After much speculation over Tsuburaya Productions' 50th Anniversary Ultra series, (unrelated to the CG concept teased last year) Ultraman Orb has finally been revealed.
Starring Hideo Ishiguro (Kamen Rider Den-O) as Kurenai Gai, Ultraman Orb is capable of combining the powers of previous Ultras to change forms. His main form, dubbed Specium Zeperion, is a combination of Ultraman and Ultraman Tiga. Orb's Burn Mite form utilizes the power of Taro and Mebius, while Hurricane Slash hones the power of the popular Ultraman Zero and Ultraman Jack. Like the X-Devicer, from Ultraman X, cards seemingly play a role in Orb's transformation device.
Check out Ultraman Orb and his new forms in the teaser below:
Showrunner Kiyotaka Taguchi returns to the helm after piloting the highly successful Ultraman X which boasted 400 million views worldwide.
“Instead of going higher, we went ‘diagonally’ and made ‘When in doubt, play around’ as the production motto,” said Taguchi. “We wanted to make an Ultraman born of free ideas.”
Star Hideo Ishiguro added, “I think it’d be great if the staff and I could work together to make the 50th Anniversary Ultraman Series into the best entertainment program, and I want to do my best for those who watch this new and different hero come to life.”
Returning to direct with Taguchi is Yuichi Abe (Ultraman Nexus, Ultraman Zero – The Revenge of Belial) and Ichino Ryuichi (Ultraman Cosmos). Ultraman Orb will premiere July, 9th. No word yet on if Crunchyroll will stream the series, ala, Ultraman X.
What do you think of the new Ultra? Are you excited about Taguchi returning? How do you think Ishiguro will do as the latest Ultra's host? Let us know in the comments below!
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Sources:
Tokusatsu Network – First Details of Ultraman Orb
Tokusatsu Network – Hideo Ishiguro Speaks on His New Role as Ultraman Orb
Tsuburaya Productions Youtube
Hochi
Anime News Network
