Ultraman Z (character)

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"I ask that you chant my name! Ultraman Z!"

―Z's introduction

Ultraman Z
Data
Ultra Host(s)	Haruki Natsukawa
Height	52 m
Weight	33,000 t
Age	5,000 years old
Home World	Land of Light
Race	Ultra
Status	Alive
Affiliation	Inter Galactic Defense Force Ultraman Zero (Mentor) Ultraman Geed/Riku Asakura (Partner)
First Appearance	Ultraman Z episode 1 "Chant My Name!"
Voice Actor(s)	Tasuku Hatanaka
Suit Actor(s)	Hideyoshi Iwata
Designer(s)	Masayuki Goto

Ultraman Z（Zett） is the titular Ultra Hero of the series Ultraman Z. He is Ultraman Zero's disciple. Z bonded with STORAGE member Haruki Natsukawa after he died fighting Genegarg.

Personality

Z is a hot-blooded hero who greatly looked up to Ultraman Zero, who became his mentor. Although Zero recognizes his talent and potential, he says that in his current state Z is only "half or maybe one-third" of a fully-fledged hero. Tough and athletic, Z always operates at full power. Z also has a humorous side, as he is unaccustomed to Earth's culture and sometimes uses words incorrectly. While Z is inexperienced and still developing, he's also a passionate hero who loves peace and justice.

He tends to use the word "Ultra" as a prefix to adjectives (such as "Ultra Awesome!" and "Ultra Strong!").

The voice drama episodes show that he does not take his classes very seriously and that he prefers to use his instincts against his enemies instead of studying them.

History

Ultraman Z

Landing on Earth

Z fights Genegarg on Earth

Z admired Ultraman Zero and joined the Inter Galactic Defense Force hoping to become his student. He was rejected at first, but somehow "succeeded" in following Zero's footsteps later on. At some point, he and his master chased down Genegarg, who was affected by the Devil Splinters, to Planet Earth, though Zero was thrown into another dimension by a Bullton. Just as Zero was falling into the wormhole, Z received from him the Z Riser and Ultra Medals, continuing on without Zero. Z bonds with STORAGE member Haruki Natsukawa, who died piloting Sevenger against Genegarg. Z revived the young man and used the items he received from Zero to perform Ultra Fusion, transforming into Alpha Edge to defeat Genegarg. After the battle, Z instructs Haruki to collect the Ultra Medals that Genegarg scattered upon its destruction. ^{Chant My Name!}

Z with the Z Lance Arrow

Facing several other threats alongside Haruki and STORAGE, Z eventually obtained the Z Lance Arrow, a "gift" from an ancient Ultraman, during Peguila's rampage. Sensing Z and Haruki's determination to save lives, the artifact reacted to them and unveiled its true form, which Z used to defeat Peguila. Shota Hebikura, who had been watching them the whole time, unveiled his true identity to face them as Zeppandon, which he transformed into after copying Haruki's Z Riser. Still, Z manged to defeat Zeppandon. ^{First Juggling}

Z, Geed and Zero

Z was later assisted by Ultraman Geed/Riku Asakura, who had gained a Z Riser after his Geed Riser had been damaged fighting Gillvalis, who was revived by a Devil Splinter. ^{The Man Returns!}

Profile

Stats

• Height: 52 m
• Age: 5,000 years old

Body Features

• Common
• Ultra Fusion

• Color Timer: Z has a Z-shaped Color Timer.
• Eyes: Unlike most Ultras, Z's eyes have a crystal-like texture.
• Crest Weapon: Z's head crest can be used to launch energy constructs.

Crest Weapons: In his Alpha Edge form, Z has two Crest Weapons on his head, inherited from Zero.

Beam Lamp: In his Alpha Edge form, like its components, Z sports a Beam Lamp.

Protectors: In his Beta Smash and Gamma Future forms, Z possesses Protector armor on his chest.

Light Crystal: In his Gamma Future form, Z gains a light crystal on his forehead.

Transformation

Haruki's Ultra Access Card

• Original
• Ultra Fusion

Haruki Natsukawa sets his Ultra Access Card into the Z Riser before sliding the blade and pressing on the trigger.

Haruki Natsukawa sets his Ultra Access Card into the Z Riser and then places three Ultra Medals in the slots before sliding the blade and pressing on the trigger. He says his signature catchphrase for each form before transforming.

• Alpha Edge
• Beta Smash
• Gamma Future

"Space Martial Arts, the Inherited Fighting Technique!
Master Zero! Master Seven! Master Leo!
'Kay!"

―Activation announcement for Alpha Edge

The rise scene starts with Z emerging from a blue and red background with sparks circulating around him, similar to Ultraseven's transformation scene. As he gets closer, a splash of cyan light appears like in Leo's rise scene before red and blue ribbons of light appear like in Zero's transformations.

