The subterranean city Delos is on the brink of extinction as a result of the surface dwellers’ environmental damage. In order to save themselves from doom, the Delosians activated the “Berserker System” that would wipe out the surface dwellers and Ultraman Max. The 100% effective weapon is impossible to be deactivated.
Now, the human civilisation stands at the brink of extinction.
Max rushes to Earth and battles with the mechanical beast, Giga Berserker, a product of the Berserker System. While waiting for Kaito to surface, two minutes had since lapsed. With only a minute and not much power left, Max was strung up by Giga Berserker. Max’s power timer wouldn’t stop blinking, while the lights in his eyes slowly dim.
Berserker’s influence began spreading throughout the world since Max has been taken out of the equation.
Is Earth’s surface population about to be annhilated?
A giant mechanical beast Scout Berserker appeared.
Kaito transforms into Ultraman Max…
Within the transformation dimension, Max told Kaito that he would soon have to return to nebula M78. Kaito was affected by Max’s words. From now on, he could only rely on his human strength to protect the Earth…
Strange-looking figurines began appearing on the streets. Sometimes, the Automaton figurines would utter in unison,"The Time Has Come For Earth’s Judgement…”
The Automatons warned,"In 30 hours, if mankind does not cease its corrupting economic activities, ‘DELOS’ would destroy all of DASH bases.”
According to Proffessor Yoshinaga , ‘DELOS’ is a subterranean alien civilisation. Kaito and Mizuki headed to meet the Delosians to initiate negotiations. But while making their voyage to the centre of the Earth, they lost control over their vehicle and Mizuki sustained severe injuries.
As Kaito administered first aid to Mizuki, a small mechanical beast Berseker appeared from the Delos Subterranean City. Berserker explained that mankind’s pollution of the environment had damaged the ozone, letting in harmful radiation that threatens the survival of the Delosians. The mechanical creature added that once the defensive “Berserker System” has been activated, it couldn’t be stopped.
The surface dwellers would be annhilated.
Kaito has the burden of the surface dwellers’ survival and Mizuki’s life resting on his shoulders…
Mizuki had a phantasmogoric experience with the stars when she was a child, and fell into deep thoughts.
While looking through the telescope, Kaito detected a strange appearance in the constellation. The stars were shifting and the constellation was taking the form of a monster.
The monster that appeared was Kepulse. Mizuki stifled her breath. The creature looked exactly like the monster as described in the storybook “The Rogue Constellation", which she received from a gentleman when she was a child.
DASH scrambled upon the appearance of the monster. Kepulse disappeared when DASH Bird fired missles at the creature. Mizuki conducted a search at the point where Kepulse vanished. She found herself at a planetarium.
Waiting at the astronomy domine, was the gentleman that Mizuki encountered during her childhood. The gentleman narrated the tale from the ancient time, of visitors that came to earth a long time ago - Saton seijin and star-beast Kepulse. Then, he enlightened Mizuki on an incredible fact.
He revealed to Mizuki that she is the descendant of the Saton, Creator of the Constellations.
Professor Yotsuya, a specialist in alternate dimension theory, was invited to base TITAN for consultation on the newly developed defence system. The world famous scientist demanded that he should be given the menu of finest cuisine for his hospitality treatment.
DASH members thought this person reminded them of the alien who dished out name cards (Shama seijin)…
Pigmon suddenly appeared in base TITAN! Pigmon warned a startled Kaito that “Redking is coming!”
The new beast that appeared wasn’t the one that Ultraman Max had previously subdued. It’s a new creature!
According to Pogmon, Redking’s energy form had been summoned from the dimension where it was incacerated. Was it Proffessor Yotsuya that had invoked Redking?
After suspending tests on the new system, DASH members detained Proffessor Yotsuya. The scientist then let out a sinister laughter.
Proffessor Yotsuya indeed is Shama seijin!!
Shama seijin had infiltrated base TITAN in order to send Ultraman Max into the alternate dimension! The alien revealed his true form, and fired his newly developed weapon at Pigmon. The friendly creature merged and became one with Elly.
This emergency created confusion within DASH! Can the defence team still protect Earth from Redking and Shama seijin?
One of the planets within the M 32 nebulae is about to become extinct.
Observation satellite GUARDIAN detected an unidentified flying object heading towards Earth from the extinct planet.
DASH headed towards the impact point where the object landed. At the site, there was this gigantic duck-billed creature that appeared to be in hibernation.
From Elly’s analysis, the object is a life form and it is emitting a signal. This creature is known as Hop-Hop, is a survivor that fled with its young away from the destroyed home planet. Thus, there are supposed to be two other lifeforms that are unaccounted for. DASH immediately launches a search for the missing entities.
A pair of brother and sister discovered the two missing little extra-terrestial life form by accident. Thinking that DASH would exterminate the two small creatures, the siblings tried to hide the hatchlings.
Hop-Hop, interned at DASH’s research laboratory, stirs from hibernation. Hop-hop became upset when it learns that its offsprings are not with her. Hop-Hop breaks out from the laboratory and begins smashing up the street.
The siblings brought the hatchlings to meet with Hop-hop. Meanwhile, the berserk creature is heading towards….
A monster’s carcass was discovered at Ryugantake. Its the remnants of Gurangon, the monster that appeared together with Lagolas.
