"There is so much writing in English on Japanese cinema that can't be accepted at face value — not because the writers are careless, but because the differences in culture and language are just too intricate. When I see August Ragone's name on a piece of writing, it gives me permission to place my faith in it completely. Among Japanese fantasy film historians, he's the best working in English." —Tim Lucas, Video Watchdog

Sunday, December 6, 2009

ULTRAMAN GOES NEO-MID CENTURY '60s POP!
Bob Logan's Amazing "Ultraman" Studies


Episode 1, "Ultra Operation: No. 1". ©1966 Tsuburaya Productions


Episode 5, "Secret of the Milogandar". ©1966 Tsuburaya Productions


Episode 2, "Blast the Invaders". ©1966 Tsuburaya Productions

Back in August, I posted a fantastic Science Patrol recruiting poster created by illustrator and animator Bob Logan. Here, I've posted three of his "Ultraman Studies" taken from scenes in early episodes of the original ULTRAMAN. It goes without saying that Mr. Logan has a keen interest in the 1966 series, and these studies were executed in the style of Neo-'50s pop art; akin to the work of contemporary retro-pop purveyors, Shag and Tim Biskup.

But, who is Bob Logan? For those who don't know, the Annie-award nominee began his career cutting his teeth on The Simpsons in the early 1990s. Since then, has worked as a Story Artist on various animation productions for Walt Disney Studios and DreamWorks Animation, including Powerpuff Girls: The Movie (2002). He recently published his first book, Rocket Town (2008) from Tor Books. I certainly hope to see more of his Ultraman-inspired work in the future!

5 comments:

Prof. Grewbeard said...

neat-o!

Roehm21 said...

Very awesome!

Mr. Karswell said...

I'd love to see an animated Ultraman series with this design style / sensibility.

Fantastic!

Bunche (pop culture ronin) said...

Hey August-

have you ever given any thought to doing an Ultraman book on the level of your Tsuburaya kickassness? The U.S. has had Ultraman fans since the show first arrived stateside some forty years ago, and the gods know we could use a thorough English-language book on the subject...

Terry the Censor said...

Super drawings.