Ultraman Geed
Ultraman Geed is a Japanese tokusatsu television series produced by Tsuburaya Productions, serving as an installment in the long-running Ultraman franchise that debuted on July 8, 2017, and concluded on December 23, 2017, after 25 episodes.[1][2] The story centers on Riku Asakura, a young man who inherits the genes of the villainous Ultraman Belial and transforms into the giant hero Ultraman Geed using the Geed Riser device and Ultra Capsules, battling kaiju and other threats while grappling with his cursed heritage and quest for identity.[3][4] The series explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and overcoming destiny, as Riku faces repeated setbacks and despair upon learning the secrets of his birth, ultimately growing through bonds with allies like his alien partner Pega and human friends such as Laiha Toba and Leito Igaguri to become a true hero of justice.[3][2] Key supporting characters include Ultraman Zero, who mentors Riku, and antagonists tied to Belial's legacy, with the narrative emphasizing spiritual growth amid high-stakes battles against monsters and interstellar conspiracies.[3] Ultraman Geed, standing 51 meters tall and weighing 41,000 tons, employs signature attacks like the Wrecking Burst in its fights, blending classic Ultraman action with modern storytelling elements.[3] Produced under the direction of Koichi Sakamoto and a team of writers, the series aired weekly on TV Tokyo, each episode approximately 25 minutes long, and was simulcast internationally to expand the franchise's global reach.[1][2] Starring Tatsuomi Hamada as Riku Asakura/Ultraman Geed, alongside Chihiro Yamamoto as Laiha Toba and voice actress Megumi Han as Pega, it marked a significant evolution in the Ultraman saga by focusing on legacy and redemption, spawning a theatrical film, Ultraman Geed the Movie: Connect! The Wishes!! (2018), and influencing subsequent entries like Ultraman Taiga.[4][3]Plot and Setting
Synopsis
Ultraman Geed follows Riku Asakura, a young resident of Tsurugi City, who discovers he possesses extraordinary powers after encountering a monster attack. Fleeing the rampage of the kaiju Skullgomora alongside his alien companion Pega, Riku stumbles upon a hidden underground base 500 meters deep. There, the base's AI system REM equips him with the Geed Riser device and Ultra Capsules, enabling him to transform into the giant warrior Ultraman Geed. However, Geed's true nature is revealed as an artificial being created by the malevolent Ultraman Belial, positioning Riku as Belial's synthetic son and thrusting him into conflict with his inherited dark legacy while he strives to defend Earth.[5] The narrative unfolds through Riku's journey to collect additional Ultra Capsules, which allow Geed to fuse with the essences of other Ultra Warriors and assume varied combat forms to counter escalating threats. Central to the plot is Belial's resurrection and his manipulative schemes, including the mobilization of the Belial Army to conquer worlds, forcing Geed into battles that test his resolve against interstellar dangers. Other Ultra Warriors, such as Ultraman Zero, become key allies in these confrontations, supporting Geed's efforts amid broader cosmic conflicts.[3][6] The series culminates in Geed's decisive showdown with Belial, where Riku confronts and overcomes his identity crisis, embracing a path of justice that defies his genetic destiny through personal willpower and the bonds formed with his companions. This resolution underscores themes of self-determination and rejecting predetermined fate. Comprising 25 episodes, the show integrates episodic kaiju-of-the-week battles with an overarching serialized storyline.[7][2]Setting and Lore
The Ultraman series, including Ultraman Geed, is set within a vast fictional universe centered on the Land of Light, a crystal planet in Nebula M78 located three million light-years from Earth, serving as the homeworld of the Ultra Warriors—a race of giant, silver-skinned protectors who draw their energy from the Plasma Spark to defend the cosmos from threats.[8] These Ultras possess immense strength, flight capabilities, and energy-based abilities, often merging with human hosts or assuming humanoid forms to combat kaiju and alien invaders on planets like Earth. The lore emphasizes themes of inheritance, redemption, and interstellar conflict, with the Land of Light's Space Garrison functioning as a peacekeeping force against cosmic evils.