Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
It took 40 years, but recently one of my toy dreams came true. After writing this article about toys that you always wanted, but could never have, I was contacted to see if I’d be interested in receiving and writing about a brand new set of Voltron toys to celebrate the franchise’s 40th anniversary. The answer wasn’t just “Yes,” it was “Oh hell yes!”
Exclusive to Target, Playmates is releasing a new set of Voltron toys that combine to create the big man himself. We’re talking Black Lion ($30), Red Lion, Green Lion, Blue Lion, and Yellow Lion ($20 each). There’s also a five-pack that retails for $100. They’re available at Targets everywhere (here’s a link) but Playmates was kind enough to send io9 a set, and what follows are our unboxings, constructions, and thoughts.
The full set
Here are all five pieces in their packages.
60 phrases and effects
You’ll notice there’s “Try Me” button on the black lion. When you press it, it has various sound effects and different sayings such as “Form Voltron!” “We will defend this planet!” “Activate Laser blades!” and more. There are over 60 in total, some of which only unlock when you put the whole package together. Speaking of packages...
Green Lion close-up
The Green Lion has a missile launcher and Voltron’s shield.
Blue Lion close-up
Yellow Lion close-up
Red Lion close-up
The Red Lion comes with Voltron’s sword.
Black Lion close-up
The Black Lion is the biggest and most expensive of the bunch.
Green Lion card back
Now we’ll show you the card backs which have info on each lion, and its pilot.
Blue Lion card back
Yellow Lion card back
Red Lion card back
Black Lion card back
Black Lion bottom
We thought this image of all of them together, on the bottom of the Black Lion box, was cool.
Let the unboxing begin
We aren’t gonna show photos of every package opening but the back of the Black Lion package is... a lot. With all the tape and zip ties, you better have your razor blade in hand.
The instructions
Each lion comes with very clear, very simple instructions. This is just the Green Lion but they’re all very similar. Very helpful and easy to use. A+.
Green Lion and accessories
As you can see, besides the main figure, each lion comes with a few other gizmos.
Top view
Awwwwww
This is the Black Lion when you take it out. It’s so precious with its baby legs!
All hooked up
Here you see the Blue Lion with everything attached.
Hello Yellow
The Yellow Lion is stopping in to say “Hi.”
Unboxing complete
After lots of razor action, we were able to unbox all five lions with their accessories. Let’s form Voltron!
It all starts here
Creating Voltron starts by setting up the Black Lion: flipping out the wings, the head, etc.
Lions as limbs
Then you transform each of the lions into their compressed states.
Legs and arms
A different angle.
Sword in mouth
We love how the lion is biting down on the sword.
Form Voltron!
From there, it’s a pretty easy process. Snap everything in and boom: Voltron! (The arms are a little weird because you have to turn the shoulders first, but that’s the only complication.)
Glorious
Now that all 16 inches of Voltron are assembled, the button on the Black Lion says different things. Mainly interactions between the characters. “Pidge, talk to me: are you hurt?” “No, I can handle it” “We’ve got to hang on somehow! I trust you, Keith!” etc. It’s pretty cool.
In the end, Voltron is awesome. The downsides are that it’s a bit more flimsy than you are expecting so getting it to stand comfortably is a bit of a struggle. But that’s a small price to pay for everything else. I had a blast opening these and putting them together. Each of the lions are already cool on their own but once you get them together? It’s just a whole other level. If you’re a Voltron fan and always wanted the original toys, this is a great substitute.
