Yeah it's because they have to get the rights from the artist/label too, which they're usually reluctant to give because it effectively makes the translation the "official" one or something.

I'm glad that Ultraman attracts more attention to the fans more than before because of Orb. Really, you could say that despite the long hiatus, the Ultra series managed to give a good grip to the viewers. The shows keep escalating from Ginga, X and now Orb. Western fans especially happy since Crunchyroll subs Orb now. Anyway, I have watched episode 17 and oh boy, it's a very dramatic episode. Either it's because Orb was seen as an enemy or the whole Gai and Naomi's dynamic. It's one of the most memorable and dramatic tearjerker ever for such an Ultra series. Though, the revelation that Naomi is Natasha's descendant was a bit awkward since Naomi almost doesn't look alike a foreign and it's weird for Natasha to survive that big explosion.

Unlike the past episodes, the actions here somewhat a bit throw down. Mainly because Thunder Breaster isn't as brutal and wild like usual. He still quite a berserker like before but seeing that body dismembering is TB's main dish, seeing him not doing in this episode is somewhat quite weird. I also agree with barnstenchfartface, since Orb Origin was planned to be a very dramatic and climax fight. Unfortunately, the toy demo of Orb Calibur ruined the whole fight! You could say that half of the fight consisted of toy demo here. I mean even Exceed X doesn't show too much gimmick at all in the show. The whole Orb Calibur thing just ruin the whole fight and I think it would be better if it doesn't even exist or they actually trim down the gimmicks or cut some scenes.

Oh well, despite the weird actions, the drama here which really shines! And boy, can I say I really love and laugh when Juggler screamed like a little child? I think this episode dedicates to Gai's final struggle against his past and he finally moves on to the future. I bet some of you might cry after watching this episode, especially when you heard Naomi's singing. I also love Orb Origin's theme here as much as Exceed X's theme but again, the Orb Calibur was so noisy that I almost can't hear it. I'm still crossing my fingers for the next episode.

Huh. That's both unfortunate and weird.

I honestly don't see the big deal with the Orb Caliber. It was just a couple short shots, and between Exceed X and Orb's lengthy transformations it's hardly something unexpected. Maybe if he'd went through ALL the attacks in that one fight just to make sure you know he has them it'd be dumb but I don't think it detracted that much from the drama as is.

I personally think Orb has been the best at handling some of the elements that they seem to be introducing with recent Ultraman shows such as Ginga and X, that being the toy demo-ish sequences and the sort of "cockpit" scenes with the human forms where they talking and floating around in some space. Those scenes in particular annoyed me because it just kinda destroys the sense that the human physically transformed into the Ultraman when we just cut to them talking and not having movements that match the on screen fighting. X was a little better since they tried the emphasize the fact that the human and the Ultraman were their own characters. With Orb however, these scenes are substantial reduced, only really being used for transformation stock footage and they make a little more sense in my opinion since Gai is the Ultraman humself. As for the toy demo sequences, for one the Orb Calibur looks alot more like an actual weapon than the Xlugger, and so far they always show both the Ultraman and the human doing it rather than just the human like with Ginga and X. This helps make the scene not so disconnected from the action.

Episode 18: I always love the episodes when they focus on the side characters. Ittetsu was just great this episode and it was interesting to learn he had a daughter. It was a lot of fun with the cast this episode. Though the fight scene with Orb vs Bemular and Ittetsu vs the Alien schemer was brilliant. I loved the parallels during it. Also Orb Origin was great again. I love the Orbcalibur it's an awesome sword. I am intrigued with what looked a changed Juggler at the end. Definitely can't wait for more.

it's actually really doing well the merch sales are high and viewing/rating is 89 percent
here's the site:http://tokusatsunetwork.com/2016/10/...ng-figures-89/


im guessing the oline streaming has alot do with the success of this series and sales, which kamen rider and sentai should be doing as well.

Just watched episode 17. I've really enjoyed this whole Thunder Breaster arc: it was really engaging and generally well handled by the writers and actors. I'm curious to see if/how the show continues to use the fusion forms now that Orb has his original powers back. Also curious to see what Juggler does with his scanner thingy destroyed.

