When Tsuburaya Productions announced Ultraman Decker in 2022, it was clear the series would be more than just another entry in the ever-expanding Ultra franchise. Marketed as a spiritual successor to Ultraman Dyna—just as Ultraman Trigger had honored Ultraman Tiga—the show set out to bridge nostalgia with a modern sensibility. Now, with the full series collected and capped off by the feature-length Finale: Journey to Beyond, fans can see the story in its entirety, and it proves to be one of the franchise’s most balanced blends of heroics, humanity, and high-stakes spectacle.
The story begins in a not-so-distant future where Earth has enjoyed relative peace since the events of Trigger. But as is tradition in the Ultra Series, that calm is disrupted when a new wave of kaiju threats emerges. Humanity once again forms an elite defense team, GUTS-Select, updated with sleeker uniforms, new technology, and fresh recruits. At the heart of this is Kanata Asumi, portrayed by Hiroki Matsumoto. Kanata is not the hardened soldier archetype; he is cheerful, impulsive, and wears his emotions openly. His motto, “I’ll do it somehow,” at first feels naïve, but over time it evolves into a genuine philosophy about perseverance and compassion in the face of overwhelming odds.
Kanata’s transformation into Ultraman Decker is tied not just to destiny but to his personality. Unlike some previous protagonists who take a reluctant or conflicted path toward becoming an Ultraman host, Kanata embraces his role with enthusiasm. This creates an emotional throughline that is optimistic without being simplistic. He faces doubt, moments of failure, and the crushing reality of being Earth’s protector, but his resilience defines him more than his strength. In many ways, Kanata recalls the spirit of the Heisei-era Ultra hosts, where courage and empathy were equally important as fighting prowess.
Visually, Decker himself is a striking design, a modern homage to Dyna with updated detailing, a more angular chest timer, and versatile color schemes thanks to the multiple forms. The series makes clever use of these different forms—Flash Type, Strong Type, and Miracle Type—not just as power-ups but as reflections of Kanata’s growth and tactical thinking. The action sequences showcase the improvements in Tsuburaya’s digital effects, blending practical miniature work with CGI that enhances rather than replaces. Buildings crumble, energy beams crackle, and kaiju roar with a sense of scale that maintains the tactile charm longtime fans love while appealing to new audiences used to contemporary visual polish.
The kaiju and alien designs continue the Ultra Series tradition of mixing updated classics with inventive new creatures. Longtime fans will recognize echoes of familiar adversaries, while newcomers are introduced to beasts that balance menace with character. What stands out in Decker is how many of these monsters are more than disposable threats. Several episodes give them pathos or show how they reflect humanity’s fears and ambitions. This keeps the battles from becoming routine spectacle; they are often tied to themes of coexistence, responsibility, and the dangers of unchecked desire for power.
The supporting cast of GUTS-Select provides more than background support. Characters like Ichika Kirino and Soma Ryumon evolve from archetypal roles into figures with their own doubts, strengths, and motivations. The chemistry among the team grows throughout the series, with their camaraderie underscoring the idea that Ultraman does not protect Earth alone. Human effort, courage, and cooperation are equally vital.
If the series establishes Kanata’s journey, the finale film, Journey to Beyond, elevates it into something larger and more universal. While television episodes sometimes restrain themselves with budget or pacing, the film format allows for an expanded scope. The stakes rise to cosmic proportions, and Kanata’s bond with Decker becomes more intimate. Without delving into full spoilers, the movie expands on themes of legacy and the weight of being part of a continuing line of heroes. It asks Kanata to consider what it means to fight not just for Earth but for something greater—the shared future of humanity and the wider universe.
One of the most satisfying aspects of the film is how it ties together threads from the series while still pushing Kanata into new territory. It refuses to let him coast on lessons he has already learned; instead, it demands he question his role, his strength, and whether his optimism can truly withstand despair on a galactic scale. The finale also gives weight to the relationships Kanata has built, highlighting how Ultraman stories are rarely about the hero alone but about the network of people whose lives intersect with that power.
Stylistically, Journey to Beyond raises the bar on production. The battles are larger, the choreography more intricate, and the effects more seamless. Yet even in its biggest moments, the heart of the Ultra Series remains: intimate human drama, quiet reflections amid chaos, and the reminder that courage often comes in small, personal choices.
Taken together, the series and its finale form a cohesive narrative arc. Kanata’s journey from an untested youth with an optimistic catchphrase to a mature hero willing to shoulder immense responsibility feels earned. The story respects the legacy of Ultraman Dyna while carving out its own identity. It does not rely solely on nostalgia, though longtime fans will catch the winks and echoes, particularly in design and theme. Instead, it uses that legacy as a foundation to build something fresh, accessible to new viewers while rewarding to those who have followed the franchise for decades.
What makes Ultraman Decker stand out is its balance. It does not lean too heavily into self-seriousness, nor does it dismiss the emotional weight of its premise with humor. It acknowledges the absurd beauty of giant heroes battling towering monsters while grounding it in characters whose struggles feel genuine. Kanata’s optimism is not presented as blind or foolish; it is tempered, tested, and ultimately validated by the bonds he forms and the trials he endures.
In the end, Ultraman Decker and Journey to Beyond serve as a reminder of why the Ultra Series has endured for more than half a century. The stories are not just about dazzling transformations or explosive battles, though those are delivered with style. They are about what it means to hold on to hope, to act with compassion, and to carry the weight of responsibility even when it feels unbearable. Kanata Asumi may have started with the simple belief that he could “do it somehow,” but by the conclusion of his journey, that belief has become something far more powerful—a philosophy of heroism that resonates well beyond the screen.
Ultraman Decker: The Complete Series + Ultraman Decker Finale: Journey to Beyond is available to own today!