It has been reported that writer Shozo Uehara passed away on January 2, 2020. Uehara’s work in the Tokusatsu is nothing short of legendary, having worked on every Ultra show from Q to Taro (Along with episodes of Tiga, Dyna, Q: Dark Fantasy and Max), most notably Return of Ultraman, for which he was the head writer for. In addition to that, he was head writer for every Sentai show from Goranger to Sun Vulcan (And wrote episodes for Ohranger) and the Metal Hero Series from Gavan and Spielban. In addition to major franchises like those, he headed the likes of Super Robot Red and Mach Baron, Spiderman, Inazuman Flash and more (All shows I hope to cover here someday). Uehara was also a consultant during the early stages of Kamen Rider‘s production (In addition to being head writer for the early parts of Kamen Rider Black) before being tasked as head writer for Return of Ultraman. To call him a legend in the Tokusatsu world would be an understatement, quite frankly.
From gripping epics like Two Giant Monsters Attack Tokyo/Battle! Monsters vs. MAT, Terror of the Tsunami Monsters, Tokyo’s Big Pinch/Terror of the Two Tsunami Monsters, Tokyo’s Big Tornado and The Crimson Vengeance Demon! The Momorenger From Hell, to emotional rollercoasters like the The Monster User and the Boy (A deeply personal story for Uehara), Ultraman Dies at Sunset/When the Ultra Star Shines and 1 Joker!! The Perfect Crime’s Assassin, to crazily awesome stories like Giant Ant Choju vs. The Ultra Brothers, The Choju is Ten Women? and Black Super Express! Locomotive Mask’s Big Rampage, Uehara rarely let us down, even in the tightest of schedules.
Return of Ultraman remains my favorite Ultraman show alongside the original and is one I have a lot of nostalgic attachment for. It’s arguably the show that really got me into the world of Tokusatsu on television. Without having seen it, this site very well might not have existed. It’s great that in just a few months, Mill Creek will be releasing Return of Ultraman on Blu-Ray for everyone to see in its full glory. But its just a shame Uehara-san couldn’t live to see it.
Beta Capsule Reviews 