There were bite marks on the remains. According to the marks, there’s a likelihood that a new Lagolas could be feeding on the carrion. In the Forward Operating Base at Ryugantake, DASH prepares for a showdown with Lagolas.
Sean examines the remains of Gurangon, and develops a solution that can counter the new threat.
Lagolas finally appears! But it looked different from its previous incarnation. The runaway monster Legolas Evo gave DASH a hard time. Sean finally completes his invention, however he’s not confident of using it against the creature. Kaito understood Sean’s fears - very much like how he felt the last time.
As DASH engaged the reincarnated monster, Mizuki fell in the way of danger! As Kaito pulled out the Max Spark, he was bathed in the same light when he first encountered Ultraman Max. Again, Kaito met up with Ultraman Max again…
Professor Yoshinaga guest panelled on a TV talk show on the topic of “Why Do Monsters Keep Appearing". Kaito and Mizuki spent their vacation at the cafe to watch the live recording.
The broadcast was shown at the big screen in Shibuya. Then, the monster Gernonga suddenly appeared. The screen showed a monster with a broken tusk.
As Kaito and Mizuki scrambled, the owner of the cafe smiled and said that he was the one who broke the tusk.
DASH intercepted Geronga at Yoyogi Park, and wanted to fix the monster at the point. The studio broadcasted the live feed of DASH’s showdown with the creature.
The SF novelist Sabashi, remembered the days when he was a young actor. He encountered the creature Geronga during a shooting session while on location at Shibuya.
Why do monsters appear?
40 years after that encounter, Sabashi’s answer is….
In Episode 29 - Why Monsters Keep Appearing, guest stars another two veteran actors from the TPC stable, Kenji Sahara and Yasuhiko Saijo.
[Together with] Hiroko Sakurai, thyey were the three main characters in ULTRA Q, and this is also a tribute to them; they have been on screen together before in the recent past, 1994’s ULTRA SEVEN: OPERATION SOLAR ENERGY. – August Ragone, Editor-in-Chief of Henshin! Online
(Kenji Sahara’s)experience with kaiju eiga dates right back to a (very small) cameo in the original GODZILLA (1954), and a leading role in Toho’s RODAN (1956). He’s other appearances include THE MYSTERIANS (1957), THE H-MAN (1958), KING KONG VS. GODZILLA (1962), MATANGO (1963), ULTRA Q (1965), WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS (1966), ULTRA SEVEN (1967), SPACE AMOEBA (1970), ULTRAMAN 80 (1980), GODZILLA VS. MECHAGODZILLA (1993), GODZILLA FINAL WARS (2004) and ULTRAMAN NEXUS (2004). – James Ballard, Tokyo Monsters
There is another trivia for episode 29. In this episode, there is a guest commentator Kosei Ueda (played by Shoichiro Akaboshi) in the TV talk show. Yet in Ultraman Tiga episode 5, a “monster calamity analyst” with the same name appeared. This is no coincidence, because both episodes were written by Chiaki Konaka. – Garren
The ferocious monster Luganogo landed on a beautiful planet in another corner of the galaxy.
Lilica, who lost both her parents and all of her friends escaped from the destroyed planet in a capsule. Luganoga flew towards space, in pursuit of the fleeing escape pod.
DASH members were celebrating the new year at BASE TITAN. Kaito spent the holiday as a volunteer, to bring cheer to children who lost their parents to disasters. And during that stint, Kaito met Lilica!
Lilica landed on Earth after leaving her home planet. Lilica confessed her identity to Kaito.
At that moment, Lilica had a bad premonition. Luganoga was headed for Earth!
In Episode 29 - Why Monsters Keep Appearing, guest stars another veteran actor from the TPC stable, Kenji Sahara.
(Kenji Sahara’s)experience with kaiju eiga dates right back to a (very small) cameo in the original GODZILLA (1954), and a leading role in Toho’s RODAN (1956). He’s other appearances include THE MYSTERIANS (1957), THE H-MAN (1958), KING KONG VS. GODZILLA (1962), MATANGO (1963), ULTRA Q (1965), WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS (1966), ULTRA SEVEN (1967), SPACE AMOEBA (1970), ULTRAMAN 80 (1980), GODZILLA VS. MECHAGODZILLA (1993), GODZILLA FINAL WARS (2004) and ULTRAMAN NEXUS (2004). – James Ballard, Tokyo Monsters
A man was found dazed in his room. In his room, there was a water tank that contained a newt Eleking!
Analysis of the lifeform revealed that this Eleking was created by unknown alien invaders. The brainwaves of the unconscious man resonated with effects of the stimuli applied to Eleking.
If there were more dangerous characters in metropolitan Tokyo with the newts, a concerted effort to activate the newts would bring great danger to Japan. DASH immediately set off to hunt down all the newts before they could do harm. Kaito and Mizuki raided a house that had a newt.
Mizuku, who was staring at the newt, suddenly lost consciousness. As Kaito went forward to assist her, two gorgeous femme showed up.
These two females are the ones who had been controlling the newts - the Pitt seijin!
The streets are filled with festive joy as Christmas approaches.
Koba and Sean got into the spirit and brought Elly along with them for a walk to soak in the festive mood. On the way home, both Koba and Sean realised that they’d forgotten to buy the Christmas gifts. They left Elly behind and went back to the shops.
Elly heard a commotion. There was an elderly man fiddling around with a gadget. Suddenly, a beautiful looking creature that looked like a unicorn appeared!