[3] Central to Ultraman Geed's mythology is the antagonist Ultraman Belial, originally a revered Ultra Warrior from the Land of Light who fought alongside figures like Ultraman Ken (later known as Father of Ultra) during the ancient Ultimate Wars against the dark entity Alien Empera. Belial's fall began after the wars, driven by jealousy over Ken's promotion and a lust for power; he attempted to seize the Plasma Spark, leading to his corruption and transformation into a Reionics—a cybernetic being enhanced by alien technology that allows control over monsters via devices like the Giga Battlenizer. Exiled from the Land of Light, Belial established the Galactic Empire, launching invasions across the universe, including assaults on Earth and battles against the Inter Galactic Defense Force (ISDF), a branch of the Ultras' security organization dedicated to maintaining universal peace.[8][6][9] Ultraman Geed emerges as Belial's synthetic son, created from extracts of his father's Ultra genes using Reionics biotechnology, positioning him as an heir torn between his inherited dark legacy and a heroic destiny. This creation ties into Belial's experiments during his recovery from defeats by the ISDF, blending Ultra physiology with Reionics enhancements to produce offspring capable of wielding immense power. Geed's lore underscores the multiverse's interconnectedness, with his origins referencing prior events in series like Ultraman Orb, where fusion mechanics and cosmic artifacts first explored similar themes of inherited power.[9][3] Key to Geed's role are transformative technologies like the Ultra Capsules—small devices containing the essences of other Ultras or entities—and the Geed Riser, a belt-mounted gadget that scans two capsules to enable "fusion rise" transformations, such as the Primitive form derived from Belial and Ultraman capsules, granting hybrid abilities like enhanced strength and energy blasts. These mechanics integrate tokusatsu traditions with sci-fi cloning and destiny motifs, portraying Earth as a recurring battleground where alien invasions draw Ultra interventions amid human-alien collaborations. The ISDF monitors such threats, often clashing with Belial's empire, which deploys kaiju armies to conquer worlds.[3][6][10]Fictional Characters
Human Characters
Riku Asakura serves as the central human protagonist in Ultraman Geed, an orphaned teenager living in the shared residence known as Nebula House while working part-time at the Galaxy Market candy shop. Upbeat and aspiring to heroism inspired by his favorite action TV series Bakuretsu Senki Don Shine, Riku demonstrates optimism and determination in pursuing his dreams despite personal setbacks. His growth is marked by a strong emphasis on friendship and willpower, forming the emotional core of his journey as he navigates identity challenges tied to his lineage as the son of the notorious Ultraman Belial.[1][11] Laiha Toba emerges as a key ally to Riku, a proficient swordswoman residing at Nebula House who investigates anomalous events linked to a catastrophic disaster from six years prior. Her backstory intertwines with antagonistic forces associated with Belial, revealing deeper plot connections as the series progresses, which influence her motivations and alliances. Skilled in swordsmanship and hand-to-hand combat, Laiha provides steadfast support to Riku, contributing to their shared resolve through mutual trust and collaborative efforts in daily life.[11] Supporting Riku's everyday existence are his friends at the Galaxy Market, including shop owner Haruo Kume, who offers comic relief and a sense of normalcy amid extraordinary circumstances. Kume manages the candy shop where Riku works, fostering a lighthearted environment that grounds the protagonist in routine human interactions. Complementing this is Pega, an extraterrestrial from the Pegassa star disguised in human form, who lives with Riku after being rescued and assists at the shop; shy and timid, Pega excels in crafting artificial flowers and creates personal spaces like the "Dark Zone" for relaxation, adding warmth and humor to Riku's circle. These relationships highlight themes of found family and camaraderie.[12][11] Members of the Alien Investigation Bureau (AIB), such as Moa Aizaki, represent institutional support against extraterrestrial threats, providing technological resources and investigative expertise. Aizaki, Riku's childhood friend who once played hero games with him, works undercover as an insurance salesperson while handling alien-related cases alongside colleague Zena; her clumsy yet dedicated nature underscores the bureau's role in offering Riku practical aid and emotional ties from his past. Other AIB agents contribute to coordinated responses, emphasizing collective human resilience and resource-sharing in the face of global perils.