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==Reception== |
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[[File:Zoffy Fire Head.jpg|thumb|Zoffy's head burned by Birdon.]] |
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The scene in episode 18 of ''Ultraman Taro'', which involves Zoffy's head being burned by one of Birdon's flames was one of the few influential scenes in the Ultra Series. This scene is called {{nihongo4|"Fire Head"|ファイヤーヘッド|Faiyā Heddo}} by certain fans (although that name as well acknowledged by Tsuburaya Productions) and is among the few internet memes in the Japanese culture. In fact, this scene was thought to be an accident until Tsuburaya revealed that it was in fact planned from the start.<ref name="Ultra Act">{{cite web|url=http://tamashii.jp/item/1696/|title=ULTRA-ACT ゾフィー|accessdate=2016-07-01|publisher=tamashii.jp|language=ja}}</ref> |
The scene in episode 18 of ''Ultraman Taro'', which involves Zoffy's head being burned by one of Birdon's flames was one of the few influential scenes in the Ultra Series. This scene is called {{nihongo4|"Fire Head"|ファイヤーヘッド|Faiyā Heddo}} by certain fans (although that name as well acknowledged by Tsuburaya Productions) and is among the few internet memes in the Japanese culture. In fact, this scene was thought to be an accident until Tsuburaya revealed that it was in fact planned from the start.<ref name="Ultra Act">{{cite web|url=http://tamashii.jp/item/1696/|title=ULTRA-ACT ゾフィー|accessdate=2016-07-01|publisher=tamashii.jp|language=ja}}</ref> |
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Revision as of 07:20, 11 September 2023
Zoffy | |
---|---|
Ultra Series character | |
File:Ultraman.png | |
First appearance | Ultraman Episode 39: "Farewell Ultraman" (1967) |
Created by | |
Portrayed by | Bin Furuya |
Alias |
|
Zoffy (ゾフィー, Zofī)[1] is a fictional superhero character from the Ultra Series. Zoffy first appeared in episode 39, the season finale of Ultraman to escort the titular character back to their homeworld after his defeat from Zetton. Being the oldest member of the Ultra Brothers (ウルトラ兄弟, Urutora Kyōdai), Zoffy seems to have a long history since the Land of Light's past, as evidenced by his Star Marks and Ultra Breasters on his shoulders and chest.
Originally a one-shot character in Ultraman, after the decision to continue the Ultra Series was made, Zoffy was turned into a recurring character that appeared in most of the succeeding series, particularly assisting a fellow Ultra Warrior. Unlike the members of the Ultra Brothers, Zoffy lacked his own series but played a lot of pivotal role in most of his appearances. However in Ultraman Retsuden, he served as a replacement navigator should Ultraman Zero went absent.
Character conception
The name "Zoffy" was supposedly meant to be given to the alien that controlled Zetton in the same episode. His suit was made from modifying Ultraman's Type A suit, which was previously modified into the Imitation Ultraman in episode 18. The mask however was made using the same sculpt from Ultraman Type C's suit but lacks peepholes, due to Zoffy's role in the series. Bin Furuya (Ultraman's suit actor) portrayed Zoffy during the scene while the weakened Ultraman was portrayed as an empty suit. The suit was finally reverted to Ultraman once the filming ended for attraction purposes.[2][3]
During his debut in Ultraman, Zoffy's rank is a Space Ranger (宇宙警備隊員, Uchū Keibitai-in), but later promoted to the Captain of the Space Guard (宇宙警備隊隊長, Uchū Keibitai taichō) sometime after rescuing Ultraman.[a]
Naming
In past magazine publications, Zoffy's name in both Roman and Katakana "Zophy" (ゾフィ), until the release of his own movie and recent magazines changed it.[3] Though, he is also sometimes regarded as "Ultraman Zoffy" (ウルトラマンゾフィー, Urutoraman Zofī) by fans, as well as the aforementioned movie due to how generic the "Ultraman" title in his species.
