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Ultraman Zero
Ultraman Zero
from Wikipedia
Ultraman Zero
Ultra Series character
A full picture of Ultraman Zero in his pre-fighting stance.
First appearanceMega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy (2009)
Created by
  • Koichi Sakamoto
  • Junya Okabe
  • Yuji Kobayashi (naming)
Designed byMasayuki Gotoh
Portrayed by
  • Hideyoshi Iwata (Revenge of Belial onwards)
  • Daisuke Terai (Ultraman Retsuden)
  • Masaki Onishi (Ultra Galaxy Legend)
  • Satoru Okabe (X and Geed)
  • Shinnosuke Ishikawa[1] (Orb)
Voiced by
Japanese
English
SpeciesUltra
GenderMale
TitleSon of Seven
Occupation
  • Member of the Inter-Galactic Defense Force
  • Leader of Ultimate Force Zero
Affiliation
  • Inter-Galactic Defense Force
  • Ultimate Force Zero
  • New Generation Heroes
Fighting styleSpace Kenpō
Weapon
  • Zero Sluggers
  • Ultimate Bracelet
Family
  • Ultraseven (father)
  • Unnamed mother
  • Ultraman Taro (cousin once removed)
OriginNebula M78, the Land of Light

Ultraman Zero (ウルトラマンゼロ, Urutoraman Zero)[2][3][4] is a fictional character from the Ultra Series. He first appeared in Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy before starring in his own film Ultraman Zero: The Revenge of Belial and its 2012 sequel Ultraman Saga.

Introduced as an energetic, boastful, and stubborn warrior, Zero was sent into banishment by Ultraseven after his failed attempt to steal the Plasma Spark. Zero was trained under Ultraman Leo and was forced to wear the Tector Gear. When Ultraman Belial returned to the Land of Light and steal the Plasma Spark, Zero redeemed himself by defeating Belial and retrieving the Plasma Spark, at the same time learned of his origin as the son of Seven (セブンの息子, Sebun no Musuko). Although he retained his hotheaded traits, Zero slowly went through character development and matured as his roles in the Ultra Series progressed.

Ultraman Zero is voiced by Mamoru Miyano (宮野 真守, Miyano Mamoru).[5] In the English dub movies, he is voiced by Daniel Van Thomas.[6]

Character conception

[edit]

Movie producer Junya Okabe stated that Zero's involvement in Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy was to invoke the elements of a parent-child relationship. Ultraman Zero's title as "the son of Seven" laid a huge impact on the audience.[7] The setting of Zero as Leo's pupil was made under suggestion of director Koichi Sakamoto incorporating elements of his favorite Kung fu films.[8] His youthful and hot-blooded outlook is based on Joe Yabuki from Ashita no Joe[9][10] while his fighting skills revolves around the combination of Ultraseven and Leo.[11][12]

In Ultraman Saga, a comical plot was suggested to the character as a new element and Zero's 5 meter-transformation is based on proposal made by VFX producer as part of an Ultra Warrior's relationship with humanity.[13]

Series main writer Otsuichi was dubious of Zero's involvement as part of the cast of Ultraman Geed, believing that he is a poor character but director Sakamoto managed to expand him by forming a senior-junior pair with the titular Ultra.[14] Realizing that he is a powerful character, the director decided to include the destruction of Ultimate Bracelet as a handicap to Zero, which makes him all the more similar to Dan Moroboshi's situation in Ultraman Leo.[14] His transformation style from Leito Igaguri was consciously modeled after Ultraseven's use of Ultra Eye.[15]

Design

[edit]
Ultraseven Ax, the initial draft of Ultraman Zero as photographed in a special event in Tokyo Dome City during 2010.[16]

Ultraman Zero was designed by Masayuki Gotoh under the initial draft name Ultraseven Ax (ウルトラセブンアックス, Urutorasebun Akkusu).[4][17] The original design was based on a modernized variation of Ultraseven,[17] being all-red in color and lacked a Color Timer.[18][4] Due to how common the red color is among Ultra Warriors, blue was added as well to make him more attractive to new viewers.[17] His mouth design is similar to Seven, but the whole face is composed of diagonal lines, and it has become possible to show different expressions according to the angle.[4]

Zero's suit was simultaneously made with Ultraman Belial, based on wetsuits with the materials shaped in a three-dimensional appearance.[19] It was originally structured to fit the suit actor tightly in hopes of preventing wrinkles but was loosen a bit to increase mobility in Zero's actions.[4]

Although the mask was originally molded integrally with the head, Zero and Belial were structured out of plane.[8] Because of the finalized design of Zero's head turned out to be different, his Zero Sluggers were forced to be redesigned after the first filming of Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy, thus making it bigger than the intended size.[20] The LED emitters were placed at the center of his eyes, appearing in a similar manner to pupil.

According to Ultra's Common Sense - Ultraseven, Ultraman Zero ver., the appearance of Zero's younger self is "suggested" to be identical to ESP Alien Uringa (超能力星人 ウリンガ, Chō Nōryoku Seijin Uringa) from episode 29 of Ultraman Leo.[21]

Designs of other forms were as follows:

  • Tector Gear Zero: Originally dubbed as "Armored Ax" (アーマードアックス, Āmādo Akkusu).[18] Because of the difficulty in designing Zero, Tector Gear Zero was made first to hide his original appearance.[7][8] It was initially planned to have a sharp design but producer Junya Okabe proposed a daring appearance.[4] Its suit is a separate molding from the original Zero while the orange tubes were portrayed to be able to expand and contracting itself.[4]
  • Ultimate Zero: The Final Ultimate Zero configuration was taken from the original plan of having the Zero Sluggers into a bow instead of the Zero Twin Sword.[18] In the beginning, this form is meant to be an armament than a mode change.[22] The armor is designed after a pair of wings and its breastplate was meant to be worn on the left arm.[22][23] Its relation to Ultraman Noa is a tribute to episode 7 of Ultraman, doing so in hopes of invoking the relationship of the Stone of Baraj to Noa.[22]
  • Mode Change: Strong-Corona Zero and Luna-Miracle Zero, the two forms that appeared in Ultra Zero Fight were incorporated with elements from Ultramen Dyna and Cosmos.[24]
  • Ultraman Zero Beyond:[25] Masayuki Gotoh designs Zero completely different from any of his previous forms, this one only inheriting his face.[25] The entire body was designed so as to not resemble Zero or even the components of the Ultra Capsule's Ultras themselves (Ginga, Victory, X, and Orb).[25] Masayuki even decided to drop the idea of Quattro Sluggers, believing that said design is unfavorable but changes his mind after persuasion from Koichi Sakamoto.[25]

Naming

[edit]

Yuji Kobayashi revealed that the reason he named the character as "Zero" is to symbolize the "restart of Ultraman story from scratch".[26]

History

[edit]

Galaxy Crisis Era

[edit]

Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy

[edit]

Long ago, Zero was a young and powerful warrior, similar to Belial, and like him attempted to steal energy from the Plasma Spark. However, Zero was caught red handed by Ultraseven and the Ultra Brothers and was exiled, sent to be trained under the Leo Brothers in Planet K76. His training took place during Belial's second and successful attempted theft of Plasma Spark. Survivors of Belial's attack, Shin Hayata (Ultraman) and Mirai Hibino (Ultraman Mebius), considered recruiting Zero but Dan Moroboshi (Ultraseven) was against it, believing he wasn't ready. During his time training under Ultraman Leo, Zero was forced to wear the Tector Gear armor that limited his movements and strength and befriended a Pigmon.

After saving the Pigmon's life during a training session, Zero's actions proved to Leo and Ultraman King that he had matured and revealed to him his true origins as the son of Ultraseven, and when Seven stopped Zero from touching the Plasma Spark, he had saved Zero from following Belial's fallen path. Seven's Eye Slugger then landed at the training ground, Leo realized that Seven was calling for Zero's help against Belial at the Monster Graveyard, and King removed the locks on Zero's Tector Gear. Redeemed and now freed from his armor, Ultraman Zero took off to the Monster Graveyard to confront Ultraman Belial, with his father's Eye Slugger. However Zero was too late too save his father, and Seven died from the exhaustion and injuries from his battle. Angered by the passing of his father, Zero proceeded to kill the remaining monsters of Belial's army in a mad fury before facing Belial and defeating him, however Belial quickly re-emerged as Belyudra. Zero tapped into the Plasma Spark's power, creating the Zero Twin Sword and decimated Belial with it. In aftermath of the battle, Zero returned the Plasma Spark to its position and reunited with his revived father.[27]

Ultraman Zero: The Revenge of Belial

[edit]

During the events of The Revenge of Belial, an attack from a trio of Darklops prompted Zero to volunteer himself in an inter-dimensional exploration to track the source. He was given the Ultra Zero Bracelet by Ultraseven, which allowed him to transform three times in an alternate dimension and received help from residents of the Land of Light during the travel. Upon arrival, he fought against Legionoid armies on the Planet Anu and bonded with a local police miner named Run in order to save his life. However, Zero discovered that the man's consciousness was in comatose state, leaving the former in control of Run's body and took care of Nao, his younger brother. The two stowed away in the Jean-Bird but was spared by Princess Emerana when they decided to help her search for the Shield of Baraj. Along the way, they met and allied with several factions that guide them towards the Shield of Baraj and helped out holding off Belial Galactic Empire's army.

Upon arrival at Ultraman Noa's statue, Nao tried to install a shard piece he had to the shield but crumbled. With Belial's army approaching and the Planet of Mirrors shattering, Run saved Nao and Emerana at the cost of being captured and had his Ultra Zero Eye separated. The resistances arrived and Mirror Knight saved Run from Belial, allowing him to regain his Ultra Zero Eye and transformed into Zero. Both sworn enemies fought once more but Belial used all of the emeralds he stolen to transform into Arch Belial. Despite the resistant forces helping out as well, Zero died from the depletion of his energy while trying to shield Planet Esmeralda from Arch Belial until the hopes of the resistances of Belial Galactic Empire brought forth the spirit of Ultraman Noa, allowing him to revive Zero and grant him the true form of the Shield of Baraj: the Ultimate Aegis. Zero assumed Ultimate Zero form with it and destroyed Belial with the Final Ultimate Zero technique. In aftermath of the battle, he healed Run's injuries and left to form Ultimate Force Zero with the giant heroes he came across earlier.[28]

Zero still continued with his mission to wipe out the remnants of Belial's army and at that time, he was called into another Planet Earth by Shin Asuka/Ultraman Dyna, sensing a new threat in a form of Alien Bat. In that world, he discovered that the Earth's populations had mysteriously vanished and also fused with a dimensional-displaced Super GUTS member named Nozomu Taiga. Taiga himself had a hatred for Ultramen due to his past, which explained his reluctance to use Zero's power. Zero tend to act as the straight man to Taiga's antics and because of their lack of cooperation, Zero was incapable of summoning his full power, only appearing as a 5 m tall version of himself during their first transformation. Upon learning of Taiga's past and the latter deciding to overcome it, the two eventually settled their differences and finally being able to perform a successful transformation, joining forces with Ultraman Cosmos in facing Gigant Hyper Zetton and rescuing Ultraman Dyna.

Although the three Ultra Warriors managed to destroy Gigant Zetton, Alien Bat made his final move by assimilating his ship into Zetton's corpse and form Imago Hyper Zetton. The monster was too much for the Ultra Warriors to handle and the monster quickly defeated them. While Dyna and Cosmos were forced to revert to their human hosts, Zero instead died once more but the three Ultra hosts managed to unite into Ultraman Saga and destroy the monster. In aftermath, Zero separated from Taiga and departed to space.

In Ultraman Saga Super Complete Works magazine, Zero was mentioned to have visited the alternate Earth once more, with Anna of Team U wrote his arrival in her diary.[29] Ultraman Ginga S Super Complete Works acknowledged that Zero's arrival on Team U's Earth is partly under orders from Zoffy due to the increasing negative energy of a Zetton (Hyper Zetton) in that dimension.[30]

Following his separation from Ultraman Saga, Zero gained the abilities of Ultraman Dyna and Cosmos, allowing him to transform into Strong-Corona Zero and Luna-Miracle Zero. Zero went to the Monster Graveyard to train and wonder about the purpose of obtaining such power. At that time, he faced of against Alien Bat Glacier and his army of revived monsters. Zero used his new powers to eliminate the monsters before facing the alien himself, now having absorbed the defeated monsters' souls. In the ensuing battle, Glacier used his life link to Pigmon as an advantage, forcing Zero to surrender until Pigmon's reassurance gave him the will to continue fighting, splitting himself into two bodies. Using Strong-Corona Zero he defeated Glacier and with Luna-Miracle Zero was able to purify the restless monsters' spirit and save Pigmon's life. In the end, Zero finally found the purpose of his powers before returning to his comrades.

