I want to see this in motion but the images look very promising.

Well, this was an absolutely delightful and sweet episode of Blazar. It has the charm of the Gavadon Episode from the original while also adding onto it in interesting ways like how it eats and the wholesome relationship it has with the kids.

I love how we got more Blazar Spiral Bolide shenanigans, this time being a crane game. SKaRD's reactions to this were also fun, and I find it funny how Blazar just gives up with Gavadon before deciding to send him to space.

Next Episode: Why am I getting Evangelion vibes with this one?

On another note, I'm very curious on Ultraman Rising. So far, I like what I'm seeing.

You know it's a Showa tribute episode when they bring in Gavadon, focus on the kids, the adults make things worse, and they end things in a creative way!

An artistic kid in an Ultra episode? We know where this is going. Although honestly some of those sketches could be solid Kaiju.

Poor Gento. Dude missed Sports Day with his son and totally spaced on it and his attempts to spend some quality family time are met with the belief that he's trying too hard. Tough being an Ultra dad sometimes.

Would you buy a Gavadon plushie? Or body pillow?

Ha! Gento zooming with his team who give him the go-ahead to relax with his family...only to get a full view of his crotch in his undies. Classic zoom experience.

This probably all could have been avoided if they'd just not kept upping Gravadon's size (and threat level). But they're kids, so you kind of get it.

I honestly thought Gento was going to reveal his SKaRD status to Jun for a second before he transformed into Blazar.

Gavadon is so soft he shrugs everything off. No matter what Blazar threw at him it just comically bounced off of him. Not even the Spiral Burrade crane game was enough to stop him!

Huh, nobody in the main cast ever really figured out what Gavadon was. Did Blazar even hear the kids telling him he was a good Kaiju? Maybe that's why he took him into space (or because he ran out of other ideas). And now Gavadon is a constellation, as he is meant to be.

But what was most important about Gavadon were the friendships that were forged along the way, and planning to have some fun with dad.

If yes, good news!

This was a charming episode. I like that Blazar seemingly spends HOURS "fighting" Gavadon with no success. Unga bunga doesn't work when you're fighting a giant marshmallow fish thing!

Also reminds you that his Color Timer is a health bar and not something that goes off after 3 minutes.

Crane-game finisher is next level shenanigans even for Blazar standards, I love it.

Plus, seeing Gavadon again is always a treat, I adore the OG episode.

Wait a minute - I missed this entirely. Blazar just doesn't do color timer, do they? Wow. I never noticed that :lol

It only seems to kick in when he's used up an attack with a lot of power or taken a lot of hits.

This was a really cute episode of Blazar. It's all held together by how all those children are turning in solid performances (although the English dub maybe struggled there), but even without that, there's a lot of charm to this story.

I did find it amusing how Jun tells the others he'll be sure to write them at the end though, as though it's the only way to keep in touch with distant friends. Like, kid, your dad just made a video call earlier in this exact episode! We live in a much more connected world than that! I know this one is a real throwback, but it's not actually the Showa era anymore! :lol

They probably just like to keep it retro. :lolol

Boy, was that drawing of the supposed Kaiju funny and well made, it'd be hilarious if it actually comes true later on.

So now Earth Garon can officially be counted as a character! And while I'd love to see him take out a Kaiju all on his own, I still love seeing it in action whenever it appears.

The moment Teruaki got beamed, I had a feeling it'd be something stupid, but I guess it doesn't have to be fears specifically. But Emi's being herself is an interesting choice, since it shows she's her greatest obstacle in a way, but on another hand, we can basically say we got out Giant Fuji Episode with this one technically. And the hospital shenanigans were hilarious.

Also, Mogusion trying to sneak behind Blazar when he shut off his eyesight was adorable. Somehow Tsuburaya always manages to make the fights really enjoyable. But boy, was he a smart one faking out Blazar and taking advantage of that and deflecting his rainbow.

Next Recap! Time to see our possible antagonist or new fan from across the stars...

If you're going to hit all the classic Ultra beats, you need at least one underground Kaiju! And this is a trippy one!

