Monday, September 3, 2012

Imported Thoughts

   The Top Ten Monsters That Need Ultra-Acts

  Although Bandai/Tamashii's high end Ultraman toy line, Ultra-Act, has been around since 2010, there have been very few kaiju released to date.  In fact, as of August 31st (with the release of Red King) there have only been 4 proper kaiju in the line.  In order to keep the interest of kaiju collectors like me, Bandai Tamashii needs to release more kaiju...  at a quicker rate than one per year.  The following Ultra Monsters are the ten that I consider essential for a respectable and diverse Ultra toy line, in ascending order:


10.  Monster:
Bogal

Series:
Ultraman Mebius
Why she needs an Ultra-Act:
Bogal was a major antagonist early in the series Ultraman Mebius. Seeing as Mebius has received an Ultra-Act already (and no companion kaiju), she's a shoe-in for the high end treatment! She has a very unique, demonic look that will distinguish her from her fellow Ultra Monsters.

What he should come with:
Ideally, Bogal would come with extra jaw pieces to simulate when she devours monsters. That's a tad bit unrealistic, though, and she'd most likely just come with her purple hand blasts (on swap out hands).


9.  Monster:
Galberos

Series:
Ultraman Nexus

Why he needs an Ultra-Act:
Clearly based on Cerebus (the three-headed dog of Greek mythology), Galberos is easily the most recognizable monster in Ultraman Nexus's rogues gallery.  With the inevitable release of Ultra-Act Nexus, this repeat offender could easily see release.  Multi-headed monsters are rare in Ultra series, and Galberos would stand out with this unique attribute...  And his awesome design! 

What he should come with:
Galberos should come with a fireball for each dog head. 



8.  Monster:
Velokron

Series:
Ultraman Ace
Why he needs an Ultra-Act:
With the release of Ultraman Ace in October, this colorful and unusual super beast could (and should) be made to go along with him.  Odd looking even for an Ultra Monster, this stub tailed kaiju would certainly add diversity to any collection.

What he should come with:
The thing I would love for Velokron to come with would be chest missile effect parts that would
swap with the protrusions on his stomach.  Also, his capture ring. 


7.  Monster:
Lagoras

Series:
Ultraman Max

Why he needs an Ultra-Act:
Many of Max's foes were updated Ultra Monsters from past series. Not only was Lagoras an original monster, he has a unique hammerheaded ok and blue color scheme that would stand out on any collector's shelf. On top of that his standard Bandai figure is quite rare and pricey.

What he should come with:
Lagoras should come with both an ice beam effect and and an ice beam being split by the Max Sword.


6.  Monster:
Silvagon
Series:
Ultraman Tiga

Why he needs an Ultra-Act:
Silvagon's vinyl representations are well-made, but very small. On top of that, there are certain details (like the tail) that are just... off. An Ultra-Act release would not only be larger and more imposing, it would be sharply detailed and well articulated. An important detail that should not be overlooked is his long tapering tail.

What he should come with:
Silvagon has no beam attacks, so accessories would be tough. Perhaps some GUTS machines?


5.  Monster:
Birdon

Series:
Ultraman Taro

Why he needs an Ultra-Act:
Birdon is a unique and colorful Ultra Monster, resembling the mythical cockatrice. He also works as a companion piece both Taro AND Zoffy, having tangled with both Ultras in his initial appearance. Ultra-Act Zoffy even comes with a flaming head piece for Birdon's flame attack! Once Taro is released, adding this beast to the lineup is a win/win situation.

What he should come with:
Birdon should come with flame effect parts and a base of volcanic rocks.


4.  Monster:
King Joe/King Joe Black


Series:
Ultraseven/Ultra Galaxy

Why he needs an Ultra-Act:
Although King Joe and his King Joe Black variant already got the high end SOC treatment, the figures were barely poseable and fell apart easily. It would be awesome to see this recurring Ultraseven foe made in the Ultra-Act line with improved articulation and the ability to remain in one piece.

What he should come with:
King Joe: Alternate knobs for energy blast effects and an Energy shield/ King Joe Black: Arm cannon blast effect.


3.  Monster:Black King

Series:
The Return of Ultraman

Why he needs an Ultra-Act:
Black King was one of Ultraman Jack's toughest foes, shrugging off his energy beams with ease and matching the hero in combat. With the reveal of Ultra-Act Ultraman Jack it's a perfect opportunity to release a Black King in the line. The Bandai is, after all, more than thirty years old. Time for a more accurate and articulated upgrade!

What he should come with:
Black King should come with his energy ray and a plug-in decapitation piece to simulate when Jack whacks his head off.

2.  Monster:
Tyrant

Series:
Ultraman Taro

Why he needs an Ultra-Act:
Tyrant is one of the most powerful and interesting Ultra Monsters. In his debut, he defeated several of the Ultra Brothers one after the other... Until he was stopped by Ultraman Taro. His look is very distinct, being composed of several different Ultra Monsters (including Barabas, Gomora, Red King, and Bemstar!!). Despite having a recent update in the standard Bandai line, Tyrant could really use an upgrade to Ultra-Act for several reasons. First, his Bandai figures are rather short despite the fact that he's one of the taller and more imposing monsters. Second, Taro's Ultra-Act was just teased. Tyrant would be a great companion release for him, being one of his more popular enemies. And third, having the parts of several monsters might encourage Tamashii to release them later on with a reduced tooling cost.

What he should come with:
Tyrant should come with his flame blast (perhaps as a swappable lower jaw part), and a swap out chain part for his mace hand.


1.  Monster:
Zetton

Series:
Ultraman

Why he needs an Ultra-Act:
Aside from being very popular among fans, the beetle-like Zetton is also one of Ultraman's most powerful enemies. In his first appearance in the last episode in the original series, he defeated Ultraman soundly. Zetton has also reappeaed in many subsequent Ultra Series, making him a true icon of the franchise. On top of all that, his body type lends itself well to super articulation, being more humanoid in shape.

What he should come with:
Zetton should come with his wave-like hand beams (attached to alternate hands), his beam deflecting shield, an alternate face piece with fireball attachment, and a cracked color timer for the Ultra-Act Ultraman.


Bonus Monster:
Gan Q
Series:
Ultraman Gaia

Why he needs an Ultra-Act:
Both Ultraman Gaia and Agul have been released (With Gaia Supreme on the way) with not a monster in sight. There were rumors circulating that Gan Q was planned for this line. It makes sense, since not only is Gan Q one of the most distinctive designs in the series (as well as one of the most popular)... He's also one of the more distinctive designs in the franchise! So... What gives?

What he should come with:
He should come with a swap out main eyeball with his big purple blast attached, as well as his homing eyeballs (with stands).


Bonus Monster II:
Aboras

Series:
Ultraman

Why he needs an Ultra-Act:
Aboras is a prime candidate for the Ultra-Act line for two reasons:  1)  He would be an easy retool/repaint using the Ultra-Act Red King's body, and 2)  His jaw just screams for articulation!  Aboras is a very cool kaiju and needs an update severely!
What he should come with:
Aboras hould come with his blue capsule and a VTOL jet!


DON'T AGREE?  Voice your opinions.  Which Ultra Monsters do you think should've made the cut?



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