Ultra Monster Series

The Ultra Monster Series (ウルトラ怪獣シリーズ - Urutora Kaiju Shirizu) is a series of sofubi soft vinyl action figures designed specifically for Kids created by Bandai that portrays the monsters found in the hit TV series: Ultra Q, Ultraman, Ultra Seven, The Return of Ultraman, Ultraman Ace, Ultraman Taro, Ultraman Leo, Ultraman 80, Ultraman Tiga, Ultraman Dyna, Ultraman Gaia, etc. The line of figures first started production in 1966, and since then, many other figures have joined the collection. The line's latest release was in 2011 December, although other figures had been scheduled to be released.

In 2013 the line concluded and was replaced by the Ultra Monster 500 and Ultra Monster 500/Ultra Monster 500 DX Series. And in 2015 was replaced by the Ultra Monster X Series. As of 2016, the line is known as the Ultra Monster Orb Series.

Figures History
The first batch of the Ultra Monster Series had a decent look that had something competitors Bullmark, Marusan, and other companies could not offer: The accuracy of the figures to their costume counterparts. The other toys were not as accurate to the suit themselves as the new Bandai figures were, and because of this advantage, these figures became very popular and quickly became a force to be reckoned with for both Kids and Adults alike. The first set of these figures contained many memorable monsters from the original series. The later ones contained many other monsters. Later, there came SP's and EX's. Even later, Heisei monsters also joined the list, and the series became complete.

1991 Releases
This year saw one of the largest releases for this series.
 * #1 Bandai Alien Baltan Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #2 Bandai Red King Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #3 Bandai Black King Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #4 Bandai Eleking Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #5 Bandai Gomora Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #6 Bandai Zetton Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #7 Bandai Bemstar Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #8 Bandai Tyrant Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #9 Bandai Kanegon Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #10 Bandai Garamon Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #11 Bandai Hipporito Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #12 Bandai King Joe Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #13 Bandai Antlar Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #14 Bandai Star Bem Gyeron Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #15 Bandai Kiyla Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #16 Bandai Telesdon Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #17 Bandai Neronga Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #18 Bandai Geronimon Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #19 Bandai Gyango Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #20 Bandai Bemular Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #21 Bandai Gandar Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #22 Bandai Seabozu Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #23 Bandai Alien Godola Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #24 Bandai Miclas Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #25 Bandai Alien Metron Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #26 Bandai Alien Mefilas Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #27 Bandai Alien Icarus Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #28 Bandai Alien Pegassa Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #29 Bandai Windom Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #30 Bandai Skydon Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #31 Bandai Re-Dorako Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #32 Bandai Gubila Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #33 Bandai Namegon Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #34 Bandai Alien Guts Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #35 Bandai U-Tom Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #36 Bandai Kemular Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #37 Bandai Hydra Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #38 Bandai Banila Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #39 Bandai Salamandora Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #40 Bandai Gikogilar Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #41 Bandai Takkong Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #42 Bandai Astromons Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #43 Bandai Ron Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #44 Bandai Satan Beetle Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #45 Bandai Verokron Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #46 Bandai Agira Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #47 Bandai Gymaira Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #48 Bandai Gudon Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #49 Bandai Twin Tail Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #50 Bandai Mukadender Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #51 Bandai Vakishim Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #52 Bandai Ace Killer Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #53 Bandai Kilazee Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #54 Bandai Bogun Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #55 Bandai Kingsaurus III Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #56 Bandai Alien Temperor Release Date: TBA, 1991
 * #57 Bandai Shugaron Release Date: TBA, 1991

1992 Releases

 * #58 Bandai Reconstructed Pandon Release Date: TBA, 1992
 * #59 Bandai Dada Release Date: TBA, 1992
 * #60 Bandai Guesra Release Date: TBA, 1992
 * #61 Bandai Aboras Release Date: TBA, 1992
 * #62 Bandai Seagorath Release Date: TBA, 1992
 * #63 Bandai King Crab Release Date: TBA, 1992
 * #64 Bandai Aribunta Release Date: TBA, 1992
 * #65 Bandai Mecha Baltan Release Date: TBA, 1992

