Episode 18 "Agul vs. Gaia"
https://i.ibb.co/6mFkM8J/Screenshot-20240110-000116.jpg
We come back to Ultraman Gaia in the new year swinging. One of the best episodes this show has to offer after what happened in the last episode this almost feels like downtime for the series. A chance to reflect on the past and try to move forward towards the future. From Fujimiya's stance on humanity finally coming to clash with Gamu. He;s really the focal point of this episode and it almost comes off desperate as with his encounter with Reiko his attempts to rationalize his actions to her bearing his soul as the weight of his mission. But it is not all doom and gloom as Gamu and Akiko awkwardly celebrate Georgie's belated birthday is one of the funniest and most down to earth scenes in the show. But the real star of the show is the ritual fight between Agul & Gaia and what I sight to behold human size fights in Ultraman aren?t very common and especially between two fellow Ultra?s them fighting in the familiar setting of the Aerial Base just adds to the memorability and the battle leaves the sky as Gamu plummet down to Earth and the battle in the warehouse showing both the individuals strength of Gaia & Agul as well as how equally matched they are. The choreography is something to behold and this is one of the boiling points the show had been slow burning towards.

This track of the episode could only be ?Gaia vs Agul ~ Fateful Duel ~? this beautiful remix rendition combining both Gaia and Agul battle themes as they both fight for prominence as if the score itself is also fighting alongside their respective Ultra?s. And after that exciting first half comes a sorrowful tune as beyond the excitement seeing two Ultra?s fight over their ideology is such a sad thing these two heroes clashing and not rekindling but leaving on a hopeful note at the end signifying a possible future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXihHAFA3Vg

Episode 19 "Lilia's Labyrinth"

I love it when Ultraman goes into horror territory after all its roots as an anthology series about the supernatural and the unusual monsters and episodes like these keep those roots alive and well. I’m just really glad we finally got an episode focusing on Atsuko being the really closest thing to a female lead this show has or at least on Gamu's side of the story. And it is a suitably creepy episode that deals with anxiety and fears stemming from loneliness and touch of the supernatural creeping in that amplifies the problem. Surprisingly, a good focus on Kajio as part of the conflict stem from earlier mishap from Atsuko on the field and how he’s brought in to help find her once Lila starts to influence her. The show's large cast is used in the most efficient way possible and it is a sign of the trust and camaraderie forged in XIG as their members stick up for each other like this.
https://i.ibb.co/Nt9LF75/Psycho-Mezard-II-HD.webp
Returning for a second time Psycho Mezard (and third in total for all Mezards) it’s design isn’t all that drastically different from the first Psycho Mezard but with the addition of the really creepy face on it’s chest it still a really great design either way coming from a really memorable episode.

And of course this creepy tune named after the episode and its unsettling vibes makes for something you can’t get out of your head. It also evokes feelings of clowns and y’know fears of clowns is a really big phobia for people so there’s that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X0obLo3GdY

Episode 20 The Fossil of Ruin"

Continuing the last couple of episodes this is yet another Fujmiya conflict episode as he takes a more active role in becoming an opposing force against Gamu. The use of dinosaurs in this episode to bring about the idea that one day natural selection will make humans extinct is yet another valid argument that Fujimiya makes. In one of the most intense encounters yet Gamu counters back with his unwavering hope and optimism struggling the face of the odds both physically restrained and mentally with the ideology Fujimiya presented. Gamu believes that Ultraman represents the best of what humanity can be and ultimately his trust in Fujimiya after all they were both chosen by the light.
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Geschenk is a funny looking dino kaiju. He has a very silly looking face with his very skinny proportions and fur it almost looks like he’s straight from the Showa Era lol.