Haruki inserts his Ultra Access Card

Ultraman Zero Medal inserted

Ultraseven Medal inserted

Ultraman Leo Medal inserted

Ultraman Zero Medal scanned

Ultraseven Medal scanned

Ultraman Leo Medal scanned

Haruki presses the trigger

Zero, Seven, and Leo fly by the screen

Screen splits between blue and red

Circulating sparks from Seven's transformation

Splash of blue light from Leo's rise

Background from Zero's rise

Haruki's first transformation

Full transformation

"Burn in Scarlet Flames, the Power of Courage!
Brother Ultraman! Brother Ace! Brother Taro!
'Kay!"

―Activation announcement for Beta Smash

The background is torn open to reveal a red one like in the opening of Ultraman, before changing to a smoky red background similar to Ultraman's rise scene. It is replaced by a fiery background with Taro's ring of light appearing before being changed to a blue background with streaks like Ace's rise.

Ultraman Medal inserted

Ultraman Ace Medal inserted

Ultraman Taro Medal inserted

Ultraman Medal scanned

Ultraman Ace Medal scanned

Ultraman Taro Medal scanned

Haruki presses the trigger

Ultraman, Ace, and Taro fly by the screen

Screen splits between white and red

Screen tears open to red

Background from Ultraman's rise

Silver rings from Taro's rise

Background from Ace's rise

Full transformation

"Phantasmagoria, the Mystic Lights!"

―Activation announcement for Gamma Future

Forms

• Original
• Ultra Fusion

Original

Original is Z's default form. As he is still a rookie, Zero compared his strength to at least 1/3 or half of an experienced Ultra, but nevertheless sees potential in the young warrior.

Stats

• Weight: 33,000 t
• Maximum Flight Speed: Mach 7
• Maximum Running Speed: Mach 2
• Maximum Underwater Speed: Mach 3
• Maximum Underground Speed: Mach 2
• Maximum Jumping Power: 900 m
• Arm Strength: 90,000 t
• Grip Strength: 62,000 t

Techniques

Physical

• Energy Kick: Z charges energy into his foot and kicks the enemy.

Energy Kick

• Alpha Edge
• Beta Smash
• Gamma Future

Alpha Edge

• 1
• 2

"Zero! Seven! Leo!"

―Activation announcement

"Ultraman Z: Alpha Edge!"

―Transformation announcement

Alpha Edge is Z's martial arts-oriented form, which uses assets of Ultraseven, Ultraman Leo, and Ultraman Zero. This speedy form fights with Space Martial Arts inherited from his master and specializes in quick moves using karate. This form debuts in episode 1.

Stats

• Weight: 35,000 t
• Maximum Flight Speed: Mach 10

Abilities

• Enhanced Senses: After following Shota Hebikura's advice, Haruki and Z's increased concentration allowed them to detect Neronga when it was invisible. It was later used to counter Zeppandon's teleportation.
• Barrier: Z can erect a barrier to block attacks.

Enhanced Senses

Barrier

Techniques

Special

• Zestium Maser : A high-temperature beam of pinpoint accuracy fired from Z's Beam Lamp. Based on Seven's Emerium Ray, Zero's Emerium Slash, and Leo's Ultra Shot.

Zestium Maser

Physical

• Space Martial Arts : Z Alpha Edge uses the same fighting style as Zero, who learned it from Leo, who in turned trained under Ultraseven.
• Flaming Kick: Z performs a flaming roundhouse kick.

Flaming Kick

Weapons

• Sluggers: Z can generate a pair of holographic Zero Sluggers from his crest. Unlike other Ultras' Crest Weapons, these are connected by energy and used in a similar fashion to nunchucks and bolas.

Sluggers

Beta Smash

• 1
• 2

"Ultraman! Ace! Taro!"

―Activation announcement

"Ultraman Z: Beta Smash!"

―Transformation announcement

Beta Smash is Z's strength-oriented form, which uses assets of Ultraman, Ultraman Ace and Ultraman Taro. This powerful form has a dignified fighting style, and specializes in courageous and impressive pro-wrestling type battles. This form debuts in episode 3.

Stats

• Weight: 42,000 t
• Arm Strength: 150,000 t

Techniques

Special

• Beta Crescent Slash : A slicing energy attack, based on Ace's Vertical Guillotine.

Beta Crescent Slash

Physical

• Zestium Upper : Z performs a powerful jumping uppercut punch on the opponent while his body glows with energy, usually after throwing the enemy into the air. It can destroy a monster in one blow. Based on Ultraman's Ultra Punch, Ace's Ace Kick, and Taro's Flying Atomic Punch. In Ultraman Fusion Fight!, Z spins while executing this attack.
• Swallow Kick: A flying kick attack performed after several mid-air somersaults, based on Taro's signature kick attack.

Zestium Upper

Swallow Kick

Gamma Future

• 1
• 2

"Tiga! Dyna! Gaia!"

―Activation announcement

"Ultraman Z: Gamma Future!"

―Transformation announcement

Gamma Future is Z's psychic-oriented form, which uses assets of Ultraman Tiga, Ultraman Dyna and Ultraman Gaia. This psychic form fights with mysterious powers. He is skilled at versatile beam attacks and fights trickily like a wizard.

Stats

• Weight: 32,000 t

Abilities

• Teleportation: Z Gamma Future is able to teleport.