1993 Releases

 * #66 Bandai Gamakujira Release Date: TBA, 1993
 * #67 Bandai Barrangas Release Date: TBA, 1993
 * #68 Bandai Alien Borg Release Date: TBA, 1993
 * #69 Bandai Crazygon Release Date: TBA, 1993
 * #70 Bandai Nurse Release Date: TBA, 1993

1994 Releases

 * #71 Bandai Giant Yapool Release Date: TBA, 1994
 * #72 Bandai Dodongo Release Date: TBA, 1994
 * #73 Bandai Alien Bira Release Date: TBA, 1994

1995 Releases

 * #74 Bandai Jirass Release Date: TBA, 1995

1995 Releases

 * #1 Bandai Gudis Release Date: TBA, 1995
 * #2 Bandai Gerukadon Release Date: TBA, 1995


 * #3 Bandai Degunja Release Date: TBA, 1995


 * #4 Bandai Majaba Release Date: TBA, 1995


 * #79 Bandai Bios Release Date: TBA, 1995
 * #80 Bandai Drengeran Release Date: TBA, 1995
 * #81 Bandai Alien Zamu Release Date: TBA, 1995

2000 Releases

 * #1 Bandai Alien Baltan
 * #2 Bandai Zetton
 * #3 Bandai Eleking
 * #4 Bandai Red King
 * #5 Bandai Black King
 * #6 Bandai Kanegon
 * #7 Bandai Zelganoid
 * #8 Bandai King of Mons
 * #9 Bandai Gomora
 * #10 Bandai Golza
 * #11 Bandai King Joe
 * #12 Bandai Melba
 * #13 Bandai Tyrant
 * #14 Bandai Bajiris
 * #15 Bandai Scylla
 * #16 Bandai Powered Alien Baltan
 * #17 Bandai Dada
 * #18 Bandai Deathfacer
 * #19 Bandai Geranda
 * #20 Bandai Mecha-Baltan
 * #21 Bandai Apatee
 * #22 Bandai Super C.O.V
 * #23 Bandai Gatanozoa
 * #24 Bandai Alien Metron
 * #25 Bandai Ace Killer
 * #26 Bandai Takkong
 * #27 Bandai Garaon
 * #28 Bandai Garamon
 * #29 Bandai Gazort
 * #30 Bandai Alien Hipporito
 * #31 Bandai Neo Geomos
 * #32 Bandai Antlar
 * #33 Bandai Goldras
 * #34 Bandai Mizunoeno Dragon
 * #35 Bandai Alien Guts
 * #36 Bandai Monsarger
 * #37 Bandai Silvergon
 * #38 Bandai Bemstar
 * #39 Bandai Alien Mephilas
 * #40 Bandai Bemular
 * #41 Bandai Narse
 * #42 Bandai Reigubas
 * #43 Bandai Gudon
 * #44 Bandai Zogu
 * #45 Bandai Kyrieloid
 * #46 Bandai Seabozu
 * #47 Bandai Alien Zamu
 * #48 Bandai Neosaurus
 * #49 Bandai
 * #50 Bandai
 * #51 Bandai
 * #52 Bandai
 * #53 Bandai
 * #54 Bandai
 * #55 Bandai Alien Magma & Daigerun
 * #56 Bandai Zonnel
 * #57 Bandai Telesdon
 * #58 Bandai Taraban
 * #59 Bandai Alien Icarus
 * #60 Bandai Alien Zarab, Pestar & Miclas
 * #61 Bandai Gobunyu (Ogma)
 * #62 Bandai Giant Yapool & Vakishim
 * #63 Bandai Alien Benzene & Kaiser Dobishi
 * #64 Bandai Satan Beetle
 * #65 Bandai Jamila & Gymaira
 * #66 Bandai Gudis
 * #67 Bandai Shibito Zoiger
 * #68 Bandai Peguila & Pandon
 * #69 Bandai Kemur Man & Alien Temperor
 * #70 Bandai Alien Zagon

