Tag Archives: tsuburaya productions

G-FEST 2025: Ultraman: The Ultra Academy Series Book One “Beware the Baleful Baltan” debuts Fall 2025

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Ultraman: The Ultra Academy Series Book One "Beware the Baleful Baltan"

Tsuburaya Productions and Sky Turtle Press have announced Beware the Baleful Baltan!, the first book in the groundbreaking Ultraman: The Ultra Academy series by Rebecca K. Reynolds. Set to release on September 23, 2025, this marks the first time a North American publisher has been entrusted with creating new kids’ books for the Ultraman franchise in six decades, bringing Japan’s most iconic superhero to a new generation of readers through imaginative science fiction adventure.

When twelve-year-old volcano enthusiast Jack Newton receives an invitation to join the Ultra Academy, an elite training program run by the legendary Science Special Search Party (SSSP), he thinks he’s won the ultimate science lottery. But when giant alien Baltans infiltrate underwater volcanoes with a diabolical plan to overtake the planet, Jack and five other brilliant young recruits must overcome Baltan mind control tactics while combining their unique talents to save the planet.

Through heart-pounding adventures, Beware the Baleful Baltan! explores themes of resilience, trust, invention, staying cool under pressure, and forgiveness as the young heroes learn that their greatest strength lies not in their individual talents, but in their ability to support each other. Each young character brings different scientific skills to the team—from volcanology and forensic science to computer programming and botany—helping young readers grow curious about the wonders of science.

With Tsuburaya Productions set to have a major Ultraman presence at G-FEST 2025, fans of the franchise will not want to miss an exclusive onsite offering, as there will be a limited number of copies available for purchase at the Sky Turtle Nova show floor booth. Author Rebecca K. Reynolds will also be spotlighted in an Ultra Academy panel at G-FEST, Friday, July 11 at 3pm. As a part of a weekend-long activation by Tsuburaya Productions at the convention, the panel will also feature live special guest character Alien Baltan…and more!

Ultraman is taking over G-FEST with the Chicago premiere of the English dub of Ultraman Arc The Movie: The Clash of Light and Evil with Ultraman Arc himself making a live appearance.  Throughout the weekend, fans can explore the Ultraman universe, from 1966’s beloved classic Ultraman to 2025’s newest series, Ultraman Omega, and enjoy special activities, including a focus on the Ultraman Card Game with brand new art reveals. Meet your favorite Ultra Heroes and Kaiju at character meet & greets, and witness the action up close with live mini-stage battles. Hiroko Sakurai, known for her iconic roles as Yuriko Edogawa in Ultra Q and Akiko Fuji in Ultraman, will appear for autograph sessions and a special live talk show.

The Ultra Academy series continues with additional volumes planned for 2026, each featuring classic Kaiju, new scientific challenges, and exciting cameos by the Giant of Light himself, Ultraman!

Purchase: Amazon – Bookshop

Ultraman to Take Over Kaiju Brooklyn 2025 including the North American Premiere of Ultraman Arc The Movie: The Clash of Light and Evil

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Ultraman Arc The Movie: The Clash of Light and Evil

Kaiju fans, rejoice! Tsuburaya Productions has announced that Japan’s most iconic superhero, Ultraman, is making its way to Kaiju Brooklyn 2025, the largest East Coast convention celebrating all things kaiju and tokusatsu! Taking place at Industry City in Brooklyn from May 31 to June 1, fans can look forward to a weekend packed with electrifying Ultraman events, including a variety of panels, card game tournaments, and screenings celebrating the expanding Ultraman universe.  