Amidst the elderly man’s cry,"Unijinn is about to appear!", Elly got electrocuted and went up in smoke. From that afternoon, Elly disappeared…
An alien suddenly appeared where the kind-hearted youth Kakeru was at. The alien from Nerilu, Keif, was a friendly extra-terrestial. Keif was on a mission to locate a habitable planet for his people to evacuate to, as their home planet was dying. However, his planet had died before he could complete his mission. Earth was the first hospitable planet Keif came across.
Kakeru tried to think of something that would make Keif happy. However, Earthlings had always discriminated against extra-terrestials.
Kakeru then disguised Keif as a human being, and brought him around to show him the beauty of Earth.
Keif was happy with the sights on a fine Sunday at the park. He greeted everyone that went by, and blissfully merged his body with Nature. DASH, which was pursuing a flying saucer, appeared. In order to gain the trust of Earthlings, Keif volunteered to be subjected to checks at Base Titan. However, Keif’s constitution was too weak to withstand the severe scrutiny.
Kaito was worried about Keif, and sneaked into the cell where the extra-terrestial was held. Keif was able to tell that Kaito was Ultraman Max. Keif then made a request to Keif. And the request was…
There was a street that experienced a series of strange occurances.
Some average citizens suddenly became more aggressive. They soon became enervated after carrying out destructive acts to their surroundings, and could not recall the motivation for their criminal actions. Upon receiving police tip-offs, DASH was dispatched to assist in investigations.
Apparently, the same street had experienced similar phenomena decades ago. Then, cigarette smokers became aggressive and attacked people. Which object would have stoked the seeds of aggression this time round?
The police officer who was working with DASH on the case, intuitively thought that suspicious link to the case was probably the mobile phone. Kaito, who was pursuing a man dressed in black, found a mobile phone that was ringing.
Picking up the handset and pressing it to his ear, Kaito heard…
Horiuchi Masami (堀内 正美) who acted as MATSUNAGA YOICHIRO in Ultraman Nexus makes another cameo appearance in this episode. Horiuchi also recently collaborated with Akio Jissoji in the movie Ranpo Jigoku (乱歩地獄), a 4-part anthology inspired by Japanese pulp-mystery writer Edogawa Ranpo. Jissoji-sensei directed the second chapter - Kagami Jigoku (Hell Mirror).
While visiting UDF’s south pacific base - Base Poseidon, Kaito and Chief Tomioka met the latter’s old comrade, Professor Deta. Chief Tomioka, together with Professor Yoshinaga and Professor Deta were once together as mates in an Earth defence team. Professor Deta mentioned to Chief Tomioka that Kaito was an outstanding fighter pilot.
Near Base Poseidon, the monster Flygula appeared!
The creature Flygula was the by product of the polluted environment, a result of Mankind’s environmental abuse. As Kaito was injured, Chief Tomioka took to the helms of the DASH mecha. Kaito who was behind Chief Tomioka, overheard the words that Chief Tomioka uttered… Download it now at Anarion’s Experimental Tracker
In the next episode…
Episode 24 is written by Akio Jissoji (who gave us the beautifully quirky “Episode 22 - Butterfly’s Dream", the seminal script writer who’s churned out tomes of science fiction and screen play. The coming episode is a homage to the classic “Ultraseven Episode 8″ - The targeted Street, featuring Metron Seijin.
The scriptwriter for “Ultraman Max” Hasunuma had been having strange dreams. He dreamt that he became Kaito Touma, and learnt about his thoughts and motivations.
In his dreams, a strange lady appeared. Hasunuma then began penning the dreams he had into his scripts.
That lady continued to appear in his dreams. The night before, he dreamt that the lady kneaded the figure of a terrible looking monster out of clay. The lady then found “Kaito” who was actually Hasunuma, and spoke to him about her piece of work.
The lady named her creature “Ma Deus". Upon waking up, Hasunama used the events in his dreams to complete his script.
His dreams continued… The lady told him that Ma Deus fed on the dreams of mankind and will use it to destroy the world. And she smiled at Kaito (Hasunuma) . Hasunuma finally completed his script.
In the real world, the disturbed scriptwriter went for a drink at the bar. There, sitting next to him was the creepy lady who had been in his dreams …!
Episode 23 features the appearance of Masanari Nihei as Professor Deta. Masanari was the “mood-making” SSSP Agent Ide Mitsuhiro from the original Ultraman series! This episode again pays homage to the cast from the seminal Ultraman series. This episode also features the debut of a new DASH mecha - DASH Bird 3!
ULTRAMAN MAX EP.21 - The Challenge From Beneath The Ground
11/22/2005 // 12:54 am
A Gomolazaurus, showed up at a village in the Nagano prefecture.
Journalist Katsunami Miyahara explained that the Gomola was a contraband that an illegal organisation smuggled into the country 20 years ago. According to her, Gomola had a nest in the area where it appeared.
The truth is, it was Kastunami’s father who had sneaked Gomola into Japan.
There were strange subterranean activities in the Nagano perfecture. Due to seismic activity the ground opened up and Captain Hijikata and Katsumi fell into the hole.
Underground, the two followed a winding tunnel and came before a strange looking door. Behind this door was Katsunami’s father’s laboratory where he tried to breed a more aggressive species of Gomolas and many other terrible experiments.
Both Hijikata and Katsunami were shocked by their discovery.
Meanwhile, a modified Gomola appeared above ground….