That's a clever way of reusing Kaiju suits for all the things people mistook Mogusion for. I was half-expecting them to throw in the iconic Reiwa Kaiju Pagos among them.

That hybird Kaiju sketch probably wouldn't be out of place in the Showa era to be honest.

What a comical sequence in the hospital with SKaRD. Teruaki was straight up wrestling with that nurse!

Did Emi think she'd ever end up piloting Earth Garon? But she's not alone for her first sorite, as she's got the new Earth Garon AI Earthy by her side! And he's voiced by Akira Ishida!?

I wonder was that office a miniature set they created and superimposed people into or an actual office set they superimposed into a miniature sequence with Mogusion? Either way, cool!

I honestly have to admire how well Mogusion handled that Rainbow Slash. While also freaking Blazar out at all the building he unwittingly helped dice.

Emi's biggest fear is...herself? Or becoming a like a zombie? Or what happens when she lets loose her emotions? Is that why she acts so composed and restrained sometimes? Either way, Emi is now one of the few human female leads to get depicted giant-size. And she got to go all feral and beat up Blazar!

Poor Blazar having to keep covering his eyes. I wonder what Blazar's greatest fear would've been?

Thanks to the power of friendship and a helpful AI, Emi gives Blazar the break he needed to recover and figure out how to beat Mogusion.

So Mogusion not only had a spinning blade on his forehead but also stretchy-arms. These Kaiju just hate having one gimmick!

I love how Ultra's close their eyes by dimming the lights. I also love how Mogusion was trying to tiptoe around so Blazar didn't catch him. Too bad for Emi!

Next week: The Big Bad is finally introduced in a recap episode?

Currently playing catch up with the last four episodes of Ultraman Blazar that I have unintentionally put off due to my annual Halloween marathon since I was supposed to watch them while going through it.

Cute little recap. Not amazing, but it was cute. Loved the data Kaiju and how they interacted with the host.

Next Episode: "It's time for a Boss Rush!"

I finished Ultraman Leo today! This series was not what I expected. As a matter of fact, this might be the most buck wild 70s tokusatsu I've ever seen. Where do I even start...?


The Good

• There's a ton of unique points to this show. The fact the hero starts off with very little in the way of fighting skills before gradually improving through some legitimately brutal training. The mentor student relationship between Dan and Gen, combined with Dan's jaded "the end justifies the means" mentality against Gen's gentle, yet indecisive behavior. Going into the show, I honestly thought it was going to be a fairly silly show like Taro, and while there are moments of levity it's far outshined by the sheer brutality of the overall story. This is a show that wants the viewer to know that people die and being a recurring character wont save you from the whims of death. The people left behind suffer their own challenges.
• Some good effect work in this one, often depicting nigh on apocalyptic destruction.
• I wasn't too keen on Gen at first, but as the show goes on you really start to sympathize with the poor guy. He really is sweet, even if at times his actions cause terrible consequences.

The Bad

• The show definitely veers into a level of frothing-at-the-mouth machismo at times that is offputting, even considering the show's age and cultural differences.
• The style of the show definitely shifts oddly at times, likely due to attempts to salvage its low ratings. Some stretches are softer and the whole final arc is just strange for an Ultraman show, what with MAC being annihilated and Gen being left on his own for the most part. Dan in particular varies wildly between murderous brutality and a strict but kind superior. I do think it overall managed to keep to good characterization and tone in spite of these problems though. Or at least there were more good than bad points.
• MAC's members are super forgettable. I often couldn't remember if a character who died was recurring or just a one-off for the episode.

The Other

• Dan's role is a bit of an odd choice. I'm not really opposed to it, but I'd kind of like to see a story about how Dan ended up so bitter and world-weary. Or maybe this already exists and I just don't know about it.

It's an odd show, I definitely think its pretty inconsistent in quality, but the highs blew me away. I think I like Return better since it is a more even experience overall, but at the same time I already find myself wistfully wishing more shows from the era were willing to do something so blatantly unmarketable like Leo!

