Ultra Q Episode 1 "Defeat Gomess!" Review | Godzilla Island Archive

Note: This article was originally published in 2017 on Godzilla Island all views and opinions may have since changed.

Update: Ultra Q has since release on Blu-ray from Mill Creek Entertainment this is the recommended physical media set for your best viewing experience now!

The Plot:

While a construction crew works to dig a new highway tunnel, they accidentally break into a natural cave system deep below the surface. During the excavation, a crane operator claims to have seen a monster lurking inside, but no one believes him due to his reputation for heavy drinking. The crew rescues him and removes a strange, rock-like object from the cave before sealing it off.

When a reporter catches wind of the “monster in the cave” story, she decides to investigate with her cameraman. Once inside, a sudden tremor collapses the tunnel, trapping the pair underground. They soon discover that the tremor wasn’t an earthquake—it was caused by the awakening of the creature Gomess, a massive reptilian kaiju hiding within the cave system.

As Gomess begins chasing the reporter and her partner through the tunnels, the highway crew races desperately to dig them out. Meanwhile, the mysterious boulder the crew pulled from the cave hatches—revealing a giant bird monster known as Litra (Ritora). The newly born creature takes to the sky just as the reporter escapes from the cave, with Gomess close behind.

The two monsters soon clash in an intense battle. Gomess initially overpowers Litra, but the bird retaliates with a powerful acid attack, mortally wounding the reptilian monster. Unfortunately, Litra succumbs to its own injuries shortly after defeating Gomess. In the aftermath, a small memorial is built in honor of Litra’s sacrifice.

My Thoughts:

This episode was my first exposure to the Ultraman prequel series, and it really surprised me with its storytelling quality. Despite its age, the episode delivers strong tension, an emotional ending, and creative monster designs.

I loved learning that Gomess was actually created by modifying the Godzilla suit from *Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964) a great example of the resourcefulness of Tsuburaya Productions. The design of Litra was a bit on the cheesy side, looking like a mix between a rooster and a peacock, but it still had charm and personality.

The production quality for such an early tokusatsu series is genuinely impressive, and the Ultra Q DVD box set itself is worth picking up if you can find it features great artwork, a sturdy box design, and solid remastering. Definitely a must-have for kaiju fans who want to see where the Ultraman legacy began.