Voltron Legendary Defender

The final season of Voltron Legendary Defender premiered this weekend on Netflix. I watched it sporadically during the weekend, finishing up this morning as I was wrapping some Christmas presents. I'm certainly sad to see this show go. Not only was it the best damn robot show on tv, but it was just a damn good show. I appreciated the drama and comedy that fleshed out the characters and situation that made the show more than it could have been. Not to mention as a lifelong Voltron fan, it was great to see the series get a solid cartoon that not only looked cool, but also delivered on substance.

I enjoyed buying the toys that Playmates made for the short time they were out and hope to see some of the designs from the show make it into toy form at some point, even if unofficially. Between the various Robeasts, mecha piloted by big bads (would those be Robeasts too?), and the various Voltron formations (not to mention the Atlas). There was some great robots on display.

It's been a fun ride, the past few years with Lion Force. If this is Voltron's last show (for awhile or ever) then I'm glad it was such a good show. The previous entries never felt right to me, while this was wonderful. I hope if we see Voltron again, be it lions or vehicles, or even Gladiator, it's just as good if not better than Legendary Defender.

Voltron season 8 trailer

The best damn robot show on TV's last season debuts on December 14.

I'm going to miss it when it's over.

Voltron season 7 reminder

 

Friendly reminder, Voltron season 7 hits Netflix August 10th... THIS FRIDAY!

Voltron season 7 trailer

The best damn robot show on TV returns August 10th!

Ready to pounce on season 6

Voltron season 6 hits this weekend on Netflix and it's cat crazy time at Zone Base in anticipation. I think I've settled on what pair of basketball short/t shirt combination to wear while I form the recliner and binge the new season of the best damn robot show going. Ideally, this will be a good time to test out that Little Caesars app for an Extra Most Bestest of ideal combination.

Form ice cold Pepsi!

Voltron season 6 trailer

It must be robot trailer day, as we get a preview of the best damn robot show on TVs new season later this month.

Voltron could use some defending

Like some of you, I have noticed Voltron toys disappearing from shelves of my local stores. I wasn't sure why as the line seemed to have been selling well and the new product on display at Toyfair was full of promise. So last week, the upcoming Hyper Phase Voltron was shown as an upcoming San Diego Comic Con exclusive in a box set. I didn't think twice as the MEtal Defender set last year was sold at SDCC before retail. Then as more folks started wondering about the upcoming Paladin figures, one reached out and got the following email.

Well, that was a disappointment for the people who were looking forward to building the cast of characters. Many started speculating that the line was outright cancelled, while many said the clearance was just to clear out room for the summer movie toys. Not to mention, the email doesn't say the line is cancelled, just that plans have changed. So a little heartbroken that I may not be able to get any more Voltron toys, I sent Playmates an email myself, asking for some clear information.

So basically, if that SDCC set sells well, they'll look into getting the individual lions out. It really looks like they are trying to get products in stores, and I really hope they do. Like I said, Voltron toys seemed to be selling pretty well around here, and I live in the rural outskirts of a major American city, so it's not the worst gauge to go by.

Little Things

Oh potatoes, and molasses

One thing I always appreciate in robot cartoons is that bit of life given to the bots in the animation. That sounds stupid, but bear with me. Be it Transformers, Voltron, Zoids, whatever, that little shifting around. Those little bits of personality that are extremely pronounced. In the live action movies, Bumblebee has a distinct personality in his movements. He's based on Marty McFly in that. Watch a clip or two and a clip of two of Back to the Future. See? The lions in Voltron don't just move like cats, they behave like cats. Look at that picture of the Red Lion up thar. In a cheaper show, he would just be jumping. But this is a quality cartoon, he's arched, his head is bowed, tail even curved. He looks like my cat pouncing on a toy.

Personality matters.

DX Golion commercial

I'm pretty pumped for the new season of Voltron this weekend. Been mentally preparing myself for the new developments and fantastic battles. Currently, it's Wednesday morning (I work overnight) and it won't be until Saturday evening until I get to settle down and binge the new season. I've been forming (the head!) a strategy. Food (thinking an italian sub from Publix), drinks (maybe some Ginger Ale), what t shirt/basketball shorts combo to wear (maximum comfort is the goal). I've even debated on a small Voltron shrine to sit around myself. Of courser the cats wouldn't leave the swords alone, so perhaps I'll skip that.  

Defender of the Universe-al

This is in St Louis, isn't it great?

Here me out, I got another theme park idea. Yes it's for Universal Studios. Don't look at me like that.

Before I talked about the much rumored to go Shrek 4D (talking Orlando) would make a great spot for a Godzilla 4D attraction. Then last night it dawned on me. Dreamworks makes the current Voltron show. Which just happens to be the best damn robot show on TV. Hey... Comcast owns Dreamworks... and Universal... 

So, what if a Voltron 4D attraction was created in that building? Imagine it, the facade and que would be re-themed into the Castle of Lions. Perhaps even with a mighty Voltron statue on top of the sign (similar to the rad Transformers set up just a little down from this area, but I'll get to that in a second). The line could feature props from the control area and have a video briefing from Allura, Coran, and the Paladins. This bit could be funny as Coran is hilarious. Throw in some animatronic Space Mice and you got a cool que and pre show!