Shining Zero (above) and Zero Darkness (below), two of the miniseries-exclusive forms.

In the second part, Zero faced off against the Darkness Five led by a mysterious benefactor. The Ultimate Force Zero held off the majority of their members their own while Zero faced against the Alien Mefilas Sly to rescue Pigmon. Later on, he faced the Armored Darkness, who was revealed to be his supposedly deceased enemy, Ultraman Belial. The two fought in a heated match but once Zero stabbed Belial with his sword, Belial quickly possessed Zero into Zero Darkness (ゼロダークネス, Zero Dākunesu), using his powers to assassinate the rest of the Ultimate Force Zero. The real Ultraman Zero was left powerless inside his own body, leaving Belial in control his body to lead the Darkness Five in their conquest. Pigmon tried to stop them despite its size but before Belial could kill it, his attacked mysteriously stopped. It was revealed that Zero's spirit had halted Belial from attacking or progress further. Within Zero's mind, fought Belial, bringing forth his strongest form, Shining Zero. With Belial expelled, Shining Zero regained control over his body and reverse the flow of time in the immediate area to undo the damages done by Belial and revive the Ultimate Force Zero. The act greatly exhausted him and was unable to recall earlier incidents but in the end joined his comrades in returning home as they tried to pick a new name for Pigmon.[31]

In the epilogue, it was revealed that Zero unknowingly resurrect Belial and Jathar from their deaths, the latter being his first kill in the second part of series in hopes of restoring the Ultimate Force Zero from their bronze petrifaction.

Subsequent history in Galaxy Crisis Era

[edit]
  • Ultra Galaxy Legend Side Story: Ultraman Zero vs. Darklops Zero (2010): After the events of Ultra Galaxy Legends, Zero teamed up with an alternate universe version of ZAP Spacy crew to fight against the Alien Salome and their armies of fake Ultra Brothers.[32][33] Weeks passed, when the prime universe version of ZAP Spacy arrived, Zero defend them against Mecha Gomora before fighting Darklops Zero, a robot built after him.[34] Zero was banished into a pocket dimension by said robot and escaped it with the help of his master Ultraman Leo, returning just in time to assist Gomora on a duel against their mechanical doppelgängers.[35][36] With Zero winning, Darklops self-destruct himself, prompting him to rescue the prime reality ZAP Spacy members.
  • Ultraman Zero Side Story: Killer the Beatstar (2011): One year after the events of Revenge of Belial, the Ultimate Force Zero broke into the Beatstar Celestial Sphere to rescue both the kidnapped Jean-Bot and Emerana. A week later, they managed to get enter the sphere and saved ZAP Spacy members Rei and Hyuga, as well as Emerana herself. Zero, Mirror Knight and Glenfire fights against copies of King Joe, Inpelaizer and Ace Killer before engaging in a fight against Jean-Killer, Beatstar's newest robot themed after Jean-Bot. After Jean-Bot recovered from his brainwashing, he and Emerana convinced Jean-Killer to redeem himself, allowing him to join the group in fighting against his own creator. In the end, Jean-Killer was accepted into Ultimate Force Zero as Jean-Nine.
  • Ultraman Saga: Zero and Ultra Brothers Pop Out! Intense Battle! (2012): Prelude to the events of Ultraman Saga, Zero fights against Zetton until the monster was called off by Alien Bat, who replaced it with a revived Birdon. With his energy running out due to Bat's Anti Ultra Field, Zoffy appeared and handed Zero the Ultra Converter, replenishing his energy and for the two to finish Birdon together. Zoffy soon informs Zero that Alien Bat is planning to create a monster weapon, with the Birdon earlier is simply one of his revived monsters and thus setting the motion of the aforementioned movie's event.[37]
Ultraman Zero hosting Ultraman Retsuden.
  • Ultraman Retsuden/Shin Ultraman Retsuden (2011–2016): Ultraman Zero is the main navigator of the series, and usually guides the viewers with full details of each Ultra Warriors' past battles. Similar to his role in Ultraman Saga, he also tended to act in a similar manner of a straight man but when he went absent during the show, he would be replaced by other navigators such as Zoffy, Musashi Haruno, Shin Asuka and others. Zero continued this role in the succeeding series, Shin Ultraman Retsuden although there were also other presenter such as the characters of succeeding series (e.g. Ultraman Ginga, Ultraman Taro and Ultraman X). In the series finale of said series (episode 155), he was featured as one of the three navigators, with the other two being Ultraman Ginga and Ultraman X, whose series had launched in the same block the Shin Ultraman Retsuden aired.

New Generation Heroes Era

[edit]
  • Ultraman Ginga S The Movie (2015): Having known Etelgar's mission to imprison Heisei Ultras, Zero hunted him down in various universes and dimension until he comes across Hikaru and Sho, arriving after Etelgar. With Etelgar proves to be stronger than Ginga and Victory, and even being able to withstand the Final Ultimate Zero, he trained the duo Ultra Hosts and gave them the Ultra Fusion Brace once their training had been acknowledged. Alongside other preceding Heisei Ultras, Zero contributed his signature finisher, the Wide Zero Shot, to Hikaru's Ultra Fusion Brace for the completion of Ultraman Ginga Victory.[38] While the party made their way to Etelgar's tower, he was forced to left behind to fight against an imitation of Ultraman Belial. Zero fought Belial with all of his forms and put an end to the doppelganger via Shining Zero. He joined the other Ultra Warriors afterwards to destroy Etelgar's castle before regrouping and leaving.[39] He was briefly mentioned in Ultra Fight Victory by Ultraman Leo when he first met Ultraman Ginga and Victory.
  • Ultraman X (2015): Zero was tracking one of the Space Garrisons' (宇宙警備隊, Uchū Keibitai) most wanted criminals, Bandero in various dimensions and arrived on Earth when he tried to steal the Spark Dolls. With Rui accidentally taken to Planet Guillermo, Zero went on a rescue operation and joined by X, the two managed to defeat both Bandero and Black King. He was mentioned in episode 13 by Sho/Ultraman Victory of his encounter though much to the latter's dismay, Ultraman X isn't what he expected due to his human host (Daichi) until Sho trained the boy in swordsmanship.[40] His usage of Mode Change in episode 5 was a late addition by Koichi Sakamoto after seeing Ultraman X's use of Ultraman Zero Armor, as well as the original costumes still in good condition.[41] Meanwhile, his lines in the series was written by Nakano from Akira Kobayashi's performance in Senpūji film series.[42]
  • Ultraman X The Movie (2016): Ultraman Zero's Cyber Card was created by Guruman sometime later alongside other Ultra Warriors that X and Xio members met before. The Ultramen cards resonated with people's hopes and brought them to fight against the Tsurugi Demaaga that rampaged worldwide. Zero fought against one in Shanghai, China and like the rest of the Ultra Warriors, he was given an additional power boost to destroy the monsters. The Ultra Warriors regrouped and Zero commented on how both X and Daichi have become stronger than the last time they met. While leaving Earth, he made his last stop on Rui, much to her delight.
  • Ultraman Orb (2016): Ultraman Zero was mentioned to be the sealer of Maga-Pandon before Jugglus released the King Demon Beast. Upon its defeat, Zero's Ultra Fusion Card was acquired by Gai, who used it alongside Ultraman Jack's card to transform into Ultraman Orb Hurricane Slash.[43] During the final episode of the series, Zero and the other Ultra Fusion Cards in Gai's possession transform into physical projections of themselves to assist Ultraman Orb in delivering the finishing blow on Magata no Orochi while Juggler hold off the monster long enough to expose its weak spot.
  • Ultraman Zero: The Chronicle (2017):[44] Zero reassumed his role as a navigator of this biography series.
  • Ultraman Orb The Movie (2017):[45][46] In the beginning of the movie, Zero went to Orb's aid in defeating Murunau's Galactron on Hawaii and reported him of a strange incident before leaving. He returns at the post credit scene where he sought Gai's help in assisting Ultraman X fighting against Desastro.
  • Ultra Fight Orb (2017):[47] Under orders from the Space Garrison, Zero was sent to investigate the darkness of Planet Yomi until Juda Specter and Mecha Gomora fought him. He was aided by Ultraman Orb after the latter sensed the same darkness and the two were led to Reibatos. When Orb failed to catch him, Zero and Seven trained him inside the Shining Field (シャイニングフィールド, Shainingu Fīrudo) for 10 years. Once Orb's training ended, Zero's Ultra Fusion Card was used in unison with Seven's card into Emerium Slugger and the three of them raced towards the Monster Graveyard to fight Tyrant before he brought Orb to stop Reibatos. After the battle, Zero was the only witness to the sudden disappearance of Reibatos' Giga Battle Nizer but choose to keep it to himself.
  • Ultraman Geed (2017): Ultraman Zero appeared in this series as a secondary character. Zero had been present at the battle between Belial and the Ultra Warriors, but was defeated by his arch enemy, allowing Belial to initiate the Crisis Impact that resulted in Ultraman King sacrificing himself to protect the fate of the universe. Fast forward to several years, he was sent to Earth to retrieve the stolen Ultra Capsules but his Ultimate Bracelet damaged from his past battle. He formed a symbiosis with a salaryman named Leito Igaguri to recuperate and observe Ultraman Geed while saving the human's life.[48][49] After sacrificing his life to protect Leito, Riku/Geed and several other humans held captive by Kei, Zero was revived through his human host's will and receive the ability to transform into Ultraman Zero Beyond after Hikari delivers a set of Riser and Ultra Capsules. His corresponding Little Star hosted Leito's daughter Mayu, who gains the ability to teleport until her prayer for Geed allowed Riku to harvest it as Zero Capsule (ゼロカプセル, Zero Kapuseru). Zero mainly served as Geed's support in his battles against Belial, the Ultraman later leaving Leito's body once his nemesis is defeated so he can return to Planet Ultra with his repaired Ultimate Bracelet.
  • Ultraman Geed the Movie (2018): When Gilvalis sent his Galactron armies to attack the Earth, Zero lead his team to fight the Galactron forces in outer space before entering the mid-digitized Earth. There, he join forces with Geed and Orb to fight against Galactron MK2 in Okinawa using all of their available forms. Zero and Orb teleported into the next day through Shining Zero's Shining Star Drive to fake their demise and possess Leito as he assume Zero Beyond. The three Ultras then storm Gilvalis' base to fight the rogue AI, bearing witness of Geed delivering the final blow by himself. Zero regroups with the Ultimate Force Zero to bid Riku and Laiha farewell before departing from Earth.
  • Ultraman R/B (2018): Zero's corresponding R/B Crystal was in possession of Kumashiro Matsuo, the coach of White Bears baseball team until he relinquished it to Katsumi alongside Seven and X's crystals. His power allows Rosso to perform Zero Twin Slicer through his R/B Slugger Rosso.

