Ultraman Franchise Receives Bandai Namco North American Toy License
All Ultraman lovers in North America, rejoice! Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America (BNTCA) has been awarded the master toy license for the Ultraman franchise in North America. This implies that North American fans will be able to purchase new action figures, high-end collectibles, role play items, playsets, and plush toys. The toyline will be released next summer, with chosen categories launching in South America and Europe.
When it came to deciding who would be the franchise’s master licensee, Tsuburaya‘s executive manager Kei Minamitani stated that BNTCA was the most logical choice, stating, “The care and quality that goes into each of their products, plus their extensive presence within the world of anime, makes them a true leader within the industry.”
This license is distinct from Bandai’s Asian franchise licensing, and it was negotiated by BNTCA, Tsuburaya Productions, and Tsuburaya Fields Media & Pictures Entertainment.
Included in this news is the confirmation of a toyline based on the upcoming Ultraman animated feature length picture. The movie will premiere on Netflix in 2024.
The Ultraman franchise is a long-running Japanese tokusatsu (special effects) television show, film, and other media franchise focused on the character Ultraman. Eiji Tsuburaya, the co-creator of Godzilla, developed the franchise, which has become one of Japan’s most iconic and enduring superhero franchises.
The first Ultraman series, simply titled “Ultraman,” debuted in 1966 as a follow-up to the previous show, “Ultra Q.” The concept of a big alien superhero defending Earth from numerous giant monsters and aliens was established in the series. Ultraman is an alien from the Land of Light in the Nebula M78 who joins forces with a human host to combat threats to Earth.
The Ultraman franchise has spawned various television shows, movies, spin-offs, and products since its inception. Each series follows a similar formula, with a new Ultraman hero battling gigantic monsters and aliens who threaten Earth. These heroes frequently have unique designs, powers, and backstories, yet they all share the common theme of defending humanity from extraterrestrial threats.
The Ultraman franchise has garnered tremendous success in Japan and a sizable international following. It has spawned a slew of spin-offs, animated adaptations, and even collaborations with other well-known franchises. Ultraman has become an iconic symbol of Japanese superhero culture throughout the years, and its enduring legacy continues to attract fans worldwide.
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