I imagine the plot could follow a Galra attack that would feature cool scenes of Zarkon and Hagar with accompanying smoke and light effects in the theater. We could be treated to funny dialog from the Paladins before all hell breaks loose and we get a show stopping Lion Force battle with the Galra Empire. An epic Voltron formation would add to the excitement with the visual effects from the theater combined with 3D video and moving seats. I can see lasers firing inside the theater. That would be amazing. It would all end with Zarkon attacking in his epic mech suit with a show stopping battle with Voltron defeating Zarkon and the Galra and a great feel good ending. 

Guest would then exit into a shop selling all sorts of cool Voltron merchandise. Maybe a cool Universal exclusive version of the Playmates Voltron sets. I could see plush toys of the Space Mice being a hit among even the most casual of guests. As they exit the theater, well heck, there's the Paladins in a meet and greet session. Maybe even Zarkon. 

Seeing as Transformers is just down a bit in the park, there could be a cool sci fi snack cart located in between the two robot attractions. Maybe selling things like neon colored drinks and glow sticks at night. 

Zarkon

That's me, being badass

Seeing as Playmates has that awesome season 2 finale version of Voltron waiting in the wings for a fall release, it'd be awful nice of them to release his counterpart, Zarkon in his mech suit! Obviously they wouldn't do it at Legendary scale, but even a sweet action figure of this would be great (oohh, what about in a two pack with a Quintessence Voltron?). I'd also like a toy of Lotor's ship. That thing is practically a mech suit on it's own. Playmates has really been knocking it out of the park with their Voltron toys so far, I could see them really kicking butts with a release of this.

Speaking of Voltron

Season 5 of the best damn robot show on TV will hit Netflix on March 2nd!

Forming Voltron in 2018

Toy Fair also brought me a healthy dose of exciting Voltron news. Looks like as the Voltron 84 assortment cools, Playmates plans on bringing a updated Legendary Defender Voltron out that mirrors his upgrade from the big fight during the end of season 2. Something I've wanted since I saw it!

I'm very excited for the chance to build this guy after finally completing my 84 Voltron (I'm slowly but surely doing it).

Also of interest is the stealth lions in the standard action figure assortment. The lions in those crystal colors are beautiful and look like a sight to be held.

Unfortunately there wasn't a new Metal Defender shown, but I'll keep my hopes up as I that was seriously great. Hoping to get a Metal Defender 84 or even a Quintessence upgraded version at some point. Playmates has really been bringing it with their Voltron line and it's hard to contain my excitement for their upcoming products.

Credit for the photos: Toy Hype USA

A Legendary Classic

Playmates new Legendary scale Classic Voltron should be finding it's way to stores soon and I'm pretty excited. I've really enjoyed the prior Metal Defender and Legendary Voltron sets and have been looking forward to this offering. Playmates Lion Force toys have really been great and this take on the Classic Voltron is looking to continue that streak.

My only concern is the packaging is nearly identical to the prior Legendary set and I can see asking my wife or mom to be on the lookout for a certain lion to be confusing. Though I really want them to release a Metal Defender Classic Voltron.

These guys are doing a great job with Voltron and I'm hoping it doesn't stop. Also hoping they attempt Vehicle Force.

Form Blazing Season 3!

The best robot cartoon going on is coming back for season 3 next month and my excitement is nuclear.

Building Voltron Legendary Defender

I don't bother chasing mice around...

When the Netflix series Voltron Legendary Defender started up, I didn't watch it for like a month. Because I didn't have Netflix at the time. Though, instead of upgrading our cable package, we decided to restart a subscription. So about a month later, I became a fast fan of the new Voltron series. I've always loved Voltron and was hoping the new show would be better than the previous attempts at a new Voltron show were and it was. As soon as it was announced that new toys were coming, I promised myself to get some.

So, right before Christmas, the toys started popping up in stores and with some gift card money, I got them all. Well, all that I really wanted. There are various role play toys. There are action figures (I'm a little tempted to get those), and then there is the Legendary Lions that merge to form Voltron (those are the ones I got). The lions are pretty large. I'd say about 5-6 inches long. They are nice and hefty with a good deal of articulation. The package says 20 points, but I didn't count. I was pleased enough.

I'm waiting for the black lion to arrive from a pre order (sometime this week), so this post is really about the limb robots. Each one comes with it's Paladin. The Paladin is molded in a tiny cockpit vehicle that stores easily in the lions chest. The cockpit is a tiny hovercraft vehicle and each one is surprisingly different. I expected and wouldn't blame Playmates to just repaint the same mold 5 times. Each also has a firing weapon that can be mounted on the lions back. They're pretty neat and add to each lions appearance individually. Unfortunately, as I don't have the black lion yet, I can't tell if they intergrade with Voltron in any way. The red and green lion each came with parts of Voltron's sword, which I found clever as the blazing sword is formed in the hands formed by red and green.

If I have any complaints about the lions, it's that the toes and tails are made from a really soft plastic that mushes easily. Also, the cuff that forms yellow lions ankle in leg mode rubs the paint on the nose of the yellow lion a bit. Outside of that, I don't really have any complaints. The four are really pleasant and hefty toys. Each one is individually different and look like they do on the cartoon. I'm really looking forward to getting the black lion and completing Voltron. Considering how large and chunky these four are, I can't wait to get ahold of the much larger centerpiece.