Reiwa Era

[edit]
  • Ultra Galaxy Fight: In the English dub, Zero was initially voiced by Jack Merluzzi in New Generation Heroes before Eric Kelso took over since The Absolute Conspiracy.[50][51]
    • New Generation Heroes (2019): Sent by the Inter-Galactic Defense Force, Zero chased Dark-Killer in his attempt to target Grigio, only to wind up trapped in Dark-Killer Zone alongside the young Ultrawoman. A rescue party of New Generation Heroes assembled by Taro arrived in Planet Tenebris to rescue them.[52] After defeating Rosso and Blu, Dark-Killer used Zero's drained light energy and his past trauma to recreate Zero Darkness but was defeated by R/B. In a desperate attempt to spite the Ultra Warriors, Tregear revived Dark-Killer and Zero Darkness, Zero choosing to fight the latter in his Beyond form. As the rest of the New Generation Heroes chase after Tregear, Zero send Grigio back to Earth under the Minato brothers' wishes.
    • The Absolute Conspiracy (2020): In the light of Tartarus' involvements, Zero went to investigate the alien on his accord[53][54] and begins amassing the team known as Ultra League. The Ultra League was sent to rescue Yullian and fight the Zetton Army. Despite Zero's attempt at fighting Tartarus, he was defeated and Yullian was successfully kidnapped to become a ransom for the Absolutians to get the Land of Light.[55] Due to Celebro's theft of Ultra Medals and Z Riser, Zero was forced to depart from the Ultra League and join Z, thus setting forth the motion of Ultraman Z series.
    • The Destined Crossroad (2021–22): After returning from Ultraman Z, Zero trained under the guidance of Seven, Leo and Joneus to awaken his wild instinct, granting him the Wild Burst and the ability to counter Tartarus' prediction and using it to fight the Absolutian in Planet Babel and Planet Blizzard. After Tartarus, Diavolo and Ultraman Ribut's disappearances, Zero then trains with Ultraman Regulos in anticipation for the Inter-Galactic Defense Force's meeting with the Absolutians' unseen ruler.
  • Ultraman Taiga (2019): Zero appears to aid Taiga in his fight against Tregear and Imit-Ultraman Belial, when both sides collided in a beam struggle. Zero handed Hiroyuki the Plasma Zero-let, allowing Taiga to perform Taiga Dynamite Shoot and defeating the Belial clone before he leaves.
  • Ultraman Chronicle Zero & Geed (2020): Despite being a clip show meant to commemorate his 10th anniversary, Zero only appeared in since episode 8 where he had established his namesake school attended by Riku, Pega and several other aliens.
  • Ultraman Z (2020): Zero returned in this series as a reluctant instructor to the Inter-Galactic Defense Force member Ultraman Z.[56][57][58][59] The pair chased the Celebro-possessed Genegarg after it stole a Z Riser and a set of Ultra Medals. When Zero was about to be sucked into Bullton's portal, he gave Z his Z Riser and a trio of Ultra Medals, one of them being his personalized Ultraman Zero Medal (ウルトラマンゼロメダル, Urutoraman Zero Medaru) that allows him to assume Ultraman Z Alpha Edge.[60] Zero escapes with the use of Shining Zero, where he participated in the fight against Celebro's Belial Fusion Monsters alongside Z and Geed. After the battle, he decided to return to the Land of Light and left Earth's safety in Z's hands. Together with Geed and Belial Atrocious, the Ultraman Zero Beyond Rise Medal (ウルトラマンゼロビヨンドライズメダル, Urutoraman Zero Biyondo Raizu Medaru) provides Z with Delta Rise Claw.

Profile

[edit]

Ultraman Zero's statistics below were never mentioned in his movie appearances, but were brought up in magazines and official websites.[2]

  • Height: micro ~ 49 m[2][61][62][63][64] (55 m when including the tip of Ultimate Aegis,[65] 5 m when shrunk in Ultraman Saga[66])
  • Weight: 35,000 t[2][3][4][63][64] (45,000 t as Tector Gear Zero/Hatred,[67] 55,000 t as Ultimate Zero[65][23])
  • Flight Speed: Mach 7[2] (Mach 13 as Zero Beyond[64])
  • Age: 5,900 years old (Age is equivalent to 18 ~ 20 in human years.)[68]
  • Birthplace: Nebula M78, Land of Light[2]
  • Year Debut: 2009
  • First Appearance: Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy (2009)
  • Family Structure:
    • Father: Ultraseven[2]
    • Mother: Stated to be an excellent scientist in the Land of Light's Department of Space Science and Technology (宇宙科学技術局, Uchū Kagaku Gijutsu-kyoku), though other details regarding her is yet to be revealed.[69]

Description

[edit]

As the official website of Tsuburaya Productions stated: "[Ultraman Zero] His father being Ultraseven, taught by the Ultraman Leo/Astra siblings, chased the evil Belial into another space, receiving the Ultimate Bracelet and finally thwarted the Belial Galactic Empire. Alongside Glenfire, Mirror Knight, Jean-Bot and Jean-Nine, they form the Ultimate Force Zero."[2]

Transformation

[edit]

Zero's hosts transform through the use of Ultra Zero Eye (ウルトラゼロアイ, Urutora Zero Ai), which is based on Ultraseven's Ultra Eye.[70] During the transformation scene, once they don it, the ribbons of light and the Zero Sluggers appear with Zero's body materializing on the human host's before the Zero Sluggers attach and appeared in the human world. When not in use, the Ultra Zero Eye is stored within the Ultra Zero Bracelet (now Ultimate Bracelet) and can also be utilized in a similar manner to a handgun by his hosts when needed. The left part of the google emblazoned Zero's signature.[a][22]

  • Ultra Zero Eye NEO (ウルトラゼロアイNEO, Urutora Zero Ai Neo):[49][71][64] An upgraded variant of the Ultra Zero Eye, serving as Leito's transformation device. Leito transforms by donning the Zero Eye and press the button on the right goggle, causing Zero to develop around his body and him rising in a similar manner to conventional Ultra Warriors. By attaching it to the Riser, it provided the latter device's Zero Mode (ゼロモード, Zero Mōdo).[64]
  • Riser (ライザー, Raizā): The same model of Geed Riser (ジードライザー, Jīdo Raizā) that is used by Riku and Kei, it was delivered by Ultraman Hikari alongside a batch of New Generation Capsules. Leito first attach the Ultra Zero Eye NEO to the Riser and scans a pair of Ultra Capsules (ウルトラカプセル, Urutora Kapuseru), New Generation Capsule Alpha (ニュージェネレーションカプセルα, Nyū Jenerēshon Kapuseru Arufa; Ginga and Orb) and New Generation Capsule Beta (ニュージェネレーションカプセルβ, Nyū Jenerēshon Kapuseru Bēta; Victory and X) to perform Neo Fusion Rise (ネオ・フュージョンライズ, Neo Fyūjon Raizu) and transforms into Ultraman Zero Beyond.[72] Likewise with Riku's Geed Riser, the Ultra Capsule announcements were provided by Nobuyuki Hiyama (檜山 修之, Hiyama Nobuyuki).[73] As established in Ultra Galaxy Fight: New Generation Heroes, this form requires a human host (Leito) to access with and during his fight with Ultraman Zero Darkness, Geed and his preceding New Generation Heroes recreate this form through their power.

Features and weapons

[edit]
  • Beam Lamp (ビームランプ, Bīmu Ranpu): A small light located on his forehead, which mainly functions to launch the Emerium Slash (エメリウムスラッシュ, Emeriumu Surasshu).[3][4][74] It is among the features inherited from his father.
  • Protector (プロテクター, Purotekutā): Silver armor on Zero's chest and shoulders which functions as solar panels, allowing him to put out of exhaustion for a longer period in combat. Compared to his father, Zero possess a Color Timer (カラータイマー, Karā Taimā) on its intersection, allowing him to perform the Zero Twin Shoot (ゼロツインシュート, Zero Tsuin Shūto).[3][4][74]
  • Zero Sluggers (ゼロスラッガー, Zero Suraggā):[3][4][74] Twin boomerang knives from his head, they are analogous to Ultraseven's Eye Slugger. They can be combined into multiple configurations, such as Zero Twin Sword (ゼロツインソード, Zero Tsuin Sōdo), which he created by tapping into the Plasma Spark's power and Combination Zero (コンビネーションゼロ, Konbinēshon Zero) shuriken by combining with his father's Eye Slugger.[75] In the Ultraman Saga Zero & Ultra Brothers Pop Out, The Zero Twin Sword can still be used as a boomerang while its attack was enhanced by Zoffy's M87 Ray.[76]
  • Ultra Zero Bracelet (ウルトラゼロブレスレット, Urutora Zero Buresuretto):[77] A bracelet that Seven gave to Zero, which allowed him to transform three times in an alternate universe. After receiving the Ultimate Aegis from Ultraman Noa, the bracelet was upgraded into the Ultimate Bracelet (ウルティメイトブレスレット, Urutimeito Buresuretto), now allowing him to endlessly operate in any alternate universes.[b][65] According to director Yuichi Abe, the Ultimate Bracelet is not only Noah's power, but also contains the lights of people's hearts from every universes, thus making it the strongest item to exist.[79] As of Ultraman Geed, the device broke due to Zero's past battle with Belial and his current power diminishment.[49] True to being analogous to Ultraman Jack's Ultra Bracelet, the bracelet can also turn into weapons such as:
    • Ultra Zero Spark (ウルトラゼロスパーク, Urutora Zero Supāku)[77]
    • Ultra Zero Lance (ウルトラゼロランス, Urutora Zero Ransu)[77][74]
    • Ultra Zero Defender (ウルトラゼロディフェンダー, Urutora Zero Difendā)
  • Ultra Converter (ウルトラコンバーター, Urutora Konbātā): After being weakened in Alien Bat's Anti Ultra Field, Zero was given the Ultra Converter by Zoffy to recharge his energy, allowing them to finish Birdon.
  • Ultra Zero Mantle (ウルトラゼロマント, Urutora Zero Manto): A special protective mantle given to him by master, Leo.[56][57][58][59] When not in use, he can store it within the Ultimate Bracelet.[80]

Forms, powers and abilities

[edit]

Being trained by Ultraman Leo, Zero utilizes Judo and Space Kenpō (宇宙拳法, Uchū Kenpō) in combat. He is also capable of adapting his opponent's fighting skills to his own such as copying Glenfire's piledriver attack (Glen Driver) into Zero Driver (ゼロドライバー, Zero Doraibā).[77] His finisher is the Wide Zero Shot (ワイドゼロショット, Waido Zero Shotto), which is performed in his master's pre-fighting stance before shifting to the "L"-style beam attack used by Ultraseven.[3][4][74] His flying kick attack, Ultra Zero Kick (ウルトラゼロキック, Urutora Zero Kikku) is learned from his master (Leo)'s Leo Kick and alongside the latter, both are capable of performing combination attacks such as Leo Zero Kick (レオゼロキック, Reo Zero Kikku) and Leo-Zero Double Flasher (レオゼロダブルフラッシャー, Reo Zero Daburu Furasshā), replacing Astra's position in both attacks.[3][4][81][74]

He can also access these forms:

