Voltron - Protectors of the Universe is available at Shirtstore.
Voltron debuted as an animated television series in the United States in 1984 and was an instant hit. The original to the series is actually older than Transformers itself, which most would probably assume is the progenitor of mechanime.
Voltron consists of five smaller spaceships with a lion theme that can beam together to form a giant sword-wielding robot. In addition to swords, Voltron is armed with lasers and energy shields making him a formidable opponent for any enemy.
Voltron was inspired by Japanese anime.
Japanese anime was dominated in the 80s by robot anime, so-called mecha-Anime. Metal Suite Gundam, Macross and Gunbuster are perhaps the best examples of the popular series of the decade where giant robots provided the entertainment.
However, the creators of Voltron drew inspiration from a less popular series in Japan - Beast King Golion which aired in Japan between 1981-82. Transformers was first released as an animated series in 1986.
Golion was seen as too generic in the domestic market, but Voltron's creators saw a series that would work well in the American market. Ted Koplar, the American who took the series from Japan to the US liked Golion after the audience didn't have to be able to read or even listen to the dialogue to understand what was happening. It was perfect for the American audience!
Similar to other animated TV series of the 80s and 90s, the TV series is what is called toy-friendly on the inside.
A Voltron robot was high on many children's wish lists in the mid-80s. And also the timing of one of the largest toy recalls ever in the US.
in November 1986, the US agency Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that the then extremely expensive product (priced from 60 to 90 dollars) was being recalled by the manufacturer Matchbox Toys.
The target paint used on the robot had too high a lead content, which can be toxic especially to children. Over a million Voltron toys were affected, making it one of the largest toy recalls ever.
Although the series is unknown to many in Sweden, it had a similar cultural status to Transformers and helped pave the way for future sensations such as Pokémon and Mighty 'Power Rangers.
The series is available in a newly recorded version from 2016 on Netflix.