[11] The series explores family dynamics through Riku's adoptive bonds at Nebula House, where residents like Laiha and Pega form a surrogate family, promoting his personal development via shared experiences and mutual encouragement. This network extends to the Igaguri family—Leito, Lumina, and Mayu—who befriend Riku and embody grounded familial warmth, further illustrating his evolution from isolation to embracing human connections as a source of strength.[11]Ultras and Kaiju
Ultraman Geed serves as the central protagonist, an artificial Ultra created from the genetic material of the villainous Ultraman Belial, inheriting his father's dark lineage while striving to embody justice.[3] His human host, Riku Asakura, transforms using the Geed Riser device and Ultra Capsules through a process called Fusion Rise, allowing him to assume various forms that combine powers from other Ultras.[3] Key forms include Primitive, his initial raw and powerful state; Royal Mega-Master, an enhanced mode granting superior combat prowess; and Ultimate Final, his pinnacle transformation for ultimate battles.[3] Notable abilities encompass the Wrecking Burst for explosive attacks.[3] Ultraman Belial functions as the primary antagonist and Geed's father, a fallen Ultra who embodies corruption and conquest after fusing with the energy entity Alien Reiblood, becoming a Reionics—a being capable of controlling monsters through dark essence.[6] In the series, Belial schemes to resurrect himself using stolen Ultra Capsules and his Giga Battlenizer to command an army of over 100 monsters, aiming to dominate the universe and exploit his son's power.[6] He achieves temporary revival by absorbing Geed's energy, evolving into the monstrous Belial Atrocious form, but is ultimately defeated and sealed in a dimensional void.[6] Belial leads the Belial Galactic Empire, a vast invasion force built after stealing the Plasma Spark Energy Core, deploying robot legions like Darklops and Legionoids to plunder resources such as Emerald Ore from planets.[13] Supporting Ultras provide crucial aid to Geed, often through cameos, fusions, or direct interventions. Ultraman Zero, a veteran warrior and Belial's longtime rival, mentors and battles alongside Geed, appearing prominently in the series and its film to counter Belial's threats.[14] Ultraman Orb joins in the movie Ultraman Geed The Movie: Connect the Wishes!, fusing powers to help repel invasions and support Geed's growth against overwhelming odds.[15] Other Ultras contribute via capsule fusions, enhancing Geed's versatility in combat. Key Kaiju and alien threats in the series include monsters summoned or created by Belial's forces, such as Zaigorg, a devilish beast that serves as an early antagonist, and Five King, a super combined Kaiju formed from five spark dolls (Fire Golza, Melba, Gan-Q, Reicubas, and Super C.O.V.), controlled to unleash multifaceted attacks drawing from its components.[16][16] Belial's creations, like fusion beasts enhanced by Reionics energy, amplify these dangers, allowing villains to manipulate Kaiju for large-scale destruction.[16] Ultraman Tregear emerges as a lieutenant-like figure in Belial's orbit, a rogue Ultra who, disillusioned by Belial's fall to darkness, spreads corruption by exploiting vulnerabilities in other beings.[17] He confronts Geed directly on Earth, allying indirectly with Belial's empire to sow chaos and question the nature of justice among Ultras.[17] Reionics represent enhanced alien entities infused with Reiblood, granting them Kaiju control and regenerative powers, with Belial as the archetype driving many conflicts.[9]Production
Development
