“When you believe in the Ultra Star, true peace will arrive.”
After 27 years, Mill Creek has the answer to the first inquiry in Ultraman Dyna’s iconic theme song. “What is justice?” Justice is the complete Ultraman Dyna series 6-disc box set finally at our fingertips, complete with English subtitles!
Not only does the boxset include all fifty-one episodes, but it also features Ultraman Tiga & Ultraman Dyna: Warriors of the Star of Light and Ultraman Dyna: Return of Hanejiro. Mill Creek is feeding us well!
The slipcover slides off to reveal a battle mural sprawled across the front and back case; Dyna kicking his leg to the sky as Neo Darambia lunges towards him.
As always, the set includes an information and episode guide full of everything you need to know. Learn all about Dyna’s various transformation types in his hero profile. Or, for the mechanically minded, take inventory of all the gadgets and vehicles used by fan-favorite task force Super GUTS. Perhaps you can refer to the episode summaries to see which kaiju are in each episode before deciding where to jump in.
Ultraman Dyna catapults us into the future started by Ultraman Tiga, in the Neo Frontier universe. The ancient giant is with us no more, but his efforts set the stage for humanity’s growth out into the stars.
Super GUTS, the successor to the original Global Unlimited Task Squad, are part of Earth’s interplanetary exploration efforts, although they have to deal with hostile aliens and Kaiju, waiting out there in the dark of space. By branching out into the solar system, Earth has painted a red target on its back, and it’s being challenged more than ever.
In episode one, “A New Light (Part 1)” new Super GUTS recruit Shin Asuka finds himself on Mars after being attacked by the mysterious Sphere. On Mars, no member can damage the stone-bodied Kaiju Darambia, and hope is beginning to fade. In what Asuka believes to be his final moments, he is engulfed in a bright light and transforms into a new giant — Ultraman Dyna!
The otherworld exploration doesn’t stop there! We get to see a multitude of other planets through the eyes of Super GUTS. It’s always fun to see humans outside of their element in a universe full of unpredictable kaiju. Episode 11, “Phantom Planet” might be one of the best at encapsulating this, as the reality of this strange nonsensical place slowly and horrifically unravels. Mons-Aghar, the destructive monster, hallucinogenic gas, mirages, and a web of confusion. Can Super GUTS prevail against an impenetrable bioweapon? Maybe Asuka could help, if he could just get back the Lieflasher!
Asuka is a unique host, more playful and immature than his predecessors. He flirts around to be funny, cracks jokes when it’s inappropriate, overestimates and boasts his abilities, and even falls asleep at his desk sometimes. There’s a sweetness and relatability to Asuka. His development throughout the series is truly a coming-of-age story.
Between the boyishly charming host, the highly coveted soundtrack full of groovy, theatrical songs, and some of the coolest padded-leather task force uniforms to date, the swagger in the series is distinct.
However, cool factor doesn’t matter as much as values do. Asuka is forced to contend with this in episode 31 “Deadly Fight! Dyna vs Dyna” when his flaws are reflected to him in the form of a Imit-Ultraman Dyna. A grandiose, overcompensating version of Dyna snaps the neck of Mons-Ahgar II and soaks in humanity’s praise (very uncouth compared to Dyna’s typical nature). Now, the real Dyna must go toe-to-toe with a foe with his face, and put his determination to the test.
Dyna stays fast paced and electric while simultaneously letting us peer into some less becoming truths about humanity. We see characters dealing with their issues such as loss, human on human violence, questioning of the morality of human exploration, and concerns about human-inflicted societal issues.
Episode 25, “Clarkov, Come to the Surface! (Part 1)” and Episode 26, “Clarkov, Come to the Surface! (Part 2)” address Global Warming with Sufume, the aquatic life form, attempting to destroy our environment for his own gain. As it aims to raise the temperature at the South Pole and flood Earth with melted ice caps, Sufume could in some way resemble the inhumane levels of greed we see in humanity as we mercilessly harvest Earth’s resources. Luckily in this 2-parter, we also get to see the extent of Dyna’s powers and what the incredible Miracle Type is all about.
Dyna’s attacks are spectacular. Psychedelic special effects combine the fiery eruptions of practical effects with the bright glowing pinks, yellows and blues of digital light rays. Yellow spires of lighting envelop our heroes but beams of iridescent glowing light protect them. A visual mix of blended elements comes alive on the screen, now better than ever.
Dyna is short for Dynamic, as coined by Super GUTS’s communications operator, Mai Midorikawa. The word doesn’t just fit Ultraman perfectly, it captures the entire Ultraman Dyna series. From vibrant action to tender reflections, Dyna is a versatile journey that’s fun the whole ride through.
Make sure to add the Mill Creek Ultraman Dyna 6-disc Box Set to your collection today and own the complete series. Stay tuned for more here at Ultraman Connection!