History
An orphan himself, in the past, Zoffy was a rookie member of the Space Guards and is a close friend to Ken and Marie, whom would become Father and Mother of Ultra, as well as Belial. Zoffy also participated in the Ultra Great War (ウルトラ大戦争, Urutora Dai Sensō) and eventually fighting against his former friend, Belial, who turned evil after banished from the Land of Light and turned into a Reionyx. Zoffy charged in and tried to defend both Ken and Marie but was quickly thrown aside until Ultraman King neutralized the situation and imprisoned Belial.[4] It is also revealed that Ultraman King is Zoffy's maternal grandfather through his late mother's connection.[5]
At some point in his life, Zoffy was appointed to the Space Ranger of the Space Guard (宇宙警備隊, Uchū Keibitai) and received six pairs of Star Mark (スターマーク, Sutā Māku) medals on his chest.
Role in the Ultra Series
Ultraman
After Ultraman's demise at the hands of Zetton (who was later deliberated by the SSSP themselves), Zoffy met the Ultra Warrior (ウルトラ戦士, Urutora Senshi) for the first time and identify himself, ordering him to return to the Land of Light. However Ultraman refused, knowing that his life is connected to Hayata and their separation would result in the man's death. Seeing how responsible Ultraman is towards the young man, Zoffy revealed that he carried two life forces with him and donated one to Hayata, as well as separating them, giving the young man another chance to life at the expense of his experiences with Ultraman. Soon, the two left Earth for their homeworld, Nebula M78.[6] This is a rather different finish to the series than stated in the English dub, which states that Zoffy chastises Ultraman for being easily defeated by Zetton (which he claimed to be easier) and Hayata as well separated but retains his full memories of Ultraman, along the fact that the giant shall return to Earth.
Revive! Ultraman on the other hand gives an alternate ending to the series 29 years after the series finale, where Zoffy recombines Hayata and Ultraman after giving the former another life-forces.
Subsequent appearances in Showa Era Ultra Series
- Ultraman Ace: After rescuing Ultraman, Zoffy received the promotion to Captain of the Space Guard and received three pairs of Ultra Breasters (ウルトラブレスター, Urutora Buresutā) on his shoulders. In episode 1, he would later would later join the Ultra Brothers, a group of Ultra Warriors dedicated to protect the galaxy and at first witnessing the arrival of the team's new member, Ace. Although he does assisted Ultraman Ace in episodes 5 and 35 with various devices against Yapool's Super Beasts, there are also times when he is in trouble, as shown when he and his Ultra Brothers were captured by Yapool in episodes 13 and 14 and by Alien Hipporito in 26 and 27. In the first episode, Zoffy's suit was modified from Ultraman Jack, while 18 pieces of silver buttons were glued to emulate his Star Marks and Ultra Breatser.[7]
- Ultraman Taro (1973): Appeared in episodes 1, 25, 33, 34 and 40. In episode 1, he was among the Ultra Brothers that witnessed the fusion if Ultraman Taro and Kotaro. During Birdon's attack in episodes 18 and 19, he replaces Taro when he was injured from the bird monster's attack but defeated as well until a healed Taro took over the batte and defeated Birdon with King Bracelet. Zoffy was taken for healing by Mother of Ultra and fully recovers when the Ultra Brothers deliver the Ultra Bell to the Ultra Tower in episode 25. In 33 and 34, he and the rest of the Ultra Brothers joined Taro on Earth while fighting against Alien Temperor. In episode 40, he fought Tyrant on Neptune, but defeated in the end.
- Ultraman Leo (1974): Appeared in episodes 38 and 39. He and the Ultra Brothers tried to confront Astra, whom had stolen the Ultra Key from the Land of Light until he was revealed to be an impostor named Alien Babarue by Ultraman King.
- The 6 Ultra Brothers vs. the Monster Army (1974 (Thailand)/1979 (Japan))
- Ultraman Zoffy: Ultra Warriors vs. the Giant Monster Army (1984)
- Ultraman Story (1984)
Ultraman Mebius
Zoffy made his first appearance in the Heisei Era of Ultra Series in Ultraman Mebius. Although having a smaller appearance, he has an important role which partly contributed to the story, such as the formation of GUYS and Alien Empera's defeat.