Ultraman Geed was officially announced by Tsuburaya Productions on April 27, 2017, positioning it as the eighth entry in the Heisei-era Ultraman series and the 27th overall in the franchise.[18] The concept revolves around Riku Asakura, a teenage boy revealed to be the son of the antagonistic Ultraman Belial, who inherits his father's legacy while striving to become a hero by transforming into Ultraman Geed using the Geed Riser device.[18] This narrative explores themes of inherited conflict and personal redemption, drawing on Belial's established role as a major villain in prior Ultraman stories.[3] The creative team was led by director Koichi Sakamoto, known for his work on tokusatsu series like Kamen Rider Ghost, with series composition handled by Otsuichi, a novelist and screenwriter recognized for works such as Goth.[18][19] A key goal of the series was to advance the fusion mechanics introduced in the prior entry, Ultraman Orb, by incorporating Ultra Capsules that allow Geed to combine powers from other Ultras and kaiju for various forms, enhancing battle versatility and thematic depth.[3] This system was designed to appeal to a younger audience through integration with Bandai's toy line, including the DX Geed Riser and collectible Ultra Capsules, promoting interactive play that mirrors the on-screen transformations.[20] Pre-production began in early 2017, with Tsuburaya Productions filing the trademark for Ultraman Geed on February 13, building on the momentum from the franchise's 50th anniversary celebrations in 2016, which had revitalized the New Generation Heroes lineup.[18] The series premiered on July 8, 2017, on TV Tokyo, comprising 25 episodes that continued the anniversary-era push toward innovative storytelling and merchandise synergy.[1]Design and Effects
The suit designs for Ultraman Geed were crafted by Masayuki Gotô, who developed the multiple transformation forms for the titular Ultra, including Primitive, Fusion Rise variants, and the ultimate Royal Megamaster, emphasizing modular elements like capsule integrations for dynamic visual shifts during battles.[21] Ultraman Belial's suit received a redesign by the same artist to preserve visual familiarity from prior appearances while accommodating new fusion mechanics central to the series' narrative.[22] Special effects in Ultraman Geed combined practical suit performances with CGI. Practical effects dominated kaiju portrayals through detailed latex suits, allowing for physical interactions in fight choreography, while CGI enhanced explosive energy beams and environmental destruction.[23][24] The production introduced several original kaiju designs, drawing from classic Ultraman aesthetics like biomechanical structures and alien motifs but innovating with modern threats such as the robotic Zena and the crystalline King Joe variants, which incorporated metallic finishes and modular weaponry for heightened visual impact.[3] These upgrades in technology and resource allocation represented an evolution from earlier Ultra series, enabling more fluid integration of practical and digital effects.[4]Cast
Main Cast
Tatsuomi Hamada portrays Riku Asakura, the protagonist and human host of Ultraman Geed, in the series' lead role. This performance marked Hamada's tokusatsu debut as a central character, building on his earlier minor appearance in the 2010 film Ultraman Zero: The Revenge of Belial.[25] Chihiro Yamamoto plays Laiha Toba, Riku's fierce and action-oriented ally who wields a sword in combat and serves as a member of the Alien Investigation Bureau (AIB). Her role emphasizes physical prowess and loyalty within the core team dynamic.[21] Yuta Ozawa depicts Leito Igaguri, the host of Ultraman Zero, contributing to the narrative as a recurring ally with elements of comic relief through his earnest yet awkward demeanor in human interactions.[21] Mamoru Miyano provides the voice for Ultraman Zero, including during transformation sequences and key dialogues. Additionally, Yūki Ono voices Ultraman Belial, the antagonistic father figure whose presence influences the story's emotional core.[26] Megumi Han voices Pega, Riku's alien partner from the Pegassa species who aids him in his adventures.[26] Hideyoshi Iwata serves as the primary suit actor for Ultraman Geed, handling the hero's dynamic action sequences and fight choreography throughout the series.[21]Guest Cast
The guest cast of Ultraman Geed featured several performers in recurring and one-off roles, particularly voicing antagonists and portraying supporting human characters such as Inter Space Defense Force (ISDF) officers and alien disguises. Yuki Ono provided the voice for the recurring antagonist Ultraman Belial, appearing in seven episodes as the dark Ultra who influences key plot events through his genetic legacy and manipulations. Other recurring guests included Ken Okada, who portrayed a professor involved in scientific investigations across six episodes.[21] Episodic appearances highlighted actors in monster-of-the-week roles and alien antagonists, such as Hiroki Suzuki as Alien Shadow Kuroto, a scheming extraterrestrial in episodes 14 and 15.[27] Additional guests filled roles like ISDF officers, with performers such as Kenji Masaki appearing as Joji Osumi in investigative scenes.[21] Special cameos incorporated archival footage from prior Ultraman series, featuring veteran actors like Susumu Kurobe as Shin Hayata to evoke franchise continuity in pivotal moments.[28] The casting emphasized diversity by including child actors in flashback sequences, alongside idols and young performers to broaden appeal to juvenile audiences.[29]Television Series
