Ultraman Zero, son of the famous Ultra Seven, is known as “The Son of Tsuburaya” by many Ultraman fans. Because he has plenty of scenes, movies and often appears in many other Ultramans’ TV shows. Lots of accessory products and frequent participation in the publicity also make him well known.
However, the history of Ultraman Zero is a little bit ignominious. He was banished from the Star of Ultra by his father for attempting to take the Plasma Spark for himself to seek more power. Later, he trained with Ultraman Leo on K76 and his training ultimately led to his redemption in his battle with Belial. When Ultra Seven exiled him, he was actually saving Zero from touching the Plasma Spark and thus preventing him from a fate similar to Ultraman Belial’s (quote Ultraman Wiki).
Here comes our today’s hero – the Renewal Version of Ultra-Act Ultraman Zero which released in January 31, 2014. And it has been a long time since the release of Version 1 which is in September 25, 2010, five years ago. So it is necessary to renew the old one. With the first release is the bonus of “Leo-Zero Double Flasher effect”.
(1) Outer box and instruction page
Not like the normal red box, the outer box is covered in a blue with silver stripes which is similar to the design of his own body. The back shows the “Leo-Zero Double Flasher effect”, the first release bonus.
(2) Inner Box
Two levels of inner box. The first level holds the figure Ultraman Zero and small accessories. The second level contains big effect parts.
(3) All items
Lots of accessories add more points to this set!
Ultraman Zero figure, 6 pairs of changeable hands, alternate non-sluggers head, Twin Sword, Chest Sluggers, Zero Sluggers, Red Timer, plastic stand attachment, alternate folded armor, Sluggers with Slash Effect, Wide Shot Effect and first release bonus: Leo-Zero Double Flasher Effect.
(4) Four views of the figure
The Renewal Version features a more muscular body with accurate sculpture and the painting is closer to the TV suit. The body is well-proportioned and taller than the old one. The knee joints are also painted in half red and half blue. The size and details of the armor is adjusted to look more like the real Zero. About the head, here comes a common problem, the size of two eyes are different. The right one is a little bigger than the right one. Almost all renewal Zero have this problem. But it is not obvious especially when you see the real figure.
(5) Head Articulation
The head has limited articulation especially when rising.
(6) Waist Articulation
Due to the renew of the torso and muscle, the waist is flexible and can achieve some difficult articulation. Also you can see the body is more streamlined and accurate.
(7) Body Articulation
The renewal has big effect on the legs. Now two legs can split and bend to a considerable range. As for arms, they can achieve 360° rotation and also be bent to a ideal position.
(8) Accessory One – Folded Armor
With the folded armor, the range of arms articulation is improved.
(9) Accessory Two – Red Timer
It is easier to change the Zero Timer. There is no need to pick the whole armor off. A slot is at the bottom of the Timer so just pick it out using your fingernails.
(10) Accessory Three & Four – Non-sluggers Head & Zero Sluggers
The connection between head and neck is a spherical joint. Please be careful when you change the head.
(11) Accessory Five – Sluggers with Slash Effect
This neat part gives the renewal Zero a great deal of dynamic action.
(12) Accessory Six & Seven – Twin Sword & Chest Sluggers
(13) Accessory Eight – Wide Shot Effect
Unlike Ultra-Act Ultraman Gaia V2, a hand is already attached on the Wide Shot Effect. So you just need to unplug the original hand and plug this hand in the spherical joint.
(14) Accessory Eight – Leo-Zero Double Flasher Effect
Unlike the usual way that the first release bonus is contained in an extra box, this bonus is in the Ultra-Act Zero’s box. I am not sure it will still exist if the Ultra-Act Zero is re-issued. The answer most likely be not. So it is better to own one if you do not want to lose this effect!
Summary:
Except for the problem of different eye sizes (It really can be ignored), I can not find other obvious drawbacks about this Ultra-Act. Lots of accessaries, first release bonus, very detailed and accurate sculpture and TV-closer painting all make this figure a must buy.
If you have questions about this figure or ideas want to share, feel free to leave reply below.
Hope you enjoy this review!
Tokusatsu Box 