In episode 42, years ago during Ultraman's time, SSSP member Shingo Sakomizu was assigned to the Izanami, for test flights into FTL technology. During one of these flights he was attacked by a fleet of alien ships. Sakomizu bravely fought and lured the army away from his comrades but as several blasts were about to hit him, Zoffy appeared and rescued him by destroying the fleet. This incident made him realize how much the Ultras were actually doing for humanity without them even knowing, and his testimonies upon his return were the reason GUYS was formed and maintained, despite a lack of supposed threats from aliens or monsters for twenty five years.
In episode II of Hikari Saga, Zoffy assisted Hikari against a Bemstar and offered him a place in the Space Guards. Although another Bemstar made its way to Earth, the two decided to not interfere, believing that Mebius and Crew GUYS alone are strong enough to handle it.
In the movie Ultraman Mebius & Ultraman Brothers, Zoffy warned his fellow Ultra Brothers on Earth of Yapool's revival. During the film's climax, he and Taro joined the battle and recharged the Mebius and the Ultra Brothers their energies to fight U-Killersaurus Neo. With the Ultra Brothers united, they combined with Mebius to form Mebius Infinity to defeat Yapool and freed Kobe.
In the final episode, Zoffy returned and uses Captain Sakomizu as his host to assist Ultraman Mebius Phoenix Brave (whom were combined from Ultraman Mebius, Hikari and the rest of Crew GUYS) in defeating Empera. Following the battle, Zoffy ceased his bonds with Sakomizu and departed from Earth.
Subsequent appearances in Heisei Era Ultra Series
- For the following appearances below, refer to List of Ultra Galaxy Mega Monster Battle characters#Ultra Brothers:
- Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy (2009): Following Belial's escape, Zoffy was among a numbers of Ultra Warriors that tried to stop Belial from advancing to the Plasma Spark. He soon becomes the last line of defense in front of the Plasma Spark Tower's front door, facing against his former friend but soon defeated when Belial stomped him to the ground. When a huge winter affected the Land of Light, Zoffy was among the Ultra Warriors frozen from the storm before he was freed when the Plasma Spark returned to its place, subsequently replenishing the energy he lost from his past battle.[8]
- Ultraman Zero: The Revenge of Belial (2010): Zoffy was among the Space Garrison members that studied the Darklop's remains and donated his light to Zero's travel sphere so that the youth could travel to an alternate universe.[9]
- Ultraman Retsuden/Shin Ultraman Retsuden (2011): Zoffy was one of the few characters to fill in for Ultraman Zero whenever he is absent as the show's host in episodes 35 and 86 to 90. His final role as a narrator is in episode 1 of Shin Ultraman Retsuden alongside Ultraman and Ultraseven.
- For the appearances below, refer to List of Ultraman Ginga characters#Ultra Brothers:
- Ultraman Ginga (2013): Alongside the Ultra Brothers, Zoffy was among the combatants of Dark Spark War, fighting against Zetton but soon cursed into a Spark Doll by Dark Lugiel when he and the rest of the Space Garrisons tried to protect Taro (thus making him the only Spark Doll to retain sentience in the series). In aftermath of Ginga's battle with Lugiel, Zoffy and other Spark Dolls were lifted from their curse and return to space.
- Ultraman Ginga S (2014): As revealed in episode 54 of Shin Ultraman Retsuden, Zoffy and the rest of the Ultra Brothers donated their powers to Taro when he raced to Earth after detecting a new threat. In Zoffy's case, he donated his M87 Ray and Z-Ray, which soon became one of Ultraman Ginga Strium's powers. After his job on Earth ended, Taro returned the loaned powers back to the Ultra Brothers.
