Ultraman Taro (1973–1974) User Reviews

6th Ultra Brother Comes to Earth

[ebiros2 · 6/10 · 5 August 2012]

This is the fifth in the Ultraman series with sixth Ultra brother from M78 nebula arriving on Earth to battle the monsters.

Taro is traditionally a name given to the first son in Japan, and Ulraman Taro's name reflects this as he's the first son of Ultra Father, and Ultra mother.

Kotaro Higashi (Saburo Shinoda) is a young man aspiring to become a champion boxer. One day he gets injured during an attack by a monster. Two ladies treat his wounds. One turns out to be his future house mate, and the other is none other than the Ultra mother herself disguised as an earthly mother. She gives him the badge that allows him to transform into Ultraman Taro. He later joins ZAT, a special squad formed specially to battle monsters.

This is the first Ultraman series where Ultra mother appeared, and the existence of Ultra "family" became clear.

The quality of the series is not the best of Ultraman series, but it's not the worst either. The realistic approach of Ultra Seven gradually gave way to atmosphere that catered to small children starting with Ultraman Jack. In this series, there're no seriousness to the story, and the stories are geared to entertain children. But it does try to show how a good person should behave, and ZAT, Ultraman Taro, and even the children in the story tries to be a role model for the viewing children.

Out of the Ultraman that was made in the '70s, this one is the most campy. If you're an adult viewer, this Ultraman is not recommended for viewing.

The most weird Ultraman show

[thomasgiblin · 8/10 · 4 December 2020]

Ultraman series during the Showa era is truly something to watch. The tone for each series is very different from each others. with Taro being the one I consider to be the weirdest series out of the original six. (Excluding Ultra Q, the anime, and 80) it follows Kotaro Higashi, played by Saburo Shinoda, who comes to japan as a boxer while also being part of ZAT. While on a mission, he is killed by the Kaiju. Watching was six ultra brothers and ultra mother. They give life back to Kotaro, and he is able to transform into Ultraman Taro. Positives: Kotaro: Is one of the better human hosts. Though he doesn't hold a chance against Hayata or Dan, I found him to be fun and caring. Since the show focus on more children's plots for most episodes. He understands the child and tries to help to the best of his abilities. Kotaro may not be the best human host, but he is better than others. The Weirdness: now we all that japan does get stereotype as being really weird, and this show helps push that fact. Gosh, this show is bizarre, and that one reason why I like it. A bit of history, the series before Taro was Ace. Ace was considered to be too dark, and the next series would be more little hearted than Ace. Taro would take a bit more of a fantasy tone than more of a dark or realistic style. Well, how weird does it get? Well, here are some examples. Episode 27 "He's out! It's alien Mefilas" the alien Mefilas plan was to use vending machines that housed Mandarin grass to attack people and then would take over the world. Episode 28, "Monster eleking barks at the full moon," the episode is about three boys, who dress up like old Japanese warriors, are trying to make false teeth for their grandfather by using Eleking antennas. Episode 48, "Monster girl's festival," hands down one of the weirdest episodes with the Kaiju Veron being an alcoholic kaiju and his owners plan to make drink more alcohol and then sing and dance to make him tired, but it was up to Taro to sobber him up, by throwing a bucket of water at the Kaiju. Indeed something to be watched. Those were just a few episodes. There are many more. It's silly and weird, but I enjoyed every second of it. The theme: Ultraman themes may not be as good as Super Sentai or Kamen Rider. But I really like the theme song for Taro. It was very upbeat for the character and the show. You can make me like your theme if you have it be upbeat. Taro has a perfect theme. Action: though it may not be as good as some others, the action is swift, and some battles are pretty good. Examples would be Taro vs. Enmargo, Taro vs. Birdon, Taro vs. Mururoa, and Taro vs. Live King and Cosmo Liquid. Those were just some fights. Overall the battles are pretty good overall.

The Two parters and the three-parter: though not having a mini-series in Taro, it does have four two parts and one three parters. These seemed to be a bit more serious than some of the others, but they were still enjoyable. My favorite was the three-part with Birdon and the two-parter with Mururoa. My least favorite has to be the two-parter with Tortoise. They might not be like "ultra guard goes west" or "The monster highness," it was still overall excellent.

Negatives: ZAT: hands down, ZAT is the worst attack team in the Showa era. They do basic things as an attack team. It pretty bad when the captain leaves for most of the series and comes back for the final. Leaving the vice-captain in change. Not good, pretty much they are all lazy and don't take very seriously. However, ZAT seems to show a bit more of a human side for the Kaiju. Yet, that doesn't make them better than the others. I don't think so.

Effects: now I didn't mind that the way the props and models in Taro. The action kind of made up for that. However, when comparing Taro to the other series. Yeah, it not that good. Ultraman and Ultraseven had excellent models and props. I can't say that about Taro. that one drawback for those who like the props and models in Ultraman.

The weirdness: this one is like a double edge sword. Even though I thought it was positive. Not everyone will think that. I understand that some may be taken away from it. Yeah, if you prefer a more realistic look like Ultraman. Taro is not that. How bout a more serious tone like Ultraseven? No, even the serious episodes are not as serious as Ultraseven. How about a mixture of both silliness and dark like Ultraman Ace? Nope, it's silly for most of the episodes. Could it be dark as Ultraman Leo? Yeah, sorry if Ace was too dark, then no, Taro is sill and weird. I don't blame you if you don't like and you don't like Taro.

overall: Even though it may be silly and some may not like that, then it's ok. I think this series may not be top tier. However, I don't think it's bottom. It's not the worst but not the best. I may like it more than some people, but I do understand, and I know that is not that good. Overall, Taro may be weird and silly. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I would say watch a few handful episodes on youtube. You can choose any. Maybe not the two-parters, but you choose. If you like, then go and buy the blu ray if not, then just skip it.