New Gen Ultraman: What Is The Meaning Of Family?

Intro:

Reiwa Era Ultraman distinguishes itself from previous generations in a variety of ways. One of these ways is through its handling of complex topics. While there are many such topics throughout the show’s 50+ year-long run, today’s focus is going to be on Reiwa’s depiction of family dynamics. Every main character has a different family dynamic and a different version of how this impacts them. Through analyzing some of these characters and their series, Reiwa asks the question, “What is the meaning of family?”

Ultraman Zero:

Ultraman Zero’s father Ultraseven was absent for most of his life. This made Zero an over-ambitious and prideful Ultra. Desiring more power, he reached for the Plasma Spark, the power source of his home, the Land of Light. Banished for this action, he was humbled by his subsequent training and learned to value others. Finding strength in his found family of friends and pet pigmon Moroboshi Zero avoids the path of darkness. Reuniting with his father at the end of his first movie, Zero draws power from his newfound connections. Thus, he paves the way for a new generation of heroes whose bonds strengthen their resolve. For Zero, family is about protecting people.

Ultraman Geed:

Asakura Riku is a nineteen-year-old orphan and the main character of Ultraman Geed (2017). Made as a genetic clone of his father Ultraman Belial, Geed struggles with family and identity. Although Geed’s father wants Geed to join him in intergalactic conquest, Geed does not. Tasked with breaking the cycle of generational trauma, Geed pursues justice with the help of his friends. Over the course of the series, Geed grows as a person and even sympathizes with his evil father. Supported by Ultraman Zero and his host, Leito Igaguri, Geed breaks the cycle of familial trauma. In Geed’s series, the individual’s upbringing matters less than who they decide to become.

Ultraman R/B/G Part 1:

What it means to be a family is the most defining theme of Ultraman R/B (2018). On the 15th anniversary of their mom’s disappearance, polar opposite brothers Katsumi and Isami Minato become Ultramans. Throughout the series, the two brothers and their sister Asahi, figure out in their own ways what it means to be a family. Each sibling grapples with their mother’s disappearance and their place in the world differently.

Ultraman R/B/G Part 2:

The oldest, Katsumi, gave up on his dream of being a baseball player to support his siblings and his dad’s small business. Family is important to him at the cost of his dreams. Thus, he must find himself throughout the R/B series and movies. Middle child Isami is more science-minded, pursuing the field in honor of his missing mother who was also a scientist. Thanks to familial support, he learns to believe in himself and pursue his dreams. The youngest sister, Asahi, Is the family’s adopted child. Trying to figure out her place in the world as well as her family, Asahi seeks to belong. Through her family support system, she realizes that she always belonged. In Ultraman R/B, A family is a network of mutual support and unconditional love. 

Ultraman Taiga:

This author is aware that they have already talked in detail about Ultraman Taiga (2019) in the past. However, Taiga’s story is still relevant to Reiwa’s themes of family. Stuck in his father Taro’s shadow, Taiga is desperate to prove himself as a hero of earth. Because of this, his desire slowly gets corrupted by Ultraman Tregear in the first half of the show. 

Throughout this aspect of the show, there is a subtle familial theming between several characters. Taro represents well-meaning protective parenting that prevents Taiga from becoming his own person. In contrast, Tregear twists the idea of giving Taiga freedom while removing the safety nets, putting Taiga in harm’s way. Tregear very much sees himself in Taiga both personality-wise and because Taiga is named after Tregear’s invention, the Taiga Spark. With the help of his friends, Taiga learns to balance having freedom with leaning on the people he cares about, making him a well-rounded teenager. In Taiga’s series, family (both biological and found) is a guiding force.

Conclusion:

The meaning of family is different for every Ultraman character. Just as no real-life family is the same, no meaning of family is identical. Regardless, every character mentioned is influenced by family in some way that determines their development. These characters grow as people whether their families are supportive or not there at all. They change, grow, and figure out their own values for themselves. Those with neglectful families, get to decide to be the one who either reaches out or pulls back. Their decision is theirs and the narrative doesn’t particularly force them to forgive or be involved with their terrible parents. Overall, it’s up to each character to figure out how their familial dynamics influence them. Stay nerdy everyone and as always, the M78 merch website can be found here.