ONION
I really have to cover this guy, don’t I?
Onion is another oni-inspired kaiju for the franchise, this time being an analogue to the oni seen in in the classic story of Momotaro, which this episode is based on. Hailing from the Planet Apple, Onion is driven to Earth after the chicken guards of Planet Apple’s orchards prevent him from eating his home world’s fruit, Onion sets his sights on devouring Earth’s fruit. A young boy named Momotaro attempts to combat the monster to live up to his namesake, and teams up with Leo and MAC to defeat the kaiju.
Onion, yeah, I don’t like him. While I’ve enjoyed many of the previous oni-inspired kaiju in the series, I feel like Onion, and the episode in question sticks out like a sore thumb in a show like Leo, and the budget really hampers what is a generic, but passable design. The costume really looks like it should be for a local amusement park than a TV show. He’s just a dumb monster, and while perhaps there’s some elements to his character that are lost in translation for me, I can’t help but dislike the guy.
KING PARADAI
After saving a young Paradai alien from being killed by local fisherman, a former sea captain is whisked away to the Paradais’ undersea ship, where he’s given a lavish meal and a golden pipe for his good deed. However, the Paradai have decided that the rest of the human race is evil and must be wiped out, and two of their party fuse and become the kaiju King Paradai.
Another episode dealing with interplanetary race relations, and while not as complex as Return of Ultraman‘s The Monster User and the Boy, the Paradai story is a solid story, and I like the idea of an alien attack being prompted by mankind’s own xenophobia.
The Paradai aliens themselves look a bit on the cheap side, but I do think they work out relatively well. There’s a consistent usage of green on their design that really helps them stand out, and I like the monstrous hands they have, making them not quite as human-looking as they appear to be on first glance. Their monster form of King Paradai is one of the nicer looking suits in Leo, and I like how aquatic he feels, even if he’s never seen around a body of water, must be due to those fin-like ears he’s got.
Adapting the Urashima Taro story (first done in the Grow! Turtle episode of Ultra Q waaaay back in 1966), I feel like I must make note of the Paradai ship, which is based on sea turtles! A really cool design for a craft.
URINGA
A strange child with immense strength and psychic powers, Ury uses his powers to cause all sorts of havoc, prompting Gen and Dan to get involved, knowing that this child is yet another alien on the loose on Earth. However, things soon become very complicated….
You see, Ury’s adopted mother is someone who appears to be Anne Yuri, except she claims not to be Anne when Dan tries to reunite with her. While this happens, Ury goes out of control, becoming the giant Uringa. Leo is able to shrink the alien back down to regular size using the King Cape and takes both him, and the mysterious woman to space, leaving Dan with no answers.
I’m not really huge on this character. The idea of the MOTW being a psychic alien child definitely has potential, but I find the child actor in this episode to be fairly annoying unfortunately, rather than intriguing like I think they were aiming him to be.
I’m also not too fond of his giant Uringa form. It just looks too cheap, and the incongruous details on him such as the spiked torso, sculpted face with visor eyes make him feel more like a robot than an alien. Perhaps if this design showed up in Iron King, I could get behind it more, but here? Eh, pass.
As for the Anne question, we get no answers to who this mystery woman is, and while I think the idea of us being in the dark like Dan is could make for an interesting story, I do find it a shame that their first reunion since Ultraseven‘s finale is a mystery and we’d have to wait a few more decades for a proper reunion. I’m curious to know how exactly “Anne” came across adopting Ury, although, there is an alternative explanation to this conundrum. In the officially-sanctioned book Ultra Common Knowledge: Ultraseven and Ultraman Zero, it is hypothesized that Ury isn’t merely the adopted child of Anne, but rather the biological offspring of Dan and Anne, and a younger version of Ultraman Zero himself! I don’t necessarily put too much stock in this theory, but it is an intriguing idea, and does answer who exactly Zero’s mother is….
ROLAN AND MAGMA II
Supposedly the most beautiful monster in the universe, Rolan catches the eyes of a Magma alien, who desires the creature as his bride. Thanks to Gen’s help, she escapes, but finds herself injured after his attack.
After a bicycle owner and his son pull out one of Magma’s needles that is stuck in her foot, Rolan takes on a human guise, and soon shows up on their doorstep, wanting to help out the humans that rescued her by working for them. She makes special pinwheels from her feathers that become popular with the children who frequent the shop. However, this idyllic peace is interrupted by Magma, who begins destroying all the pinwheels he can. When Rolan reveals her identity to the bike shop owner and his son, she thanks them for their kindness and decides to leave to keep them safe…only for Magma to arrive on the scene, this time to kill her for refusing his advances.
