Beware The Baleful Baltan!: The Ultra Academy #1 Hardcover

Limited number of advanced copies set to be available at G-FEST 2025, held at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago from July 11-13.

​Press release,
Tokyo, June 8, 2025  – Tsuburaya Productions and Sky Turtle Press today announced the release ofBeware the Baleful Baltan!, the first book in the groundbreaking Ultraman: The Ultra Academyseries by Rebecca K. Reynolds. Set to release on September 23, 2025, this marks the first time a North American publisher has been entrusted with creating new kids’ books for the Ultraman franchise in six decades, bringing Japan’s most iconic superhero to a new generation of readers through imaginative science fiction adventure.

When twelve-year-old volcano enthusiast Jack Newton receives an invitation to join the Ultra Academy, an elite training program run by the legendary Science Special Search Party (SSSP), he thinks he’s won the ultimate science lottery. But when giant alien Baltans infiltrate underwater volcanoes with a diabolical plan to overtake the planet, Jack and five other brilliant young recruits must overcome Baltan mind control tactics while combining their unique talents to save the planet.

Through heart-pounding adventures, Beware the Baleful Baltan! explores themes of resilience, trust, invention, staying cool under pressure, and forgiveness as the young heroes learn that their greatest strength lies not in their individual talents, but in their ability to support each other. Each young character brings different scientific skills to the team—from volcanology and forensic science to computer programming and botany—helping young readers grow curious about the wonders of science.

With Tsuburaya Productions set to have a major Ultraman presence at G-FEST 2025, fans of the franchise will not want to miss an exclusive onsite offering, as there will be a limited number of copies available for purchase at the Sky Turtle Nova show floor booth. Author Rebecca K. Reynolds will also be spotlighted in an Ultra Academy panel at G-FEST, Friday, July 11 at 3pm. As a part of a weekend-long activation by Tsuburaya Productions at the convention, the panel will also feature live special guest character Alien Baltan…and more!

Ultraman is taking over G-FEST with the Chicago premiere of the English dub of Ultraman Arc The Movie: The Clash of Light and Evil with Ultraman Arc himself making a live appearance.  Throughout the weekend, fans can explore the Ultraman universe, from 1966’s beloved classic Ultraman to 2025’s newest series, Ultraman Omega, and enjoy special activities, including a focus on the Ultraman Card Game with brand new art reveals. Meet your favorite Ultra Heroes and Kaiju at character meet & greets, and witness the action up close with live mini-stage battles. Hiroko Sakurai, known for her iconic roles as Yuriko Edogawa in Ultra Q and Akiko Fuji in Ultraman, will appear for autograph sessions and a special live talk show.

“Ultraman: The Ultra Academy Series represents a major step forward for Tsuburaya Productions and the elevation of the Ultraman brand in North America,” said transmedia producer Jeff Gomez. “These books will find their way into libraries, store shelves, and classrooms, introducing kids to an amazing universe of adventure, courage, exploration, and learning. We’re thrilled to let longtime fans have a first look at Beware the Baleful Baltan! at G-FEST!”

“It’s an incredible honor to be entrusted with Ultraman,” said author Rebecca K. Reynolds. “This beloved franchise has brought joy to millions worldwide for six decades, and we’ve felt like time travelers watching it grow from the Showa Ultras, through the Heisei era, to the Reiwa generation. Each new chapter has given audiences grand adventures filled with wonder, courage, and hope. Now we get to contribute our own stories to this extraordinary legacy. We love Ultraman, and we can’t wait to share that love with American kids. It’s going to be quite a journey!”

The Ultra Academy series continues with additional volumes planned for 2026, each featuring classic Kaiju, new scientific challenges, and exciting cameos by the Giant of Light himself, Ultraman!

The Ultraman universe first debuted in 1966 in the television series Ultra Q, and over the last 58+ years, the Ultraman franchise has spawned a record number of television series, films, video games, and more.  The continued presence of Ultraman at G-FEST for 2025 comes at a time of major growth and increased brand awareness of the Ultraman franchise.

Beware the Baleful Baltan! is published under Sky Turtle Nova, the speculative fiction imprint of Sky Turtle Press, known for producing high-quality books that bridge classic and contemporary storytelling. The book will be available in hardcover for $16.99 on September 23, 2025 wherever books are sold.

209 pages, HC
Language English
Reading age 9 - 13 years
Rebecca K. Reynolds (Author, Illustrator), David Miles (Illustrator)
Retail price: $16.99
Pre-order here.