  • Tector Gear Zero (テクターギア・ゼロ, Tekutā Gia Zero):[67] During Zero's banishment and training under Ultraman Leo, he was forced to wear the Tector Gear (テクターギア, Tekutā Gia) armor that limited his strength and performance. Eventually after his redemption had been acknowledged by Ultraman King, he was freed from the armor itself. While facing Alien Bat Glacier, he was imprisoned in a rust-colored variant Tector Gear Hatred (テクターギア・ヘイトリッド, Tekutā Gia Heitoriddo) that increases the injuries he sustained. Eventually, he was able to escape via Strong-Corona Mode.
  • Zero Slugger Gear (ゼロスラッガーギア, Zero Suraggā Gia):[82] Appearing in Ultraman Festival 2010, these are armaments wielded by Zero when his Zero Sluggers transform into a set of armors. Zero separates into three, with the two clones assumed different armor respectively. They are designed by the children as part of New Power-up Armor Design Contest (新強化アーマーデザインコンテスト, Shin Kyōka Āmā Dezain Kontesuto), and represented different magazines:
    • Super Form (スーパーフォーム, Sūpā Fōmu): Represent the winner in the Televi-kun, Super Form appears as a blue armor transformed from the power of sacred light. It gives Zero a sleeker fighting style, allowing him to move at great speed while using blade protrusions on his arms as weapons. Through the giant star emblem on his chest, Zero is able to execute Emerium Star Beam (エメリウムスタービーム, Emeriumu Sutā Bīmu).[82]
    • Keeper Form (キーパーフォーム, Kīpā Fōmu): Represent the winner in the Televi Magazine, Keeper Form appears as a silver armor that grants him enhanced brute strength. Zero's main weapons are a shield on the left arm and the Reflection Blade (リフレクションブレード, Rifurekushon Burēdo) on his right that allows him to absorb an incoming attack and return it to their owner.
  • Ultimate Zero (ウルティメイトゼロ, Urutimeito Zero):[31] A form where Zero dons the Ultimate Aegis (ウルティメイトイージス, Urutimeito Ījisu), it allows Zero to travel to other dimensions and universes. This armor grants him the Ultimate Zero Sword (ウルティメイトゼロソード, Urutimeito Zero Sōdo),[65][23] enables him to fight stronger opponents and be reconfigured into a bow and arrow, allowing him to initiate his finisher, the Final Ultimate Zero (ファイナルウルティメイトゼロ, Fainaru Urutimeito Zero),[65][23] or a stronger variant, the Final Ultimate Zero Trinity (ファイナルウルティメイトゼロ・トリニティ, Fainaru Urutimeito Zero Toriniti), with the help of Ultramen Dyna and Cosmos.[66] The Ultimate Aegis' true form is the Shield of Baradhi (バラージの盾, Barāji no Tate), which was sought by resistance of Belial's Galactic Empire to defeat him, and later bestowed to Zero by Ultraman Noa. Despite being so powerful, once used for cross-universe transportation, the armor needed to be recharged before being utilized again. Certain opponents seems to have natural resistance towards the attack such as Etelgar, who was able to survive the attack despite having his scarf and mask burned in the process. The data of Ultimate Aegis was replicated by Dr. Guruman in Ultraman X for the titular character to assume Ultraman Zero Armor.
  • Mode Changes (モードチェンジ, Mōdo Chenji): These are alternate forms achieved after Zero's combination with Dyna and Cosmos to form Ultraman Saga.[83]
    • Strong-Corona Zero (ストロングコロナゼロ, Sutorongu Korona Zero):[31][63] Zero's red alternate form, which served as an analogy to Dyna's Strong Type and Cosmos' Corona Mode. It allows Zero to utilize brute strength and initiate the Ultra Hurricane (ウルトラハリケーン, Urutora Harikēn) before using the Gulnate Buster (ガルネイトバスター, Garuneito Basutā) as a finisher. As a side effect of the transformation, Zero speaks in an exciting tone.[63]
    • Luna-Miracle Zero (ルナミラクルゼロ, Runa Mirakuru Zero):[31][63][84] Zero's blue alternate form, which served as an analogy to Dyna's Miracle Type and Cosmos' Luna Mode. It allows Zero to utilize speed and mental abilities and use the Miracle Zero Slugger (ミラクルゼロスラッガー, Mirakuru Zero Suraggā) as his finisher. As a side effect of the transformation, Zero speaks in a calm monotone. Since this form bears some of the traits of Cosmos' Luna Mode, Zero is capable of using the Full Moon Wave (フルムーンウェーブ, Furu Mūn Wēbu), a non-lethal ray that pacifies monsters.[63]
  • Shining Ultraman Zero (シャイニングウルトラマンゼロ, Shainingu Urutoraman Zero):[31][63][85] Zero's "final form", which acquired when he expelled Belial from his body. Here, Zero's body bore gold and silver and possess the Shining Energy Core (シャイニングエナジーコア, Shainingu Enajī Koa) in place of his Color Timer. His main attack is Shining Emerium Slash (シャイニングエメリウムスラッシュ, Shainingu Emeriumu Surasshu) which is an enhanced versions of his regular attack.[63] However, his strongest known ability is the Shining Star Drive (シャイニングスタードライヴ, Shainingu Sutā Doraivu), which rewinds time in a certain area but being the strongest attack, it exhausts Zero greatly before reducing him to his original form.[63] In the PlayStation Portable game Ultraman All Star Chronicle, he demonstrated an attack called the Shining Wide Zero Shot (シャイニングワイドゼロショット, Shainingu Waido Zero Shotto).[c][86][87]
  • Crossover Formation (クロスオーバーフォーメーション, Kurosu Ōbā Fōmēshon): A momentary power boost that is nigh-identical to Ultraman Tiga's Glitter Tiga. Appeared in Ginga S The Movie, this form is used by all Heisei Ultras to empower their finishers and destroy Etelgar's castle.
  • Ultraman Zero Beyond (ウルトラマンゼロ ビヨンド, Urutoraman Zero Biyondo):[72][88][64] A form that appears in Ultraman Geed achieved by using the Riser in Zero Mode. It features him using the assets of Ultramen Ginga, Victory, X, and Orb. Zero is capable of launching four Quattro Sluggers (クアトロスラッガー, Kuatoro Suraggā) and perform continuous punch and kick attacks.[88][64] His finishers are the Bulky Chorus (バルキーコーラス, Barukī Kōrasu) and Wide Beyond Shot (ワイドビヨンドショット, Waido Biyondo Shotto).[64] In Ultra Galaxy Fight: New Generation Heroes, Zero Beyond was covered with glittering light, christening this form as Galaxy Glitter (ギャラクシーグリッター, Gyarakushī Gurittā).[89]
  • Gransabered Zero (グランセイバードゼロ, Guranseibādo Zero): A game-exclusive Ultra Fusion that appeared in the 2020 installment of Ultraman Fusion Fight! arcade game. This is accessed through an Ultra Z Riser (ウルトラゼットライザー, Urutora Zetto Raizā) with Leito's personalized Ultra Access Card (ウルトラアクセスカード, Urutora Akusesu Kādo) and Ultra Medals (ウルトラメダル, Urutora Medaru) of Ultraman, Seven and Ace. This form provides Zero with slicing abilities and the finishing move Defalation Cutter (ディファレーションカッター, Difarēshon Kattā)[90][91]
  • Ultimate Shining Zero (ウルティメイトシャイニングゼロ, Urutimeito Shainingu Zero):[92] First appearing in Ultra Galaxy Fight: The Absolute Conspiracy, this form is Shining Ultraman Zero wearing the Ultimate Aegis armor onto himself. Since it requires Zero to access both of his strongest assets at once, it also exhaust him due to the massive energy consumption required.[93]
  • Wild Burst (ワイルドバースト, Wairudo Bāsuto):[94] A crimson colored form that represents his awakened wild instincts, which allows him to counter Absolute Tartarus' ability to predict his moves. This form is later served as a transition to Ultimate Shining Zero, passing its ability to the latter form as a result. First appearing in Ultra Galaxy Fight: The Destined Crossroad.

Ultra Warriors with Zero's powers

[edit]

The list below refers to later Ultras who possess a replica of or inherited their powers from Ultraman Zero.

  • Ultraman Ginga Victory
  • Ultraman X Ultraman Zero Armor[d]
  • Ultraman Orb: Hurricane Slash (with Ultraman Jack), Emerium Slugger (with Ultraseven), Leo Zero Knuckle (with Ultraman Leo)
  • Ultraman Geed: Magnificent (with Father of Ultra), Shining Mystic (with Ultraman), Mugen Crosser (with Ultraman Tiga)

Human hosts

[edit]

Run

[edit]
Run
Ultra Series character
Run as portrayed in the movie.
First appearanceUltraman Zero: The Revenge of Belial (2010)
Portrayed byYu Koyanagi

Run (ラン, Ran)[28] is one of the main protagonists of Ultraman Zero: The Revenge of Belial.

Alongside his brother Nao, both were orphaned and lived with their grandmother, working as police in a mining site of their home planet Anu. One day, when Belial's Darklops attacked the mining site, Zero bonded with Run to save the young man's life, but learns that he is in control of Run's body, as the original one is rendered comatose. After the events of the movie, a fully healed Run was separated from Zero, and has no recollection of the moments when Zero possessed him, much to Nao's dismay.

Run is portrayed by Yu Koyanagi (小柳 友, Koyanagi Yū), while his childhood was portrayed by Kaito Nitta (新田 海統, Nitta Kaito).

Shin Moroboshi

[edit]

Shin Moroboshi (モロボシ・シン, Moroboshi Shin) is a stage-show exclusive character that appeared in Ultraman Premier 2011 (ウルトラマンプレミア2011, Urutoraman Puremia Nisen-jū-ichi). He is the human disguise of Ultraman Zero and was portrayed by three different actors in each region:

Nozomu Taiga

[edit]
Nozomu Taiga
Ultra Series character
Nozomu Taiga as portrayed in the movie.
First appearanceUltraman Saga (2012)
Portrayed byDAIGO

Nozomu Taiga (タイガ・ノゾム, Taiga Nozomu) is the main protagonist of Ultraman Saga and is the second host of Ultraman Zero. Originated from the same universe where Ultraman Tiga and Ultraman Dyna took place, Taiga is the rookie member of Super GUTS after Asuka's disappearances. Taiga bears a lot of similarities to young Asuka (even called by senior Super GUTS members as "the second coming of Shin Asuka") but however lacks respect in his predecessors, especially Ultramen after his parents were killed in an alien invasion while he shouted for Ultraman's help but to no avail. He appears to have hatred for carrots and in an aforementioned similarity, tends to act childish with Zero acting up as the straight man.

During the 15 year anniversary of Asuka's sacrifice, Taiga participated in an aerial combat against a troop of leftover Sphires whom tried to attack the Mars Colony. During the fight, he was brought to another world by accident and forcefully bonded with Zero after his near-death experiences in saving a boy. While butt heads with Zero due to his hatred for Ultraman, but after learning the truth of Team U (the alternate Earth's attack team)'s origin, he decided to adopt the mantle of Ultraman and puts aside his differences. After the event, he decided to stay on the alternate Earth than returning to his home world, wanting to observe the planet's future.

Nozomu Taiga was portrayed by DAIGO.[99][100] As a child, Taiga was portrayed by Mitsumasa Sato (佐藤 光将, Satō Mitsumasa).

Leito Igaguri

[edit]
Leito Igaguri
Ultra Series character
Leito in episode 3 of Ultraman Geed.
First appearanceUltraman Geed Episode 3: Salaryman Zero (2017)
Portrayed byYuta Ozawa

Leito Igaguri (伊賀栗 レイト, Igaguri Reito)[e] is one of the protagonists of Ultraman Geed, a mukoyōshi of the Igaguri family.[101] Age 30 years old,[101] Leito is a weak-willed but serious family man with who works as a salaried worker from the Business Affairs of Tanimaru Company (株式会社谷丸商事, Kabushikigaisha Tanimaru Shōji). Despite the hardships he faced in his life, Leito sees his family as a motivation to work harder.

During one of Geed's fights, Leito died getting hit by a truck while attempting to save a Little Star holder named Toru Honda from being crushed by debris. Zero, touched by the human's bravery and needing a host to recuperate in, merged into Leito's body to restore him to life. While originally preferring to watch Geed's battles from afar, his body occasionally taken by the impatient Zero and is forced to participate and assist the young warrior.[49] During Zero's death at the hands of Galactron, Leito harbors a huge remorse for being helpless during that time until his new resolve allowed Zero to be revived and obtain the Riser to utilize Ultraman Zero Beyond. While fighting against Belial Atrocious, the injuries sustained from Zero was carried on towards Leito, forcing him to be hospitalized as Geed took over and emerged victorious. Leito and his family approached Zero for the last time before he return to his home world.

