[Aoi Kurenai]

So the new series has begun and it's being subbed weekly on Crunchyroll, let's talk about it!

The first episode of the show was fantastic. The quality was noticeable throughout and it seemed like the episode had a ton of budget going for itself. (and some great effects work)

Our main hero seems unlike any we've ever had in Ultraman before. I think Mebius comes somewhat close, being a little out of tune with the planet's customs but Gai kicks it up a level. As I watched the episode and specifically that scene at the end between Gai and the SSP I felt like I was watching Doctor Who – the somewhat eccentric alien along with his companions. If this is the sort of idea the show is going for, I'm all on board.

We're getting a few mysteries and tragic backstories set up right off the bat and that's such a good thing. The first scene of the episode was dark and gives you a sense of Gai's failings. He's clearly a more seasoned and careful fighter now so I have to wonder if any of what happened in the past will come back to be a deterrence throughout the series.

Jugler's also an interesting villain, the guy knows something about Gai that alludes to a darker nature. (unless he's outright talking about the first scene) As menacing as Jugler seems, I don't believe he's going to be our final enemy – I wanna say there's someone else pulling the strings.

Compared to X's first episode it's difficult to say which I enjoyed more. There was a ton of build up going into both shows – X being the first multi-cours show with an uninterrupted run in over 10 years and Orb being the 50th anniversary, they both did a lot of things right. As far as the characters go, I'm enjoying Orb's cast more just based on episode one. I'm hopeful I'll enjoy them more than the X characters (who were mostly fine) just based on the fact that it's a much smaller cast with livelier personalities who can potentially get some more screen time. X also set up an interesting mystery at the start of the show that, overall, wasn't worth the payout but just from this episode alone, Orb's story could potentially be more long lasting.

Long story short, the episode was a ton of fun to watch. The characters are fun and vibrant, the action is great, there are teases at a larger story and connection between our hero and our foe. I'll be eagerly awaiting every episode each Friday.

(also, points for those Twister and Superman references)