by JOHN DEQUADROS, Rip Rocket Photography
On September 10, 1984, Voltron: Defender Of The Universe premiered — the result of a collaboration between World Events Productions (WEP) and Toei Animation. Conceived by TV pioneer Ted Koplar, the series drew inspiration from Japanese anime and focused on a team of pilots who command a pack of combinatory lions in their battle against the evil Drule Empire. When united, they formed the mighty Voltron.
“We didn’t know it at the time the original series was released, but it turns out that anime programs like Beast King GoLion and Dairugger XV [the shows on which Voltron was based] were part of a long history of giant robot team shows with enduring popularity in their origin country of Japan,” explains VoltCon organizer Patrick O’Connor. “It makes sense that they would also have appeal abroad.”
With its striking visuals and immersive stereophonic sound, audiences quickly embraced the series, making it the top syndicated kids’ TV show in the U.S. After its conclusion in November 1985, several spin-offs followed, including Voltron: The Third Dimension (1998) and Voltron Force (2011). In 2016, DreamWorks Animation collaborated with WEP for Voltron: Legendary Defender, an acclaimed reboot with eight seasons streaming on Netflix.
I loved giant robots. To find a robot that was made up of other robots just blew my mind!”
Central to the brand’s longevity has also been an extensive line of toys, beginning with a series of combinable metal figures released by Matchbox in 1984. Renowned for its diecast vehicles, Matchbox retooled the original Japanese molds and worked closely with Bandai’s Popy division to offer consumers a range of tie-in products that appeared on the pages of The Toy Book and quickly flew from store shelves.
Panosh Place acquired the license in 1985, focusing on plastic toys in the 3.75-inch scale. In addition to redesigned lions with opening cockpits, the company released pilots with removable helmets, villains, vehicles, and the Castle Of Lions playset. LJN took over in 1986, releasing everything from wind-up lions to a Voltron figure that transformed into binoculars.
In recent years, manufacturers including The LEGO Group, Mattel, Playmates Toys, Funko, and Super7 have all created toys inspired by this legendary saga. And, with the 40th anniversary of the franchise this year, anticipation mounts as fans — and retailers — eagerly await commemorative items set to mark this monumental occasion.
“We’re eager to tap into the power of this anniversary year across the Voltron ecosystem and fandom,” says Jeff Trojan, Vice President of Marketing — Boys Brands at Playmates Toys. “[We’re] releasing the classic ‘84 lions in their individual packages, but once you collect them all, they combine together to form Voltron and include more than 60 sounds and phrases.”
Additional licensing partners will release toys and collectibles in the months ahead, including a Fisher-Price Little People Collector set due from Mattel next month.
Backed by groundbreaking animation and innovative toy design, Voltron continues to inspire audiences with themes of courage, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil. A permanent fixture within the pantheon of popular culture, Voltron’s legacy is certain to continue shining brightly for generations to come.
A version of this feature was originally published in The Toy Book’s 2024 Action & Adventure Issue. Click here to read the full issue! Want to receive The Toy Book in print? Click here for subscription options!
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