Leito Igaguri was portrayed by Yuta Ozawa (小澤 雄太, Ozawa Yūta) and is named after the novelist Greg Egan. Yuta mentions that as a child, he always wanted to become Father of Ultra, yet his character transforms into Ultraman Zero.[48] Leito (as Zero's host) being the father of a family is made under suggestion by writer Otsuichi as a contrast to Riku Asakura/Ultraman Geed's relation to Belial.[102] Otsuichi was very cautious if his idea of Leito being a salaried worker would be reject, but the staff accepted it without any problems.[14] Ozawa was taught by suit actor Hideyoshi Iwata of Zero's fighting skills to portray Zero when Leito was under his possession, and thus his performance was commended by director Sakamoto.[14]

In other media

[edit]

Anime

[edit]
The Ultimate Force Zero meets Wooser in episode 1, season 3 of Wooser's Hand-to-Mouth Life.
  • Ultraman Zero and the rest of the Ultimate Force Zero appeared in the third season of Wooser's Hand-to-Mouth Life, Phantasmagoric Arc as part of Tsuburaya Productions' collaboration with the Sanzigen anime studio. In the third season's first episode, Wooser was piloting the Mecha Wooser and win against a space armada. But in the aftermath of the battle, he and his mecha are left stranded in space, until he finds himself in a luminous light, where Ultraman Zero (accompanied by the Ultimate Force Zero), encourages him and thus helps Wooser to return to Earth. Zero makes his appearance again as a poster in Wooser's room and again as action figures alongside his teammates. In said anime, the main character Wooser is also voiced by Mamoru Miyano, who performs a dual role with Ultraman Zero.[103] A year earlier, in February 2014, the official blog of Ultraman Retsuden promoted Miyano's single NEW ORDER that was used for Wooser's Hand-to-Mouth Life Awakening Arc. The blog also noted of Miyano's role in Wooser and jokingly added if Wooser were to met Ultraman Zero someday.[104][105]

Apps

[edit]
  • In late 2013, LINE announces the second release of Ultraman stickers sold at the price of US$1.99. Zero was among the caricatures featured in the sets alongside other Ultra Warriors and Ultra Monsters.[106][107][108]
  • As a tie-in to the Ginga S Movie, a smartphone game was released, called the Ultra 10 Braves (ウルトラ10勇士, Urutora Jū Yūshi). Zero was reimagined as the original ninja from Sanada Ten Braves, Sarutobi Sasuke (猿飛 佐助), also called as Zero (零呂). His main weapon is a dagger.[109]

Music video

[edit]
  • Ultraman Zero and the members of the Ultimate Force Zero (barring Jean-Nine) appeared in the Girl Next Door's music video Unmei no Shizuku ~Destiny's star~, with said song was used as the ending theme for Ultraman Zero: The Revenge of Belial.[110]
  • Ultraman Zero is featured in Mamoru Miyano's 9th single, Ultra Fly as a background character. The song as well becomes the 6th opening of Ultraman Retsuden.[111][112][113][114]

Video games

[edit]
  • Compati Hero Series
    • Ultraman Zero is one of the playable characters in the crossover game HEROES' VS.[115]
    • Ultraman Zero is featured as one of the characters in the Lost Heroes crossover game series, formed by Kamen Rider Series, Gundam and the Ultra Series. The game's main feature enables the players to perform team-up and crossover finishers with any characters from different franchise. One peculiar combination is Ultimate Zero and GNT-0000 00 Qan[T] (Setsuna F. Seiei) in the game's second install Lost Heroes 2 by performing GN Ultimate Zero Sword (GNウルティメイトゼロソード, Jī Enu Urutimeito Zero Sōdo), where both draw their swords and creates a huge GN Particle/Ultimate Aegis-powered energy sword before dropping it towards the enemy. After the battle, the two shouted their respective catchphrases. This team-up is rather interesting, as both Ultraman Zero and Setsuna share the same voice actor.[116]
  • Zero appeared in the 14th level of the 2017 survival horror game City Shrouded in Shadow, entering the stage to aid Ultraman and Ultraman Taro just as Ultraman Belial overwhelms the two. Though beaten down by the evil Ultraman at first, the three Ultra Warriors, by the end of the stage, vanquish Belial with the combined forces of their respective energy beams.[117][118]
  • Alongside Belial, Zero was featured in the mobile game Ultra Kaiju Battle Breeders. Their inclusion were made under the milestone celebration of Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy's tenth and said mobile game's one year anniversary.[119]
  • Ultraman Zero is part of the characters in Ultraman:Be Ultra, a mobile game based on the Ultraman manga. He is represented as an Ultraman Suit modeled after his likeness.[120] His main weapon is the Zero Lance (ゼロランス, Zero Ransu), based on Ultraman Zero's Ultra Zero Lance.[121]

Virtual reality

[edit]
  • A virtual reality movie of Ultraman Zero was held on August 26 and 27, 2017 in selected VR Theaters in Japan. It featured Ultraman Zero fighting against Eleking with the viewers watching the battle from an office building.[122]

Reception

[edit]

According to an interview with Famitsu, Mamoru stated that "I was honestly surprised! At last I have become an Ultraman (laughs)". He reminisces his days as a child watching the Ultra Series during summer breaks but unfortunately wasn't able to watch the entire series. His favorite Ultra Series is Ultra Seven and Ultraman Taro, as well as finding the chibi characters of Ultra Series (such as those from Ultraman Kids) quite interesting. He is also impressed by how Zero's design armed with two Eye Sluggers and that the Ultra Warrior's fighting skill involves speed and space martial arts movements.[123] In a 2013 interview with Susumu Kurobe (Shin Hayata/Ultraman's actor), he nominated Ultraman Zero as his favorite Ultra Warrior.[124]

Popularity

[edit]
A photo featuring Ultraman Zero choking a Kyubey rag doll, one of the viral internet memes among the Japanese fandom.[125]

Ultraman Zero himself has his own official Twitter account, which started in 2010 and ended in March 2012. On March 1, 2011, he tweeted the readers to be careful of "strangers" that offered them the chance to become a "magical girl". The post itself is a joke to a popular anime series, Puella Magi Madoka Magica which featured the main antagonist Kyubey manipulating girls (including the main characters of that series) into a magical girl and had become viral in the Japanese fandom ever since, creating a strings of internet meme that featured Zero facing Kyubey.[126][127]

In the Ultra Series' 45th anniversary, Ultraman Zero scored the first place in an Ultra Hero popularity ranking, but in another Ultra Hero poll in 2013, he scored the second place after losing to Ultraman Tiga.[128][129]

In 2009, in conjunction to the promotion of Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy, Ultraseven and Ultraman Zero were among the promoters of the newly introduced Windows 7. Seven's participation into the press conference is due to his name. Another guest of honors/promoter of the press conference is voice actress/singer Nana Mizuki, whom (like Ultraseven) also had her name being revolved around the aforementioned number.[130] He was among the Ultra Warriors that present in a 2013 award ceremony when the Ultra Series was nominated by Guinness World Records as the series with most spin-offs and sequels.[131][132]

Ultraman Zero and Ultraseven were the guest of honors in the 2016 Oyako Day, which was held on July 24. Two days prior, the two won the "Oyako Grand Prize" by Bruce Osborn.[133]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Ultraman Zero is a fictional from the Ultraman media franchise created by , depicted as a young and rebellious Ultra Warrior who is the son of the veteran hero and hails from the Land of Light in the Nebula M78 galaxy. Introduced in the Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legends The Movie, Zero's origin story portrays him as an energetic and boastful rookie who, driven by a desire for greater power, attempts to steal the Plasma Spark—the energy core of the Land of Light—leading to his banishment by Ultraseven. During his exile, he trains rigorously in Space Martial Arts under the guidance of and his brother Astra on the harsh Planet K76, honing a speedy and agile fighting style that emphasizes light-based techniques such as the Emerium Slash, Wide Zero Shot, and Zero Sluggers—dual crescent blades wielded like boomerangs. Physically, Zero stands at 49 meters tall and weighs 35,000 tons, allowing him to execute powerful moves like the Zero Twin Shoot while maintaining high mobility in combat. Throughout the franchise, Zero appears in numerous films, television series, and spin-offs that span from 2009 to the present (as of 2025), including his starring roles in films like Ultraman Zero: The Revenge of Belial (2010) and Ultraman Saga (2012), and guest appearances in series such as Ultraman Geed (2017), Ultraman Z (2020), and Ultraman New Generation Stars (2023–2025), where he often mentors newer Ultras and battles major threats like the evil Ultraman Belial and his armies. His character arc highlights themes of growth and redemption, as he founds the elite team Ultimate Force Zero alongside allies such as Glenfire, Mirror Knight, and Jean-Bot, and accesses advanced forms like Strong-Corona Zero, Luna-Miracle Zero, and Shining Ultraman Zero through artifacts like the Ultimate Aegis granted by the ancient Ultraman Noa. Zero's popularity led Tsuburaya Productions to launch the "Ultraman Zero 10th Anniversary Project" in 2019, with his enduring impact celebrated further by the 15th Anniversary Project in 2024, featuring new seasons of Ultraman New Generation Stars, music concerts, and live events, marking his role in expanding the Ultraman universe across movies, anime, and crossovers.

Creation and development

Conception

Ultraman Zero was conceived by in the late 2000s as a new addition to the Ultraman franchise, designed to expand the established Ultra family by introducing the first explicit offspring of an existing Ultra . As the of , Zero was envisioned as a youthful warrior with immense potential, embodying a rebellious spirit that rejected rigid traditions in favor of personal freedom and bold action. This archetype drew inspiration from Ultraseven's legacy of innovative light-based techniques while incorporating a fresh, dynamic personality to invigorate the series' storytelling. A key element of Zero's conceptual foundation was his backstory of exile and redemption, shaped by influences from prior , particularly his rigorous training under . Banished from the Land of Light for attempting to seize the Plasma Spark's power in a fit of youthful hubris, Zero endured Leo's strict Space Martial Arts regimen on Planet K76, which instilled discipline and growth amid his initial defiance. This narrative arc highlighted themes of rebellion against authority followed by maturation, mirroring Leo's own history of perseverance and adding depth to Zero's character as a bridge between generations of . The initial planning positioned Zero as the central in the film Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legends The Movie, marking his debut and aiming to refresh the genre through high-stakes interstellar conflicts and a roster of legacy heroes. By centering the story on Zero's confrontation with the villainous Ultraman Belial, Tsuburaya sought to leverage his energetic persona to draw in audiences with updated and crossover elements, establishing him as a pivotal figure in the franchise's evolution.

Design

Ultraman Zero's suit was designed by Masayuki Gotoh of , drawing inspiration from the character's rebellious personality to create a visually dynamic and aggressive appearance. The primary color scheme consists of and accents, with dominating the body to evoke speed and agility, while highlights on the shoulders, arms, and legs emphasize power and intensity, aligning with traditional Ultra hero aesthetics but tailored for Zero's youthful vigor. The helmet features a distinctive crest that modernizes the style of Ultraman Leo's headgear, incorporating sharper lines and a forward-pointing to convey a sense of motion and ferocity, reflecting Zero's training under Leo and his prowess. Gotoh incorporated crystal-like indicators on the head and chest, serving as energy displays that light up to indicate power levels, adding an element of originality and highlighting the suit's high-tech, energetic feel. Zero's emblem is a stylized variation of the classic Ultra family on the chest, blending elements from Ultraseven's heritage with angular spikes influenced by Leo's rugged , resulting in a sharper, more combative look that distinguishes Zero from other . These choices prioritize a sleek, athletic over bulkier predecessors, emphasizing Zero's role as a next-generation with a focus on agility and visual impact in action sequences.

Naming

The name "Ultraman Zero" embodies a symbolic fresh start for the Ultraman franchise, positioning Zero as the inaugural hero of a of from the Land of Light and emphasizing his rookie status with untapped potential. This nomenclature reflects his identity as the son of , introducing a youthful, energetic warrior who breaks from traditional Ultra archetypes while honoring his lineage. Screenwriter Yuji Kobayashi, who contributed to Zero's debut in Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legends (2009), explained that "Zero" was chosen to signify the "restart of the Ultraman story from scratch," evoking ground zero as a point of renewal rather than emptiness. This decision arose from team discussions at aimed at revitalizing the series amid declining popularity, deliberately avoiding numerical extensions like those in prior Ultras (e.g., ) to prevent fan confusion and establish a distinct identity. Symbolically, "Zero" ties to concepts of and boundless possibility, contrasting with the strength-oriented implications of his trainer Leo's name and underscoring Zero's growth from inexperience to heroism. His rebellious character further aligns with this theme, portraying him as a defiant beginner poised to redefine Ultra legacy. strategies leveraged the name's international , framing "Zero" as a heroic reset to appeal globally without connotations of nullity.

Profile

Physical description

Ultraman Zero measures 49 meters in height and weighs 35,000 tons, characteristics shared by many warriors of the Ultra race from the Land of Light. Like other , he is a young warrior, equivalent to a late teenager or young adult in years. His physique features a predominantly body accented by red highlights and silver elements, with a distinctive athletic build that prioritizes agility and swift movement over the more robust forms of elder . A prominent crest adorns his forehead, functioning as the Beam Lamp and serving as his central energy core. Positioned on his chest is the Color Timer, a vital indicator of his energy reserves that glows steadily blue under normal conditions, shifts to red as reserves deplete, and begins flashing to signal critically low levels.

