In the mid-80s, one franchise stood out from the pack with its giant robotic lions, a team of heroic pilots, and an epic tale of good versus evil. That franchise was Voltron: Defender of the Universe, and its impact on both the world of animation and the action figure market was monumental. Combining elements of Japanese anime with American storytelling sensibilities, Voltron became an international hit, and its toy line captured the imagination of kids everywhere.
The Birth of Voltron
The Voltron story begins with the American adaptation of a Japanese anime series called Beast King GoLion. The premise was simple yet powerful: a team of five pilots, each commanding a robotic lion, would combine their lions to form Voltron, a massive robot warrior capable of defending the universe from the forces of evil. The show was syndicated in the U.S. in 1984 under the title Voltron: Defender of the Universe, and it didn’t take long for it to catch on.
With its blend of space adventure, robot battles, and a team of colorful characters, Voltron was perfectly positioned to tap into the growing appetite for sci-fi in the 80s. The storyline followed the five members of the Voltron Force—Keith, Lance, Pidge, Hunk, and Princess Allura—as they defended the planet Arus from the evil forces of King Zarkon and his army of monstrous Robeasts. The series was a hit with both kids and their parents, offering action, excitement, and just the right amount of campy fun.
The Toy Line: Combining to Form Voltron
At the heart of the Voltron toy line, produced by Matchbox, was the core appeal of the series itself: the ability to combine multiple vehicles into a larger, more powerful robot. The original Voltron action figure line centered around the Lion Force Voltron, which featured five highly detailed robotic lion figures that could combine into a towering 16-inch Voltron robot. Each lion was intricately designed to match the show, with articulation that allowed for various poses, and the combination process was smooth and satisfying.
What set Voltron apart from other toy lines of the era was the sheer scale of the combined figure. When all five lions were brought together, Voltron stood as a colossus—complete with his iconic blazing sword. This concept of combining toys to create something greater was not only fun but incredibly innovative for its time. It appealed to kids’ sense of accomplishment; piecing together Voltron felt like a victory.
The toy line was successful not just because of Voltron himself but also because of the supporting characters. Alongside the lions, action figures of the Voltron Force pilots were released, adding an extra layer of playability. Each pilot came with their own gear and accessories, reflecting their roles in the show. For fans of the villains, there were also figures of King Zarkon, Prince Lotor, and even the dreaded Robeasts, giving kids the tools they needed to recreate the show’s epic battles.
The Variations: Voltron in Different Forms
While Lion Force Voltron remains the most iconic version, the Voltron franchise wasn’t limited to just one team. As the popularity of the show grew, a second series called Vehicle Voltron was introduced. This version of Voltron was formed by 15 separate vehicles—divided into land, sea, and air teams—that could combine into a gigantic robot. While Vehicle Voltron never reached the same level of popularity as the original, it added a new dynamic to the toy line and gave collectors another massive robot to assemble.
One of the most notable features of the Voltron toy line was its high-quality die-cast metal construction. The lions were heavy, durable, and felt more substantial than many other action figures of the time. The die-cast parts gave the toys a premium feel, making them beloved not just by kids but by collectors, too. Over the years, various versions of the Voltron lions have been released, including plastic variations, but the original die-cast lions are still considered the gold standard by many fans.
Expanding the Universe: Roleplay Toys and Playsets
As with most successful action figure lines of the 80s, Voltron didn’t stop with just the figures and vehicles. Matchbox and later manufacturers introduced a range of playsets, roleplay toys, and accessories that expanded the Voltron universe. The Castle of Lions playset was one of the most popular, allowing kids to recreate the home base of the Voltron Force. It featured various compartments and accessories, giving kids a place to plan their next battle against the forces of evil.
Roleplay toys like the Voltron Blazing Sword and the Voltron Shield allowed kids to step into the shoes of their favorite robot warrior, engaging in their own imaginary battles against the forces of King Zarkon. These toys encouraged active play and let kids feel like they were part of the action. The combination of imaginative play and collectible figures made the Voltron toy line a comprehensive experience for young fans.
The Enduring Legacy of Voltron
Like many 80s toy lines, Voltron went through periods of decline and revival. After the original series ended, the toy line faded somewhat, but the legacy of Voltron lived on. In the years since, Voltron has seen multiple revivals, including new animated series, comic books, and a steady stream of reissued and updated toys.
The most significant revival came in 2016 with the release of Voltron: Legendary Defender on Netflix. This rebooted series reimagined the original Voltron story for a new generation, introducing fresh designs, more complex character arcs, and a deeper storyline. Along with the new series came a brand-new line of Voltron toys, which once again focused on the combining lion feature. Fans both old and new flocked to stores to get their hands on these updated figures, proving that the appeal of Voltron had never truly faded.
Collectors’ Market
Today, original Voltron toys, particularly those from the 1980s, are highly sought after by collectors. The die-cast lions, especially when complete and in good condition, can fetch high prices on the secondary market. Special edition reissues of the Lion Force Voltron figure have also become prized items for fans looking to relive their childhoods or add a piece of toy history to their collection.
Whether in its original 1980s form or through its modern incarnations, Voltron remains a beloved property. Its unique combination of transforming vehicles, heroic characters, and epic storytelling has given it a lasting place in the pantheon of great action figure lines. For fans and collectors alike, Voltron is more than just a toy—it’s a symbol of 80s imagination at its finest.