In other works
- Ultraman Neos (2001): An alternate Zoffy was responsible for rescuing Genki Kagura from an explosion at the space station. He soon had Neos merge with the youth in a similar manner to Ultraman and had Ultraseven 21 to monitor his works. In episode 11, when Neos almost died from Gurale's attack, Zoffy brought him to the Land of Light for medical treatment while severing his bonds with Kagura.[10]
Profile
Zoffy's statistics below were never mentioned in the original series, but were brought up in magazines and official websites. Like Ultraman, there are also certain succeeding series that deviate Zoffy's original statistics:[1]
- Height: 45 m (40 m Ultraman Ace)
- Weight: 45,000 t
- Flight Speed: Mach 5
- Birthplace: Nebula M78, Land of Light
- Age: Over 25,000 years old
- Year Debut: 1967
- First Appearance: Ultraman Episode 39: "Farewell Ultraman" (1966)
Description
As the official website of Tsuburaya Productions stated: "[Zoffy is] the Captain of the Space Guard headquarters in Land of Light, Nebula M78. He is trustworthy for his excellent leadership and actions. As a member of the Ultra Brothers, he is stated to be the strongest among them, due to his M87 Ray being the strongest finisher beam in existence."[1]
Powers and Abilities
Zoffy is known for his strategic planning skills and excellent leadership, making him one of the most trusted among the Space Guards. His long time experience as an Ultra Warrior also makes it a part of his skills.[1]
His signature attack is the M87 Ray (M87光線, Emu Hachi-jū Nana Kōsen), which is performed by having his right arm extended front and his left arm fold to his Color Timer. This finisher launches a beam of white energy which is popularly one of the strongest attacks in existence.[1] Popularly in the real life, certain fans relate and mistook the attack's name to Nebula M78, the Ultra Warriors' homeworld despite both of them are entirely not related. An alternative formation of this attack is called the M87 Ray B (M87光線B, Emu Hachi-jū Nana Kōsen Bī), which was shown in episode 34 of Ultraman Taro against Alien Temperor.
On Earth, he also had certain devices he used up to his sleeve. Among the are:
- Beta Capsule (ベーターカプセル, Bētā Kapuseru): The same object which used by Hayata to transform into Ultraman, Zoffy used it in episode 39 of Ultraman to split both Ultraman and Hayata to escort him back to Nebula M78.
- Ultra Converter (ウルトラコンバーター, Urutora Konbātā): First appeared in episode 5 of Ultraman Ace, it allows its wearer to recharge their Color Timer in a similar manner to a battery. Zoffy used to replenish Ace's energy before the two of them resurfaced and fought Giron Man and Aribunta.
- Ultra Magic Ray (ウルトラマジックレイ, Urutora Majikku Rei): Introduced in episode 35 of Ultraman Ace, it is a polyhedron object used to vaporise liquids in a certain area. He used it to absorb an entire lake to give Ace an advantage against Dreamgillas.
In other media
Manga
- The 2003 manga Ultraman THE FIRST (ja:ウルトラマン THE FIRST) has Zoffy's role remain the same, but instead of only Hayata losing his life, Fuji was involved as well, having died in the battle when Alien Baltan (the manga's antagonist) was revealed to have possessed her all along. Nonetheless, Zoffy revive both Hayata and Fuji before escorting Ultraman back to M78.[11]
- In 2005 manga Ultraman Story 0 (ja:ウルトラマンSTORY 0) (which served as alternate interpretations of the Ultra Warriors' pasts), Zoffy is depicted as a young Ultra Warrior whom like his kin, being freshly bathed from the Plasma Spark and mutated into a giant of light. As a hero, Zoffy went patrolling and came across a village in planet that was plagued by monsters. During that time, Zoffy not only learn to control his newfound powers, but also to gain the villagers' cooperation and taught them to never give up. In the end, he was praised for his bravery and departed once his job had done. It is also in this manga that Zoffy is the giant statue that was revealed in episode 7 of Ultraman, although the original episode considered the statue to be Noa.[12]
Novel
- The novel adaptation of Ultraman, written by Tetsuo Kinjo in August 1967, Zoffy's role is historically the same as the TV series. Aside from that, the novel incorporates leftover plans from the series which never made it into the final cut, such as having Alien Mefilas form an alliance with past aliens, and having Geronimon revive Gomora and Red King.[13]
Human Hosts/Forms
Dr. Ōtani
Dr. Ōtani (大谷博士, Ōtani Hakase) is a university lecturer who was hired by ZAT during episodes 33-34 of Ultraman Taro in against Alien Temperor. Soon, Dr. Ōtani and other male ZAT officers were possessed by Zoffy and the Ultra Brothers via Ultra Reverse (ウルトラリバース, Urutora Ribāsu) in order to hide themselves from Alien Temperor, who was hunting them on Earth, and to teach Kotaro Higashi/Ultraman Taro not to be arrogant and to not rely on his brothers in arms too much. Zoffy as well possess a volleyball player when Alien Temperor sees through their deception.