I mean, it's not really the show that the people making it expected, either.

Ultraman still doing its best despite Blazar not doing as many toys as the previous entries.
https://i.imgur.com/seKVsrW.jpg

Makes me wonder how they're going to approach next years' show.

Will we go back to multiple forms, classic Kaiju, and all the typical New Gen stuff?

If they're laying off the senpai power gimmick for the time being, I wouldn't mind seeing another Earth Garon or King Joe Storage Custom kind of robot happen or more borrowing powers from kaijus and aliens in weapon form and stuff. As for those numbers for Ultraman, I guess legacy Ultra stuff still sells strong in Japan and other countries that love the series since Blazar ain't merch-heavy. I wonder if Bandai Spirits stuff is part of those numbers.

I'm kind of surprised they haven't done another Armor Ultra like X.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAgqS4Aa9ok

Out of all characters to include, why Camearra? Her movie is not even licensed.

Probably for variety, there aren't that many giant female villains out there, so I think it's cool that they included her.

Anyways, this is pretty neat, might give it a try.

Likely because of Tiga's presence, I'd wager. I kind of wish they brought a Kaiju like Gomora or Zetton so that there'd be a Kaiju and an Alien, but I'm fine with their picks.

I do plan to get this game eventually (I've been too busy to get there) because Godzilla AND Ultraman in the same game? I'LL TAKE YOUR ENTIRE STOCKS!!

I like Camearra, though I probably would've used Kryienoid.

This episode was a pure delight. Zangill is already one of my favorite Aliens.

The setup was so obvious that it would be some nefarious plot, and yet they subvert it in making it something that's quite noble in giving the Kaiju peace with a funny Samurai loving Alien.

Fitting how Nijikagachi was a vengeful spirit, considering all his lore from his two-parter, but taking over Zangill so they two can fight and have a Samurai style showdown while SKaRD looks on in confusion (love how Bandou can now finally speak with Earthy) was all immensely fun.

But gosh darn do I miss Zangill already. What a wonderful Alien.

Next Episode: Oh no... The Unspecified Virus of Unknown Origin!

The episode where we have so many new Kaiju suits we may as well make an episode bringing most of them back!

Nothing more classic Ultraman than the wandering alien that finds you and knows you're Ultraman!

Zangill is just really cool. A space samurai who speaks like he's from the Sengoku period, a cool design, a nice dynamic with Gento, and a love of coffee. No wonder this dude got tasked by Zamsher on a quest to quell the spirits of dead Kaiju.

Ha! He straight up flung Gento!

Dang, it just had to be Nijikagachi, huh? And he's just as much trouble this go-around.

Blazar holding that truck like he was holding a toy.

Of course you had to have Blazar and Zangill wielding their swords together. They're a very cool team! Complete with a sword power up!

Yasunobu finally gets to talk to Earthy! And Earthy helps explain the plot!

"Let's support Blazar" - Proceeds to get wrecked. Um...I guess you bought him a minute?

Dang, even when you slice a Kaiju up it doesn't stay dead. I mean, I know it was already dead, but still. Though I guess we needed an excuse to have Blazar fight Zangill.

Oh yeah, wining with the blunt edge of a sword and a double attack!

It's sad to see Zangill go but is there anything more hardcore than a wandering spirit passing on in peace after a job well done? Too bad he couldn't have one last cup of coffee.

Mitsuru Karahashi (Kaido from Faiz and Juzo from Shinkenger) never disappoints. :rock:
I am officially a fan of Zangill. Love his background story and his fondness for coffee.

It says a lot when what is essentially a one off episode will go down as probably one of the best episodes in the series. Zangill was so good and the story was fantastic.

Ultraman in a nutshell!

Irugo, the pollution Kaiju! Probably the mots relevant Kaiju of this time! Even if it's just polluting so it has an environment it can actually live in!

Having a Kaiju that's just a neck and a head was neat. Reminded me of Ultraman: Towards the Future.

I love how Gento just ran from reporters.

Uh oh! Gento is spending long hours, his wife is starting to get suspicious, and his son is depressed. That's not a good situation for our resident Best Dad/Captain.

