The Trials of Ultraman # 1 2021 NM

The Trials of Ultraman # 1 2021 is about the aftermath of a major catastrophe and the resulting public suspicion of Ultraman and the United Science Patrol (USP), as new threats emerge and a long-lost comrade mysteriously returns. 

The issue picks up after the events of The Rise of Ultraman, where Ultraman (Shin Hayata) released imprisoned Kaiju from an interdimensional vault with the intent to destroy them. The world was saved, but drastically changed, and now faces the following challenges: 

• Public Distrust: Much of the populace views Ultraman and the USP with suspicion, seeing the USP as a secret government organization that has hidden the truth about Kaiju for decades.
• New Dynamic: The USP has gone public, and their previous methods (K-rays) no longer work on the monsters, making Ultraman the primary, though not always trusted, line of defense.
• Personal Struggles: Shin Hayata is dealing with the consequences of his dual identity, even blurting out his secret to his father, and is struggling with the limitations of his power, such as the three-minute timer running out at inopportune times.
• New Mysteries: The main storyline is setting up a new focus, introducing organized enemy forces and the mysterious return of a long-lost comrade, which raises new questions and potential threats. 

The main characters featured in the issue include: 

• Shin Hayata / Ultraman: The protagonist struggling with his role as a public, yet distrusted, hero and his human relationships.
• Kiki Fuji: A member of the USP working alongside Shin.
• Dan Moroboshi: Another key character within the USP.
• Toshio Muramatsu and Ureo Ichinotani: Other USP leaders making political moves to improve the agency's public image.
• Kaiju: Various giant monsters, including Pestar, that Ultraman must fight.