2005 Releases

 * #1 Bandai Grangon Release Date: July 2005
 * #2 Bandai Lagoras Release Date: July 2005
 * #3 Bandai Eleking (2005) Release Date: August 2005
 * #4 Bandai Pigmon (2005) Release Date: September 2005
 * #5 Bandai Antlar (2005) Release Date: October 2005
 * #6 Bandai Alien Kesam Release Date: November 2005
 * #7 Bandai Natsunomeryu Release Date: December 2005

2006 Releases

 * #8 Bandai Neo If Release Date: January 2006


 * #9 Bandai Gomora (2005) Release Date: March 2006
 * #10 Bandai Alien Metron (2005) Release Date: March 2006


 * Bandai SP Alien Zarab Release Date: TBA, 2006
 * Bandai SP Alien Guts Release Date: TBA, 2006
 * Bandai SP Alien Nackle Release Date: TBA, 2006
 * Bandai SP Alien Temperor Release Date: TBA, 2006
 * Bandai SP U-Killersaurus Release Date: TBA, 2006


 * #1 Bandai Dinozaur Release Date: TBA, 2006
 * #2 Bandai Gudon (2006) Release Date: TBA, 2006
 * #3 Bandai Miclas (2006) Release Date: TBA, 2006
 * #4 Bandai Birdon (2006)
 * #5 Bandai Bogal
 * #6 Bandai Sadola (2006)
 * #7 Bandai Windam (2006)
 * #8 Bandai Zamusha
 * #9 Bandai Cherubim
 * #10 Bandai Fire Windam
 * #11 Bandai Verokron
 * #12 Bandai Vakishim
 * #13 Bandai Giant Yapool
 * #14 Bandai Alien Empera

2007 Releases

 * #1 Bandai Alien Baltan Release Date: June 2007
 * #2 Bandai Gomora Release Date: June 2007
 * #3 Bandai Golza Release Date: June 2007
 * #4 Bandai Garamon Release Date: June 2007
 * #5 Bandai Gan Q Release Date: June 2007
 * #6 Bandai Reigubas Release Date: June 2007
 * #7 Bandai Alien Mephilas Release Date: June 2007
 * #8 Bandai Geronimon Release Date: June 2007
 * #9 Bandai Super C.O.V Release Date: June 2007
 * #10 Bandai Twin Tail Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #11 Bandai Red King Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #12 Bandai Gudon Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #13 Bandai Monsarger Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #14 Bandai Dada Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #15 Bandai Satan Beetle Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #16 Bandai King Joe Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #17 Bandai Vakishim Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #18 Bandai Kyrieloid Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #19 Bandai Alien Hipporito Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #20 Bandai Alien Temperor Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #21 Bandai Zetton Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #22 Bandai Bemular Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #23 Bandai Bemstar Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #24 Bandai Black King Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #25 Bandai Alien Nackle Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #26 Bandai Ace Killer Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #27 Bandai Tyrant Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #28 Bandai Alien Magma Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #29 Bandai Powered Alien Baltan Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #30 Bandai EX Gomora Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #31 Bandai Eleking Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #32 Bandai Neronga Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #33 Bandai Melba Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #34 Bandai Gatanozoa Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #35 Bandai Geranda Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #36 Bandai Scylla Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #37 Bandai Alien Baltan (Basical) Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #38 Bandai Gigi Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #39 Bandai Waroga Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * #40 Bandai Chaos Darkness Release Date: TBA, 2007
 * Bandai EX Reimon Release Date: December 2007

