
The soundtrack by Takayuki Hattori is grand and fits the space opera theme well. The opening theme 'Buddy, steady, go!' and ending theme 'Signs of the times' effectively build emotional engagement.
Editorial Analysis
What makes Ultraman Taiga stand out is its bold departure from the traditional Ultraman format, shifting from a secret government agency (SSSP) to a private contract organization, reflecting capitalist society interestingly. Moreover, not all aliens are enemies; there are both good and bad, adding moral complexity to the series.
Another commendable point is its connection to the contemporary Ultraman universe, such as Ultraman R/B and Z, creating a continuous storyline. Fans who follow along will see appearances by older heroes, smoothly paving the way for the sequel series Ultraman Z.
However, the series still has weaknesses in pacing, with some episodes feeling drawn out, and some characters not fully developed, especially the main villain, who may seem bland compared to the social issues presented.
Verdict
In conclusion, Ultraman Taiga is a series that veteran Ultraman fans should watch because it offers a fresh and clever revamp while being accessible to new generations. If you enjoy sci-fi with substantial content, not just for kids, this series is the answer.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Modern plot that weaves in social issues about aliens and immigration.
- +Good connection to the new Ultraman universe, continuing smoothly with R/B and Z.
- +Lead actors have good chemistry; characters have interesting development.
- +Production and effects are well done for a tokusatsu series.
👎 Cons
- −Some episodes have slow pacing and feel drawn out.
- −Main villain lacks depth and memorable motivation.
Top Cast
FAQ
No, because the series starts a completely new story. However, watching Ultraman R/B beforehand will help you understand the universe connections better.
It's suitable for both. Children will enjoy the fight scenes and heroes, while adults will appreciate the social issues and character relationships.
There are 26 episodes. Currently, it can be streamed on platforms like Netflix (in some regions) or purchased on DVD/Blu-ray.
Ultraman Taiga is a prequel to Ultraman Z, with connected characters and events, especially in Taiga's finale that leads into Z's storyline.