If this were another show I honestly would've expected that bracelet to become an upgrade device or something.

I figured Irugo was the Third Wave, but what does command really want? Do they want to understand V99 as much as we do?

"Good luck, dad!" - the way Emi said that and the way her face looked really came off like she sees Gento as like a father figure. Or maybe I'm just saying that knowing now about her daddy issues.

Is that a new miniature vehicle!? Even the jet looked more like a miniature. Too bad both were pretty useless.

Emi used her secretary outfit to get information on her dad. It wasn't effective! Well, at least until the end.

I love Attack Teams coming up with clever anti-Kaiju solutions. An air purifier Mecha!

So are we meant to assume that all the Space Kaiju are morphed from Irugo's? Is that why one transformed into Gebalga? Could they transform into Bazanga too?

Pretty inconvenient getting a rematch with Gebalga when you can't use an arm, but Earth Garon was a real MVP here. Also, new insert song for Blazar!

I had a feeling the newscrew catching Gento would get to his family who recognized him immediately. Though it doesn't seem like they've clued into his exact job...but at least it didn't cause too much drama. I guess they're just glad he's safe.

I guess the invasion is in full force with that legion of Irugo's popping up all over.

Next week: Blazar's final form-ish!

I'm starting to think the old exercise guy is purposely leading Emi, given how they know Nishizaki made contact with Emi supposedly *after* she encountered him first, leading me to think they "encouraged" him to reconsider. Curious to where that could lead.

Love how we actually got to see some more of the GGF's arsenal and Irugo bringing an interesting battle dynamic, really fun to see puppeteer Kaiju in action. Also, his design reminds me of Slifer the Sky Dragon.

And wouldn't you know it! Gebalga II is here, and he's got friends or Kevins or whatever you wish to call them! Ironic how Gebalga is the only Kaiju to force Blazar to get an upgrade or something not once but twice. I know Nijikagachi gave Blazar the Rainbow Halo and the Tilsonite Sword technically came from Garamon, but I feel Gebalga's contributions felt more substantial. Anyway, loved the fight and the ending with Gento and his family was adorable.

And boy, oh boy, that ending!

Next Episode: "A BRAND-NEW TOY! No, seriously, this one is a from!"

Will the next season after Blazar be a “New Gen Gaia”?

It would be nice to have another Ultrawoman join that season too.

I think we all knew there was something fishy about that old man, but now...

Well first, Brood Gebalga! Just give Gebalga some extra heads and make him bigger and he's honestly pretty terrifying. He can start a pandemic and hack everything! Also taking out Blazar and his sword like they're nothing was certainly surprising, since usually you get to see the Hero do a little bit more before getting trounced, especially after that cool rise sequence with the sword.

I figured Papa Aobe wasn't all there when he refused to really elaborate, and that the date would be some kind of clue. Curious about Firdan hanging out in that facility and why Papa Aobe (his apparition anyway) were at such a crucial moment...

Now! Blazar's new form... I like it a lot! The obvious thing for an upgrade for Blazar would be something more complete and symmetrical, but this? *Chef's Kiss* Reminds me of Ryusoulger and I love it! This season really does enjoy doing things non traditionally and I'm all for it.

Back to the opening statement, removes Retsu from the picture and robs Emi, I'm wondering if with all that wormhole research, are they responsible for the Space Kaiju? Since they're acting pretty shady about all of this...

Next Episode: "Welcome to the Underground! Also, say hi to your dad for me!"

Happy Birthday Emi! Maybe your dad got your birthday confused with his intellectual idol, but at least he had the right picture of you as a baby!

Every time Retsu visits SKaRD HQ he's just complaining about their performance, deconstructing the very idea of an Attack Team in an Ultra show, and saying they're bound to be disbanded. But it was nice to see the team stick up for Blazar, and it made Blazar act up!

Brood Gebalga! You gotta love those hybrid Kaiju!

Oh wow, jumping straight into a Rise Sequence sword in hand! Only...that did not end well!