I just want to gush about the Agul theme again ok. But this version removing the chorals is still such a good song. Played when Gamu was captured by Fujimiya and the lash of words between the two. The song perfectly set the stage without being too overbearing by including the vocals it is one of the most memorable and iconic tunes in the entire franchise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7mpay-2dok

Episode 21 "The Sea of a Mysterious Light"

Writer Shinsuke Onishi doesn't have a lot going on in the TDG era, only writing a single episode for each series. His big contribution to the franchise was being the head writer for Ultraman Cosmos. But his episodes on both Tiga & Dyna were very character focused on what specific character and digging into their depths and how we see more than meets the eye to these people putting under extreme pressure due to the one specific kaiju incident.
https://i.ibb.co/y5GYGqv/Shinsuke-Ohnishi.webp

Continuing from last week Gamu wakes up back in his bed after collapsing and contrasting that Fujmiya feels conflicted over saving that girl despite his stance on humanity. The kaiju of this episode is an aquatic one which means multiple things. First of all we finally get to see Team Marlin in action which is awesome since there always in the show but have’t really done much because specialty being underwater activities that don’t get highlighted much, secondly Tsuburaya just gets flex their muscles and look how gorgeous this underwater set is, this is all practical baby.
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And that one best part of tokusatsu right here is these amazing sets and miniatures depicting things on such a minimal tv show budget and it looks amazing. I know this show and Tsuburaya has always had good sets but this is just one of the best highlights. Sadly Agul doesn't fight in this episode but nonetheless Fujimiya reaffirms his belief after seeming conflicted and once more vows to oppose Gamu and his ideals here so it is still a huge focus even in this juncture of the show. Minor note they also introduce a cult that worships the Bringer of Radical Destruction which is surprisingly considering how long that took for that to be in an episode.
https://d34gglw95p9zsk.cloudfront.ne...jpg?1674003788
Caneda, a bipedal aquatic sea kaiju, its look is menacing and almost gives off a lovecraftian monster vibes. I love the use of darker color to contrast the more serene underwater set they use. It's a striking contrast for this monster and it once again shows Tsuburaya skills as a designer of kaijus.

Since I gushed so much about the set for this episode the battle theme that played during this episode “Gaia Mid-air Fight” the beginning is the ionic rise tune that every Ultraman has before moving to two remixed rendition of Gaia battle theme combined with the aerial themes the show has it blood pumping and its use here punctuates that battle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-C7ESCFGVco

Episode 22 "Stone Wings"

One of the beauty of life is discovery and one of the greatest fears is the unknown these two go hand ro hand with one another. The stone wings is quite the existential episode dealing with a boy's passion and dreams of what is out there turning into fear and anxiety over potential enemies from beyond. The show sticks with the Ultraman episodic nature but the constant looming threat that the Bringer of Radical Destruction is palpable and through the eyes of a normal child given a vague shape and more relatable feeling. An episode filled with symbolism and imagery, the Stone Wings is one of Gaia's best episodes for tackling mature subject matters without an ounce of blood, gore, sex or cursing telling in a brisk 22 minute episode.

Pazuzu is one of Gaia's most iconic kaijus and you can see why those curled horns are just so striking. And it is a real powerhouse of a monster too making a memorable debut that sticks into viewers mind all right.
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The track I want to highlight is “I Want to Protect Earth '' a soft piano melody that defines itself conveying both hope and melancholy. Perfect for the wonder that Kouki once had in his stargazing that he lost as the events of the series went on because of the Radical Bringer it reflects the same nebulous fears and anxiety that we can have even if we don’t have to face something like that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KHeyG-v_Ow&

Episode 23 "Gamu Expelled!!"

As Fujimiya action increase; Gamu feels the pressure of his connection with him causing the title of the episode to happen, getting expelled from XIG. And man Fujimiya sure is a lady’s man. A significant portion of this episode is dedicated to both Reiko & Inamori and the effect they both have on Fujimiya as a person. All of this interpersonal drama has begun bubbling onwards and over the course of the next few episodes it will slowly simmer and explode despite not being a single episode it is still part of a larger story as we concluded the first half of Gaia.
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Gomenos is a tragic kaiju forcibly awakened from its slumber and mind controlled by Inamori and forced to be destroyed by Gaia. Embodying the iconic quote by Ishir⁠ō Honda
"Monsters are tragic beings. They are born too tall, too strong, too heavy. They are not evil by choice. That is their tragedy. They do not attack people because they want to, but because of their size and strength, mankind has no other choice but to defend himself. After several stories such as this, people end up having a kind of affection for the monsters. They end up caring about them." Its design fits in well with the other underground monsters giving it a nice cohesion to the rest in particular resembling Geel quite a bit.