Transformation and human hosts overview

Ultraman Zero achieves his transformation into a giant by merging with a compatible host, a process that allows him to operate effectively within Earth's atmosphere and environment. This merger unites Zero's essence with the host's body and spirit, drawing on the Plasma Spark Energy Core—the primary power source of the Land of Light—as the foundational energy for his abilities. In certain scenarios, specialized devices like the Ultimate Aegis facilitate enhanced transformations, amplifying his power through additional energy infusion while still relying on the host's compatibility. The human host functions as a vessel for during combat, with 's consciousness taking dominance to execute battles, though the host's willpower and moral compass can subtly influence strategic decisions and post-battle actions. Selection of hosts emphasizes individuals exhibiting strong willpower, a profound sense of , and , often ordinary young people who rise to extraordinary circumstances without prior extraordinary abilities. This compatibility ensures a harmonious fusion of wills, preventing rejection and enabling seamless control during high-stakes confrontations. Transformations are inherently time-limited due to the rapid depletion of Zero's energy in Earth's conditions, adhering to the standard three-minute rule observed across Ultra Warriors, after which he must revert to conserve life force. Later developments in Zero's forms and modes extend this duration by harnessing supplementary energy sources, such as integrated enhancements or external power boosts, allowing prolonged engagements against formidable threats.

Abilities and powers

Ultraman Zero draws his powers from the Plasma Spark, the core energy source of the Land of Light, enabling a range of capabilities inherent to his Ultra physiology. This includes energy projection for offensive and defensive maneuvers, flight at maximum speeds of Mach 7, and immense . His agile combat style, honed through rigorous training, emphasizes speed and precision in battle, making him a formidable warrior against threats. Zero possesses telekinetic abilities, which he employs to manipulate objects remotely, including the creation of energy barriers for protection and ranged attacks using his Zero Sluggers—curved blades detached from his head crest and controlled mentally to slice through enemies. These telekinetic powers extend to broader energy manipulation, allowing him to generate force fields or redirect projectiles with focused willpower. In combat, this versatility complements his hand-to-hand prowess, enabling multifaceted strategies without reliance on external tools. Like other , Zero benefits from a regenerative factor that repairs injuries sustained in battle, drawing on his internal energy reserves to recover from severe damage over time. He also possesses the innate ability to alter his size, shifting seamlessly between giant form (approximately 49 meters tall) for large-scale confrontations and human-scale for infiltration or interaction on . These adaptive traits ensure operational flexibility across diverse environments. Zero's signature technique, the Wide Zero Shot, exemplifies his energy projection mastery: he crosses his arms in an L-shape to channel a devastating plasma beam capable of obliterating powerful adversaries. This move, powered directly by the Plasma Spark, delivers concentrated destructive force, often serving as a decisive finisher in prolonged fights. While certain forms amplify these base abilities, Zero's core powers remain the foundation of his effectiveness as a New Generation Hero.

Forms and modes

Ultraman Zero possesses several enhanced forms and modes that amplify his base abilities, allowing him to adapt to diverse threats through physiological changes and specialized power boosts. These transformations are activated via specific devices or inherited energies, providing targeted enhancements in strength, speed, defense, or energy manipulation. Ultimate Zero is Zero's advanced defensive form, achieved by integrating the Ultimate Aegis—a shield granted by Ultraman Noa—into his , which upgrades it to the Ultimate Bracelet. This mode features a sleek silver-and-blue armor design that bolsters his durability and offensive capabilities, enabling him to generate powerful energy barriers and beams while destroying formidable foes like . The form's golden accents on the Aegis emphasize its role in high-stakes battles, where Zero founded the Ultimate Force Zero team after its debut. Strong-Corona Zero represents Zero's power-oriented mode, activated through the Zero Bracelet by channeling inherited energy from Ultraman Dyna's Strong Type combined with ' Corona Mode. Characterized by red-and-gold armor that enhances physical might and heat generation, this form allows Zero to deliver devastating close-combat strikes and fiery plasma attacks, ideal for overpowering brute-force opponents like those controlled by Alien Bat. It prioritizes raw strength over agility, amplifying Zero's standard combat prowess in intense melee scenarios. In contrast, Luna-Miracle Zero shifts focus to speed and precision, also accessed via the Zero Bracelet using energies from ' Luna Mode alongside Dyna's influences. This blue-and-silver armored variant grants exceptional agility and freezing energy projection, enabling rapid movements and cryogenic blasts to immobilize or shatter enemies. Debuting alongside Strong-Corona Zero, it complements aggressive tactics with tactical evasion and control-based assaults. Shining Zero, or Shining Ultraman Zero, is a luminous revival mode triggered by the supportive energies of Zero's allies and the Ultimate Aegis, purging internal corruptions like Belial's influence to restore him at full potential. Featuring a radiant, glowing physique that intensifies light-based emissions, this form excels in overwhelming darkness with amplified energy waves and beams, as demonstrated against the Darkness Five. It enhances Zero's resilience and output, turning dire situations into triumphs through sheer photonic intensity. Zero Beyond serves as an evolved, versatile mode, activated by the specialized Zero Beyond Bracelet during critical confrontations, such as those in the era. This sleek, high-performance form integrates superior speed, strength, and multi-dimensional energy manipulation, allowing Zero to traverse barriers and deliver transcendent strikes against entities like Ultraman Belial or Zero Darkness. It represents a pinnacle of adaptability, building on prior modes for interdimensional threats.

Weapons and equipment

Ultraman Zero employs a variety of specialized weapons and equipment to enhance his combat effectiveness against formidable opponents. These tools, often derived from advanced Ultra technology, allow him to execute precise strikes, defend against energy assaults, and summon additional resources during battles. The Zero Sluggers are twin crescent-shaped blades embedded in Zero's head crest, serving as his primary weapons. These boomerang-like projectiles can be detached and thrown to slice through dense materials or return to Zero after impact, enabling ranged cutting attacks while maintaining offensive pressure. Inherited from his father, , the Zero Sluggers combine agility with destructive power, making them ideal for dismembering limbs or disrupting enemy formations. Another key armament is the Ultimate Aegis, a multifunctional shield constructed from pure energy that Zero can manifest at will. Primarily used for defense, it absorbs incoming projectiles and beams, then reflects them back with amplified force to counterattack. This equipment not only bolsters Zero's resilience in prolonged engagements but also provides offensive utility by channeling absorbed energy into barrier-based assaults, significantly broadening his tactical options in high-stakes confrontations. For close-quarters combat, utilizes the Plasma Cleaver, an energy sword generated directly from his hand using plasma manipulation. This blade delivers searing slashes capable of cleaving through armored hides and metallic structures, excelling in rapid, high-damage strikes against agile or heavily defended foes. Its plasma composition ensures adaptability, allowing to adjust intensity for precision work or overwhelming force as needed. Complementing these weapons is the Zero Bracelet, a versatile wrist-mounted device that serves as both a transformation aid and a storage unit for supplementary gear. Worn by Zero's hosts, it facilitates his emergence into battle and can store excess energy or summon allied Ultra warriors for support, ensuring Zero remains equipped even when separated from the Land of Light's resources.

Fictional biography

Origins and early adventures

Ultraman Zero is the son of , a legendary warrior from the Land of Light in Nebula M78, inheriting his father's light-based techniques and a predisposition for dynamic combat. Born into the Ultra lineage, Zero exhibited a rebellious streak early on, rejecting the rigid traditions of his homeworld and yearning for independence, which often led to impulsive actions. This hot-headed personality was evident from his youth, setting the stage for conflicts with authority figures among the . In a bid to seize greater power, Zero attempted to access the Plasma Spark Energy Core, the vital power source sustaining the Land of Light, an act driven by his youthful exuberance and desire to prove himself beyond conventional limits. This transgression resulted in his immediate exile from the Land of Light by his father, Ultraseven, who sent him to Planet K76 for training as punishment. The incident underscored Zero's initial recklessness, marking a pivotal turning point that forced him to confront his flaws. Following his banishment, Zero was taken under the wing of and his brother Astra, who subjected him to rigorous training in Space Martial Arts on the harsh planet K76. This intensive regimen, mirroring the discipline Leo himself endured under , tempered Zero's impulsive nature while honing his combat prowess and instilling a deeper sense of justice and responsibility. Through these early trials, Zero's signature fighting style—blending speed, agility, and inherited light attacks—began to emerge, laying the foundation for his role as a rogue yet capable Ultra warrior.

Galaxy Crisis Era

Ultraman Zero made his debut in the 2009 Mega Monster Battle Ultra Galaxy: The Movie, where he allied with characters including Hyuga and members of the ZAP SPACY team to confront the emerging threat of Ultraman Belial, who had escaped imprisonment and launched an invasion using monster armies controlled via the Giga Battle Nizer. In this interstellar storyline, Zero joined forces with the human protagonists to battle Imperium Edge, a powerful mechanical monster deployed by Belial's forces, marking Zero's introduction as a rogue yet heroic Ultra warrior exiled from the Land of Light for his earlier recklessness. The alliance culminated in Zero's pivotal role in the assault on Belial's forces, helping to thwart the invasion and establish his reputation as a defender against galactic-scale threats. In the 2010 film Ultraman Zero: The Revenge of Belial, Zero returned to combat Kaiser Belial, an enhanced form of the defeated antagonist now leading the Belial Galactic Empire in an assault on the planet Esmeralda. During the conflict, Zero engaged in a fierce battle against Hyper Zetton, Belial's ultimate weapon, where he suffered a severe , losing his in the process, which prompted the intervention of the Ultra Brothers who provided the Ultimate Aegis to enable his transformation into Ultimate Ultraman Zero. Empowered in this new form, Zero led the newly formed Ultimate Force Zero team—comprising allies like Mirror Knight, Glenfire, and Jean-Bot—to infiltrate Belial's fortress on the Belial Galaxy, ultimately defeating Kaiser Belial in a climactic showdown with support from the Ultra Brothers, thereby liberating Esmeralda and solidifying Zero's growth as a leader. Zero's adventures continued in the 2012 film Ultraman Saga, where he teamed up with Ultraman Cosmos and Ultraman Dyna to defend Earth from an invasion orchestrated by Alien Batt, who deployed Hyper Zetton and the sons of Belial—reflecting a resurgence of the Belial lineage's influence. The trio of Ultras, each merged with human hosts in a unique fusion as Ultraman Saga, utilized their combined strengths to battle Hyper Zetton and the Belial sons amid the ruins of a monster-overrun Earth, emphasizing themes of unity and redemption as Zero coordinated strategies against the escalating monster troop. Their efforts succeeded in repelling the invasion, with Zero's tactical prowess and energy-based attacks playing a crucial role in overcoming the fused threats and restoring hope to the surviving humans. The 2012–2013 OVA miniseries Ultra Zero Fight further highlighted Zero's evolution as a galactic protector, following the events of Ultraman Saga as he trained in the Monster Graveyard and confronted resurgent threats from legacy monsters. In Part 1, Zero battled Alien Bat Gurashie and his controlled beasts, transforming into Strong Corona Zero and Luna Miracle Zero to counter the manipulations, while in Part 2, he faced the Darkness Five—a group of villainous legacy figures including Jatar, Villainous, Grocken, and Deathlogue—led by Armored Darkness in a trap-laden . With the aid of Ultimate Force Zero, Zero achieved his Shining form to dismantle the Darkness Five, defeating their lord and affirming his unyielding commitment to safeguarding the universe from ancient evils.