Tsuburaya Productions will kick off Kaiju Brooklyn with the “Ultraman Connection: Tsuburaya 2025 Ultraman Update” panel on May 31 at 10:30a ET, featuring exclusive reveals of new projects, including the Ultra Academy novels, the Ultraman Card Game, Marvel Comics collaborations, and more. To add to the excitement, fans can also join the “Ultraman Card Game Tournament” at Brooklyn Game Knight hobby store followed by the North American premiere  of Ultraman Arc The Movie: The Clash of Light and Evil in a special outdoor screening at 8:30p ET, where Ultraman Arc faces his dark doppelganger, Guil Arc, in an epic battle.

Building on the momentum, the “Ultraman Artist Roundtable: Ultraman Card Game & Marvel Comics” at 10:30a ET on Sunday, June 1 will bring together artists Klenda Vee, John Bellotti, Jr., Chrysoula Artemis, and Jamie Noguchi to showcase exclusive new artwork for the Ultraman Card Game and upcoming Marvel projects, followed by a fan Q&A.

Holiday Gift Guide: Figures, card games, fashion, and more for that Ultraman fan in your life

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If you’re looking for something to get that Ultraman fan in your life, Tsuburaya Productions has tons of products for fans this holiday season.

From items like the Ultraman Arc soft vinyl figure and the Emi (Ultraman: Rising) figure to the Ultraman Card Game, cool Ultraman fashion, and more, gift the “Ultra” fan in your life something they will really love!  The Ultraman Universe first debuted in 1966 with the launch of the television series Ultra Q. Over the last 58+ years, the Ultraman franchise has spawned a record number of television series, films, video games, and more. 

Check out some ideas of what you can get below!

NYCC 2024: Tsubuyara unveils a star-studded line-up of comic and fantasy artists for the second wave of the Ultraman Trading Card Game set to launch in 2025

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Japan’s most iconic hero, Ultraman, will be getting an artistic infusion from some of the world’s most renowned comic artists as Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd has unveiled the initial line-up of iconic comic artists who will be drawing their own spin on the Ultraman Universe as part of Wave 2 of the highly-buzzed about Ultraman Card Game.  Just as the initial Ultraman Card Game Starter Deck is set to hit stores on Friday, October 25, Tsuburaya announced it is doubling down on the huge potential of this new collectible trading card game by bringing on an exciting roster of well-known artistic talent including fan-favorite Marvel artists Sean Chen, Reilly Brown, Davide Tinto, and David López, illustrator and Ultraman fan community favorite Klenda Vee, and revered fantasy painter Bob Eggleton. Each will be bringing their own fresh designs to Ultraman with awe-inspiring illustrations and colorful depictions like never before. 

The second wave of the Ultraman Card Game is scheduled to be released globally in early 2025, in four languages including Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese, and 23 countries and regions. The announcement was made during the Ultraman panel at New York Comic Con.

First announced in July 2024, the Ultraman Card Game is a new trading card game inspired by the world of Ultraman featuring playability appealing to both adults and kids, as well as collectability with specially designed cards by creators from around the globe.  The initial five iconic talents confirmed for wave two are some of the hottest artists in the industry and their impressive credits speak for themselves:

  • Sean Chen: Iron Man, Fantastic Four, Wolverine, Avengers, Batman Beyond, Pacific Rim: Tales from Year Zero.
  • Reilly Brown: Amazing Spider-Man, Incredible Hercules, Lobo, Deadpool, Outrage
  • David López: Catwoman, All-New Wolverine, Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight, Justice League Adventures, Wonder Woman, and Birds of Prey
  • Bob Eggleton: Godzilla, Jimmy Neutron, Magic: The Gathering, Famous Monsters of Filmland, G-Fan, and Japanese Giants
  • Davide Tinto: Ultraman: The Mystery of Ultraseven, Star Wars: Bounty Hunters, Marvel Action Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Commanders In Crisis
  • Klenda Vee: Known for hand drawn, ink pen/pencil on paper, as well as watercolor painted pieces of the Ultra Heroes and Kaiju, Klenda has been a leading voice in the Ultraman fan community.