Due to abnormal sunspot activities, an interdimensional tunnel appeared in the galaxy. A somnambulistic monster drifted towards Earth through this tunnel. Chief Tomioka named the creature “Clouds". The DASH members were baffled by their Chief’s behaviour. Clouds had no idea it was drifting towards Earth with the help of the wind as it was sound asleep. And it’s heading towards the centre of the city!
DASH scrambled.
The plan was to tether Clouds with wires to the DASH birds, which would then pull the floating creature back through the interdimensional tunnel. During the journey, Clouds stirred. As it woke, Clouds’ body became denser and heavier. This creature has higher body mass when its awake.
The wires broke, and Clouds fell closer and closer to the ground. They can’t let the creature crash into the centre of the city. DASH desperately rushed through the streets to silence the city - anything that could make noise were shut down - temple bells, karaoke contest, and so on. However, thunderclouds appeared …
What would DASH do to get out of this predicament?
ULTRAMAN MAX EP.19 - The One That Came Through The Door
11/6/2005 // 10:26 pm
A number of ancient relics appeared after the frequent occurance of natural calamities.
Professor Yoshinaga proceeded to Mt. Mikazuki to investigate this phenomenon upon request. Over at the site, Professor Yoshinaga met the archaelogist, Dr. Ozaki (Koji Moritsugu) who was also Chief Tomioka’s junior.
At Mt. Mikazuki, the investigators uncovered a stone slab with ancient inscriptions. It looked like a piece in a puzzle. Interestingly, a figure that apparently resembled Ultraman Max was inscribed on the stone. Has Max already visited Earth during the ancient times…?
Kaito and Mizuki were mobilised from Base Titan to help move the findings back for further analysis. Kaito was startled when he saw the thing that he was to retrieve - he had seen the event as described by the stone slab in his nightmares.
As Kaito placed his hand on the object, a mysterious gate materialised.
Tara seijin appeared from the mysterious gate. The alien abducted Mizuki and disappeared together with the gate. In order to rescue Mizuki, DASH and Dr. Ozaki needs to solve the puzzle!
Re-union of Old Heroes
Kuro Susube (who acted as Hayata, the human host of Ultraman) and Koji Moritsugu (who acted as Dan Moroboshi, the human host of Ultraseven) knocks fist in this episode of Ultraman Max.
Kaito and Mizuki was watching the sunset on a peaceful evening.
Suddenly a sun rose from nowhere. The sudden disappearance brought chaos on the street.
According to Eri’s analysis - the globe of light was not the sun, but light from a huge reflector. The reflector amplified the sunlight, and directed the deadly rays on Japan. Who was behind this dastardly act?
At this moment, a man paid a visit to Base Titan.
The man presented his calling card, on which was printed “Alien Shama".
He said with courtesy,"Please surrender because the Earth is under our control.”
DASH was not amused. However, Alien Shama simply smiled and manipulated the DASH members. As this happened, a giant monster then appeared in town. This was the true form of Alien Shama. Ultraman Max made his appearance and attacked the creature. However, he was not able to touch the alien at all as its physical form had no substance!
Ultraman Max was running out of energy, and his Power Timer was blinking…
As Max was exhaused from the hard battle, Alien Shama demanded,"You have three days to surrender or else Japan will be destroyed.” The temperature rose under the perpetual day light, and threatened the safety of Japan.
How could Max and DASH defeat the alien that had no substantial body?
The body of a beautify woman was found lying under ice of a hundred thousand years old in the Antartica. The body was identified as “Nina” and was sent back to Base Titan for analysis. The members of DASH were taken in by her good looks. Koba, fascinated by the ancient beauty, reached out to touch the cryogenic capsule.
An undersea monster appeared. It was the same monster “Eraga” that was spotted earlier in the deep waters of the Antartica. The monster was moving north. Did Nina summon the creature?
DASH scrambled because of the creature’s appearance. As Koba was about to take a shot at the monster, Nina’s image appeared in his mind. As Koba hesitated, Eraga escaped.
After returning to base, Koba was troubled by the fact that he let the monster get away. Suddenly, he heard Nina’s voice calling for him. He ran to where Nina was held, only to find the capsule unlocked! Nina approached Koba slowly, and the two met. And then, Koba collapsed.
Recently, people had become more and more absent minded.
Homemakers would have forgetten something they were supposed to do seconds ago, while newscasters forgot their lines. Dogs forgot their tricks, and mynahs forgot their words.
Who was behind the infectious spread of this memory loss phenomenon?
The culprits finally appeared! The DASH birds scrambled!
…however the pilots forgot how to operate their aircraft! Koba misfired the missles and damaged Base Titan. Captain Hijikata flew his mecha in circles as he had forgotten why he was deployed. Chief Tomioka and Professor Yoshinaga also went into action, and were both in a euphoric mood for no apparent reason.
Except for the android Eri, all of the DASH and UDF members had gone cuckoo. Nobody knew what to expect next.
In the midst of madness, Ultraman Max finally appeared.
This episode was directed by the cult director Takashi Miike (三池崇史). Some of his well known films include Dead or Alive (1999) , Audition (1999) , Ichi the Killer (2001) , One Missed Call (2003), Zebraman (2004) and Three… Extremes (2004) - segment “Box". His most recent film was Yokai Daisenso (2005).
