Ultra-Man Rising: Why the Internet Loves Kenji Sato

With the summer heat comes plenty of summer blockbusters, and streaming has allowed us to see many of these hit films from the comfort of our own homes. “Deadpool and Wolverine” is garnering a lot of hype as this summer’s big superhero movie, one that no one can wait to see. But there’s already a hit superhero movie that’s been out on Netflix for a month: an animated film that the internet has fallen in love with. 

You probably wouldn’t believe me if I told you this superhero film focuses on a young man discovering the trials and joys of fatherhood. But that’s exactly what “Ultraman: Rising” is about.

The word “Ultraman” may sound familiar to you. Ultraman is a Japanese superhero franchise that originated in the 1960s, starting with an animated series. Ultraman is an alien with the power to grow in size. He fights giant monsters called Kaiju and protects Japan from their destruction, but makes sure they’re never killed in order to preserve the endangered species. 

Back in the day, Ultraman was popular all around the world, including the Americas. Over the years, there have been countless TV and movie adaptations, as well as merchandise and toys. But acclaim for the franchise has been fading outside of Japan, with the once household name losing its relevance. That is, until Netflix got their hands on it.

“Ultraman: Rising” uses its bright, unique animation style to introduce the newer generations to this classic franchise. The movie’s plot focuses on the young man Kenji “Ken” Sato, who’s trying to take on the mantle of superhero from his father, the original Ultraman. While balancing his difficult role as a fledgling hero and his day job as a star baseball player, he finds himself in the care of a baby Kaiju, the very kind of monster he’s meant to defeat. Suddenly, Kenji’s main priority is being the single father to this giant, unpredictable creature, which also helps him rekindle his relationship with his own estranged father.

The film has plenty of staples for a modern superhero movie, including an end-credits scene that sets up for a potential sequel (which will likely happen due to the movie’s popularity). But even with all the fighting and action scenes, which become more prevalent near the movie’s climax, the heart of the movie is in the characters and the vulnerability they show, especially Kenji.

Even without the slick animation style and adorable baby Kaiju, “Ultraman: Rising” would have taken the internet by storm with the very existence of its charming protagonist. No one can stop raving about Kenji, and everywhere you look on social media, there seems to be a new edit or piece of fanart for him. His sharp cheekbones and quippy one-liners have made him the latest popular fictional crush. Some compare his boost in popularity to that of the character Miguel O’Hara from the movie “Spiderman: Across the Spider Verse.” It’s gotten to the point that fans will debate online which character is ultimately more attractive and likable.

Kenji’s character development adds another appeal to him. He starts off as an arrogant celebrity, focused on putting on an attractive facade to distract from his own personal conflicts. But he grows to be a responsible team-player who’s more comfortable in his own skin. Audiences have seen similar stories before, but not often in superhero movies, which traditionally tell stories about characters becoming more physically strong in order to beat their enemies. “Ultraman: Rising” embraces its protagonist becoming a better, kinder person in order to be a great hero.

I can’t say how much longer we’ll be seeing Kenji Sato’s face take up our recommended pages or how long until the rave for “Ultraman: Rising” starts to die out. For now, the burgeoning fandom is still going strong and more people are discovering the movie every day. 

The movie isn’t without its flaws, but it’s a very fun and visually pleasing film, perfect to watch with your family on a hot summer’s night. You don’t have to be the ultimate Ultraman fan to fall in love with the adorable dynamic of Kenji and his Kaiju baby. I’m looking forward to whatever’s next for the franchise.