Return of Ultraman, is a tokusatsu science fiction/kaiju/superhero TV series, and is the fourth in the Ultra Series. Eiji Tsuburaya had originally intended for the Ultra Series to end with the 1967 series Ultra Seven but the former, alongside its originator Ultraman proved to be too popular a character to omit. Eiji Tsuburaya died in 1970. His son Hajime Tsuburaya revived the Ultra Series with Return of Ultraman. The show features a new Ultraman named "New Ultraman", or "Kaettekita Ultraman". In 1984, he was renamed "Ultraman Jack" due to licensing issues. Tsuburaya and Bandai held a contest for children to pick a new name for this Ultraman. Although he is called "Ultraman Jack" for licensing in and out of Japan, he is still sometimes referred to as "New Ultraman"/"Kaettekita Ultraman", by some fans. This change was done due to a last-minute decision as the original plan for this series was for the original Ultraman to return to Earth to continue fighting against aliens and monsters. While nearly identical to the original Ultraman in appearance, the red pattern on his silver suit is slightly different. Furthermore, the new Ultraman can be recognized by his shorter pants, the pinstripes along the red areas, and the fuller sleeves/kneepads. The characters and related events are described below using an in-universe tone. Due to the mid-season addition of 'Ultraman' being Ultraman Jack, the series reintroduced his predecessors, Ultraman and Ultra Seven to the series canon - both of his predecessors were originally in different canon "universes" beforehand. This began a shared universe which continued throughout the Showa series, with Zoffy, Ultraman's superior, being reintroduced to the canon the following year in Ultraman Ace.
Story
This series is a follow up to the original Ultraman & Ultra Seven that is set in 1971, four years after Ultraseven left Earth, and five years after Ultraman came to Earth. The first episode begins with a fight between two giant monsters named Takkong and Zazahn in Tokyo. Amid the monster destruction, young race-car driver Hideki Go is killed while trying to rescue a little boy and a dog from the falling rubble. His valiant sacrifice is noted by everyone, including his friends and the new defense force MAT, but an unseen being also takes notice. Looking over Hideki is "New Ultraman", who is so touched by the race car driver's heroism, that he decides to combine his life force with that of Hideki, thus bringing him back to life, much to everyone's astonishment. MAT then asks Hideki to join the team, which he does, especially since in this frightening new "Age of Monsters", Earth will need a savior. In times of crisis, Hideki will raise his right arm and, by force of will, transform into Ultraman to fight monsters. In addition, the original Ultraman and Ultra Seven are watching New Ultraman's battles from the sidelines, and offer their help when he is in peril.
Production
For the first time, Ishirō Honda, best known for his work on the Godzilla movies and other classic Toho tokusatsu, worked on the Ultra Series, and directed some of the episodes of this series, including the first episode. When translated into English, this title also follows the Japanese title for Godzilla's Revenge, All Monsters Attack.
"MAT Team Song" "Monster Ondo", Columbia's original program "Monster Lock" and so on were composed. None of them were used in production, but they were streamed at various event venues at the time of airing. "Monster Ondo" was used in the last of "The men who made Ultraman: To the Forest of the Stars, "and the ones that changed the lyrics have been used in "I love Ultra Seven." Also, in "The Song of MAT Team", there is a cover version by Toshiyuki Nishida/Shonen Girl Choir Mizuumi, which was released by Asahi Sonorama.
Other songs
In Episode 7, The Mops' "I Can't Wait Until Morning" can be heard at a night camp party scene. Also, "Gin-iro no Glass" by The Golden Cups is used in a similar situation in Episode 16.
In Episode 34, PYG's "Hana, Taiyo, Ame" was used in the climax. Reportedly, series writer Shinichi Ichikawa had a close relationship with PYG member Kenichi Hagiwara and obtained permission for its use. This song was included as part of "The Return of Ultraman Music File" released by VAP in 1999.
"Nangoku Tosa wo Tonishite" plays on Captain Ibuki's radio in Episode 43. Sung by Peggy Hayama, she would eventually play the voice and human alter-ego of Mother of Ultra in the sequel series, Ultraman Taro.
The Drifters' "Dareka-san to Dareka-san" and "Drif no Okusafushi" were played in Episodes 48 and 49 respectively.