Ultraman Card Game tournaments are also being planned for 2025 for players to begin competing in earnest. Players who win qualifying events will have the opportunity to participate in a World Tournament planned for Spring 2026 in Tokyo, Japan.

NYCC 2024: The Ultraman Universe Comes to Life Across New York City with Panels, Meet and Greets, Live Events, and more

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Ultraman Spider-Man

Ultraman fans, get ready to take your fandom to a new level! Tsuburaya Productions has announced that Japan’s most iconic superhero Ultraman is taking over New York Comic Con like never before. Throughout the weekend, fans of the pop culture franchise will have access to Ultraman content at the Jacob Javits Center and across the New York area from must-attend panels, collectible merch, a live stage show, and more! 

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 New York 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 this year with activations at New York Comic Con, Industry City in Brooklyn, Tamashii Nations in Times Square, and Bandai Namco at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, NJ:

NYCC Panel: Tsuburaya Productions: Ultraman’s New Universe

Join Christopher Sean (voice of Ken Sato, Ultraman: Rising) and Tsuburaya Productions as we reveal what’s in store for the Ultraman franchise in North America. Featuring a sneak peek at upcoming developments with Ultraman Arc, Marvel superstar Art Adams unveiling his gorgeous Ultraman Card Game art, Marvel writers Kyle Higgins & Mat Groom providing a glimpse of the latest Ultraman X Avengers pages, and special live appearances by Ultra Heroes and Kaiju! Have your cameras ready!

Sunday, October 20, 2:00-3:00PM, Room 409, Javits Center

NYCC Character Meet and Greets

The Ultra Heroes will make multiple live appearances at the Bandai booth all four days. Meet and have your photo taken with Ultraman, Ultraman Zero, and the latest hero, Ultraman Arc! Also meet the adorable Emi from the smash hit Netflix animated feature Ultraman: Rising.

Thursday, October 17 through Sunday, October 20, Bandai: Tamashii Nations Booth #2419, Javits Center

Event: Ultraman Zero in Person at Bandai: Tamashii Nations Store

Meet Ultraman Zero in Times Square, his first time ever in the Big Apple. When the lights go down, Zero comes out! Take photos with one of the most popular Ultras of all time! Plenty of Ultraman products on sale inside the Tamashii Nations store!

Friday, October 18 at 7pm, Times Square, NYC

Event: Ultra Heroes Vs. The Kaiju Live at the Bandai Namco Store

Come see Ultraman and the Ultra Heroes battle giant monsters called Kaiju for the first time ever at the largest mall in the New York area. There will be two action-packed mini-battles and two meet and greets where fans can take photos with our heroes! Fans can also snag Ultraman products in store to purchase, plus amazing giveaways!

12:00pm – Ultraman Vs. Alien Baltan
12:30pm – Ultraman & Emi Meet & Greet
1:30pm – Ultraman Zero Vs. Ultraman Belial
2:00pm – Ultraman Zero & Emi Meet & Greet

Saturday, October 19, starting at 11:30am, American Dream Mall, East Rutherford, NJ

Event: Ultraman Zero: Key to Industry City 

Come celebrate as Ultraman Zero, one of the most popular superhero characters in all Japanese pop culture, appears live and in person to receive the Key to Industry City at an event celebrating the Tsuburaya Productions Ultraman franchise. The event will be open to the public with tickets at $15, with small children admitted free of charge. 

The event will feature vendors, demonstrations of the Ultraman Card Game at the Brooklyn Game Knight tabletop game lounge, a scavenger hunt, Ultraman Connection roundtable talks with Marvel Comics and trading card game artists, and a screening of Ultraman Zero: The Revenge of Belial, the first solo movie starring Ultraman Zero. After the film, Ultraman Zero will arrive in person! He will receive the Key to Industry City and pose for photographs with attendees, so bring your cameras! But watch out! There are rumors that Zero’s nemesis, Ultraman Belial, may crash the event as well!