Finally, that was Ai Moritaka in the preview for the next episode, right? As Naomi's cousin?

Full body shot of Ultraman Orb Trinity form
https://scontent.fkul3-1.fna.fbcdn.n...ca&oe=58CFE54F

Episode 19: Good focus episode for Naomi. She basically helped save the convincing Renki to believe in what he wanted which was great. I loved the cast in this episode and the action was top notch. Also Gai vs Juggler's staredown was great once again. I can't wait for more. Also Renki was a badass monster of the week here.

When will Gai/Orb reveal his identity to them?

Last episode, maybe the penultimate one. Ultraman has a pattern for this kind of thing.

Welp the Orb movie has been announced. The official title is Ultraman Orb:Kizuna No Chikara Okarishimasu (Lend me your Bonds).
https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...bd&oe=58BC84A7
https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...3f&oe=58B6B1D6
https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...0c&oe=58CA30B4

Also apparently Ginga, Victory, X and Daichi are going to show up in the movie.

Daichi will definitely be there, he's central to the story. Daichi disappears and X seeks out the SSP for help in finding him.

In other news, the Amazon Prime series will be called Ultraman Orb the Origin Saga and starts the day after Christmas in Japan with new episodes premiering on Mondays.

http://i.imgur.com/RDXqvSF.jpg

Not a whole lot of story mentioned other than "Orb's mysterious new red form appears!"

Just watched episode 21. I haven't had too much to really say about the past few episodes even though they've been good, but I really liked Gai's words of wisdom at the end of this one. It's such a little moment but it speaks volumes about his growth over the course of the show. He's been an awesome character with a great actor behind him and really elevates an already solid show.

On an unrelated note, I'm pretty disappointed with how they've been using Orb's various forms since Origin showed up. Considering what a big deal is made of it being his proper appearance, I sort of wish they had just pulled a Gaia and said "this is what Orb looks like now, deal with it". Instead, we just have every episode be almost that, but with a token appearance by one other form. I guess it made a bit more sense here than in the past couple episodes, but in most cases it just comes off like Origin is way better than the other forms in every respect and there's zero reason for him not to use it all the time.

"Ultraman Orb Origin The First"? What kind of sense does that make? Like Origin is his original form and this is his original original form? Gotta sell that merchandise, I guess. :lol

Despite Orb wasn't in its best time after Origin appeared, I must say I really like ep 21. The combination of drama and action really blended well in this episode. The whole Maya's story was very tearjerking despite the appearance of Maddock was quite nonsense and illogical without any foreshadowing. And I must say I love how Gai becomes more open, relaxed and and warm toward the others. I agree with Fish that this episode really showed how much Gai's character development toward the course of the series. After all, he was just a lone wolf traveler in the first episode. Though, it somewhat bugged me a bit that the interaction between SSP and Gai, especially Naomi, was quite awkward for the past few episodes. Well, I mean it feels like Gai was there to show "Hey, I'm the protagonist here so of course I need to be here" sense.

One thing that I love to see here was Thunder Breaster. Really, I thought Gai already forgot that form after receiving Origin, but it seemed Belial's power was still relevant to some point. LOL I somehow love and hate Origin at both side. For me Origin lacks the feel of a super form compared to Exceed X or Ginga Strium. It's simple but it's WAY too simple. I even felt a lot more super form feelings from Thunder Breaster. I also still dislike Orb Calibur's noisy's voices. But, at one side, I really love the gimmick of Orb Calibur and its finishers and man, you couldn't say no to Origin's theme! And despite I kinda don't really like Origin, it doesn't mean that I don't love every of his appearances. It's no wonder that Gai will spam Origin since after all, it's a form that managed to induce a city-size explosion. Though, I still miss some forms like Burnmite and even Spacium Zeperion was foreshadowed lately by Origin.

Episode 21: Another wonderful episode of Orb. I enjoyed the story with the couple taking in Maya and the battle against Hyper Zetton. Gai steals the show and the cast is just so awesome together. I just love to sit back and enjoy this show.

