Ultraman Cosmos

Forget the fake CGI crap remaking the unremakeable masterpiece Sailor Stars - the crowning achievement of the life-changing animated experience that is the 90's Sailor Moon - and welcome with open hands and arms this excellent iteration of the Ultraman IP that has several elements reminding of the 90's Sailor Moon like the main philosophy of the protagonist, his moves and "weaponries" (if you can call them that way) and even scenes that look like they were straight-up inspired by that animated masterpiece. Yeah, the treatment of the secret identity is a bit different in here but hey, it's still a live-action Toku we're talking about and not a full-on animated magical girl show with its magical girls rules. The only real problem that prevented me to give a full 9 out 8 to this is its lenght, Ultraman series and tokus in general are made of real people whose limits you can't push like you can with animated characters and this is a prime example of that because after the excellent episode 57 (where, more or less, my watching experience ended) both the writers and the actors had lost all the energies and it shows in full, with the latters behind tired beyond belief in their performances from that point on. So, like it happened with another missed masterpiece that I wasn't able to end for the same reason of overdoing it (Candy Candy), I give it an 8. Rating aside, this is more 1000 times more worthy of appreciation, consideration, love and just giving it a watch than any fake CGI BS remaking something that didn't need any remake whatsoever from the get go. Moonies like me myself and I need to apply as soon as possible, they won't be disappointed.

P. S. This applies to the main series only, the movies are all skippable IMHO.

First airing in 2001, Ultraman Cosmos takes a new spin on the Ultra series, being one of the only 'Ultramen' to have a goal in saving the monsters/kaiju instead of defeating or killing them.

Musashi Haruno joins a wing of the SRC, known as Team EYES. Together, as a group of six, they take to the skies in well-equipped fighter jets and set out to capture and protect the roaming monsters of the Earth.

Musashi Haruno challenges the ideals of EYES as he shines light on a new perspective- a perspective that is sympathetic to the feelings of the monsters.

Personally, the main thing that really struck out to me in the series was not only the beautifully composed and catchy music (including the opening and ending theme(s) but also how Team EYES has grown and developed from the start of the series to the finish. The tense struggles they push through, the heart-warming moments, the emotional yet touching times all the way to the light-hearted mocking around that take place within the group. These humorous moments almost make the team, instead of mature adults, appear youthful and childish to the point that it just makes you smile and rejoice their happy times through their journey together. I can assure you right now, that there will be at least one, if not several members of EYES that you will warm up and connect to.

These are just some of the small things that makes this particular Earth Defence Force special.

Although some viewing the series today may feel that the CGI and animation wasn't top-notch, I personally believe that it is important to remember that the series was made quite a while ago, before powerful technology was invented for use.

Overall, I give 'Ultraman Cosmos' a 9 out of 10, for its beautifully drawn out characters, music and engaging, friendly storyline that definitely teaches a positive message for all ages- particularly of the younger demographic.