The track “Trust” plays during Reiko and Inamori conversation as both are lovers of Fujimiya there heart to heart is a direct version of the central conflict in Fujimiya right now, This serene track plays over a conflicted person through simple dialogue.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlJFPVD9Mrs&

Episode 24 "Determination Of Agul"

Fujimiya takes things to their most extreme, attacking a data lab and awakening kaijus all across the world. Gamu continues to investigate on his own since being expelled from XIG and Reiko continues to try to be Fujimiya's moral compass. It’s a dense episode as we close out the first half of the show and showing the scale off is the set piece of Arizona used in this episode. It is always fun when toku leaves it’s comfort zone and shows off more exotic locales and thanks to the scale of Ultraman it does happen a bit in this franchise. Which I’m always glad to see.

Another variation of Agul theme since it was so prominent in this episode. And cause it’s amazing to hear everytime I highlight it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umSur_PS1Ro

Episode 25 "The Showdown for Tomorrow"

This is what it's all built up to. Everything from the past few weeks have just been bubbling beneath the surface and it’s finally time for Fujimiya & Gamu to begin their inevitable duel. We get so much insight from the two here from Fujimiya encounter in the bar reaffirming his beliefs about humanity to Gamu dreams of the destroyed future with the corpses of Gaia & Agul. sWhat it means to be Ultraman is the main question being asked and it is because the show has two diametrically opposed defenders that led to this. And the battle itself doesn't disappoint one of the finest of the era. The suit actors give it their all and portray these two giants of equal strength and importance clashing. This really is a proper finale for this half of Gaia.
https://i.ibb.co/6mCTx2D/1888707-490...3759273-n.webp

Also can I just say how much I love these petrified statue of Ultraman? There so prominent to TDG Era and has become sort of an recognizable icon. It's something that just stirs the imagination and is also present in Tiga & Dyna this is just so cool.


“Roots of destruction” plays when Gamu finally had enough and fought Fujimiya. It highlights the desperation and inner turmoil between these two and how this was something almost predetermined to happen. A fitting track for such a pivotal moment in the show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icsKpa4TxIg

Episode 26 "The Final Resolution"

The commander really shined in this episode, finally revealing that he knew Gamu was Gaia this entire time. Yet still put his trust in both this young man & the hero he was inside, always believing in Ultraman and defending the Earth. It is because of this faith that renews Gamu’s spirit just in time for the greatest current crisis this show has faced. Fujimiya also hits a pivotal point as the reveal of Crisis being controlled by the Radical Destruction Bringer drives him to the edge of despair and his exit from the show. But not before entrusting Gamu Agul’s light and as such the status quo of the show has forever shifted both literally and figuratively. It clears the way for the rest of the show.
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Zorium is a beast, it's just a head but damn this is unlike we’ve seen a kaiju so big we can only show its head. What a marvel of puppetry and suitmation this is nothing like exist within the Ultra Series franchise it also makes for a great final boss for a video game,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn6f6BldgDk

Now we see are new base form Gaia V2 and it’s amazing what just a stripe of black does it just changes the look completely making the suit feel more “complete”.
https://d34gglw95p9zsk.cloudfront.ne...jpg?1676858967
I’m not sure whether this is just me seeing this suit more often due osmosis or not but it’s a good change and finally makes the suit feel whole.