It is a really amusing twist on "this is my greatest form!" "no wait this is my greatest form!" "no no guys this is really my greatest form!".

Man, is Nova the silliest looking Toku monster? I think so! I thought it was still an enjoyable episode.

Next episode looks like it's getting serious... only 3 episodes left.

Episode 22 was really enjoyable. Orb is really good at creating atmosphere when needed and Gai continues to be totally amazing. The way he tries to hide his doofy grin at the end was just precious~

I obviously enjoy Ep 22 of Orb too. The way they combine the serious and goofy moments are pretty good either. I really love Nova due to its cuteness, especially during its pre-battle's chirping. Love to see Burnmite too since its kinda even rare to see Orb's Fusion Up forms lately other than Hurricane Slash or Thunder Breaster. But, as I said, does everyone notice that Gai, instead of becoming more open to SSP after Origin, becomes more distant toward them? Even, the SSP members hardly take their attention to Gai and vice versa. Anyway, next episode and the next one will be a very serious one. I don't know how will this series end.
PS: It seems that I'm the 100th poster here.

Orb movie trailer!

Orb movie.

Orb movie stuff!

I was finishing up Amazon so that pushed me back but here we go:

UltraMan Orb Episode 22: Even the filler episodes are still wonderful. The Something Search People are always fun to watch. Gai and the owner were great. It was just a lot of fun. Also those were great villains to see again too.

UltraMan Orb Episode 23: Juggler vs Gai which was beautiful and fantastic like always. Glad Juggler was caught and defeated finally. Intrigued with what will happen next with Haruka's premonition. Also it was intriguing to see Gai and Juggler's past too. Gai is just so awesome.

Episode 23 was a great goddamn episode.

So that flashback. Gai wasn't always an Ultraman but he became one when he grabbed the Orbcalibur? That's kind of weird. I guess we'll find out more in Origin Saga?

The fight between Orb and Juggler was awesome.

Oh man, I couldn't say how much I love the latest episode of Orb!! It's superb and fantastic!! We got a more closure between Gai and Juggler. Kinda surprised to see that Gai wasn't an Ultraman in the first place since it appeared without foreshadowing. Well, at least, we have Origin Saga that might explain all about this. Love to see Haruka again despite being a one-off character there. Juggler also kickassed in this episode! Man, his laughter could drive you insane and more. Didn't expect for him to be a competent fighter like that but it still a tense and cool fight! The selling point in this episode really in the action which is a top notch. Seeing how Juggler is right now, he totally becomes the "Joker" in Ultraman series. And, the preview of the next episode.......... Man, doomsday is coming!! We're screwed!!

Oh man, episode 23 was just... wow. And 24 looks so... wow.

For a show I was initially relatively uninterested in, Orb has really been grabbing me since about the halfway point.

So the trailer along with all the information about Orb's Amazon Prime spin-off series "Ultraman Orb THE ORIGIN SAGA" has come out.
http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/...20161215012501
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mol96hP5HM
Links to pages that have more information because honestly there's way too much to try and post here.
https://www.facebook.com/kamenridern...type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/kamenridern...type=3&theater

Episode 24 was....

Man, starting to think that Juggler guy is a bit of a bastard.

Jesus CHRIST, Juggler. Juggler is the best.

That episode was so good! There's only one left! Ahhh!

Aw man 24 was so epic I don't even mind that it pretty conclusively sinks my theory that VTL is super understaffed and underfunded. :lol

Seriously though, it was great. Orb is just such a well made show. When it wants you to feel like everything is going to s***, it knows how to make you feel like everything is going to s***.