This adaptation of the folktale The Crane’s Return Favor is among the oddest episodes of Leo, and in many ways, a very frustrating story in my eyes, mostly due to how the episode treats it’s main antagonist.
This is the first time we’ve seen Magma since episode 2, and while you’d think that the return of such a character would be a major event, here, it really isn’t. The original Magma went from being a planet destroying conquerer that wiped out an entire world of Ultras, flooded Tokyo and crippled Ultraseven, to an alien that wants to marry a giant bird monster and when his advances are rejected, goes around breaking the pinwheels she gave to kids as gifts, talk about villain decay. It doesn’t help that rather than the mask that allowed the actor’s mouth and eyes to be seen, giving the character more emotion compared to most alien invaders we’ve seen, this Magma has a very cheap mask that is expressionless. Lastly, even though many sources label this character as Magma 2, Gen states in the episode itself that this is the Magma that killed his family, and is essentially treated as the same one we saw in the opening episodes. And how does this villain go out? Being stabbed by a pinwheel. There’s no fanfare for his death, no celebration by Gen, he goes out like every other MOTW we’ve seen.
Magma 2’s inclusion was another attempt to reinvigorate the series. Producer Ken Kumagi called up a “Kaiju Club” made up of hardcore Ultra fans in an attempt to come up with ways to get viewers interested in the show again, and the return of Magma was one of the many suggestions.
As for Rolan herself, I sort of like her, albeit she is far from the most beautiful creature in the universe, but I suppose that was just due to the Oil Shock happening. I like the idea of a friendly space monster staying to help out the humans who rescued her. I should mention that Rolan’s human form is played by Hiroko Sakurai from Ultra Q and Ultraman, with the bicycle store owner being played by Susume Kurobe, Hayata from Ultraman! While I am a bit disappointed that these two aren’t playing their most famous roles, it is a treat to see them again, and they have a natural chemistry together.
VARMIN
Disguising himself as an old man who gives out flowers, Varmin’s master plan is to have the flowers put a sleeping spell on all of the children of city.
Kaoru is warned of this plan by the White Flower Sprit, a supernatural entity that dwells in a flower and is sickened by Japan’s pollution.
Varmin is alright. He’s a decent looking bug monster, almost akin to some grubby critter you’d see in a Raid commercial, and his plan is one of the more unique ones seen in Leo. The White Flower Fairy is another sort of character that’s unique to the 70’s entries. I don’t have much opinions on her, but I like how whenever she shows up, she’s got this sort of flower halo around her.
Varmin’s human form was played by Noboru Nakaya, whom Japanese film fans may recognize from his role in Lady Snowblood, and aside from his appearance here, showed up in various tokusatsu shows such as Japan Sinks, Army of Apes, Spider-Man, Goggle V and Juspion.
KIRARA
A young and skilled gymnast, Yayoi soon begins receiving strange messages, telling her that it’s time for her to return to the Moon. It soon is revealed that what she thought were her parents adopted her, and that she is in actuality, Princess Kaguya, who was sent to the Earth 15 years ago when a conflict erupted on the Moon. Now that the conflict has ended, she must return.
Reluctant to go back to her true home, the monster Kirara is sent to come pick her back up. During Leo’s tussle with the rocky creature, Kirara destroys Yayoi’s moon pendant, which causes her to transform into the moon princess, and the two return to the heavenly body.
This episode, an adaptation of Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, is my personal favorite of the folklore based stories found in this portion of Leo, and much of it has to deal with the mystery surrounding Kaguya herself here, since recall, she’s from the Moon. And we know in Ultraman Ace that Yapool had Lunaticks destroy the Selenite civilization that lived there. And since it’s stated Princess Kaguya was sent to Earth due to a conflict 15 years ago, perhaps she’s part of the same civilization that was wiped out by Lunaticks? It’s never stated in the episode itself, and it’s a bit of a shame Minami didn’t make a return appearance in this episode, but I personally like to connect the dots we’ve been given in the previous two shows which may help flesh out the background here.
As for the monster, I really dig Kirara. He’s got a fun Muppet quality with those big eyes, and the rocky, cratered texture really helps him feel like he’s something you’d naturally find on the Moon. I think my favorite feature of his are those craters above his eyes, which spout steam when he’s mad!
AKUMANIA
Appearing over an apartment complex as a gigantic eyeball, Akumania causes a wide variety of strange occurrences such as hands reaching out of the walls and floors to grab the residents, blood pouring from faucets.
Angered by Gen’s interference, Akumania reveals his true form, and gains the advantage over Leo. Things look bleak until Astra arrives to even the odds.
