I might be giving my age away, but I actually remember the Voltron animated series when it first broadcast on TV back in the 80s. My memories of the plot and characters are sketchy, but I remember it being a fun alternative to the more popular Robotech and loved the action sequences of the series.
Some background for you youngsters: Voltron was essentially the name of the giant humanoid sword-wielding robot that formed when all the other characters piloting their own lion-shaped robots combined them to form an even bigger robot that was always responsible for kicking serious robot butt at the end of every episode. It was a bit repetitive, but there was something compelling about ninja type space robots fighting against each other for reasons that escape me… but then again, when you have giant robots, do you need a reason to fight each other?
The series also spawned a host of merchandise and cool toys which my parents claimed they were too poor to afford and so I had to stick with kicking the soccer ball around instead.
The franchise was pretty much dead, but it recently began building a new fan base with an animated prequel that aired on Nicktoons not too long ago titled “Voltron Force”. So I guess it makes sense that it is due for a reboot to a newer generation. And that’s exactly what’s happening.
Comic Book Resources announced yesterday that Netflix has signed off for a reboot of Voltron as part of a deal they’ve made with Dreamworks Animation Studios. Along with Voltron, the deal also includes production of a new fantasy series from acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro (Pacific Rim, Pan, Hellboy) named Trollhunters. Not much is known of this new series, though the site describes it as:
“a new, fantastical world wrapped around two best friends who make a startling discovery beneath their hometown.”
It sounds a bit light for a compelling series, but I guess as they are trying to tap into the kids market here plot becomes secondary to visual spectacle and with del Toro, that can almost be guaranteed.
Whether there is a market for these shows remains to be seen, but if they do turn into a success, parents should live in fear as their kids are most certainly going to want to you to spend money on. You have been warned.
This will form part of a host of new projects under the Netflix-Dreamworks deal, so expect more exciting series to be on the way as Netflix looks to bolster their animation content.
Last Updated: January 7, 2016
