"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

Monday, January 7, 2013

2013 IS 1973: "FIREMAN" 『ファイヤーマン』
January 7, 1973 - July 30, 1973

アバン大陸のヒーロー、ファイヤーマン誕生!


Original DVD pressing from Geneon Entertainment, 2004. ©TPC

FIREMAN was the first of three visual effects series produced as part of the celebration of Tsuburaya Productions' 10th Anniversary in 1973. Although short-lived with only 30 episodes, FIREMAN was arguably the best of the three, and remains a fan favorite to this day, bolstered by some introspective teleplays, a generally darker tone, and the casting of actor Shin Kishida in the main cast. An updated and re-imagined version of Fireman, named "Glenfire", appeared in the feature film, ULTRAMAN ZERO: THE REVENGE OF BELIAL (2010).

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