The latest episodes of ULTRAMAN MAX, ULTRAMAN MAX EP.9 - TtHE DRAGON’S LOVER, IS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD AT ANARION’s SITE!
ULTRAMAN MAX EP.9 - THE DRAGON’S LOVER
During the low tourist season at Natsunome Village, there was a lively debate going on about the construction of a new hotel. The village chief was hesitant to make a decision on the hotel, as the propsed site was near a shrine protected by the dragon of Natsunome. Unhappy with his father’s superstition, the son of the village chief started a rumour about the “the mysterious lake creature". The purpose was to generate a buzz so as to bring in the tourists. That would expedite the decision to build the hotel.
Mizuki and Kaito went to investigate went to the village to investigage the rumour about the “lake creature". Near the shrine, Kaito met with a mysterious girl dressed in white. The girl spoke about the legend of Natsunome, and pleaded with Kaito to save the shrine.
The shrine was to be demolished during evening’s fireworks festival.
The festival started off with a bang, and the shrine came down. As the festival apparently was about to conclude without incident, the shadow of the dragon of Natsunome appeared over the lake!
As Kaito was about to transform into Ultraman, the mysterious girl appearead again…
The latest episodes of ULTRAMAN MAX, ULTRAMAN MAX EP.8 - THE DESTRUCTION OF DASH!?, IS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD AT ANARION’s SITE!
ULTRAMAN MAX EP.8 - THE DESTRUCTION OF DASH!?
It was Kaito’s birthday. While the members of DASH were about to throw him a surprise party with a cake they made, the alarm sounded. There was a meteor approaching the city.
DASH scrambled and saved the day.
Sean and Professor Yoshinaga analysed the metorite, and decided that the problem had been solved. But unknown to them, there was a sinister lifeform living within the fragments. Starting with Sean and Yoshinaga, the rest of team DASH fell victim to this creature.
The kaiju Bagdaras came from the remains of the meteorite. With its special energy beam, Bagdaras was able to drain life away from human beings. Meanwhile, new life was gestating within the body of Bagdaras. If the eggs within the insect-like creature hatched, Earth would be in peril!
The DASH members were immobilised by the creature’s beam. And soon, Kaito also became a victim.
Would Ultraman Max still be able to make his appearance?
The latest episodes of ULTRAMAN MAX, ULTRAMAN MAX EP.7 - THE STAR DESTROYER, IS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD AT ANARION’s SITE!
ULTRAMAN MAX EP.7 - THE STAR DESTROYER
There was a strange disturbance among the hills. Kaito and Mizuki were dispatched to investigate.
Mizuki separated from Kaito, and stumbled upon an alien in a cave.
The alien’s name is Kesam. He came to Earth because his interstellar travel device malfunctioned during his journey. Mizuki took it upon herself to nurse Kesam back to health.
However, Kesam had something against Earthlings. He wanted to destroy the civilisation that was constantly at war and also a detriment to the environment. Mizuki tried to talk Kesam out of his crazy idea. But Kesam had already activated the doomsday device.
SUDAH DATANG: ULTRAMAN MAX EP.4 - Infinite Invaders and ULTRAMAN MAX EP.6 - 5 Seconds Before the Explosion!
8/7/2005 // 1:35 pm
The latest episodes of ULTRAMAN MAX, ULTRAMAN MAX EP.6 - 5 SECONDS BEFORE THE EXPLOSION! IS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD AT ANARION’s SITE!
ULTRAMAN MAX EP.6 - 5 SECONDS BEFORE THE EXPLOSION!
Monster Island drifts closer towards Japan.
If the geologically unstable island blows up near, it will cause catastrophic disasters. And the Island is about to collide…
At the UDF headquarters, the officials have decided to use the ultimate weapon - the “Cosmo Diva"- to destroy the Island.
BUT, Kaito and Mizuki are still on Monster Island. Captain Hijikata decided to defy the decision. Koba and Sean both headed for the Island to rescue their fellow comrades.
On Monster Island, Red King resurrected. Pigmon sent a message to Kaito, who was injured during the fight. In that message, Kaito learnt about the birth of the human civilisation, and alsoPigmon’s real identity. But the time towards the Island’s destruction draws near…
Can Red King be defeated? Is Kaito able to make it back alive?
SUDAH DATANG: ULTRAMAN MAX EP.4 - Infinite Invaders and ULTRAMAN MAX EP.5 - The Monster Island Appears!
8/2/2005 // 11:50 am
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ULTRAMAN MAX EP.4 - INFINITE INVADERS
In the still of the night, aliens appeared at the sports stadium.
Kaito and Mizuki rushed to the scene of incident. They encountered the alien Sran, which was disguised as a security personnel.
During the battle with the hyper-speed alien, Kaito was taken together with his DASH ALFA. Coming to, Kaito found himself together with Sran in an UFO. In their exchange, Kaito learnt that Sran’s intention was here to subjugate Earth and place the planet under his control . . .
ULTRAMAN MAX EP.5 - THE MONSTER ISLAND APPEARS!
A strange island had appeared in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. DASH was dispatched to investigate the anomaly. Kaito and Mizuki was tasked to conduct detailed study of the island.
There, they found Pigmon. This friendly creature hold’s the key to Earth’s future. Clueless, Kaito developed his friendship with the creature. But on the island - there’s two other pairs of eyes monitoring Pigmon - a treasure hunter and an archaelogist…
When the seal on the island was breached, the monsters on the island came out of their hibernation. Among the rampaging creatures, was the king of all monsters - Red King!