I’ve always enjoyed Akumania ever since I laid eyes on him in the Tsuburaya All Monster Picture Book, and even after all these years, I think he’s a really cool creature. His design is simple, but very memorable and creepy, and he feels very much in line with a traditional yokai with his single large eyeball on his chest, and bull-like horns. In addition, the poltergeist phenomena he creates is very reminiscent of many of the bizarre, anything goes 80’s horror movies I love so much, so he’s easily one of my favorites from this particular show.
ASHURAN
A strange space monster with a two-sided body, Ashuran ambushes Ultraman Jack when he is on his way to Earth to give Dan the Monster Ball containing Sevengar, as well as take the Ultra Eye back to M78 to be repaired.
Placing a strange mask on Goh that prevents him from speaking, Ashuran begins a rampage across Japan, only to be beaten back by Sevengar. Once Dan gets the mask off, Leo and Jack finally vanquish the demonic space monster.
Ashuran is one of those monsters I feel like should be a bigger deal. He’s clearly a powerful monster, being able to battle the experienced Jack with ease and trap him with that strange mask. And the episode seems to hint that he’s much more intelligent than your usual kaiju, with his initial attack on Jack seeming to be trying to capture or destroy the Monster Ball, as well as retreating when he sees Dan, Gen and Goh all together, knowing that he’s seeing three Ultras in front of him, which he knows he stands no chance against. And while it’s not seen in the episode, the All Monsters Volume 1 book mentions he has the power to revive the dead too! I also can’t forget to mention just this really cool Eastern Demon design that looks super unique due to his two-sided suit, allowing the suit actor to play the monster backwards in certain scenes. He’s just cool as all hell, and I’m a little sad he hasn’t been elevated to being one of Leo‘s boss monsters just due to how unique he is.
Ashuran takes his name and design from the Asuras from Buddhism, high ranking demons with multiple faces and limbs.
SEVENGAR
YES, HERE HE IS! My absolute favorite kaiju from Leo, as well as just one of my favorite kaiju in general, Sevengar is the monster summoned by the Monster Ball Goh had given to Dan. Much like Dan’s old Capsule Monsters, all he has to do is throw the Ball to have Sevengar appear. Thanks to Sevengar’s 1 minute time limit and 50 hour recharge, we only see him in action briefly, but in that one minute, he absolutely wipes the floor with Ashuran, and if this guy had some more time, I assure you he would’ve just ended that dude’s life right then and there. Sadly, despite being intended to give Dan a way to battle again, this is Sevengar’s only appearance in the show, though he leaves quite an impression, and I imagine Leo would just be redundant if Dan could just summon a monster that could clean any kaiju or alien’s clock that quickly. The book Ultraman Leo in the Mind postulates that the time limit is perhaps a safeguard in case any enemy steals and attempts to use Sevengar, but regardless, it makes me sad we only get a brief glimpse at this character.
Sevengar was another suggestion by that Kaiju Club I had mentioned earlier whom producer Ken Kumagi had asked for advice to help the show’s ratings dive. They had mentioned that they wanted Dan to have something similar to his Capsule Monsters and Sevengar was the result. While he doesn’t look as polished as someone like Windam, I can’t help but love this guy. He looks like he’s made of an old water heater with car headlights for a face and just looks so morose. He really is a cute looking robot, which just makes his powerful fighting skills all the more charming.
While Sevengar would sadly be left out of the rest of Leo, he wouldn’t be entirely be forgotten. The monster would be pegged to return alongside the Capsule Monsters in Ultra Galaxy Mega Monster Battle Legends: The Movie, but this wasn’t to be. Personally, I’m a tad shocked he wasn’t one of GUYS’s Maquette Monsters in Ultraman Mebius. However, some 45 years later, Sevengar would finally return in 2020’s Ultraman Z as one of the mecha for the defense team STORAGE, but that is something we’ll cover when we get around to Z.
TAISHOH
The student of a monster elementary school up in space, Taishoh is imprisoned in a jar by his angry father when he fails in his studies. Freed by an underachieving child named Miyasaka, the two kids see themselves as kindred spirits, with Miyasaka trying to get Taishoh to destroy his school. When this is foiled by MAC, Miyasaka and his friends beat up the delinquent kaiju, until MAC shows up, forcing Taishoh into a retreat. Wishing to return home, Leo takes the creature back into space, leaving Miyasaka behind to do his homework all by himself.
