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.

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

Robot Cartoons

Over the weekend the news regarding details over the new Transformers cartoon called Cyberverse was released online. Ever since the first bit of news regarding the series, many fans (including myself) speculated it would have a more traditional G1 looking aesthetic (going by all the new art getting used on licensed products) and we were right. Using what Hasbro is referring to as the Evergreen designs, this cartoon will look awfully familiar. Evergreen meaning traditional looking, so you see Bumblebee and that's the same Bumblebee on everything (excluding movies of course). The designs are basically classic characters updated for modern times and that's going to be it going forward.

I'm not complaining.

The story is described as Bumblebee loses his memory on a mission and Windblade is helping him remember by recounting past adventures. So basically, it's going to be episodic and the initial set up will be under a story telling format (I figure the focus of the bumper segments will change as time progresses). I really like this as I really like more episodic storytelling as opposed to long drawn out arcs. Not to mention, it gives the writers more room to flex their creativity instead of forcing the characters into an ongoing arc.

I'm pretty positive in my outlook going forward, it sounds like a fun show. Once RID wraps up in a few weeks, I figure this will debut late winter or early spring (it debuts in 2018). I'm really interested in the Japanese version as I really want to see what manga or story pages comes in addition to this. Not to mention, this is the perfect setting for one off stories like fan club fiction or whatever. Instead of shoehorning a exclusive into a portion in a continuity and making an overly complex system of continuity... it's just another adventure in a general setting. Considering an earlier version of this blog was called Cyberverse (after what was then a line of legion/legend toys), I obviously like the name.

Also this weekend the 4th season of Voltron was released on Netflix. With the new smaller season model firmly in place as of last season, it's really easy to binge right through the new episodes in the same time you'd watch a movie, though it does leave you wanting more sooner. Fortunately the new smaller season model will supposedly reduce that in between time. This season was excellent. Absolutely excellent. Without going into spoilers as much as possible, the show really delved into things and really set the stage for bigger things. Not to mention, episode 4 'The Voltron Show' was absolutely hilarious. This is a show that started off good and has stayed good. It's great to watch a robot cartoon without the mental conceit that it's a cartoon (so you gloss over some stuff). Not to mention, whenever my wife is in the same room as me while watching a robot cartoon, she doesn't pay it too much attention. This one generally keeps her attention and while she's not particularly interested in my silly robot shows, she does ask a bunch of questions and I can tell it's got her hooked for the moment at least. A well written show will do that. You may not want to watch it, but you'll at least be entertained while it's in your view. Either way, I'm chomping at the bit for season 5.

Building Metal Defender Voltron

One down, four to go.

This past winter I built the Legendary Voltron, a 16" giant Voltron figure. I had used some gift cards from Christmas to buy the 4 limb lions and my pre order for the black lion had fell through (I've developed a grudge towards toy pre orders since) Fortunately my wife picked me one up as a get well soon gift when I came down with the flu around late January. It's a impressive figure that I'm quite proud of owning as a lifelong Voltron fan and a fan of the current Netflix show.

After completing the giant figure, I began wishing for a smaller figure of the current version of Voltron. There's action figure of him on the shelves that I hadn't picked up as I wanted a combining set. Soon as I learned of the Metal Defender series, I was stoked. A smaller Voltron with die cast lions, sign me up!

So far the Metal Defender series is available in a gift set and as individual lions. I started building my Metal Defender Voltron this past weekend by beginning with the black lion (since he was a challenge to get last time). I've decided to do it individually as the gift set is may be available, but also a big hunk of change to spend at once. 15$ a week for the lions is a little easier and really won't take long to finish collecting.

I'm really looking forward to completing my new Metal Defender Voltron. Playing with my new smaller black lion has been a treat and that added heft of die cast is extremely pleasant. I really recommend the new set to any fan of Voltron or robot toys in general. Once you get one in hand, you'll see why.

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.