Despite the popularity of Western superheroes through Hollywood blockbusters, classic Japanese superhero Ultraman, which has, for decades, saved Tokyo from kaiju (or monsters) still holds its own.
Millions of collectors worldwide follow the stories and collect its figurines-- from Father of Ultra and Ultraman Taro to Ultraman Geed and Ultraman Zero. The storyline of Ultraman and its various types rivals that of Marvel's superheroes.
This year, Tokyo-based Bandai Spirits Co Ltd, with Bandai Namco Asia Co Ltd, under the auspices of its brand, Tamashii Nations, made Kuala Lumpur part of its Ultra Heroes Tour Southeast Asia, to showcase its wide range of collectibles.
Happening at Paradigm Mall, Petaling Jaya until Nov 27, visitors can see the various Ultraman types, delicately crafted into detailed figurines.
Ultraman Decker, which is a new character of the series that's currently airing in Japan, also made its debut at this tour.
A giant Ultraman Decker statue is there for fans to take photographs with, and the 2-metre statue was sculpted based on SH Figuarts, the flagship figure line of the Tamashii Nations brand.
Tamashi Nations specialised in making figurines for collectors, while Bandai makes Ultraman toys for children.
Visitors can also watch the Ultraman Live Show, featuring Ultraman Decker and Ultraman Trigger, with the monster Satandelos.
As someone who has watched Ultraman growing up, even as an adult, it was quite exciting and surreal for me to see real-life Ultraman fight a monster.
There show will take place every Saturday and Sunday at 1pm, 4pm and 7pm thoughout the duration of the tour.
There are also videos with Japanese actors, Hiroki Matsumoto who plays Kanata Asumi on Ultraman Decker and Raiga Terasaka who plays Kengo Manaka on Ultraman Trigger.
The tour kicked off in Thailand and expects to draw 180,000 people from all walks of life across Southeast Asia who have affinity towards the superhero.
Admission is free, but to the visitors under 15 years old must be accompanied by a guardian.