Ultraman Fans were in for a treat on Saturday, October 19, 2024 as the Bandai Namco store at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey hosted a special Ultraman Showdown event. One of several Ultraman activations that swept across the New York metro area in tandem with New York Comic Con, this event brought some of the biggest rivals in the history of the Ultraman Series into conflict once more!
The event was hosted by Christopher Sean, best known to fans as the voice of Ken Sato of the Netflix animated feature Ultraman: Rising. Christopher was by no means alone — fans were thrilled to see baby Kaiju Emi follow her beloved father out onto the stage. As father and monstrous daughter drew attention and got acquainted with the crowd, trouble soon followed as Alien Baltan appeared on the scene!
Though Christopher and Emi were able to avoid Baltan’s assault, the alien was easily able to take over the recently-opened Bandai Namco store, he let loose his infamous sinister laugh. When all seemed lost, a familiar sound was heard… Shuuuuwatch!
All was not lost, as our hero Ultraman rose to save the day! The two longtime foes clashed and did battle, both warriors using their fighting styles and signature moves to try and win over the other. In the end, Ultraman was able to defeat Baltan, sending him off and saving the mall.
With the mall safe from Baltan, Ultraman was free to greet the fans who were there to enjoy the shop!
Further adding to the day’s surprises, Takaya Aoyagi, AKA Jugglus Juggler from Ultraman Orb and Ultraman Z made a surprise appearance! Or… Maybe it was Juggler? Thankfully, Aoyagi/Juggler seemed to just be there to enjoy the mall, and was even welcomed alongside Ultraman and Emi.
Unfortunately, not everyone could be as well-behaved, as the sinister Ultraman Belial appeared to menace the populace next!
Wherever Belial appears to cause trouble, though, Ultraman Zero follows, and this time was no exception, the Son of Seven engaging his longtime nemesis in battle.
The clash was just the latest in a decade and a half of fierce battles between light and darkness between the two. This likely wouldn’t be their last fight, but it was certainly the greatest battle New Jersey had ever seen!
As the crowd cheered on Zero, their light gave him the upper hand over Ultraman Belial, until he was able to end things with an Ultra Zero kick to Belial’s chest, sending him flying and away! For now, at least…
Having vanquished Belial in a suitably fancy way, Zero enjoyed the momentary peace to meet fans who gathered around to meet their intergalactic hero! Even Emi seemed to be a little starstruck…
This incredible show was only one of multiple celebrations that the Ultraman Series enjoyed around New York Comic Con and Ultraman Zero’s 15th anniversary. Come back tomorrow when we cover the next event, and for more upcoming Ultraman events and adventures, be sure to stay close to Ultraman Connection!