What a chad this suit is. Gaia Supreme just feels strong it’s a beefcase the uses of crimson reds and deep blues with huge chunks of black on the arms makes it’s a pop so much it’s one of the most gorgeous final forms in all of toku taking everything about Ultraman’s design philosophy and taking it to the next level imo.

https://i.ibb.co/FqqdhFF/Ultraman-Gaia-SV-HD-045.webp

“Return” and epic orchestral rendition of Lovin' You Lovin' Me the first ending theme is a perfect piece to cap off the first half of Gaia playing when Gaia first adopts his now permanent new base form V2 it almost feels like it saying what you know is gone but it’s now better than before.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6q5Ii46FpU

So, it’s been a while since I commented.

In what’s either a brilliant piece of symbolism, or Tsuburaya once more not having the money for a wholly new set of props, Zorium reuses the same costume as the Vision Dragon from the first episode. Meaning that the first half begins and ends with Gamu facing a similar creature.

Also, the last appearance of Agul… for now.

It could be both xD.

Ah budget the both the greatest enemy of Tsuburaya while also forcing them to be as creative as possible making their shows.

Ultraman Tiga, Ultraman Dyna & Ultraman Gaia: The Battle in Hyper Space

Being totally upfront I can’t be objective about this movie. (Not that any of this thread ever was) It’s a childhood classic for me. I used to have it on dvd as a kid, and would play it constantly. It's a movie with a lot of nostalgic attachment to it. Despite that however I still say even with rose tinted glasses I still think this is a good and fun movie and thanks to its standalone nature can work as a good introduction to the Ultra Series by showing off some of the most impressive big budget it could’ve achieved at the time. Gaia was an expensive production and this movie felt even bigger was an impressive feat. (And I would argue the CGI used here is still on par and at times better than most modern Toei tv show productions lol.)

With that long winded preamble at the beginning what is it that I love about this movie? It has to be the main character Tsutomu. Why? Because he’s literally me; and I mean it this kid embodies everything I am: his love of Ultraman, his unathleticism, minimal friends, insistence of hoping others can get into Ultraman. He is me. Hasegawa really tapped into the mind of the audience for this movie. (This won’t be his last romp with meta fiction in tokusatsu, Superior 8 Ultraman Brothers almost acts as a companion piece to this movie really.) And if you think this movie sounds really familiar Producer Shinichiro Shirakura himself admitted this movie was a huge inspiration in 2018’s Kamen Rider Heisei Generations Forever the final movie of the Heisei Era for Kamen Rider.
https://i.ibb.co/NxBvWDH/Screenshot-...7-115900-X.jpg
This movie's core heart to me is understanding its fanbase so well. And it’s no better illustrated then the scene where Gamu lands in the “real world” for the first time. The literal army of children chasing after him wanting him to transform to Gamu hiding in a toy shop that just makes you feel the nostalgia with all those Ultraman toys in their classic toy packaging giving you glimpse to a simpler time all while the Gaia Theme Song is blaring in the background, It’s just the peak of this movie.
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And finally we have the first time team-up with the iconic TDG Trio, Even though neither Hiroshi Nagano(Tiga) nor Takeshi Tsurono(Dyna) reprised their roles for this sadly. (It would take almost another decade before all three stars would finally be together in the aforementioned Superior 8 Ultraman Brothers movie) Though it was actually planned when making this movie to unite this trio but sadly fell through to two major reasons Nagano’s talent agency Johnny & Associates were not playing ball, (not the first time nor the last time this had happened sadly and for those not in the know this helpful video from Vintage Henshin is a great way to learn more about this frustrating part of the Ultra Series history that still haunts us to this very day.)Vintage Henshin and Dyna’s involvement post show was complicated by reasons that I won’t spoil so that had to fall through. But being honest it was mostly likely the Johnny thing first. I'm sure Tsuburaya could’ve figured something out about Dyna in time if they had also secured TIga/Daigo’s place in the movie.