Nooooooooooo, REALLY?! :p

Man! Gotta love the final episode here. One think that we know, it's impossible for Naomi or Juggler to be dead since they will appear in the Orb Movie later :P. I love the build-up on Juggler in recent episodes and it makes him a more petty and sympathetic villain who just wants to get attention. This episode basically culminates that! And seeing Gai thanked and giving Juggler a manly hug was a very heartwarming scene and it's quite tearjerking too. On the other side, despite their minimal appearances or more suitable, focus, in this episode, both Jetta, Shin and Shibukawa managed to give some memorable and contribution in the final episode. While it's true Orb doesn't have any attacking teams to help him in boot, he still has his trusty comrades to help him, despite the SSP are just a bunch of weaponless people I don't even think that Jetta or Shin are annoying or so narmy compared to some other helping characters who felt to annoying comic-relief characters. And the last, the action was superb too! A bit shame that we only got Spacium Zeperion for a good minute with Burminte for half minute. It's more enjoying if Orb using Spacium Zeperion as a finisher here or wielding Orbcalibur. And.... An unexpected event happened in the battlefield and it's totally not something that should be missed.

That was an extremely satisfying finale. I loved all the resolution to Gai and Juggler's impossibly dysfunctional relationship for one. Gai punching Juggler in the face and then immediately hugging him was perfect. Pretty much everything else was great too. Orb's stellar cinematography shines as always, with tons of really cool shots ranging from subtle (Gai and Juggler chatting with the monster in the background) to not so subtle (most of that final battle), I liked how Shin, Jetta, and Shibukawa got to all play an important part in saving the day, and the callback to the "Earth is round" line from the first episode at the end was the kind of bookend stuff I adore in any story, so that made me happy.

I'd say I'll miss Orb, but that phrasing doesn't feel quite right. The show told the story it wanted to tell and it told it well. I think asking for more at this point would just be greedy (and besides, we're getting a movie and a prequel series anyway). It's really telling of Orb's quality that it's won me over as much as it has. I wasn't giving it anywhere near enough credit early on despite more or less enjoying every episode, but now that it's over I feel pretty comfortable saying Ultraman Orb is one of the best Toku shows I've seen in a long while. Better than shows I like way more, even.

For an Ultraman show it has a very unique flavor, even beyond ditching the usual Science Patrol aspect, while still remaining distinctly Ultraman, which I feel isn't something to be understated. It hits all the notes you'd expect and also delivers its own story at the same time, and it does all of it with some pretty great action, a really enjoyable cast, and a ton of style throughout.

Considering how Ultraman has just been getting better and better since Ginga started, I can only hope we get another, even better show next summer too.

And what's more interesting point for Orb, almost EVERY episodes were all written by different writers! But, despite of that point, the writers managed to connect every single piece of the episodes into one fluid series like this! Juggler is also one of the best enemy, if not the best, in Ultra series. I already love Ultra series since kid so I know that it's our first time to get a recurring human villain like this. And Tsuburaya didn't waste the potential here. I must say that Orb gave one joyful and awesome ride for half of this year. Man, we got such a dynamic ride for the year, like Zyuohger, Ex-Aid, Amazons, and this year is closed by Orb. Seeing this, I really see that the Ultra series are slowly building up again as a competitive Toku series, like Kamen Rider and Super Sentai. And I hope Ultraman series will become a big franchise again like those two aforementioned series.

I haven't watched the finale yet (and probably won't until after Christmas now) but I agree in the sentiment about the franchise really being on the rise and hopefully becoming a major contender for Toei's properties again. On a purely technical level it utterly slays Rider/Sentai and both X and Orb have shown it can compete on a story level too. Very exciting times.

That was an incredible finale. I love every moment of it. I love Juggler's resolution and finally helped out Gai. The two of them together was amazing. Especially Orb's final finishing move was amazing too. Very satisfying and I just have to say that Gai/Orb is my favorite UltraMan right now. He was just right out amazing and great the whole way though. I am so happy we get the Origin Saga soon because I'd be really sad if we didn't get more of Gai.

Do they knows Gai's identity as Orb now?

Do I need to watch Ultraman X to watch Ultraman Orb?

Nope, totally independent shows :)

You should still check X out at some point, it's a good show.

So I'm like...wondering, do we have any idea if/when we're gonna get the Origin Saga subbed? Like, officially?

It looks like it's already a few episodes in, but...there's not really anything yet.