2008 Releases

 * #41 Bandai Kanegon Release Date: February 2008
 * #42 Bandai Windam Release Date: February 2008
 * #43 Bandai Dinosaur Tank Release Date: February 2008
 * #44 Bandai Nurse Release Date: February 2008
 * #45 Bandai Alien Babarue Release Date: February 2008
 * #46 Bandai Mecha Baltan Release Date February 2008
 * #47 Bandai Deathfacer Release Date: February 2008
 * #48 Bandai Mizunoeno Dragon Release Date: February 2008
 * #49 Bandai King of Mons Release Date: February 2008
 * #50 Bandai Bajiris Release Date: February 2008
 * Bandai EX Telesdon Release Date: March 2008
 * Bandai EX Alien Zarab Release Date: April 2008
 * Bandai EX Kabuto Killer Release Date: May 2008
 * #51 Bandai EX Red King Release Date: August 2008
 * #52 Bandai Zamusha Release Date: August 2008
 * #53 Bandai Fire Litra Release Date: August 2008
 * #54 Bandai Armored Darkness Release Date: August 2008
 * #55 Bandai Imperializer Release Date: August 2008
 * Bandai Movie King Guesra Release Date: September 2008
 * Bandai Movie King Pandon Release Date: September 2008
 * Bandai Movie King Silvergon Release Date: September 2008
 * Bandai Movie King Goldras Release Date: September 2008
 * Bandai Movie Super Alien Hipporito Release Date: September 2008
 * Bandai Movie Giga Chimera Release Date: October 2008
 * Bandai EX Armored Alien Mephilas Release Date: December 2008

2009 Releases

 * Bandai EX Miclas Release Date: January 2009
 * Bandai EX EX Zetton Release Date: February 2009


 * #56 Bandai Antlar Release Date: March 2009
 * #57 Bandai Verokron Release Date: March 2009
 * #58 Bandai Giant Yapool Release Date: March 2009
 * #59 Bandai Alien Empera Release Date: March 2009
 * #60 Bandai King Joe Black Release Date: March 2009
 * Bandai EX Burst Mode Reimon Release Date: March 2009
 * Bandai EX Imitation Ultraman Release Date: April 2009
 * Bandai EX Glozam Release Date: May 2009
 * Bandai EX Deathrem Release Date: June 2009
 * Bandai EX Jamila Release Date: July 2009
 * Bandai EX Mecha Zamu Release Date: August 2009
 * Bandai EX EX Vakishim Release Date: September 2009
 * Bandai EX Armored Glozam Release Date: October 2009
 * Bandai EX Grand King Release Date: November 2009
 * Bandai EX Agira Release Date: December 2009

2010 Releases

 * Bandai EX Salamandora Release Date: January 2010
 * Bandai EX Grande Release Date: February 2010
 * Bandai EX Alien Reiblood Release Date: March 2010
 * Bandai EX Dark Zagi Release Date: April 2010
 * Bandai EX Birdon Release Date: May 2010
 * Bandai EX EX Zetton Release Date: June 2010
 * Bandai EX Evil Tiga Release Date: July 2010
 * Bandai EX Ultraman Belial (with Giga Battle Nizer) Release Date: August 2010
 * Bandai EX Darklops Zero Release Date: September 2010
 * Bandai EX Andro: the Killer Mecha Baltan Release Date: October 2010
 * Bandai EX Kaiser Belial Release Date: November 2010
 * Bandai EX Mecha Gomora Release Date: November 2010
 * Bandai EX Super Alien Hipporito Release Date: December 2010
 * Bandai EX Arch Belial Release Date: December 2010
 * Bandai EX Iaron Release Date: December 2010
 * Bandai EX Darkgone Release Date: December 2010
 * Bandai EX Legionoid Release Date: December 2010

2011 Releases

 * Bandai EX Kemur Man Release Date: January 2011
 * Bandai EX Dinozaur Release Date: February 2011
 * Bandai EX Natsunomeryu Release Date: March 2011
 * Bandai EX Galberos Release Date: April 2011
 * Bandai EX Neo Baltan Release Date: May 2011
 * Bandai EX Kaiser Dobishi Release Date: June 2011
 * Bandai EX Lidorias Release Date: July 2011
 * Bandai EX Mecha Gomora Release Date: August 2011
 * Bandai EX Chaos Header Everlease Release Date: September 2011
 * Bandai EX Ultraman Belial (good) Release Date: September 2011
 * Bandai EX Kyrieloid II Release Date: October 2011
 * Bandai EX Fire Zetton Release Date: October 2011
 * Bandai EX Mountain Gulliver No. 5 Release Date: November 2011
 * Bandai EX Neo Geomos Release Date: December 2011