Hey, it was nice to see the Earth Garon with it's full armament.

Firdran, New Generation Litra! It's like Blazar's pet phoenix unleashed and ready to help him unlock his Final Form! The Firdran armor! Complete with a classic New Gen Transformation Sequence and Rise Sequence!

We've got Funnels, Macross Missle Massacre, Earth Garon team-up, and a twin blade fiery action! Quite the debut!

Was the presence of Emi's dad transferred to that moment? Was he actually physically there? He seemed younger than I expected, but maybe that's just how he looked when Emi was young.

So aliens visited in 1999 and they've been the ones invading? I don't know what Nishiki's endgame is here, but it doesn't seem good. Especially when they've fired Retsu.

Next week: Teruaki focus episode! Finally! And Dugogon!

Ultraman Blazar Movie Teaser:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7Lb36R57-0

Also, Ultraseven Anniversary Movie:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVPYrhBGEDo

Anime Project for Darkness Heels announced.

http://ukiyaseed.weebly.com/ukiyasee...ject-announced

Drama series starring a Kaiju also announced.

http://ukiyaseed.weebly.com/ukiyasee...rama-announced

Resuming the Ultra watch with the first true true entry in the New Generation era with Ultraman Ginga.
Saw the first three episodes and it's not as awful as many people puts it, but it still leans itself on the same formula of Ultra Galaxy Mega Monster Battle with the random monster fights they're doing except it's now on Earth and with an Ultraman in the mix. Having Ultraman Taro as a mainstay is an odd choice. You'd think for the New Generation they'd use this to further promote Zero but Taro of all characters is weird. I don't get it.

I think the idea was that Taro was still popular across generations which is why they used him.

I finished Ultraman 80! It... wasn't very good!

Looking back on the show, it's hard to believe what a mess it was honestly. The goofy early parts where Yamato was trying to be a teacher and UGM member with moral lessons each episode, then the strictly UGM focused part which was just really dull, then they moved towards "child of the week" format, before shifting towards a more serious endgame once Yulian showed up. In a sense, it was similar to Leo is that it was an erratic show that was constantly shifting its cast and narrative, but it lacks the unusual edge to it that made Leo such an enthralling experience in spite of its numerous flaws. Probably the weakest entry of the Showa era by a long shot for me, I kept zoning out mid-episode because it just wasn't really engaging.

Of course, it was obvious something bad must have been going on with the production of this show, so as soon as I finished I was off to do research! There seems to have been conflict on just about every level. Tensions between the effects and drama teams working on the show over which should get the most focus, between TBS (which wanted a more traditional show) and Tsuburaya Prpductions (which wanted a serious drama focusing on the issues kids were facing), and the massive, disproportionate amount of flack the show got from parents at the time due to concerns over violent children's shows. It's no wonder the show turned out like this.

I will give it a few compliments though! I thought that it was interesting how we got to see some unusual characters like the PR guy and the woman who handles meteorological data. Not something I've really seen in an Ultra show before. The effect works was as solid as ever too. Not to mention, the ending itself was really nice.

Perhaps the most exciting thing of all is that I have now seen all the Showa-era Ultraman shows! Well, except for The Ultraman. I'll get to that one eventually. Overall, I really enjoyed the Showa-era for this series. I think it had a lot of bold entries that were far ahead of their time. The original Ultraman was fun and quirky. Return was bittersweet and full of interesting episodes. Leo was flawed but so intensely dark and gritty. I was quite pleased and am looking forward to continuing things with the Heisei era!

Personally I found 80 to be pretty wholesome and solid as an Ultra show, if not exceptional.

It definitely had a few creative shifts. Though the one good thing about dropping the teaching aspect, despite it being very unique to 80, is that it let them develop UGM better than, say, MAC. Even if they still ended up replacing like two guys with other two guys.

I honestly though the weatherwoman/Yuri was going to be Yulian at first just because it seemed plausible she would take up the face of someone Yamato knew to sneak into UGM.

When Firdran first showed up I was like "Goldburn?!" because that would've been cool. It was still cool though!