Voltron: The Original Cartoon - 50 Years of Legendary Defenders

Introduction

Voltron, the iconic 80s cartoon, has captured the hearts of generations of fans. Since its debut in 1984, the show has become a global phenomenon, spawning countless merchandise, toys, video games, and even a live-action movie.

This article dives deep into the original Voltron cartoon, exploring its history, characters, themes, and cultural impact. Join us as we celebrate 50 years of the legendary defenders of the universe!

History and Creation

In 1981, Toei Animation, a Japanese animation studio, created a series called "Golion" for the Japanese market. The show featured five robotic lions that could combine to form a giant robot named Voltron.

In 1984, World Events Productions, an American company, acquired the rights to Golion and edited it into a new series called Voltron: Defender of the Universe. The show aired in syndication throughout the United States, quickly becoming one of the most popular children's cartoons of the era.

Characters

The Five Lions of Voltron

• Red Lion: Piloted by Keith, the leader of the team
• Black Lion: Piloted by Shiro, the wise and experienced strategist
• Blue Lion: Piloted by Lance, the comedic and flirtatious pilot
• Yellow Lion: Piloted by Hunk, the strong and gentle giant
• Green Lion: Piloted by Pidge, the tech-savvy and intelligent pilot

Other Key Characters

• Princess Allura: The last survivor of the royal family of planet Arus and a valuable ally to the Voltron team
• Coran: Allura's advisor and the resident scientist and engineer
• Zarkon: The evil emperor of the Drule Empire and Voltron's primary antagonist

Themes

Courage and Teamwork

One of the central themes of Voltron is the importance of courage and teamwork. The five pilots must overcome their differences and work together to defeat their enemies and protect the universe.

Good vs. Evil

Voltron is a classic tale of good vs. evil. The Voltron team represents the forces of good, while Zarkon and the Drule Empire represent the forces of evil. The show emphasizes the importance of standing up to tyranny and oppression.

Importance of Knowledge

Voltron also highlights the importance of knowledge and technology. Coran's scientific expertise and Pidge's technical skills are essential to the team's success. The show encourages viewers to value education and critical thinking.

Cultural Impact

Popularity and Influence

Voltron was an instant success upon its release in the United States. The show's action-packed battles, memorable characters, and timeless themes resonated with audiences of all ages. It quickly became a cultural phenomenon, spawning countless toys, video games, and other merchandise.

Legacy

Voltron's influence can still be seen today. The show has been rebooted and adapted multiple times over the years, most recently as the Netflix series "Voltron: Legendary Defender." The original cartoon remains a beloved classic, inspiring generations of fans and creators.

Behind the Scenes

Production Details

Voltron was animated by Toei Animation in Japan and dubbed into English for American audiences. The show's distinctive animation style and memorable voice acting contributed to its popularity.

Voice Cast

The English dub of Voltron featured a talented voice cast led by Peter Cullen as Keith and Michael Bell as Shiro. Their performances helped bring the characters to life and make them iconic.

Music

Voltron's iconic theme song, "Defender of the Universe," became a hit in the United States. The show's music was composed by John Williams Jr., who later went on to create the soundtracks for popular films such as "Jaws" and "Star Wars."

Tables

Table 1: Voltron Lion Stats

Table 2: Voltron Enemies

Table 3: Voltron Allies

Table 4: Voltron Merchandise Sales

Conclusion

Voltron: The Original Cartoon remains a beloved classic that has captured the hearts of generations of fans. With its timeless themes, memorable characters, and iconic battles, the show continues to inspire and entertain viewers of all ages. Here's to another 50 years of legendary defenders!