Techniques

Special

• Zestium Drive : Z forms twin energy whips from his hands to strike the opponent. Based on Tiga's Tiga Slicer, Dyna's Dyna Slash, and Gaia's Photon Edge.
• Gamma Illusion

Zestium Drive

Standard Abilities

Weapons

• Z Riser: Z can use his transformation device as a weapon.
• Z Lance Arrow : A lance weapon that Z uses in combat.
  • Lance Cutter : A slicing attack.
  • Arrow Shot : An energy projectile fired from the lance's tip.
  • Z Lance Fire : Z draws the letter Z with flames, which he then sends flying towards the opponent, combusting them alive.
  • Z Ice Arrow : Z creates a large energy bow, which launches an arrow that freezes its target.

Techniques

Special

• Energy Projectile: Z shoots energy projectiles from his crest. This is Z's standard energy attack for all his forms in Ultraman Fusion Fight!.
• Zestium Ray : Z's signature Ultra Beam, fired from his arms in a "+". It can be used by all of Z's forms.

• Original
• Alpha Edge
• Beta Smash
• Gamma Future

Z Slugger.gif

Energy Projectile

Zestium Ray

Z Riser

Z Lance Arrow

Lance Cutter

Arrow Shot

Z Lance Fire

Z Ice Arrow

Energy Projectile

Zestium Ray Alpha Edge.gif

Zestium Ray

Z Lance Arrow

Energy Projectile

Beta Smash Zestium Beam.gif

Zestium Ray

Z Lance Fire

Z Riser

Combinations

Like Orb and Geed, the Ultras used in each of Z's fusion forms share something in common with each other.

• Ultraman Zero + Ultraseven + Ultraman Leo = Alpha Edge: They share a chain of mentor and disciple relationships, with Seven training Leo and then Leo training Zero, who in turn trained Z. In addition to being trained in terms of physical resilience, they can also perform combination attacks together. Seven and Leo are also the most important Ultras in Zero's life, as the former is his father and the latter is his mentor.
• Ultraman + Ultraman Ace + Ultraman Taro = Beta Smash: Taro is Ace's adoptive brother, and the three are all part of the Ultra Brothers. They also each had a human host they were forced to separate with, either due to massive injury on the former or by personal choice in the latter party.
• Ultraman Tiga + Ultraman Dyna + Ultraman Gaia = Gamma Future: They revived the franchise in the late 90's and are officially the first three Heisei Ultras. They are also often placed together during crossovers and popularize the concept of Human Ultraman , wherein the human hosts are in control of their Ultraman alter-egos.

Other Media

Ultraman Day 2020

On Ultraman Day (10 July) 2020, the Ultraman series Twitter account roleplayed as Z. Z had a conversation with Zero over a messaging app written in Ultra Language on what Ultraman Day is.

At first, he struggled to use a hashtag (using 丼 and then 井 instead) for Ultraman Day but eventually got it right. He then set out to collect the feelings of appreciation (in the form of glowing orbs with their Ultra Signs in them) for Ultraman, from the other 5 Ultra Brothers. Z first went up to Taro and Zoffy, then met with Ace looking at the stars, then trained with the Ultra Lance with Jack. Z then met with Seven, who threw the orb at him. With all five gathered, Z mustered up his courage to deliver them to Ultraman, who accepted him and his offering. Ultraman performed the Cross Touch with Z to signify their bonds.

【7 10は「ウルトラマンの日」】記念特別動画♪「ご唱和ください、“彼“の名を！」絆を結ぶ、新たなる印「クロスタッチ」誕生！【ウルトラマンＺ】

Trivia

• Z is:
  • The second primarily blue Ultra to have his own series, after Ultraman Cosmos.
  • The first Ultra from the Land of Light known to have natural black markings, besides non-canon characters.
• Initially, Beta Smash's mask was meant to be colorless, until director Kiyotaka Taguchi came up an idea to paint the mask in red as well.
• In an interview for Tsuburaya Galaxy, series director Kiyotaka Taguchi revealed that Zett's 3 Ultra Fusion forms are meant to represent three eras of Japan's monarchy.
  • Alpha Edge: Reiwa
  • Beta Smash: Showa
  • Gamma Future: Heisei

Z's Color Timer

• The surface of Z's Color Timer is engraved with a pattern of letter Zs.
• In the Ultraman Z Premiere Online Event held on June 5th, the show's director Kiyotaka Taguchi mentions that the reason behind Z's catchphrase was because he noticed that having Haruki, a complete novice at being an Ultraman, call out the name of Z, just like his predecessors who proclaimed their Ultra personas during their transformation sequences, would be rather unnatural. After much discussion with the cast and crew, they settled on the current catchphrase, where Z himself tells Haruki to chant his name.
• Among the classes Z takes in the Inter Galactic Defense Force include space meteorology, ancient space literature, and monster ecology. ^{If You Face A Transparent Monster}
• Assuming that Zero (5,900 years old) is comparable to 18-20 human years and Taiga (4,800 years old) being that of a high school freshman, this would put Z's age (5,000) in the range of 16-17 in terms of human years.