“My butt feels oddly warm.”
Ultraman #1
Harvey Comics/Ultracomics (July, 1993)
This mini-series, and the ongoing to follow, were both published by Harvey comics, the mini-series under an “Ultracomics” imprint and the series under “Nemesis”. The comics continue on from Ultraman: Towards The Future (known in Japan as Ultraman Great, which I’ve reviewed in the Saturday Night Showcase back when it was called Saturday Night Theater. There’s also a neat behind the scenes of the show if you’re interested by fan Matt Burkett.
“Genesis” WRITER: Dwayne McDuffie PENCILER: Ernie Colon INKER: Alfredo Alcala COLORS: Clydene Nee In Color COVER ART: Ken Steacy LETTERER: Dan NakrosisAfter a brief flashback to the first and final episodes (with some extra footage about how Ultraman and Gudis ended up on Mars), we move to three years later. Jack and Ultraman are living separate lives but monsters are still running loose on Earth and UMA is still dealing with them. However, the latest monster is in fact a returned Gudis. Jack uses the Delta Plasma Pendant to summon Ultraman back to Earth, but will he be in time to save Jack?
What they got right: I do like that they set the story after the events of the series rather than shoehorning them into the show’s timeline. It gives them a bit more freedom outside of bringing Ultraman back to Earth.
What they got wrong: But why Gudis again? And when did he develop the power to shapeshift and the ability to speak?
Recommendation: My collection of miniseries and the ongoing is sadly spotty but the story is starting well and the art is very good for a smaller publisher of the time (and definitely by 90’s art standards). If you never saw Towards The Future and don’t mind spoilers, this would be a good introduction to the Japan/Australian co-production and maybe even the Japanese superhero franchise as well.
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