New Generation Heroes Era

During the New Generation Heroes Era, spanning from 2013 to 2019, Ultraman Zero transitioned from a solo protagonist to a pivotal mentor and leader figure within the collaborative storylines of the Heisei-era Ultraman series, guiding emerging Ultra warriors against escalating cosmic threats from villains like Yapool and Ultraman Belial. This period emphasized Zero's growth into a symbol of legacy and teamwork, as he provided strategic support, power enhancements, and inspirational guidance to the New Generation Ultras, including Ginga, , Orb, and Geed, in their battles to protect multiple worlds. In Ultraman Ginga S the Movie: Showdown! The 10 Ultra Warriors! (2015), Zero pursued the dimension-traveling Etelgar to Earth after the villain's defeat of on Planet Juran, arriving to reinforce Ultraman Ginga and the Ultra Party Guardians (UPG) against an invasion of dark Ultras and monsters. He played a key role in the climactic team-up of ten legendary Ultras, using his Ultimate Aegis mode to counter Etelgar's curses and seal the threat, while mentoring Ginga on synchronized fusion techniques to form Ginga Victory. Zero's leadership shone in Ultra Fight Victory (2015), where he mentored the rookie Ultraman Victory against Yapool's renewed assaults on the Victorian kingdom, training Victory to harness the Knight Brace for his Victory Knight form and coordinating defenses against hybrid monsters like Victory Killer. This miniseries highlighted Zero's role in fostering resilience among new Ultras, as he rallied allies including Ultraman Ginga and to thwart Yapool's dimensional manipulations. Throughout Ultraman Orb (2016), Zero provided indirect guidance via his Ultra Fusion Card, which enabled Orb's Emerium Slugger form—a fusion of Zero and his father, Ultraseven—allowing Orb to combat ancient King Demon Beasts like Maga-Pandon, which Zero had previously sealed. In the spin-off Ultra Fight Orb (2017), Zero directly teamed with Orb and Seven against the phantom mage Reibatos, who revived monster spirits as a ghostly army; Zero contributed his energy to empower Orb's fusion-ups, such as Lightning Attacker, emphasizing themes of familial bonds and inherited strength in their victory over Juda Spectre and Mecha Gomora. Zero's most defining moment came in Ultraman Geed (2017–2018), where he confronted his arch-nemesis Ultraman Belial's resurrection, teaming with Geed—Belial's son—to battle Belial Atrocious in a high-stakes clash that tested Zero's resolve and legacy. Empowered by the New Generation Ultras' energies into his Zero Beyond form, Zero delivered the decisive Final Ultimate Zero strike alongside Geed's Royal Mega-Master, defeating Belial and symbolically passing his mantle of heroism to the next generation. The era culminated in Ultra Galaxy Fight: The New Generation Heroes (2019), where Zero and Ultrawoman Grigio were captured by Ultra Dark-Killer, who forged dark counterparts of the Ultras to sow chaos across dimensions. assembled the full team—Ginga, , X, Orb, Geed, , Blu, Grigio, and Ribut—to rescue them, with Zero's liberation enabling a united assault on the League of Darkness, including Dark Lugiel and Etelgar, solidifying his status as the era's guiding force.

Reiwa Era and recent developments

In the , Ultraman Zero continued his role as a pivotal mentor figure within the New Generation Heroes narrative, bridging veteran warriors and the next generation in broader crossovers and specials. This mentorship extended Zero's legacy from prior eras, emphasizing his position as a in harnessing Ultra energy to protect and beyond. The year 2024 marked Ultraman Zero's 15th anniversary since his debut in 2009, celebrated through a dedicated project themed "To the future!" that highlighted his global adventures and generational bonds. Special episodes in Season 2, premiering January 27, 2024, on , featured curated stories spotlighting Zero's pioneering influence on the New Generation Ultras, including battles alongside and reflections on his worldwide exploits. Additional global adventure specials, such as stage shows and promotional videos tracing Zero's journeys across planets and cultures, were released to engage international fans, culminating in events like the Tsuburaya Convention where Zero interacted with other heroes in live performances. In 2025, Zero's involvement expanded in Ultraman New Generation Stars Season 3, which premiered on January 25 on . , Zero's disciple, receives a message from Zero and arrives on an unknown planet to explore the Ultra Heroes' ongoing legacies, donning a special Ultra Hero Cape symbolizing unity. The season's theme song, "Awakening of ZERO," performed by voice actor and voyager, further celebrated his evolution. Additionally, the Ultra Heroes Expo 2025 World (March 15–30 at Solamachi) spotlighted Zero's iconic rivalry with , marking Belial's 15th anniversary as well, through exclusive displays, photo opportunities, and narrative exhibits on their clashes from the Belial saga, drawing crowds to relive their eternal conflict.

Human hosts

Run

Run (ラン, Ran) is the first human host of Ultraman Zero, portrayed by Yu Koyanagi, a brave young man from the planet in another universe who forms a pivotal with the Ultra warrior during the Galaxy Crisis precipitated by Kaiser Belial's invasion. As a leader among the refugees in Anu's harsh wastelands, Run exemplifies resilience and a strong sense of duty toward his people, particularly his younger brother Nao. The bonding occurs when Zero, banished and pursuing leads on Belial's resurgence, arrives on Anu amid an assault by Belial's Galactic Empire forces. Mortally wounded by a Legionoid while shielding civilians and Nao, Run's life hangs in the balance until Zero intervenes, merging his essence with Run's to revive him and establish their symbiotic connection. This union is driven by mutual ideals of and , with Zero recognizing Run's innate as aligning with his own warrior ethos. Initially, Run slips into a following the merger, allowing Zero's consciousness to take control of his body for much of the ensuing conflict. As part of an alliance with Princess Emerana of Esmeralda and the robot bird Jean-nine, they embark on a perilous journey aboard the Jean-bird spaceship to confront at the edge of the universe. Run awakens toward the climax, contributing directly to the battle against and his legions, including key confrontations that culminate in Belial's defeat through the collective efforts of Zero's allies. This experience fosters Run's evolution from a local protector to a galactic , deepening his resolve and imparting lessons on camaraderie to Zero himself. Run transforms into Ultraman Zero by donning the Ultra Zero Eye, a device that channels their shared power, enabling battles against threats like Darklops and the revived Mirror Knight under Belial's control. Following the resolution of the crisis, Run returns to life on , pursuing his aspirations in space exploration while retaining the ability to summon Zero in times of need across subsequent adventures.

Shin Moroboshi

Shin Moroboshi is a stage-show exclusive adopted by Zero, appearing in productions like Ultraman Premier 2011 to bridge the Ultra warrior's alien origins with human experiences on Earth. The name serves as a homage to 's human form, Dan Moroboshi, highlighting Zero's connections to the Ultra Brothers and his training under , while blending loyalty with Zero's rebellious spirit. This portrayal positions Shin in narratives emphasizing familial bonds within the Ultra lineage, without establishing a direct canonical parent-child relationship. In the stage show Ultraman Premier 2011, Shin Moroboshi transforms into to battle threats, utilizing the warrior's powers in a narrative that highlights their integrated dynamic—familial bonds tempering Zero's impulsive decisions during confrontations with forces like those allied with . This portrayal emphasizes Shin's role as a mentor figure, guiding Zero through human perspectives on heroism and responsibility. The character is voiced by , who also provides Zero's voice across the franchise, reinforcing the seamless fusion of host and Ultra. Later cameos in crossover events, such as anniversary stage shows, depict Shin maintaining this mentorship, advising younger on balancing personal ties with cosmic battles, distinct from other hosts' more independent arcs. His appearances underscore the theme of Ultra family integration, where Shin's human form allows to navigate Earthly conflicts with a sense of inherited guardianship.

Nozomu Taiga

Nozomu Taiga, portrayed by Daigo Naito, is the human host of featured in the 2012 film Ultraman Saga, where he receives 's powers through a direct merger, bridging the narrative to the era of the series amid themes of Ultra succession. A rookie pilot in the Super GUTS Mars division of the Space Frontier Defense Force, Taiga exhibits a brash and hotheaded personality that aligns with 's own energetic and stubborn traits, setting the stage for their dynamic partnership. During a mission to the crisis-stricken planet Lambert, 's spacecraft is ambushed by alien invaders, forcing an emergency ejection that strands him on a devastated alternate overrun by monsters and extraterrestrials. In a pivotal moment of , he intercepts a crashing vessel to protect a young boy, nearly perishing in the process; Ultraman Zero intervenes by merging with him, bestowing the Ultra Zero Eye—a device formed from Zero's Sluggers—that allows to transform into the giant hero. This "gift" of Zero's energy emphasizes themes of succession, as inherits not only the physical power but also the burden of defending humanity against interstellar threats, distinct from direct familial bonds seen in other host dynamics. Throughout Ultraman Saga, Taiga and Zero frequently butt heads due to their shared impulsiveness, echoing Zero's early days of rebellion and banishment under Ultraseven's guidance. Their collaboration intensifies during battles against the alien leader Nozumu's forces and the formidable Hyper Zetton, a darkness-amplified entity that petrifies other like Dyna and . Taiga's initial reluctance to embrace his Ultra form gives way to growth, as he learns responsibility through these trials, culminating in his support for the creation of the composite warrior to vanquish Hyper Zetton and restore Earth's survivors. This resolution parallels Zero's maturation, solidifying Taiga's role in the lineage of hosts who carry forward the Ultra legacy into the Heroes era.

Leito Igaguri

Leito Igaguri is the third human host of Ultraman Zero, debuting in the 2017 television series as a supporting protagonist. Portrayed by Yuta Ozawa, Leito is depicted as a 30-year-old leading a mundane life in , residing with his wife and young daughter Mayu. His ordinary background highlights a timid yet honest personality, often enduring mistreatment from his overbearing boss at work, which underscores themes of everyday resilience amid personal struggles. Leito's partnership with Zero begins during a crisis when he heroically pushes a child out of the path of an oncoming truck, resulting in his own fatal injuries. Observing the event, an injured Ultraman Zero merges with Leito to revive him, establishing a symbiotic bond that allows Leito to transform using the Ultra Zero Eye device. As Ultraman Zero Beyond, Leito joins forces with the young Ultra Geed to combat the remnants of Ultraman Belial's , including key battles against like Pedanium Zetton and the Belial Fusion Monsters. This collaboration emphasizes teamwork among New Generation Heroes, with Leito's grounded perspective complementing Zero's aggressive combat style. The host-Ultra dynamic showcases Zero's mentorship, where the warrior's bold and hot-headed traits contrast sharply with Leito's reserved nature, leading to humorous and character-building internal dialogues during transformations. Zero often pushes Leito to embrace courage, allowing the human's sincerity to influence battle strategies and foster deeper bonds with allies like Geed and Orb. Leito's role extends beyond combat, as he provides logistical support to the protagonists while protecting his family from interstellar threats. Following , Leito continues to appear in Reiwa-era crossovers, including reprise appearances by Ozawa in recap specials like Ultraman Chronicle Z: The Story Begins!!! (2020), where he reinforces Zero's legacy amid new threats. These cameos highlight Leito's enduring role as a symbol of ordinary heroism in the evolving Ultraman narrative.

Portrayals

Voice actors

Ultraman Zero is primarily voiced by Japanese actor and singer Mamoru Miyano, who has portrayed the character in all major appearances since his debut in the 2009 film Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legends The Movie. In September 2025, Miyano was announced as producer for a new Ultraman Zero movie to commemorate the character's 15th anniversary and the Ultraman series' 60th anniversary. Miyano's tenure includes key series such as Ultraman Z (2020), specials like Ultra Galaxy Fight: The Absolute Conspiracy (2019–2020), and recent projects including the 2025 season of Ultraman New Generation Stars, where he also performs in-character theme songs. His consistent performance has helped define Zero's brash, youthful persona across the Ultra Series. In English-language dubs, the role of Ultraman Zero has been handled by multiple voice actors depending on the production. Daniel Van Thomas provided the voice for Zero in the early theatrical films, including Ultraman Zero: The Revenge of Belial (2010) and Ultraman Saga (2012), marking the character's initial introduction to international audiences. Sean Schemmel took over the role starting with the 2023 English dub of Ultraman Z, voicing Zero in episodes and related media, and returned for the newly announced dubs of the Ultraman Zero movie trilogy in late 2024 to celebrate the character's 15th anniversary. Additionally, Jack Merluzzi voiced Zero in the English dub of Ultra Galaxy Fight: New Generation Heroes (2019), a web-exclusive special. These varied portrayals reflect the decentralized dubbing efforts for the franchise outside Japan.