Shingo Sakomizu
In Ultraman Mebius, Shingo Sakomizu (サコミズ・シンゴ, Sakomizu Shingo) is an SSSP officer that Zoffy rescued in the past from a group of alien fleets. Shingo himself affected by the Rip Van Winkle effect which slowed down his aging despite his age being similar to Hayata and had been observed Mebius and Crew GUYS' battles. In the final confrontation against Alien Empera, Zoffy merged with Shingo to assist Mebius Phoenix Brave (whom fused with every member of Crew GUYS Japan) against the Empera, finally put an end to his reign of terror.
Portrayal
In Ultraman, Zoffy was voiced by Hikaru Urano (浦野光, Urano Hikaru), who was the series' narrator from episodes 20-39, as well as the 1996 epilogue film Revive! Ultraman. Hikaru's only reprisal of his role as Zoffy was the 1984 film Ultraman Zoffy: Ultra Warriors vs. the Giant Monster Army, 17 years after the original Ultraman ended. The voiceover role of Zoffy was given to multiple actors/voice actors during the Showa Era but in Heisei Era, starting from Ultraman Mebius, this role is permanently given to Hideyuki Tanaka (田中 秀幸, Tanaka Hideyuki), who would reprise the character in later instalments.
Zoffy's suit actor in Ultraman was Bin Furuya (古谷敏, Furuya Bin), who also portrayed Ultraman. The suit at that time had no peepholes, considering Zoffy's role in the story.[2] In Ultraman Neos, Zoffy was both voiced and portrayed by suit/stunt actor Akitoshi Ōtaki, whose known for his role as Seiichirō Munakata in Ultraman Tiga.
Other voice actors in certain Ultra Series media were as follow:
- Ultraman Ace
- Osamu Saka (阪 脩, Saka Osamu): Speaking voice in episodes 5 and 35.
- Gorō Naya (納谷悟朗, Naya Gorō): Partial grunt in episodes 5 (recycled from Ultraman Ace's grunt).
- Masao Nakasone (中曽根雅夫, Nakasone Masao): Partial grunt in episodes 5, 13 and 26 (recycled from Ultraman Ace's grunt).
- Osamu Ichikawa (市川 治, Ichikawa Osamu): Speaking voice in episode 13.
- Keisuke Yamashita (山下啓介, Yamashita Keisuke): Speaking voice in episode 23
- Ultraman Taro
- Saburo Shinoda (篠田三郎, Shinoda Saburō): Episodes 18 (voice) and 34 (grunt)
- Kashima Shinya (鹿島 信哉, Shinya Kashima): Speaking voice in episodes 33 and 34
- Ultraman Story: Tsuda Takashi (津田喬, Takashi Tsuda)
- Ultraman Graffiti: Issei Futamata (二又 一成, Futamata Issei)
- Ultraman Super Fighter Warriors: Masashi Ebara (江原 正士, Ebara Masashi)
- Ultraman Neos: Akitoshi Ōtaki (大滝明利, Ōtaki Akitoshi)
- Ultraman (game): Yasushi Miyabayashi (宮林康, Miyanayashi Yasushi)
Theme Songs
- Zophy no Ballad (ゾフィのバラード, Zofi no Barādo, Zophy's Ballad)
- Composer/Arrangement: Toru Fuyuki
- An OST played during Ultraman Ace.
- Zoffy no Ballad (ゾフィーのバラード, Zofī no Barādo, Zoffy's Ballad)
- Lyrics: Shozo Uehara
- Composer/Arrangement: Toru Fuyuki
- Singer: Ichiro Mizuki
- A song variant of Zophy no Ballad from Ultraman Ace. This song only appeared in TSUBURAYA PRODUCTION HISTORY OF MUSIC in 1982.[14]
- Ultraman Zoffy (ウルトラマンゾフィー, Urutoraman Zofī)
- Lyrics: Noboru Tsuburaya (credited as Noboru Tani)
- Composer/Arrangement: Shunsuke Kikuchi
- Singer: Mitsuko Kondō (Otowa Yurikago Kai)
- Played in Ultraman Zoffy: Ultra Warriors vs. the Giant Monster Army.