Overview
Ultraman Geed is a Japanese tokusatsu television series produced by Tsuburaya Productions, consisting of 25 episodes each running approximately 25 minutes. The series aired every Saturday at 9:00 a.m. on TV Tokyo from July 8, 2017, to December 23, 2017.[2][30][31] The narrative structure blends standalone episodes featuring individual monster confrontations with a serialized storyline centered on the protagonist Riku Asakura's heritage as the son of the villainous Ultraman Belial, incorporating cliffhangers that escalate tension toward the series finale.[3][32] Production adhered to a rigorous schedule aligned with the weekly broadcast, with principal filming wrapping up in September 2017 to ensure timely delivery, while integrating elements like the Ultra Capsules directly into the plot to coincide with Bandai's toy releases.[33][34] Promotions for the series were handled through Tsuburaya Productions' official portal m-78.jp, which provided episode previews, character details, and updates, alongside live events and merchandise tie-ins to engage fans during the run.[35]Episodes
Ultraman Geed aired 25 episodes on TV Tokyo from July 8 to December 23, 2017, each approximately 25 minutes in length.[2] The series was primarily directed by Koichi Sakamoto, who helmed key installments including the premiere and several mid-season episodes, with additional direction from Masayoshi Takesue, Ryûichi Ichino and others.[36] Writers included Hirotaka Adachi (as Otsuichi), Uiko Miura, Chisao Yanai, and Toshizo Nemoto, contributing to scripts that advanced Riku Asakura's journey as Ultraman Geed through kaiju battles and personal growth.[21] Viewership ratings for individual episodes were not widely published, though the series maintained steady audience engagement typical of the tokusatsu genre.[37] The following table lists all episodes with English titles (translated from Japanese), original air dates where documented, directors and writers (noted where specified in production credits), notable kaiju debuts or fusions, and brief spoiler-free overviews focusing on threats, forms used, and arc elements.| No. | Title | Air Date | Director | Writer | Key Elements (Kaiju/Fusions) | Brief Overview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Welcome to the Secret Base | July 8, 2017 | Koichi Sakamoto | Hirotaka Adachi | Skull Gomora (debut) | Riku Asakura discovers his powers and transforms into Ultraman Geed for the first time to confront the rampaging Skull Gomora, marking the premiere's introduction of the hero's origins and initial challenges.[38][39] |
| 2 | The Girl Who Cuts Monsters | July 15, 2017 | Koichi Sakamoto | Hirotaka Adachi | Dada | As public fear grows over Geed's resemblance to Belial, Riku teams with a sword-wielding alien hunter to track and battle the deceptive Dada, exploring early themes of trust and identity.[38][39] |
| 3 | Salaryman Zero | July 22, 2017 | Koichi Sakamoto | Hirotaka Adachi | Darklops Zero | Geed faces difficulties against the mechanical Darklops Zero until Ultraman Zero intervenes, highlighting alliance tensions and Riku's inexperience in combat.[38][39][40] |
| 4 | A Job Where You Investigate Aliens | July 29, 2017 | Koichi Sakamoto | Hirotaka Adachi | Alien Pitt Tri-Tip | The AIB investigates an alien with a Little Star, leading Geed to protect innocents from escalating threats tied to hidden artifacts.[39][40] |
| 5 | Partners | August 5, 2017 | Ryûichi Ichino | Uiko Miura | Moko | A comedian's alien partner with healing abilities draws AIB attention, forcing Geed to balance friendship and duty amid a kaiju emergence.[38][39][41] |
| 6 | So That I Can Be Me | August 12, 2017 | Ryûichi Ichino | Uiko Miura | Thunder Killer; Geed Claw form | Geed unlocks a new claw-based fusion to counter Thunder Killer, emphasizing self-acceptance and growth in Riku's abilities.[39][42] |