What will be the aftermath, in the match between Ultraman Max and powerful Red King?
SUDAH DATANG: ULTRAMAN MAX EP.3 - The Proof of a Warrior
7/17/2005 // 5:20 pm
The new episode of ULTRAMAN MAX, EPISODE 3 - “THE PROOF OF A WARRIOR” IS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD AT ANARION’s SITE!
Ultraman Max is Earth and humanity’s guardian against the monster threat.
As Earthlings had yet to determine the real identity of Ultraman Max, analysts and researchers labelled Max as “an alien". Kaito, the human host for Ultraman Max, is upset by such turn of events. (well, whaddaya expect Mr Kaito - Ultraman Max just demolished a section of the city with his hotjock stunts - and not to mention he threw a building at Eleking without due considerations for the inhabitants - Akubon, the fiesty editor*)
Suddenly, the ancient ornithological creature Regila appeared! This presented Kaito an opportunity to demonstrate that Ultraman Max is a warrior that will uphold the interests of mankind and protect humanity from harm.
But to his surprise, Kaito was unable to transform when he tried!
Captain Hijikata asked Kaito why Ultraman Max and DASH continue to battle. And then he took away Kaito’s DASH badge. . .
*the comments are personal views of Akubon and does not represent the position of Ultraman Lah! or its staff and members
SUDAH DATANG: ULTRAMAN MAX EP.2 - The Girl Who Kept a Monster
7/10/2005 // 8:14 am
The new episode of ULTRAMAN MAX, EPISODE 2 - “THE GIRL WHO KEPT A MONSTER” IS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD AT ANARION’s SITE!
A monster appeared on the streets in the still of the night.
This creature, that feeds on electricity, is Eleking! And his appetite has caused a blackout in the city.
DASH scrambled, and attacked the monster with their mechas. But Eleking suddenly disappeared.
In order to track down the elusive creature, DASH deployed their special scanners. They managed to fix Eleking’s position, but it turned out to be at the apartment a pretty office lady (with nice legs)…
SUDAH DATANG: ULTRAMAN MAX EP.1 - BIRTH OF ULTRAMAN MAX!
7/2/2005 // 11:27 pm
The new episode of ULTRAMAN MAX, EPISODE 1 - “BIRTH OF ULTRAMAN MAX!” IS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD AT ANARION’s SITE!
Just as many people are going on with their peaceful lives, terrible monsters appeared! Civil defence volunteer Kaito Touma searched for the missing people while the towns folk evacuated from their dwellings.
Counter-monster defence group Team DASH scrambled in the face of the crisis. Mizuki’s fighter was shot down by the monster’s attack. Kaito rescued Mizuki from the grounded aircraft and took over the controls. He brought the jet back into the air to assault the monsters but he lost control of the aircraft after getting hit. Suddenly, the jet was surrounded by a red light that came from the sky and apparently transported Kaito and the craft into another dimension. In that incredible dimension, Kaito encounted the Giant of Light.
“Only by merging with you, then am I able to exist on your planet within a limited time span. I hope you will lend me your strength.”
As Kaito accepted the Max Spark, his body was wrapped in blazing lights.
The team together with their non-human members - Eri and Coco (extreme right)
DASH members on the set.
The UDF (left) and DASH (right) emblem
Meet the Members
Shigeru Hijikakta (left) (actor: Kai Shishido) - This is the cool and steady team captain of team DASH. Actor Kai Shinshido says Ultraseven left the deepest impression on him, and he wants to bring back the mood of the classic works. He wants to turn Max into a work where kids can believe in Ultraman like they can believe in Santa Claus.
Kaito Touma (right) (actor: Sota Aoyama) - The human host for Ultraman Max. He is a rookie with team DASH. Aoyama feels that a lot of kids nowadays are too bogged down with reality. He will work hard so that he can make kids feel the wish to become Ultraman and make them remember their dreams and hope.
Mizuki Koishikawa (left) (actress: Hitomi Hasebe ) - Team DASH’s ace pilot. Hasebe mentions that dad STILL loves Anna from Ultraseven. He had ‘commanded’ her to be better than Anna. So she is going to work hard so that kids will be able to cherish her presence like the way her father loved Anna.
Kenjiro Koba (right)(actor: Nobuyuki Ogawa) - Team DASH’s marksman. Ogawa feels that too few shows these days clearly differentiate the good from the bad. He hopes kids who watch Max will be able to have kind feelings again.
Eri (left) (actress: Hikari Mitsushima) - The android assisting operations management. Mistsushina’s younger brother is 10 years old and he’s going to be her strongest critic. She’s going to work hard to not disappoint her brother’s expectations.
Sean White (actor: Sean Nichols) - The science officer and also the joker on the team. Sean watched Ultraman back in US when he was a kid. He would rush home to watch Ultraman after school. School ended at 1430h whereas Ultraman started at 1400. He always missed the first 5 minutes. He’s honoured to be in the show.
Meet the Staff
Shusuke Kaneko (left) is the talented director behind the recent Gamera movies. He directed the first two episodes of Ultraman Max. He wants to produce a cheerful/bright Ultraman show.
Takeshi Yagi (right) is the producer. Yagi was the director behind Ultraman Nexus.