A reminder of just how massive a production Gaia was, this movie's increased budget allowed it not just one or two new kaiju suits but 4 new ones in total!
https://image2.b-ch.com/ttl2/2884/28...&ww=640&hh=380
Starting off is Satan Bizor. This Zetton like kaiju homage is a really strong starting point for this movie thanks to its unique shape, memorable call back and an amazing color scheme. Fun Fact the episode that Tsutomu was watching is Episode 13 “The Devil's Kiss” but as we all know that is not the actual thirteenth episode of Gaia. Meaning the “real world” has an exclusive episode that we never got. I imagine had Gaia came out today they would’ve actually filmed a fake episode 13 and sell it on the Japanese blu-ray as a bonus feature like what Ultraman Geed did with the first episode of the in-universe toku show the protagonist Riku is a fan of Donshine.
https://d34gglw95p9zsk.cloudfront.ne...jpg?1645509229
Sculla is this very slimy and gross amphibian bipedal kaiju with a gaping maw that can bite down an Ultra in half. It's almost very lovecraftian look made it a perfect match against Tiga in the ocean floor.
https://d34gglw95p9zsk.cloudfront.ne...jpg?1645759542
Basiliss is a flying insectoid kaiju who’s armored plating and scissors hands that look like Gigan makes for really inventive kaiju and getting to see more space fights with Dyna is always a plus in my books.
https://d34gglw95p9zsk.cloudfront.ne...jpg?1645509503
And finally King Of Mons a very unique Godzilla inspired kaiju with a nice rich purple coloring, menacing three red eyes, combining the maw of Sculla in its belly and Basiliss wings on it’s back it worthy movie kaiju and has since actually become one of my favorite kaijus in all of Ultraman because of its simplicity, brutality and fusion nature. Plus his reused roars are super fun to listen to too.

Honestly just go listen to the entire soundtrack it’s amazing Sahashi given a big budget movie score allows it to match his grand vision. (The movie alongside the soundtrack was double billed with “Ultraman M78 Theater Love & Peace” so the actual soundtrack stops at track 21)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...6YCCMvgZezWFLU
The remixed tracks breathes new life into things we’ve heard but the crowning jewel has to be “The Three Great Ultra Warriors • The Battle in Hyper Space” for combining Gaia’s BGM with Tiga and Dyna battle themes it’s an epic nostalgia boost that lifts you up every single time you hear it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpLKUfLDjZE

Episode 27 "A New Battle ~Version-up Fight!~"
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Wow sorry guys for the incredible late post. Got no excuse, life just got in the way. Either way the show must continue so we will too.

With Fujimiya out of the picture and with Gamu obtaining Agul’s power it seems like a deliberate choice to have him act more like Fujimiya now. As evidenced by his whole weight lifting session at the very beginning and his ponderings of the soul crushing loneliness he feels now that he’s the only Ultraman. But in spite of everything the episode shows that neither Gamu or Gaia is ever alone. From something as small as his parents buying a computer to keep more in contact with their son to the members of XIG and especially Ogawara these moments bring out the best of humanity and remind Gamu of what he’s fighting for.
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The third Metal Organism Mimos, a lot more bulkier and monstrous looking but still keeping design elements started with Apatee & Alguros. Can I just say I love the concept of Gaia V2 fighting a fake Gaia based of his original V1 that just shows off how much more powerful the new upgrade is it just simply plain genius of storytelling and taking advantage of the shows many elements to promote their new thing in a way that doesn't feel intrusive.

Something different this time for the music and it’s the insert song “Power Of Gaia” in comparison insert songs aren’t as common or talked about in Ultraman in comparison to Kamen Rider or Super Sentai but nevertheless they slap hard. I love the lyrics and the melody and the more somber rock feel to it.

