[Exclusive] Tokusatsu legend 'Ultraman' reborn as NFTs…issued on the Abstract chain

Official Ultraman NFT ‘Archive-78’ launches

Limited to 888 pieces…100 are rare ‘1-of-1’ editions

Adopts the ‘Abstract’ blockchain to lower barriers to entry

Japan’s legendary tokusatsu hero ‘Ultraman’ is entering the Web3 market. The strategy is to reinterpret the franchise’s nearly 60-year intellectual property (IP) legacy as digital assets and target a global fandom.

On the 28th, Ultraman producer Tsuburaya Productions said it will partner with content platform company Bythen to launch the official non-fungible token (NFT) collection ‘Ultraman: Archive-78’.

The collection consists of 888 digital artworks that capture the Ultraman franchise’s legacy. Notably, 100 of them will be created as one-of-a-kind legendary designs, enhancing their collectible value. Bythen is an agent-based content platform equipped with an IP launchpad function, and through this collaboration it will serve as a bridge connecting traditional entertainment brands to the blockchain ecosystem.

The Ultraman NFTs will be issued on the ‘Abstract’ network, which positions itself as a user-friendly blockchain. Abstract supports simple authentication methods such as email login and passkeys, allowing the general public to access it easily without the complicated process of creating a wallet.

Sales will begin at 12:00 a.m. KST on the 29th via the Bythen Treasure campaign site. Users will be able to purchase NFTs in a ‘blind box’ format, and the full collection’s designs are scheduled to be revealed within the first quarter of this year.

Bythen CEO Kevin Mintara said, “This NFT launch will be an example of Ultraman—an inspiration worldwide for more than 60 years—expanding into Web3 without losing its cultural essence,” adding, “We will open a new internet era in which fans can directly own the IP they love and contribute to ecosystem growth.”

He continued, “Lowering barriers to entry is key to embracing both existing fans and Web3 newcomers,” and explained, “Abstract’s intuitive user experience (UX) is an optimal choice for the Ultraman IP, which has a diverse global fandom.”