            Friday, October 18 from 2:30pm – 8:30pm, Industry City, 51 35th Street, Building 5, Brooklyn, NY

New York Comic Con takes place October 17-20, 2024 at the Javits Center in New York City. 

SDCC 2024: Spider-Man and Ultraman team up for the new manga, Ultraman: Along Came a Spider-Man

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This August, Japan’s greatest superhero, Ultraman, and iconic Marvel Super Hero Spider-Man unite for the first time in Ultraman: Along Came a Spider-Man, an epic serialized Japanese manga from Shogakukan. Part of a major cross-cultural event set to take the global comics scene by storm, this news follows the recent announcement of Marvel Comics’ Ultraman x Avengers series, debuting on the same day this August 14.

Japanese publisher Shogakukan, in collaboration with Tsuburaya Productions and Marvel Comics, is releasing Ultraman: Along Came a Spider-Man, marking the first time that Ultraman and Marvel’s most renowned character Spider-Man join forces in a Japanese manga. Written by Shigenobu Matsumoto and drawn by Tomo Hirokawa, the manga features one of Marvel’s greatest supervillains of all time, Doctor Doom, who joins forces with Ultraman arch-nemesis Alien Mefilas and his cadre of destructive Kaiju, with cameo appearances by The Avengers. Marvel Comics Executive Editor Tom Brevoort and Tsuburaya Fields Media & Pictures Entertainment’s Transmedia Producer Jeff Gomez served as creative consultants for the series.

Ultraman: Along Came a Spider-Man will be distributed in the United States by VIZ Media, kicking off with chapters 1 and 2 on August 13 in the US (August 14 Japan time), making for a truly global event. VIZ is launching the manga series digitally on the VIZ Manga app, with new chapters released every Tuesday. The latest chapter each week will be available for free, and readers can subscribe to VIZ Manga to read the full series. VIZ will also publish a print edition of the complete manga in the United States, set to hit retail in Summer 2025.

On Marvel Earth, Spider-Man joins forces with the Avengers to battle Doctor Doom in New York City, but when several civilians are killed in a building collapse as a result, Spider-Man becomes demoralized and finds himself whisked away in a strange spacecraft called the Interdimensional Train. Doctor Doom stows aboard and both find themselves in the Tokyo of the Ultraman universe! Witnessing Ultraman battle a giant Kaiju, Doom craves the Giant of Light’s power and joins forces with Alien Mefilas and his army of Kaiju from the Monster Graveyard to steal it.

Ultraman: Along Came a Spider-Man

SDCC 2024: A new Ultraman Trading Card Game lands on tables this October

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Ultraman Card Game

Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd is bringing fans into the Ultraman universe like never before with the first trading card game based on the popular Japanese hero, the Ultraman Card Game. The trading card game will debut at retail on Friday, October 25, 2024, with a historic industry-first release in four languages and 15 countries and regions. With cards printed in Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese, this marks the first time a trading card game will launch on a global scale in four languages simultaneously.

The Ultraman Card Game is a new trading card game inspired by the world of Ultraman featuring playability appealing to both adults and kids, as well as collectability with future releases featuring specially designed cards by creators from around the globe. The game will also offer several rare cards to collect from designers such as Ultraman Tiga illustrator Hiroshi Maruyama and Ultraman production designer Masayuki Goto. 

The initial release will offer two starter decks – Heroes of Hyper Space and The Bonds of Zero – each featuring 50 cards, a playsheet, and one booster pack to provide players with everything they need to start playing the game. Beginning in early November, players can also separately purchase Guardians of the Earth booster packs with 12 randomized cards per pack in either single packs or 24-pack boxes, allowing players to build their own original decks, collect their favorite characters, and enjoy the game in their own way. Each Guardians of the Earth booster box includes a “triple-rare” (RRR) Ancient Monster Gomora card.

