Manga Review: Ultraman, Volume 1

This week I’m adding a new superhero manga to the mix, with the new manga reboot of the iconic Japanese Tokusatsu series – Ultraman.

Manga Title: Ultraman – Volume 1
Story and Art by Eiichi Shimizu & Tomohiro Shimoguchi
Translated by Joe Yamazaki
Adapted by Stan!
Touch-Up & Lettering by Evan Waldinger

Available from Amazon.com

The Premise

Many years ago an alien entity known as “The Giant of Light” saved the life of a human named Shin Hayama, a member of the Science Special Search Party, or the SSSP, or Science Patrol. The Giant merged with Hayama, allowing him to transform into a giant superhero for a period of 3 minutes at a time. This hero, known as “Ultraman”, protected the Earth from various monsters and alien invaders.

After fending off all comers, the Giant left, leaving Shin with no memory of being Ultraman and only a remnant of his powers – super strength, super speed, and super durability – powers which Shin passed on to his son.

Now, Shinjiro Hayama is trying to live an ordinary life as an ordinary teenager. However, when alien monsters come to threaten Earth once again, he’s going to learn that with great power comes great responsibility.

High Points

The action scenes flow incredibly well, from Shinjiro moving from skyscraper to skyscraper, along with the two fight scenes.

Also, Shin and Ide look a lot like older versions of the actors who played them on the TV show.

Low Points

Fans of the TV franchise may be disappointed by the fact that any of the shows after the original series (like Ultraseven), appear to have not happened in this continuity.

Scores

Originality: This is a sequel to probably one of the most iconic Japanese Science Fiction TV series of all time, but one which takes its own spin on the work, through the style of the costumes, to Shinjiro’s background, to how the fights are choreographed. 5/6

Artwork: 5/6

Story: 4/6

Emotional Response: If you have knowledge of Ultraman, this work will resonate a lot more with you than if you’re coming in cold. 4/6

Characterization: 4/6

Flow: 6/6

Overall: 5/6

In total, Ultraman – Volume 1 gets 33 out of 42.