[Fish Sandwich]

I think all the Science-Fiction stuff is the big appeal, I haven't watched a lot of Ultraman, but I know watching the first episode of the whole franchise I couldn't help but think "hey, this Science Patrol stuff is pretty sweet, they've got, like, jets that launch submarines, and a cool tape-recorder, I dig this." and "Wow, this fight scene is terrible." Which might be to the show's benefit.

When I watch a lot of toku, I feel like the "plot" parts start dragging on just a bit. With Ultraman, I felt really invested in the plot, and the fights are short enough that they don't drag on.

Seriously though, I'm completely unqualified to judge, because I haven't seen any post 1970's stuff at all, so take that with a tub of salt.