Until I got this press release, it didn’t occur to me that Tsuburaya Productions had not had a formal presence at Comic-Con International. For years, I’d find the manga or blu-rays and see the occasional Science Patrol cosplayer. But this the year for Ultraman to re-establish a foothold in the popular consciousness of U.S. audiences. Not just because of the excellent Ultraman: Rising currently on Netflix, but because fans are discovering the vastness of these multiversal kaiju fighters.
That’s right: Ultraman will be everywhere in San Diego next week. For the first time, we’ll get official meet and greets with Ultra Heroes (and possibly a couple of villains). Ultraman will represent in several panels. And, of course, there will be merch. Oh yes, there will be merch.
From Tsuburaya Productions:
The Ultraman universe first debuted in 1966 in the television series Ultra Q, and over the last 58+ years, the Ultraman franchise has spawned a record number of television series, films, video games, and more. The presence of Ultraman at San Diego Comic-Con comes at a time of major growth and increased brand awareness of the Ultraman franchise, sparked by the recent hit-maker Ultraman: Rising, which landed on Netflix in June and has become a fan-favorite and critical darling.
See below for a description of the panel, merch, and more opportunities to connect with the Ultraman fandom at San Diego Comic-Con this year:
Panel: Marvel’s Ultraman X Avengers – Ultraman Connection Live! For the first time in history Tsuburaya Productions has teamed with Marvel Comics to bring Ultraman, Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Captain Marvel, and the Wasp together for an unprecedented team-up in Ultraman X Avengers. Join the Ultraman Connection editorial team as they interview cover artist E.J. Su (Transformers, Castlevania), Reilly Brown (Deadpool, Lobo), and other Ultraman artists to learn about this titanic story—including the identity of the miniseries major villains! Also revealed will be a sneak peek at the fantastic Ultraman Card Game art contributions by American talent. And watch for the announcement of a major new project as well as live appearances by Ultraman and Ultraseven!
artwork by Dike Ruan
Friday, July 26 at 6:30-7:30pm – Room 5AB
Screening: Ultraman Blazar the Movie: Tokyo Kaiju Showdown The official North American premiere of the live-action Blazar tokusatsu feature film! A wave of deadly Kaiju attacks Tokyo, prompting Capt. Gento and SKaRD to engage in relentless battle. As Ultraman Blazar rises to the challenge in his inimitable way, our heroes must solve the final mysteries of the Blazar series to find a key to stopping the giant monster onslaught. This is the excellent English-language simuldub. Hosted by Ultraman Connection and featuring live appearances by Ultraman Blazar and a surprise Ultra Hero!
Friday, July 26 at 9:15-11:00pm – 6DE
Panel: Ultraman: Rising & the New Ultraman Universe Join Ultraman: Rising stars Christopher Sean (Ken Sato) and Keone Young (Dr. Onda), directors Shannon Tindle (Kubo and the Two Strings, Lost Ollie) and John Aoshima (DuckTales, Gravity Falls), and Tsuburaya Productions as they discuss the smash hit Netflix animated feature and catch up on a raft of new upcoming Ultraman content. Get a sneak preview of all things related to these Kaiju-fighting Giants of Light. Learn plans for the newest Ultra Hero, Ultraman Arc. Catch the stunning artwork for Ultraman X Avengers from Marvel Comics. Preview the Ultraman Card Game by the creators of the Force of Will TCG. Check out the new Mill Creek Entertainment Blu-rays. Plus, special live appearances by Ultraman and friends!
Ultra Hero Character Meet and Greets Fans will have the opportunity to connect with major franchise characters at the Ultraman booth (#3729) as well as the Bandai booth (#3345) this year, including Ultraman, Ultraman Arc, Ultraman Blazar, Ultraman Zero, and Ultraman Taiga. On the heels of the recent hit-maker Ultraman: Rising, breakout character Emi will also make her debut appearance. Selected Ultraman licensee exhibitors may also host Ultraman character appearances.
Ultraman Artist Autograph Sessions Exciting autograph sessions are planned to take place at the Tsuburaya Fields Media & Pictures booth (#3729) throughout the weekend. Featured artists and talent include fan favorite Jamie Noguchi (Thursday at 2pm), and Marvel Comics artists E.J. Su (Friday at 11am) and Reilly Brown (Saturday at 11:30am), Nakatomi Ultraman: Rising Poster Artist Tom Whalen (Friday at 3pm), Ultraman: Rising Director Shannon Tindle (Saturday at 1pm), and Ultraman: Rising Co-Director John Aoshima (Saturday at 1pm).
courtesy Shin Ultraman Production Company/Tsuburaya Studios
Ultraman Must-Have Merch In partnership with Alliance Entertainment, fans can get an in-person taste of online retailer popmarket.com at the Ultraman booth #3729. With a dedicated ULTRAMAN store on its website, popmarket is a true pop culture destination with hundreds of items from major collectible brands, including Bandai, Nakatomi Posters, Tamashii Nations and more. Additionally, Bandai will have a dedicated booth space (#3345) featuring a wide range of Ultraman figures and products for everyone to enjoy.
Ultraman Trading Card Game On the heels of the recently announced Ultraman Card Game, the game will be demonstrated for fans at the Ultraman booth (#3729) prior to its release at retail on October 25, 2024. Transmedia Producer Jeff Gomez and Ultraman Connection’s EJ Couloucoundis will also join with artists from the trading card game to review conventiongoer portfolios. Talented amateur, semi-pro, and professional artists may be selected to contribute art to upcoming releases from the Ultraman Card Game.
I’m going to learn how to play a collectible card game, aren’t I?
In addition to running Fanboy Planet, Derek has written for ActionAce, Daily Radar, Once Upon A Dime, and The Wave. He has contributed stories to Arcana Comics (The Greatest American Hero) and Monsterverse Comics (Bela Lugosi's Tales from the Grave). He has performed with ComedySportz and Silicon Valley Shakespeare, though relocated to Hollywood to... work in an office? If you ever played Eric's Ultimate Solitaire on the Macintosh, it was Derek's voice as The Weasel that urged you to play longer. You can buy his book "I Was Flesh Gordon" on the Amazon link at the right. Email him at [email protected].