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

The power of the Earth
The power to survive
When to use as long as life
The miracle that attracts you

When the heart of the magma awakens, I'll stand up with the Earth
Evil, I have a shining will that you have lost

I want to protect my loved ones
It's just that, it's the same as it used to be

Every time I feel sad
Every time I suffer
When to move forward as long as life
What you can see is the light (Gaia)

I was holding hope and courage when I was born
Creating a world where weak and ephemeral people can feel at ease

I believe in what I believing
It's just that, the prayer of heart does not change

For someone
For myself
When to live as long as life
The power is coming up (Gaia)

(I'M GONNA FIGHT FOR THE EARTH)
(I'M GONNA FIGHT FOR THE EARTH)

The power of the Earth
The power to survive
When to use as long as life
The miracle that attracts you (Gaia) the light (Gaia)

Episode 28 "The Advent of the Heatwave"

It slipped my mind in the last episode but there a new ending theme "Beat on Dream on" and so I'll use it as this episode track to highlight. And I love it for some reason I'm always partial to the second endings for Ultraman shows and this one no different from the melody to the triumphant chorus to the wonderful lyrics telling about the shows themes this is a fantastic and underrated ending theme.

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

"What you believed in wasn't a mistake
I have always searched for the same thing as you
However, we seem to be like planets on different trajectories...
...as we are torn apart

This sky, and this land brimming with life...
...is something I want to share with you

Therefore, beat on! One day, the two of us...
Beat on! ...will become one, and this planet will shine
Always dream on! The reason for our sadness...
Dream on! ...and the reason we fight...
...we'll discover it together

What you chose wasn't a mistake
Therefore, don't regret, and don't give up
Despite seeing the same dream, we always take a different path...
...always missing one another
This is all for the sake of...
...protecting the most beautiful planet in the sky, isn't it?

Therefore, beat on! Because you are here...
Beat on! ...I finally understand why I became strong
Always dream on! If I run...
Dream on! ...I'll make it past this lonely day...
...I want to see you

This sky, and this land brimming with life...
...is something I want to share with you

Therefore, beat on! One day, the two of us...
Beat on! ...will become one, and a planet will shine
Always dream on! The reason for our sadness...
Dream on! ...and our reason to fight...
...we'll discover it together"

I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again. It's just nice to have a toku protagonist with normal parents that are just alive even if they aren’t prominent. This episode you really get to see where Gamu gets his personality and ideals from. But not just that, we have brief snippets of how Reiko is handling Fujimiya being gone and the strength of her character in the end where even though she still carrying her sadness she can still begin the process of healing via returning to her coworkers and begin working in earnest, and the appearance of another machine that controls nature like Tenkai. Gaia’s greatest strength as a show has always been juggling multiple plots and never feeling overwhelming or underwhelming; everything moves at the pace needed.

Enzan is an armored and beefy looking design combining the insectoid stag beetle inspiration with an amazing glowing kanji that represents its element of fire very well.
https://d34gglw95p9zsk.cloudfront.ne...jpg?1679994249

Episode 29 "The Distant City: Uqbar"

In what seems like a return to the franchise roots Ultra Q we have a very strange episode of Gaia. It’s introspective, and grounded, telling the story mostly from the viewpoint of just two ordinary citizens and veering between edge of the mundane with the otherworldly. You can’t help but feel tense because you can’t tell whether Nagata is simply delusional or if he’s telling the truth and also whether either way would be better or worse. At the end we're left with no answers, a bunch of questions and a sense of being humbled we don’t have all the answers to life and what we find in that search is neither good nor bad just is.
https://d34gglw95p9zsk.cloudfront.ne...jpg?1647431026
I think Rukulion or as it is nicknamed Ruku is cute. It’s not very threatening and looks very friendly like it just wants to have fun and play with kids on a sunny afternoon. It doesn't try to fight Gaia. Heck Gamu/Gaia involvement felt more mandatory than anything (the show is named after them) but it’s also a little eerie since we know nothing about it.

This track name is the same as the episode is mysterious, atmospheric, and somewhat somber. It makes you feel for Nagata and his mental state and whether Uqbar really exists and the implications of such. But it also can describe Uqbar as a whole and being told about it doesn't make it feel malicious, just unknown and how to attribute fears to that. Perfect for the episode and Sahashi brought his A Game for this specific track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_fbDbpRfBc