Ultraman: The Adventure Begins

Ultraman: The Adventure Begins (1987) – A Hidden Cross-Cultural Gem Worth Digging For

If you’re into giant heroes, epic monster battles, and that classic 80s animated vibe, let me drop a name you might not have heard: Ultraman: The Adventure Begins. Also known as Ultraman USA in Japan, this 1987 flick is a wild collab between two powerhouses—America’s Hanna-Barbera (think Scooby-Doo and The Flintstones) and Japan’s Tsuburaya Productions (the folks who invented Ultraman). Yeah, you read that right: Western cartoon flair meets iconic tokusatsu roots, and the result is a fun, underrated ride that still holds up for younger fans today.

First off, let’s talk about the setup. The story follows three stunt pilots—Scott Masterson, Chuck Gavin, and Beth O’Brien—who call themselves the Flying Angels. They’re doing their thing at an airshow when a blinding light swallows them whole… and they come back totally unharmed? Wait, no—turns out they’ve been chosen by three Ultra Warriors from the Land of Light to merge with them and fight monsters from the planet Sokian. So now, when danger strikes, these regular pilots can transform into giant Ultramen to save the day. Cool, right?

What makes this movie stand out is its animation style. Hanna-Barbera’s signature bright colors and smooth character movements mix with Tsuburaya’s love for over-the-top monster designs and epic fight scenes. The Sokian monsters are huge, weird, and totally fun to watch get taken down by the Ultramen. And since it’s a cross-cultural project, it feels different from both classic Ultraman live-action shows and typical Western cartoons of the era—it’s like getting the best of both worlds.

Released in Japan in October 1987 and later in English in 1989, this flick is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s not as well-known as the original Ultraman series, but that’s part of its charm. For younger fans who love superhero stories with a twist, it’s a great way to dive into the Ultraman universe without feeling like you’re watching something “too old.” The characters are relatable—Scott, Chuck, and Beth are just regular people who get thrust into being heroes—and their banter feels natural, like friends hanging out (until they have to turn into giant aliens to fight monsters, obviously).

Sure, the animation might not be as flashy as today’s anime, but that’s part of its nostalgia factor. And let’s be real—giant heroes punching giant monsters never gets old. If you’re tired of the same old superhero movies and want something with a unique vibe, give Ultraman: The Adventure Begins a shot. It’s a fun, short watch (it’s a TV movie, so not too long) that’ll leave you wanting more Ultraman action.

In a world where most superhero content is either live-action or modern anime, this 80s collab is a breath of fresh air. It’s proof that when two cultures come together to make something cool, the result can be timeless. So grab some snacks, gather your friends, and check out this underrated classic—you won’t regret it.

Final Verdict: 7/10. A fun, nostalgic ride that blends Western and Japanese animation styles into a unique Ultraman experience. Perfect for anyone who loves giant monsters, heroics, and a dash of 80s charm.

P.S. If you’re into tokusatsu or classic cartoons, this is a must-watch. It’s like finding a hidden toy in your grandma’s attic—old, but totally awesome.

(Note: While fan discussions about this specific film were hard to come by, its cross-cultural legacy and unique animation style make it a standout in the Ultraman franchise.)