(thanks to UltraM2000 for assisting in the translation)
Team DASH (Defense Action Squad Heroes) is the Japanese defense team under the command of UDF (United Defense Force aka 地球防衛連合), headquartered in Paris. Team DASH is based on a floating fortress at Tokyo Bay. Their base is known as BASE TITAN (ベース・タイタン)
The DASH Emblem
The DASH mechas: (Top) DASH Mother - this is the airborne mecha-carrier and command & control platform. It is armed with a high powered laser cannon and missles. It can fly at mach 3. (Middle) DASH Bird 1 - DASH’s main strike platform. The fastest aircraft on Earth that can fly up to speeds of mach 5. Capable of space flight. (Bottom) DASH Bird 2 - Bird 1’s support platform. This bird is armed with heavy artillery.
The elite Counter-Kaiju Defense Team. From left to right: Koba, Mizuki, Kaito (Ultraman Max), Hijikata, Sean and Eri.
Team DASH’s pet robot - Coco. Its function is to facilitate communications between DASH and UDF, and to also analyse data,
For more scoops on Ultraman Max, check out our FEATURES section.
The official Website for Ultraman Max (ウルトラマンマックス) is up!
CHECK IT OUT!
The attack team for Ultraman Max:
DASH
From left to right:
Sean Nichols as Sean White «ショーン・ホワイト» (DASH, science officer dispatched from the North America branch) Hitomi Hasebe as Mizuki Koishikawa «コイシカワ・ミズキ» (DASH) Hiroko Sakurai as Professor Yoshinaga «ヨシナガ教授» (UDF) Susumu Kurobe as Chief Tomioka «トミオカ長官» (UDF) Hikari Mitsushima as Eri «エリー» (DASH, android, operator) Kai Shishido as Captain Shigeru Hijikata «ヒジカタ・シゲル隊長» (DASH) Nobuyuki Ogawa as Kenjiro Koba «コバ・ケンジロウ» (DASH, expert shooter) Sota Aoyama as Kaito Toma/Ultraman Max «トウマ・カイト/ウルトラマンマックス» (DASH)
- - Regarding the Production of the Chinese “Ultra” hero
This tv series will be locally produced, and the actors will also come from the Chinese. Preparations for the production of the Chinese Ultraman tv series has begun, so as to expedite the broadcast on China’s tv stations.
Till today, the Chinese editions of Ultraman are dubbed versions of the Japanese produced shows. This includes ULTRAMAN TIGA, which began its run in China since 2004. The restrictions against foreign-produced shows have since become stricter, nad thus has become more difficult for the newer Japanese productions to be aired. There we need to have a new character that can take root in China.
We have set up a joint-venture company with a Chinese partner for the production and distribution of the new series. By joining hands with the local media titans, this will be advantageous for the promotion of the new series.To let the audience identify with the show, we have decided to let the characters and stage design to be infused with Chinese culture.
The Chinese government requires programmes that incorporate elements of Chinese culture into at least two-thirds of the programme contents. Most of the cast and staff will come from China herself.
- - A New Character from the “Ultra” Hero Franchise
I want to create a character that is totally different from the Ultra Hero series. This is a strategy is to deal with intellectual property theft. The pirates would flood the market with bootlegs, even before Japan is able to bring their programme into the Chinese market. If we’re to use a yet-to-be-revealed character, and release it in conjunction with the debut of the tv show, we should be able to grab the market before the bootleggers do so.
- - The Well-known “Live” Shows in Japanese Departmental Stores
In order to popularise the character, we intend increase the opportunity for Chinese kids to experience this character via live shows. And thereafter we’ll continue the promotion in Japanese market, via exhibitions and live shows in the departmental stores.
Only thing is that, the circumstances in China is different. In the Japanese scene, when departmental stores run staging events, the norm is for stores pay our company. This is because [our characters] help to draw customers. But to our surprise, the situation is reverse in China where we had to pay the stores instead. The stores feel that, such events is for the sake of promoting Tsuburaya Productions.
Although we did help them bring in the crowds, we failed to achieve our intended effects. As for the broadcasters, we’re also surprised that they thought our shows were advertisement for our company and wanted to collect fees from us.
- - Strict Regulations for TV Programmes
Ever since [China’s] entry into the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the bureaucratic maze has become even more complex. The liberalisation demanded by the WTO did not happened as promised.
Before joining the WTO, foreign programmes could be broadcasted with relative ease, but after joining it became mandatory to apply for permits. In China, companies with less than 50% of national capital have no broadcasting rights. Because of this, “Ultraman” series had difficulties showing in China and was aborted midway.
Ultraman Tiga, which is now being shown in China, was given a permit only after a year of bureaucratic wrangling. The other shows that we’ve applied permits haven’t even gotten permits by last year. “Permission will be granted in 2005″ is now a defunct fact.
Even if it has received permit in 2007, the broadcast project can only be realised in 2007. And this had affected our plans to market related goods and promotional campaign in China. This was another reason for us to embark on the Chinese production.
- - The Monsters Appearing in the New Series would be Made In China
We’ve already started work with our Shanghai subsidiary. We attempted to produce three kaijus in Shanghai, and the quality has met our quality specifications. Comparing to our Japanese production, we can save up to a quarter of our costs.
The kaijus used for filming requires even more intricate craftsmenship, thus related Chinese staff have been sent to Japan for training.