Ultraman Card Game playtest events will be held beginning this July in Japan, with test decks gifted to participants. Ultraman fans in the US will have a chance to playtest the Ultraman Card Game at San Diego Comic-Con at Booth #3729.

Global Ultraman Card Game tournaments are planned for 2025 for players to begin competing in earnest. Players who win qualifying events will have the opportunity to participate in a World Championship planned for Spring 2026 in Tokyo, Japan.

SDCC 2024: Ultraman Takes Over – Ultraman Live Characters, New Announcements, Must-Have Merch and Exclusive Screenings

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Ultraman Card Game

Get ready to connect with Ultraman like never before! Tsuburaya Productions have announced that Japan’s most iconic superhero Ultraman will be taking over San Diego Comic-Con in a big way. All weekend long, fans of the pop culture franchise will have access to premium Ultraman content from must-attend panels, unique screenings, meet and greets with Ultraman live characters, autograph sessions with Ultraman universe artists and talent, collectible merch, and more!

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!
Friday, July 26 at 6:30-7:30pm – Room 5AB

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!

Screening: Ultraman Blazar the Movie: Tokyo Kaiju Showdown
Friday, July 26 at 9:15-11:00pm – 6DE

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!

Panel: Ultraman: Rising & the New Ultraman Universe
Sunday, July 28 at 1:30-2:30pm – Room 6A

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).

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.

Japan and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes join forces in Ultraman x Avengers

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Since Marvel Comics and Tsuburaya Productions began working together in 2019, fans have eagerly anticipated the day Ultraman would cross over with Marvel super heroes. The wait is over! This August, see the mightiest heroes of the Marvel Universe step into Ultraman’s world for the first time in Ultraman x Avengers!

The four-issue limited series will see the return of the hit creative team behind Ultraman’s previous Marvel comic series: writers Kyle Higgins and Mat Groom and artist Francesco Manna. The four-issue epic will feature a wide array of appearances including mainstay Avengers, Spider-Man, and more.

Spider-Man has disappeared from New York, an intergalactic invader has arrived on Ultraman’s doorstep, and the Kaiju of Earth are acting even more mysteriously than usual. This can only mean one thing: It’s time for Ultraman to meet the Avengers! But what cosmic threat is great enough to require a team-up of Marvel’s mightiest champions and Japan’s greatest hero? Find out as Shin meets Sam, Spacium Ray meets Repulsor Ray, and “THWIP!” meets “SHUWATCH!” – in the epic crossover event.

Check out Dike Ruan’s cover and witness pop culture history in the making when Ultraman x Avengers arrives in August!

Ultraman x Avengers

Ultraman returns in Ultraman: The Mystery of Ultraseven!

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Following the two acclaimed limited series The Rise of Ultraman and The Trials of Ultraman comes a brand-new chapter in Ultraman’s Marvel Comics adventures—Ultraman: The Mystery of Ultraseven! This latest installment brought together by the landmark collaboration between Marvel and Tsuburaya Productions will once again feature the amazing storytelling skills of writing duo Kyle Higgins and Mat Groom. Joined by rising star artist Davide Tinto, the pair will continue to dive deep into the secrets behind the pop culture icon’s fascinating mythology in an adventure that will thrill longtime fans of the global phenomenon and welcome Ultraman newcomers! In addition, the double-sized debut issue will include an additional story spotlighting the history of Ultra Q and more instructional Kaiju Steps by Gurihiru!

Giant Kaiju roam. A sinister conspiracy consolidates power. And there’s nobody left to stop it — because Ultraman is GONE! How did the situation go so wrong…? And how can the United Science Patrol claw their way back from the brink? The answers lie in the appearance of an enigmatic new Ultra, and a secret that has remained hidden for decades. From distant stars to lost dimensions, untangling this twisted web will require Shin Hayata to go farther and fight harder than ever before!

Check out the cover of the debut issue by E.J. Su below and pick it up in August! 

Ultraman: The Mystery of Ultraseven
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