Suit actors

Hideyoshi Iwata has been the primary suit actor for Ultraman Zero since the character's second major appearance in the 2010 film Ultraman Zero: The Revenge of Belial, where his performance was highly acclaimed for bringing the hero's agile and energetic movements to life. A member of ' CASTAFF action team since 2003, Iwata drew on his prior experience as one of the suit actors for in 2004 to portray Zero's boastful and dynamic fighting style through precise physicality and stunt coordination. His debut in the role marked a pivotal point in his career, expanding his reputation as a leading figure in suit acting. In earlier projects, such as the 2009 debut film Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legends The Movie, Masaki Onishi served as the initial suit actor, leveraging his background in action direction and wire work to establish Zero's foundational on-screen presence. Subsequent appearances in the New Generation Heroes Era, including series like Ultraman Geed (2017) and Ultraman Z (2020), saw assistants such as Satoru Okabe handling specific form changes and variant suits, like Zero Beyond or Ultroid Zero, to accommodate complex transformations and battle sequences. These collaborative efforts ensured seamless continuity in Zero's physical portrayal across diverse media. Suit actors for Zero face significant challenges in executing the character's high-energy combats, including extensive wire work for flight simulations and rapid aerial maneuvers, which demand exceptional stamina, balance, and synchronization with to convey Zero's rebellious and powerful persona. The suit's design, emphasizing flexibility for acrobatic poses, further influences mobility, allowing performers like Iwata to emphasize Zero's distinctive combat flair derived from influences. Iwata's longstanding portrayal has earned substantial recognition within the community, where he is celebrated for elevating Ultraman Zero's evolution through innovative techniques and training methods that have influenced subsequent Ultra heroes in the franchise. His contributions extend to mentoring newer actors, solidifying Zero's legacy as a benchmark for dynamic live-action performances in the genre.

In other media

Anime and television specials

Ultraman Zero has been prominently featured in several animated miniseries and television specials produced by Tsuburaya Productions, showcasing his role as a key warrior in the Ultra universe through CGI animation that enables dynamic, fluid battle sequences surpassing the constraints of traditional live-action suit performances. The Ultra Galaxy Fight series, beginning with Ultra Galaxy Fight: The Beginning in 2019, marks Zero's major foray into full CGI animation, where he assembles teams of Ultra Heroes to combat interdimensional threats. In Ultra Galaxy Fight: The Absolute Conspiracy (2020–2021), a 10-episode miniseries streamed on the official Ultraman YouTube channel, Zero leads the charge against Absolute Tartarus, a powerful golden giant from another universe who manipulates villains like Ultraman Belial and Ultraman Tregear to orchestrate a conspiracy aimed at conquering the Land of Light. Zero's storyline involves rallying the Ultra Brothers and New Generation Heroes, culminating in intense multi-dimensional battles that highlight his leadership and Ultimate Aegis mode, emphasizing themes of unity and redemption. This special distinguishes itself with seamless CGI choreography, allowing for expansive cosmic environments and rapid transformations not feasible in live-action formats. Subsequent entries like Ultra Galaxy Fight: New Generation Heroes (2019) and Ultra Galaxy Fight: The Destined Crossroad (2022) further expand Zero's animated narrative, depicting him mentoring younger Ultras such as while confronting resurgent foes, including a revived army. These specials, totaling over 20 episodes across the saga, prioritize Zero's growth from a rebellious son of to a strategic commander, with animation styles featuring vibrant particle effects and zero-gravity maneuvers that enhance the spectacle of beam clashes and aerial combats. In the television series (2023–2025), an ongoing web and broadcast special commemorating the New Generation era, Zero makes significant cameos that underscore his legacy as a mentor figure. Season 1 episodes, such as "To the Future" (Episode 22), portray Zero interrupting a quest for the Dimensionizer artifact amid a purple energy threat, reinforcing his bond with disciple and passing on lessons of perseverance. The 2025 season, airing on starting January 25, integrates Zero's 15th anniversary with narrative arcs bridging past battles to future hopes, using a hybrid incorporating CGI enhancements on archival footage for a documentary-style retelling that fluidly animates Zero's iconic poses and energy attacks. Zero's appearances here serve to contextualize his influence on subsequent heroes, with the series' emphasizing emotional depth through expressive facial animations during mentorship scenes.

Stage shows and live events

Ultraman Zero has been prominently featured in ' live stage shows, which bring his high-energy battles and character dynamics to audiences through interactive performances involving suit actors and voice talent. The "NEW GENERATION THE LIVE" series has been a key platform for Zero's appearances, with the Stars edition held in 2024 as part of the 15th anniversary celebrations during the . These shows typically include spectacular action sequences with multiple Ultra Heroes, allowing suit actors to reprise roles and engage directly with fans through post-performance interactions. Earlier productions, such as the Ultraman Zero 10th Anniversary ANNIVERSARY THE LIVE on December 27, 2020, at Prism Hall, highlighted Zero's legacy with live performances by voice actors from the Ultimate Force Zero team, including discussions and musical elements tied to his storylines. Stage adaptations of narratives like Ultra Zero Fight have also been staged, prominently featuring intense confrontations between Zero and his nemesis , performed by dedicated suit actors to recreate the miniseries' dramatic clashes. In 2024, Zero starred in live stage shows at the Ultra Heroes EXPO Umeda Summer Festival in August, where he joined other heroes for daily powerful performances that thrilled attendees with battles and hero team-ups. Performances culminated in venues like Hakuhinkan Theater, emphasizing Zero's enduring appeal through experiences. Globally, Ultraman Zero participated in 2024, where he was available for character meet-and-greets on July 28 in Room 6A, alongside a panel spotlighting the franchise's expansions and allowing fans to interact with the suited hero. These events underscore Zero's role in expanding the Ultraman universe beyond screens into live, participatory spectacles.

Video games and apps

Ultraman Zero serves as a playable character in numerous video games, allowing players to control the hero in battles against and other . One early appearance is in the 2013 turn-based strategy game Ultraman All-Star Chronicle for the , developed and published by Namco, where Zero is among over 40 selectable Ultra Warriors with move sets drawn from his base form and transformations like Shining Ultraman Zero. The game features an original storyline involving a multiversal threat, with Zero's abilities emphasizing ranged energy attacks and close-combat strikes adapted for tactical grid-based combat. In mobile gaming, Zero appears in officially licensed titles by , such as the 3D action RPG Ultraman: Legend of Heroes, available on iOS and Android since 2019, where players can summon and control Zero alongside other in real-time battles. The app incorporates Zero's signature techniques, including energy blasts and Slugger throws, in combo chains that build toward ultimate finishers against waves of monsters. A , Ultraman: Legend of Heroes 2, was announced for 2025, with pre-registration opening in October 2025. It is expected to expand on this with enhanced mentorship mechanics reflecting Zero's role as a guide to younger like Z and Geed, allowing players to unlock story modes where Zero trains allies through joint attacks. Gameplay across these titles often highlights Zero's Zero Sluggers as key mechanics for combo attacks, where players can chain throws and slashes into aerial pursuits or energy-infused barrages for high-damage sequences. These digital adaptations preserve Zero's core combat identity from the series, focusing on dynamic, power-scaling encounters rather than exhaustive form lists.

Other appearances

Ultraman Zero has appeared in various music videos tied to his theme songs, featuring animated sequences that highlight his battles and heroic persona. The opening theme "Susume! Ultraman Zero" by Voyager, used for the film Ultraman Zero: The Revenge of Belial, includes dynamic animation of Zero confronting such as Legatus 360, emphasizing his agile combat style and energy-based attacks. These videos often integrate live-action suit footage with CGI to showcase Zero's transformations and ultimate moves, serving as promotional extensions of his core narrative. In virtual reality media, Ultraman Zero stars in Ultraman Zero VR, a 2017 immersive experience produced by Tsuburaya Productions, where viewers engage in first-person battles against kaiju like Eleking in a simulated Tokyo office setting. This short VR film, screened at events including the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia in 2018, allows participants to wield Zero's weapons and execute finishers, providing an interactive perspective on his fighting capabilities. Promotional content for Ultraman Zero includes the 2024 video Global Adventures of Ultraman Zero: A 15-Year Journey Around the World, released to mark his 15th anniversary, which chronicles his worldwide exploits through compiled footage from series, films, and events. This official production highlights Zero's evolution and global fanbase, blending archival clips with new narration to recap key victories against threats like . Merchandise tie-ins extend to short films and digital content, such as the Ultra Zero Fight series of 4-minute episodes released in 2020 as part of his 10th anniversary project on the ULTRAMAN OFFICIAL YouTube channel. These animated shorts depict Zero and Ultimate Force Zero acquiring new powers to battle revived foes, designed to complement toy lines and apparel by illustrating transformation sequences.

Cultural impact

Popularity

Ultraman Zero has achieved high rankings in official popularity polls within the Ultra Series, reflecting strong fan support since his 2009 debut. In the 2022 NHK All Ultraman Poll, which garnered 355,563 votes, Zero placed fourth among Ultra Heroes, behind Ultraman Tiga, Ultraseven, and Ultraman Z. His energetic, boastful, and youthful personality as Ultraseven's son has endeared him to audiences, positioning him as a relatable next-generation hero. This appeal has sustained his top-tier status in fan-voted rankings. The character's popularity has driven substantial fanbase growth, particularly through merchandise. reported significant expansion in licensing revenue, with overseas sales—largely from —reaching notable heights by fiscal 2023, where alone accounted for 60% of total licensing income due to 80 new products. Zero's prominence in events like the 2024 15th anniversary gallery, featuring dedicated merchandise corners, underscores his role in boosting franchise engagement. Critics and fans have acclaimed Zero for revitalizing the series with his dynamic appearances in films and specials, injecting fresh energy into the long-running franchise. Voice actor Mamoru Miyano's charismatic performance further enhanced Zero's appeal, leveraging his established reputation in anime and tokusatsu to broaden the character's draw. Internationally, Zero has gained traction in Asia, where the franchise enjoys fervent followings, and through global platforms like Netflix. The 2019 CG anime ULTRAMAN topped Netflix Japan's most-watched anime list for the year, surpassing Neon Genesis Evangelion and ranking sixth overall among all programs. This success highlights the Ultraman series' expanding reach beyond Japan.

Legacy and anniversaries

Ultraman Zero has established a significant legacy within the Ultraman franchise by serving as a bridge between generations of heroes, particularly influencing the Ultras through his role as a mentor and template for youthful, dynamic protagonists. Debuting in 2009, Zero's character arc—marked by his training under and his rebellious yet heroic personality—paved the way for the serialized, shared-universe storytelling that defines the era. This influence is evident in subsequent characters, such as , whom Zero directly trains as a disciple, emphasizing themes of growth and that echo Zero's own journey. Similarly, Zero's flamboyant style and power set inspired the development of heroes like Ultraman Trigger, contributing to a lineage of Ultras focused on intergenerational connections and high-stakes cosmic battles. To mark Zero's 10th anniversary in 2019, launched the "Ultraman Zero 10th Anniversary Project," which included the re-streaming of the Ultra Zero Fight OVA series on , allowing fans to revisit key battles from Zero's early adventures. The project also featured extensive merchandise lines, such as the Ultra Zero Eye and Ultra Zero Bracelet in Bandai's ULTRA REPLICA series, alongside events like the "10th Anniversary Greeting of Ultraman Zero" held in . The 15th anniversary celebrations in 2024–2025 highlighted Zero's enduring rivalry with Ultraman Belial through targeted events, including appearances at New York Comic Con in October 2024 and the Ultra Heroes Expo New Generation World in Tokyo from March 15 to 30, 2025, where interactive displays and photo opportunities emphasized their iconic conflict. In December 2024, Tsuburaya announced English dubs for Zero's original movie trilogy—Mega Monster Battle Ultra Galaxy: The Movie (2009), Ultraman Zero: The Revenge of Belial (2010), and Ultraman Saga (2012)—featuring voice actors like Sean Schemmel as Zero and Patrick Seitz as Belial, expanding global accessibility. These milestones integrated into ongoing series content, with Season 3, premiering January 25, 2025, centering on Ultraman Z's reflections on Zero's legacy while featuring Zero prominently to bridge past achievements with future narratives. In September 2025, Tsuburaya announced a new Ultraman Zero film scheduled for release in 2026, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Ultraman series and further solidifying Zero's foundational role. This continued emphasis positions Zero for potential expanded mentor roles in forthcoming Ultraman productions, reinforcing his foundational impact on the franchise's evolving storyline.

References

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