The Ultra Universe began in 1966 with the hit show Ultra Q, followed very closely by the original Ultraman series. Since those inaugural entries, the franchise has spawned a record number of television series, movies, video games, and so much more, making Ultraman the most popular and recognizable superhero in Japan. His adventures protecting the universe from giant monsters and evil-doers have generated a massive worldwide fanbase that has seen significant growth in the United States over the past several years thanks to Tsuburaya Productions’ passion for the character and determination to grow the brand’s recognition overseas.
With the recent release and positive reception of Ultraman: Rising on Netflix and New York Comic Con happening next week, it only makes sense for Tsuburaya to take advantage of all the hype and bring Ultraman to one of the country’s largest pop culture events with a city-wide takeover that is sure to not only cater to existing fans of the franchise, but draw in new ones as well. Comic Con attendees can look forward to panels, merch, meet & greets, and so much more.
If you’re an Ultraman fan who isn’t able to go to the convention, don’t worry! You can still be part of the excitement with several activations and events happening in and around the New York City area. Kaiju United has been provided with the latest on all the fun that’s to be had next weekend. For additional information on this historic franchise, we invite you to visit the official websites for Ultraman via Tsuburaya Productions, as well as Ultraman Connection.
Here’s what Ultra fans have to look forward to:
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.
Ultraman Zero ©Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd.
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!
Saturday, October 19, 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.
About Tsuburaya Productions
Tsuburaya Productions is one of the leading independent production companies in Japan. Founded in 1963 by Eiji Tsuburaya, the company continues to produce content that has been licensed to both the domestic and international markets. The company also engages in licensing, merchandising, publishing, and live stage shows and events, exploiting the IP it creates and owns.
About Tsuburaya Fields Media & Pictures Entertainment Inc.
Tsuburaya Fields Media & Pictures Entertainment Inc., located in Los Angeles, is active in the production and distribution of Ultraman entertainment content for North America and other markets. Headed by Danny Simon, the new subsidiary will expand the Ultraman North America licensing program into the UK, EU, South America, and MENA markets thereby solidifying the franchise’s place on the global stage.