Taishoh is the last comedic monster we see in Leo, and despite all these odd quirks he has, he’s really one of the better ones thanks to his design, which really reminds me of these old monster finger puppets I had as a kid. Many of the ones I had similar red coloration and textures to Taishoh’s body, so on a design standpoint, I can’t help but feel fond of the guy. I’m curious about the monster elementary school Taishoh mentions going to. What sort of things are in their curriculum? What does recess look like? Did guys like Black King and Pandon go there? It’s sort of a cute idea, and I could almost see a Booska-esque show about Taishoh and Miyasaka running around and getting into trouble with that hook. That being said, the story itself, like many of the more comedic stories in Leo feel like it’d be more fitting as a Taro episode, or thanks to the school angle, as an Ultraman 80 storyline.
ATLANTA
A cunning and diabolical alien from Atlanta, Georgia the planet Atlanta, he takes on the identity of Saburo Uchida, an astronaut who went to explore the world three years ago. Thanks to their telepathy, Dan and Gen are able to realize Saburo is really an Atlanta imposter, but due to Saburo being engaged to the daughter of the EDF commander, they’re forced into a stalemate when the Atlanta alien mentions that he’ll reveal their identities should they do the same.
Atlanta plans to use the MAC uranium to destroy the MAC space station, and he almost gets close to succeeding, until Astra arrives to help Leo in stopping him.
Atlanta feels a bit cheap suit wise, looking more akin to one of the robots you’d see on Iron King, but he’s just a wonderfully crafty villain, which makes him stand out a bit more from the pack, and the drama of having the Ultras and Atlanta be aware of each others identities, but being unable to reveal it makes for some great suspense. I do like his fin-like ears he’s got, which gives him a futuristic fishman kinda vibe.
MAZARAS AND SPECTER
An alien who dwells in the mirror world, Mazaras lost her daughter some time ago, and to fill the void, kidnaps Kaoru into her world, under the guise of Tooru and Kaoru’s dead mother.
When Gen attempts to rescue Kaoru from Mazaras’s dimension, she sends her monster, Specter, into the real world in an attempt to get Gen to stop his mission.
Mazaras is a character that looks fairly cheap as aliens go, but I think the story behind the character is really what sells it. Rather than setting out to conquer the Earth, her motivation is much, much more tragic and that just makes her more memorable and interesting as a character than if she was another alien invader. I am also curious about the nature of her species and the mirror world they inhabit. Dan seems to have quite a bit of familiarity with them and notes that they tend to spirit away children quite often. Is this maybe the same mirror world Mirrorman’s father called home? And if we’re gonna go off of Kaoru as an example here, do they often steal away human children if they have lost a child to fill that hole in their lives? It’s some interesting stuff for an alien that’s a woman in a demon mask.
There isn’t much to say about her kaiju, Specter, but he’s a really cool on in my book. I really like his reflective body, and he’s got jagged, multicolored glass shards for spines which is a fun touch. Overall, an underrated pair of creatures.
BABALU
The unthinkable has occurred: The Ultra Key, a powerful artifact integral to the Land of Light’s functioning, has been stolen by Astra. With the Key gone, the Land of Light begins to drift towards Earth….
As the Ultra Brothers try to take back the Key, they run afoul of Leo, who desperately tries to protect his only living relative from the senior Ultras. The clock is ticking, as if the Key isn’t returned, the Ultra home will collide with the Earth and destroy it. It’s soon discovered, thanks to Ultraman King, that this is not Astra, but rather Babalu, an alien from the Dark Nebula with designs on conquering the universe and wiping out the Ultras. Thankfully, Leo is able to rescue the real Astra, and the Leo Brothers are able to prevent the worlds from colliding, and defeat Babalu, ending his evil ambitions.
The villain of this crossover has always been a character I’ve been very fond of. You know a guy is serious business when he almost wipes out Leo, the Earth and M78 in one-fell swoop through just his trickery alone. We’ve had an alien that transforms themself into a copy of the main hero in Zarab, but Zarab’s disguise was pretty easy to see through. Babalu’s Astra disguise however? A perfect recreation of the Ultra in question, leading to some suspenseful scenes prior to the reveal where we don’t know if it’s really Astra doing these villainous acts.
Babalu’s design was another Osawa creation, being based around altering the second Magma suit, almost making him look like he should be the Magma’s king or something. I personally really like the Babalu design. The gold and black color scheme looks really nice, and I dig that golden head of hair he’s got, which makes him reminiscent of Ambassador Magma. I could almost see him as a final boss villain if the show ended here.
Babalu would become one of the few Leo villains to escape the show, returning through the Hesei era as one of the many antagonistic aliens, and often using his chameleon-like abilities to transform into the current Ultra.
Easter's Kaiju Kompendium 