Ultraman Orb - new series to start in July?

[Specium Ray]

Just came here to post that! Terrible Engrish acronyms aside, the series looks really great. I like the lead actress who has to work part-times jobs to keep her science patrol club open, it reminds me of Ultraman 80's split focus between the school and the military force. Always nice seeing some VTOLs in action. Since these jets are CG and not props, maybe that leaked photo from a few months ago is from a different project?

[Specium Ray]

Crunchy, why do you like to wait until the 11th hour to announce Ultra simulcasts? I can feel my bald spot getting bigger as each hour passes.

[MekaGojira3k]

XD. I expect them to get it, but I wish they'd just say so.

[Specium Ray]

Amazon Japan is doing an Orb spin-off, which was reported to be heading towards other countries (I couldn't find a firm source for that, though). Maybe they are picking up the main series as well? Just have to wait a bit longer, I suppose.

[Specium Ray]

"Coming this Summer to Crunchyroll: ULTRAMAN ORB"
http://www.crunchyroll.com/ultraman-orb

So, I guess not a simulcast? As long as it comes, I'll be happy.

[Specium Ray]

Oh yay, I guess it is!

http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2 ... traman-orb

[lhb412]

HELL YEAH!


--- edit ---

I suppose I'll be seeing it a week later because I'm not a subscriber, as with X, right?

Don't get to spoilery!

[sentaison]

Ok, without being too spoilery. The opening scene was a bit dark, but it brightened up considerably after the titles. I enjoyed the "Twister" homage as well as the other bits of humor throughout episode. Right now this is looking to be a show very light on the drama with more of a focus on the humor. So far the approach is very non-traditional from the majority of previous series, which seems a little strange for the 50th anniversary of the franchise.

[Specium Ray]

The lead actor reminded me a little of Doctor Who. Wondering if the girl from the opening and the lead actress will become "companions".
Great start, looking forward to more. It's so refreshing to have an Ultra series where they don't talk to sofubi.

[lhb412]

Since I won't be able to see it until a week from now I'll try to finish Nexus.

Glad to hear the positive reaction!

[The Great MM]

Finished the first episode. I like it. Will I like it as much as X? Way to early to tell, but it's better than Ginga with just this one episode. Gai is an awesome character. When I read he was going to be a "Happy go-lucky hobo", I was worried. Like, a lot. However, he didn't come off as obnoxious or anything. What was really nice is that they (seemingly) got rid of the aspect that makes it seem as if the human is controlling/piloting the Ultra during battle. Maga-Bassar was really nice as well. The destruction sequences were some of the best non-film I've seen in a while in this genre. And I've been waiting a while to see a winged kaiju utilize tornadoes, so this series already covered me with that as well. The twister reference with the flying cow sign... That actually made me LOL. I am highly interested in seeing what else this series has in store.

[kiryugoji04]

[Dai]

This show is off to a good start. All the characters are likeable, plenty of exciting effects, and there's not a spark doll in sight. The SSP are a lively bunch, and give off a vibe closer to Godzilla 2000's Godzilla Prediction Network than any of the usual Earth Defence Force organisations in Ultra shows. There's a quirky, good-natured feel to everything in this show; even the presumed antagonist is surprisingly sociable. This episode didn't quite knock my socks off like the first episode of Ultraman X, but I look forward to seeing where it's going.

[MekaGojira3k]

I love the smaller scale in the cast, and really dig everything so far. I think, this could rival and even surpass X if it'd just resolve plot points.


Love the new Kaiju.

[lhb412]

Loved the first episode; goes for a more whimsical tone and subverts the usual series format - there is a traditional defense team and (at least here) they're useless!

Also: Crunchy gives you the first episodes in HD and without commercials for free? Neat.

[Rody]

I watched the first episode last night, and the second this afternoon. There's definitely a cartoony aspect to the presentation, but I think it mostly works. Some plot beats are very contrived, admittedly: "Cap" is shaping up to be a veritable Lois Lane, and that will get old fast. Gai is a fun hero, though.
The blending of practical and digital effects is very good, and Maga-Bassa (Basser?) must be one of the best-looking flying Ultra monsters yet conceived.

[Moonlight SY-3]

Watching this with my 6-year-old son, and we're both loving it so far! We love how Gai is a badass on his own, without becoming Orb.

I'm not too keen on Orb's design itself, but it's the way of the modern Ultras, it seems...just too busy, too many doodads tacked on...I understand the melding of multiple Ultras, but like Ginga and X, there's just too much bling on him for my tastes. Simple and smooth is how I like my Ultras!

That aside, I'm digging the tone of this series. Great effects, interesting characters, interesting storyline so far.

[lhb412]

^ I wanna see the return to sleek, simpler Ultras differentiated by the shape of their heads (like Nexus' pith helmet head).

[klen7]

^ that was one element i really liked about the CG Ultraman thing last year

[Rody]

Nexus might be my all-time favorite Ultraman design. Orb might end up being one of my least.

...But episode three was fun. Maga-Jappa was a cool new monster - powers of stink!
And that Ghostbusters reference.

[MekaGojira3k]

Episode 3 was great. Especially loved the moment went Juggler and Orb are just chatting while Maga Jappa wades by just hanging out. Such fun

[Specium Ray]

I'm really curious about the story of Gai and his "companion". If Zetton was sealed by Ultraman, what monster did he get the Tiga card from?

[kiryugoji04]

Episode 2 really sh!t on Naomi, which is a shame because the giant monster portion of the episode was amazing. Oh well. I hear it gets better after this but it's gonna be hard to wash away how badly she was treated in this episode, from the super damsel in distress characterization to the TWO(!) upskirt shots, among other things.

Bleah.

[The Great MM]

Episode 4 was okay. LOVE Pandon's returning double face on one head gimmick. Was disappointed he didn't do much, however. Really looking forward to episode five. Hyper Zetton Deathscythe looks and sounds awesome.

[klen7]