Only that, the Ultraman costumes have to be made in Japan. This is because the head designs can be easily
copied and bootlegged. As a precaution against design piracy and theft of production techniques, we had dropped the idea of outsourcing the kaiju making contract to a third company. Its safer to let the Shanghai subsidiary to take ownership of the production.
- - The Media Production Scene in China
After inspecting the Shanghai production facilities and broadcast networks, we’re amazed by the suite of high-end cameras and related post-production computers. Perhaps, the coming Beijing Olympics, Shanghai Expo and other large scale events had spurred the upgrade of media production facilities.
Only that, not many tv programmes can fully exploit these excellent facilities, and there are not enough technicians to utilise the full capabilities of the equipment. Those companies and studios that we’ve visited were asking us to deliver the “samples by tommorrow". At present, we can only send our Japanese technicians, but once the local talents are suitably groomed, we can create a similar production environment like Japan.
- - The Tough Trademark Battle China
Some unrelated firm in China had beaten us to register ULTRAMAN’s Chinese name “AO TE MAN (奥特曼)” in China. Trademark “bandwagoneers” are aplenty in China.
Ultraman has been shown in China several decades ago, and bootlegged copies of the merchandise mushroomed in the market. That made our copyright protection efforts in China rather difficult. There are a number of Chinese company that had registered trademarks related to Ultraman. Last year, we began to take the problem seriously and will respond accordingly.
- - China’s Intellectual Property Protection System Still Not Mature
There is certainly disatisfaction. But, Japan was like this in the past, and this is the path where a country with a weak legal system has to go through. The Chinese subsidiary has no definite role to play yet, but with a locally produced franchise, it will surely be in its interest to enforce copyright protection.
- -Buying Back the “ULTRAMAN” Trademark
This is not possible. Money will not solve the problem, but the legal recourse would be the most measure. If we were to buy out all those trademarks that rightfully belongs to us, it will set a bad precedents. This problem does not only affect us, but many other foreign companies
- - Consumers Unable to Distinguish Between Originals and Bootlegs
In China, the bootlegs have outsold the original products because consumers do not distinguish between orignals or fakes. The distributors believe that “as long as it sells it can be sold". This condition is condusive for bootlegs to thrive.
The government has begun to take a stronger stand against intellectual property piracy, and distributors should likewise adopt similar measures. But this will not totally eradicate the problem.
- - An Audience Dissimilar to the Japanese
In Japan, the Ultraman series appeal to those aged from 3 - 6 years old, but in China the demographic group goes from 3 - 12 years old, and even older. There are much elder children watching Ultraman, and this is where it differs. Therefore, we have to produce a show that can address this demographic group.
Ultraman is also popular among Chinese girls. Also, it is reported that parents and even grandparents will accompany their children to watch Ultraman. This is similar to the situation in Japan.
Ultraman Tiga is shown in Shanghai on Saturday. This show receives the highest rating among the shows shown during the same timeslot.
- - The Japanese Mobilephone Text Service
As the mobilephone service becomes ubiquitous in China, this will allow character goods to permeate at the same time. A character needs time to become popular. The popularity of the character on TV will determine the brand recognition.
Following a popular appeal on TV, related merchandise and events will soon follow. IT is the same in Japan. At this stage, promotional activity will involve other media.
The Ultraman themeparks in Japan fopllows the same concept. As for China, there are plans to build theme parks, but its too early to tell.
- - Restriction to Content
The number of ‘violent scenes’ in the Ultraman series had caused problems for the shows. The cases of fans thinking they could fly and leaping off buildings had caused some controversy. Knowing our influence on children, we will produce content that is agreeable to the Chinese cultural sensitivies.
Tsuburaya Productions will make a new Ultraman series based in the People’s Republic of China
Tsuburaya Productions will be making a new “Ultra Hero” show using actors from mainland China. The new television series will be made entirely in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). If the production finishes according to schedule, the show will soon be telecast in PRC within the year. This is the first time Tsuburaya Productions is producing an original Ultraman show in China.
The Chinese show will be employing local Chinese actors and production staff, who will not be strangers to the Chinese audience. This series will be filmed in Mandarin (Putonghua) and staged in China. The name of the new Ultraman character has yet been decided.
Last year, Ultraman Tiga began broadcasting in PRC. This Ultra series had been dubbed into Mandarin. However, in order to sell a series that the locals can identify with Tsuburaya has decided to put out a show tailored specifically for the Chinese audience.
To facilitate this project, Tsuburaya Productions had formed a new investment company with a Chinese enterprise. Tsuburaya anticipates the positive after effects of this co-operation, and intends to create new special effects (tokusatsu) franchises. The design of these new characters will be inbued with the influence of the Chinese culture.
Tsuburaya Productions had bitter experiences with previous partnerships, such as the loss of intellectual property rights to a foreign partner, and also contended with pirated goods that flooded the market, especially in China. To pre-empt such incidents from happening, Tsuburaya Productions will put out the original products based on the new Ultraman in a timely fashion, and to also strengthen the management of their intellectual property.
Ultraman is a popular tokusatsu franchise among the children, but its popularity has gone down in the recent years. The show even went off air in 2002. But since October last year, with the debut of ULTRAMAN NEXUS on TBS and Toho’s GODZILLA: FINAL WAR, there was a renewed interest in the tokusatsu genre. Tsuburaya Productions had caught the wave and had adjusted their marketing strategies. The adaptation of Ultraman to local Chinese flavour was to gain the major share of 1.3million strong adolescent market.
