Is The Ultraman Really Finished?#
Whether The Ultraman is “finished” depends on which era of the franchise you are diving into.
If you are looking at the classic 1979 series (also known as Ultraman Joe or Ultraman Jonias), that story reached its conclusion in 1980. However, for fans following the modern era—which began with the 2011 manga and led to the 2019, 2022, and 2023 anime series—the journey is still ongoing.
While the recent anime sequels provide significant narrative progression, the source material is not yet complete. According to recent reports, the Ultraman manga is scheduled to resume in Spring 2026 to deliver the Final Arc. Therefore, if you want the absolute conclusion to the story, you will eventually need to supplement your anime viewing with the manga.
If you want to keep up with the latest reads, you can buy the Ultraman manga here.
Appeal and Audience#
The Ultraman is a powerhouse of the action, adventure, and science fiction genres. It is best suited for viewers who enjoy cosmic scales, heroic battles, and the enduring appeal of giant protectors.
Recent entries in the franchise have garnered massive critical acclaim. Specifically, Ultraman: Rising has become a global hit, ranking #2 on Netflix’s Global Top 10 and receiving numerous nominations and wins at the Children’s & Family Emmys, as well as recognition from the Visual Effects Society and the Annie Awards. This suggests the series has a broad appeal, ranging from children and families to fans of high-end visual effects and animation.
If you love these giant heroes, you can find plenty of Ultraman merchandise to add to your collection here.
Recommended Watch Orders#
Because the Ultraman anime universe is sprawling—featuring various related projects, spinoffs, and adaptations—the best way to watch depends on your goals. You can refer to the relationship tree below the article for a visual map of these connections.
The Release Order (The Historian’s Path)#
For those who want to see how the animation and storytelling evolved over decades, follow the release dates:
- The Ultraman (1979)
- Ultraman Kids series (including M7.8 Sei no Yukai na Nakama, Kotowaza Monogatari, and Haha o Tazunete 3000 Man Kōnen)
- Ultraman: The Adventure Begins (1987)
- Ultraman Graffiti (1990)
- Ultraman Company Kochira Ulkan Tokusō-tai de-su! (1996)
- Ultraman: Chō Tōshi Gekiden - Suisei Senjin Tsuifon Tōjō (1996)
- Ultraman M78 Gekijō Love & Peace (1999)
- The Modern Era: Ultraman (2019) $\rightarrow$ Ultraman (2022) $\rightarrow$ Ultraman (2023)
- Ultraman: Rising (2024)
The Modern Journey (The Fast Track)#
If you prefer modern animation and a streamlined story, start with the 2019 series. This path focuses on the most recent narrative arc:
- Ultraman (2019)
- Ultraman (2022)
- Ultraman (2023)
- Ultraman: Rising (2024)
You can watch the anime on Prime Video to catch up on the action.
The Completionist Path (The Ultimate Fan)#
For those who want every single piece of the puzzle, including source material and adaptations:
- Start with the 2011 Ultraman manga to set the stage for the modern anime sequence.
- Watch the 2019, 2022, and 2023 anime sequels.
- Experience Ultraman: Rising.
- Dive into the legacy content (1979 series and the various Ultraman Kids and Graffiti projects).
- Read related manga such as Ultraman G, Ultraman: The First, and Ultraman Chō Tōshi Gekiden.
- Wait for the 2026 manga Final Arc to complete the story.
If you find this guide helpful in navigating the massive Ultraman universe, consider supporting our site on Ko-fi to help us keep investigating your favorite series!
Useful Tips for New Viewers#
- Streaming Options: Keep an eye out for the Ultraman FAST channel on Amazon Prime Video for easy access to content.
- Language Note: Depending on where you are watching, you may find the series under alternative titles like Ultraman Joe, Ultraman Jonias, or the Arabic title الرجل الخارق.
- Animated Films: Don’t miss Ultraman: The Adventure Begins; it recently received a new English dub and has been screened at events like G-Fest.
Ultraman • anime • 1979-04-04 to 1980-03-26
└─(related)→ Ultraman Kids: M7.8 Sei no Yukai na Nakama • anime • 1984-03-17
└─(related)→ Ultraman Kids no Kotowaza Monogatari • anime • 1986-04-16 to 1986-11-19 (eps 01-24 only)
└─(related)→ Ultraman Kids: Haha o Tazunete 3000 Man Kōnen • anime • 1991-11-17 to 1992-05-24
└─(related)→ Ultraman: The Adventure Begins • anime • 1987-10-12
└─(related)→ Ultraman Graffiti • anime • 1990-10-25
└─(related)→ Ultraman M78 Gekijō Love & Peace • anime • 1999-03-06
└─(related)→ Ultraman Company Kochira Ulkan Tokusō-tai de-su! • anime • 1996-03-09
└─(related)→ Ultraman G • manga • 1990-09-01 to 1991-10-01 (serialized in <i>Television Magazine</i>)
└─(related)→ Ultraman: The First • manga • 2005-03-01
└─(related)→ Ultraman Chō Tōshi Gekiden • manga • 1993 to 1997 (serialized in Comic Bonbon)
└─(adaptation)→ Ultraman: Chō Tōshi Gekiden - Suisei Senjin Tsuifon Tōjō • anime • 1996-09-25
└─(related)→ Ultraman • manga • 2011-11-01 (serialized in <i>Monthly Heroes</i>)
└─(adaptation)→ Ultraman • anime • 2019-04-01
└─(sequel)→ Ultraman • anime • 2022-04-14
└─(sequel)→ Ultraman • anime • 2023-05-11
└─(related)→ Ultraman: Rising • anime • 2024-06-14
└─(spinoff)→ Darkness Heels • anime •
└─(related)→ Ultra Maririn • manga • 1988-10-01 to 1989-05-02 (PyonPyon, 1988 vol. 5 - Jun 1989)