Reception
Popularity
The scene in episode 18 of Ultraman Taro, which involves Zoffy's head being burned by one of Birdon's flames was one of the few influential scenes in the Ultra Series. This scene is called "Fire Head" (ファイヤーヘッド, Faiyā Heddo) by certain fans (although that name as well acknowledged by Tsuburaya Productions) and is among the few internet memes in the Japanese culture. In fact, this scene was thought to be an accident until Tsuburaya revealed that it was in fact planned from the start.[15]
Zoffy was rated 100th in Decision! This is the Best 100 in Japan (決定! これが日本のベスト100, 決定! これが日本のベスト100) in Japan's top 100 heroes.
Merchandise
Zoffy's soft vinyl doll had been sold several times by Bandai since 1990's. In 2012, Zoffy was given his first release as a highly articulated action figure in the ULTRA-ACT toyline, which also comes with the infamous "Fire Head" effect part.[15] To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Ultra Series, Zoffy got his second release in November 2016 as a poseable action figure in the S.H. Figuarts line for him to m pose alongside Ultraman.[16]
Notes
- ^ Although it's stated that he received the captain rank after rescuing Ultraman, the Ultra Breaster (which was the symbol of his rank) was shown in the same scenario despite not yet achieving that position
References
- Tsuburaya Productions, ed. (1982). 不滅のヒーローウルトラマン白書. ファンタスティック・コレクション・スペシャル (First ed.). Asahi Sonorama. Magazine Code:67897-80.
- ^ a b c d e "ウルトラヒーロー円谷ステーション" (in Japanese). m-78.jp. Retrieved 2016-06-30.
- ^ a b Yosensha, ed. (2016). 特撮秘宝 vol.3 (特集『スペクトルマン』『サンダ対ガイラ』 写真発掘!『ウルトラQ』『ウルトラマン』『ブースカ』『ウルトラセブン』). 洋泉社MOOK 別冊映画秘宝. Yosensha. ISBN 978-4-8003-0865-8.
- ^ a b 白書 1982, p. 42.
- ^ Koichi Sakamoto (December 12, 2009). Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy (Motion picture). Japan: Warner Bros. Entertainment Japan.
- ^ Mamoru Uchiyama, ed. (2011). ウルトラマンレオ[完全復刻版] コミック (2011 ed.). Shogakukan. ISBN 978-4835447643.
- ^ "Farewell, Ultraman". Ultraman episode 39 (in Japanese). 1967-04-09. Tokyo Broadcasting System.
Ultraman: Who are you? / Zoffy: I am Space Ranger Zoffy, from Nebula M78.
- ^ 白書 1982, p. 74.
- ^ "大怪獣バトル ウルトラ銀河伝説 THE MOVIE".
- ^ "登場キャラクター ウルトラマンゼロ THE MOVIE 超決戦!ベリアル銀河帝国".
- ^ "ウルトラマンネオス" (in Japanese). www.vap.co.jp. Retrieved 2016-07-01.
- ^ Yuzo Takada, ed. (2008). ウルトラマンTHE FIRST (3) (単行本コミックス―KADOKAWA COMICS特撮A) (First ed.). Kadokawa Shoten. ISBN 978-4048541916.
- ^ Kazuo Mabune, ed. (2005). ウルトラマン STORY 0 「ゾフィー編・セブン編」 (First ed.). Kodansha. ISBN 978-4-06-349220-0.
- ^ Tetsuo Kinjo, ed. (2014). 怪獣大全集 復刻版 3 怪獣絵物語ウルトラマン (First ed.). 復刊ドットコム (re-publish). ISBN 978-4835449821.
- ^ "TSUBURAYA PRODUCTION HISTORY OF MUSIC (状態:収納BOX状態難)" (in Japanese). www.suruga-ya.jp. Retrieved 2016-07-01.
- ^ a b "ULTRA-ACT ゾフィー" (in Japanese). tamashii.jp. Retrieved 2016-07-01.
- ^ "S.H.Figuarts ゾフィー" (in Japanese). tamashii.jp. Retrieved 2016-07-01.