This show stands as one of the boldest entries in the Ultraman franchise, offering a stark contrast to the often formulaic structure of its predecessors. What sets this series apart isn’t just its dark, atmospheric tone or the weighty themes it explores, but the depth and intricacy of its characters. These characters, especially the Dunamists, are not just standard heroes; they are flawed, complex, and burdened with pain and responsibility, giving the series an emotional resonance rarely seen in prior Ultra shows. A Fresh Atmosphere in a Stale Genre Nexus came at a time when the Ultra franchise was beginning to feel somewhat repetitive, with most series following a familiar pattern: giant monsters threaten, Ultra hero fights, victory is achieved. While this formula works and has its charm, this show dared to deviate from it. It introduced a darker, edgier tone with themes of trauma, loss, and redemption, often exploring them with a sense of realism not typically found in tokusatsu. Instead of relying solely on the spectacle of monster battles, Nexus emphasizes the emotional journey of its characters, grounding the show in personal stakes that feel tangible. The show’s atmosphere is perhaps its most immediately noticeable aspect. The color palette is more muted, with grays and blues dominating the scenes. This adds to the sense of unease and gloom that pervades the series. It feels like the world of Nexus is teetering on the edge, with every encounter with a Space Beast a battle for survival, not just for the planet but for the characters’ souls. The stakes feel higher than they ever have before in an Ultra series. Character Depth and Evolution: The Dunamists Where Nexus truly excels is in how it treats its characters. The series doesn’t just use them as vehicles for action scenes or plot progression; instead, it gives each one a rich backstory and motivation. The Dunamists—Himeya, Ren, Nagi, and Komon—are perhaps the most developed and humanized characters in the franchise. - Himeya is the first Dunamist we meet, a man who seeks to find meaning in life through photography. His arc is tragic, as he wrestles with the trauma of losing loved ones and the weight of his responsibilities as Nexus. What makes Himeya compelling is that, unlike many Ultra protagonists, he isn’t a natural-born hero. He’s just a man trying to make sense of his pain and his place in the world. His struggle to reconcile his grief with his duty makes his character relatable and sympathetic. As the series progresses, Himeya’s journey becomes one of self-forgiveness, as he learns to embrace Nexus’s power not as a burden, but as a form of redemption. - Ren is another standout, though his arc is cut shorter than Himeya’s due to the series’ reduced episode count. Ren’s story is one of acceptance in the face of an inevitable fate. He is aware that his time as a Dunamist is limited, and while he initially faces this with stoic resignation, his relationships with the Night Raiders, and especially with Mizuo, give him a reason to fight beyond mere survival. Ren’s arc touches on themes of mortality, the fear of being forgotten, and the desire to leave a legacy behind. Although Ren’s character development feels slightly less fleshed out than Himeya’s, it is no less poignant. His eventual sacrifice feels earned, and his sendoff is as emotionally charged as it is heroic. - Nagi brings a different flavor to the Dunamists’ stories. As the sole survivor of a Beast attack, Nagi’s character is driven by a desire for vengeance and a deep sense of survivor’s guilt. Her journey is one of letting go of hatred and learning to trust others again. Her relationship with Komon plays a crucial role in her character arc, as it forces her to confront her trauma and realize that there is more to life than seeking revenge. Nagi’s arc may not be as central as Himeya’s or Ren’s, but it’s a critical emotional component of the series, adding depth to the overall narrative. - Komon, perhaps the most intriguing of the bunch, is a character who starts off as your typical Ultra protagonist—a man who believes in justice, doing good, and saving lives. But *Nexus* subverts this trope by throwing Komon into a world that doesn’t play by those rules. He is constantly beaten down by the cruelty of his environment, and his idealism is tested at every turn. By the end of the series, Komon’s evolution is complete: he emerges as a hero not because he is an Ultraman, but because of what he has learned from the other Dunamists. His development is the culmination of all the lessons the series teaches about perseverance, hope, and finding meaning even in the darkest times. Relatability and Universal Themes What makes the Dunamists resonate so deeply is that their struggles mirror the human experience in ways that are rare for a tokusatsu series. Each Dunamist represents a different aspect of dealing with pain, loss, or existential dread, making their journeys relatable to viewers on a personal level. - Himeya’s arc speaks to those who have ever chased a dream only to be met with failure and the sting of regret. His story is one of redemption and finding a new sense of purpose in the aftermath of personal tragedy. - Ren’s story of facing an inevitable fate while still trying to protect those he loves will resonate with anyone who has ever felt powerless in the face of a difficult situation, yet continued to put on a brave face for the sake of others. - Nagi’s survivor’s guilt and her quest for revenge tap into the universal feeling of loss and the desire to make sense of senseless tragedy. - Komon’s arc is perhaps the most universally relatable, especially in a world where idealism often clashes with harsh realities. His journey is about finding the strength to keep going when everything around you seems determined to knock you down. An Unfinished Masterpiece It’s no secret that Nexus was originally planned for a longer run, and the sudden reduction in episode count forced the writers to condense many storylines. Ren’s arc, in particular, feels like it suffered from this change. Had the series been allowed its original 50+ episodes, we might have seen more nuanced character development and a deeper exploration of the world of Nexus. But even with this shortened run, the series manages to deliver emotionally powerful stories and satisfying conclusions for its characters. What’s truly impressive is how the writers, despite these limitations, managed to maintain the emotional weight of the series in its second half. They were able to give each Dunamist a fitting conclusion, tying up their arcs in ways that felt both epic and intimate. Conclusion: A Grim yet Hopeful Journey Ultraman Nexus is a series that dares to take the Ultra franchise into darker, more introspective territory. It pushes its characters to their emotional limits, but in doing so, it also offers them a chance at redemption and hope. Each of the Dunamists is a reflection of the struggles we face in our own lives, and by the end of the series, their victories feel like our victories. This is a show about pain, yes, but also about perseverance, hope, and finding meaning in even the bleakest of circumstances. It’s a series that may be grim and sometimes overly angsty, but it never loses sight of the light at the end of the tunnel. Ultraman Nexus leaves a lasting impact not just because of its action or spectacle, but because of its heart. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always a chance for hope and redemption.