| 7 | Sacrifice | August 19, 2017 | Koichi Sakamoto | Hirotaka Adachi | Galactron | Riku and allies fall into a trap involving the robotic Galactron, testing themes of sacrifice and heroism as Zero faces a dire choice.[38][39] |
| 8 | Going Beyond Fate | August 26, 2017 | Masayoshi Takesue | Uiko Miura | Ultraman Zero Beyond form | Leito confronts his predetermined path, leading to an evolved Zero form in a battle that pushes Geed's limits and arc progression.[39] |
| 9 | The Sword of an Oath | September 2, 2017 | Koichi Sakamoto | Chisao Yanai | Tyrant | Geed and Zero safeguard a young girl with a Little Star from Tyrant, while interpersonal conflicts deepen within the team.[38][39] |
| 10 | I Read Minds | September 9, 2017 | Masayoshi Takesue | Toshizo Nemoto | Zandrias, Alien Zobetai Nabia | A psychic alien aids the AIB against Zandrias, revealing secrets that strain team dynamics and advance Riku's personal revelations.[38][39] |
| 11 | The Geed Identity | September 16, 2017 | Koichi Sakamoto | Hirotaka Adachi | Pedanium Zetton | Riku grapples with his heritage in a confrontation against the powerful Pedanium Zetton, marking a pivotal identity crisis in the narrative.[39] |
| 12 | My Name | September 23, 2017 | Masayoshi Takesue | Uiko Miura | N/A | After a defeat, Riku reflects on his purpose through past events, rebuilding resolve without major kaiju action to progress character arcs.[38][39] |
| 13 | Restore Memories | September 30, 2017 | Koichi Sakamoto | Chisao Yanai | N/A | Riku and Pega's antics cause memory issues for an ally, leading to a review of adventures that hints at larger threats like Belial's influence.[38][39] This mid-season episode features the Belial reveal's buildup through subtle arc progression. |
| 14 | Shadows of Shadows | October 7, 2017 | Masayoshi Takesue | Toshizo Nemoto | Zegun, Alien Ckalutch, Kuruto | Suspicious shadows emerge as Moa partners with a new ally, uncovering layers of deception in the ongoing alien investigations.[39] |
| 15 | Child of Battle | October 14, 2017 | Koichi Sakamoto | Hirotaka Adachi | N/A | Riku ventures into an alternate realm to rescue a teammate, facing battles that tie into his combative lineage without new fusions.[39] |
| 16 | The First Day of the End of the World | October 21, 2017 | Koichi Sakamoto | Otsuichi | Alien Godola, Chimeraberus | Little Star carriers are targeted as signs of Belial's return loom, with Geed protecting against Chimeraberus in a high-stakes escalation.[36][39] |
| 17 | The King's Miracle! Time to Change Fate!! | October 28, 2017 | Masayoshi Takesue | Uiko Miura | N/A | Trapped by a chimeric foe, Geed receives aid from a regal figure, altering fate in a turning point for the series' conflict.[39] |
| 18 | Inheritor of the Dream | November 4, 2017 | Koichi Sakamoto | Chisao Yanai | Zaigorg, Legionoid Dada Customize | An antagonist regains memories to pursue Belial's agenda, as Geed battles customized threats to safeguard dreams and futures.[43][39] |
| 19 | Nebula House Invasion | November 11, 2017 | Masayoshi Takesue | Toshizo Nemoto | Mecha Gomora | An invasion targets the team's base, forcing escapes and counterattacks with mechanical Gomora highlighting vulnerability.[39] |
| 20 | The 10:00 AM Monster Bird | November 18, 2017 | Koichi Sakamoto | Hirotaka Adachi | Star Bem Gyeron, Lecuum | A recurring avian kaiju disrupts daily life, requiring persistent Geed interventions to maintain normalcy amid rising tensions.[39] |
| 21 | Pega Runs Away from Home | November 25, 2017 | Masayoshi Takesue | Uiko Miura | Gubila | After a team quarrel, Pega faces dangers alone against Gubila, underscoring bonds and reconciliation in the arc.[39] |
| 22 | Repossession | December 2, 2017 | Koichi Sakamoto | Chisao Yanai | King Galactron | Deceptions lead to capsule thefts, pitting Geed against an upgraded Galactron and questioning loyalties.[38][39] |
| 23 | The Sturm's Light | December 9, 2017 | Masayoshi Takesue | Toshizo Nemoto | Belial Atrocious (debut) | A climactic challenge unfolds in a remote location, introducing evolved threats that test Geed's protective resolve.[39] |
| 24 | The Fragments of Hope | December 16, 2017 | Koichi Sakamoto | Hirotaka Adachi | N/A | Despair spreads from a returned antagonist, as Geed rallies hopes in battles that build to the finale.[38][39] |
| 25 | The Symbol of Geed | December 23, 2017 | Koichi Sakamoto | Uiko Miura | Belial Atrocious | The series culminates in Geed's ultimate confrontation against Belial, resolving arcs through fusions and willpower in the finale battle.[39] |