2012 Releases

 * Bandai EX Miclas Release Date: January 2012
 * Bandai EX Neo If Release Date: January 2012
 * Bandai EX Apatee R elease Date: February 2012
 * Bandai EX Alien Bat Release Date: February 2012
 * Bandai EX Gubila Release Date: February 2012
 * Bandai EX Hyper Zetton Gigant & Imago set Release Date: March 2012
 * Bandai SP Gomess Release Date: March 2012
 * Bandai EX Zelganoid Release Date: March 2012
 * Bandai EX Alien Sran Release Date: April 2012
 * Bandai SP Dada Release Date: May 2012
 * Bandai EX Bogal Release Date: May 2012
 * Bandai EX Alien Metron Release Date: June 2012
 * Bandai EX Hyper Zetton Release Date: July 2012
 * Bandai EX Earthtron Release Date: October 2012
 * Bandai EX Tyrant (2008 release) Release Date: December 2012

2013 Releases

 * Bandai "Ultra Zero Fight The Darkness Five set" Release Date: February 2013


 * Bandai EX Kaiser Darkness Release Date: February 2013

Ultra Monster Battle
To Be Added

Immortal Ultra Monsters Set
Similar to the Ultra Hero Collection Box/Everlasting Ultra Warriors, this 8-piece figure set was released in 2 box sets. Each figure stands about 10 cm tall (about 4 inches).


 * Set 1: Red King, Bemstar, Zetton, Alien Babalou, Alien Baltan, Ace Killer, King Joe, and Birdon
 * Set 2: Imitation Ultra Seven, Alien Mephilas, Geronimon, Black King, Alien Nackle, Alien Magma, Ace Robot, and Alien Temperor
 * Baltan Set: Similar to the Immortal Ultra Monsters Set, the 8-piece contains the majority of Alien Baltan that appeared throughout the Ultraman series. Each figure stands about 4.5 inches tall. However, the set was not complete, and only one set was produced.

Special Tags
Throughout the ages, the Ultra Monster series have went through many tag designs, from double sheeted to single sheeted, the tags remain a colorful part of the toys and are highly valued. This section talks about the unusual tags and Easter Eggs of UMS Tags.

Bagged Tag
The bagged tag monsters are some of the rarer tags, or rather, head-a-cards to find. The toys are no longer bound by a tag attached by a hook, but now a plastic bag with a piece of cardboard stapled to it. The version was also released in China by Bandai under the name "Fuman" with the ensign of "奥特曼" on it, marking the beginning of the official Ultraman name in China.

Promo Tag
The promo tag was originally released in the 1966 Ultra Q Monster Series (as there were no other Ultras at the time, the UMS was just called the Ultraman Monster Series. Later, it would be Ultraseven, then Return of Ultraman, and Ultraman Ace.). The tags were only slightly different from the common tags and were used as an Easter Egg for buyers. Later, the tags were specifically attached to blanks figures made from white vinyl in the Ultraseven series, but the concept was ditched after the Return of Ultraman Series kicked in. The tags stopped production after the Ace series.

"Typo" Tags
Typo tags were a strange series of tags in the 1989 run of UMS that had the manufacturer information printed right under the picture of the Ultras in white, successfully cutting the picture in half. The tags, however, featured something the common tags didn't: the name of the monster on the bottom of the back of the tag. A black bordered version was also produced, but there has not been any trace of these tags since the 1989 run of UMS.

Great Decisive Battle! Box of 49 Tags
The Box of 49 tags were special tags created for a boxset of Ultras and Ultra monsters created by Bandai in the 1989 run of UMS. The box was rather clustered and featured tags with the box name on the picture of the Ultras, which was: Great Decisive Battle! Box of 49. The Ultras also had tags hooked to their back, instead of boxes.

Trivia

 * Many monsters were not made due to Bandai thinking that they will not sell well. However, most of the Showa monsters not made by Bandai were produced by Marusan, Bullmark, and POPY. Later monsters can also be found as garage kits (assembling and painting required kits) by X-PLUS, The Lawless Monster Zone, and other companies. X-PLUS also issues out pre-built and painted sets in their "Giant Ultra Monsters" sets, with minor assembly required.