Studio Thought Seed of Chucky Was ‘Too Gay, Too Funny'
Subtitles
  • Off
  • English

Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True

Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True

Target has released a new version of the classic 1980s toy and we got our hands on it.

We may earn a commission from links on this page.
Start Slideshow
Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9

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!”

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

The full set

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9

Here are all five pieces in their packages.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

60 phrases and effects

60 phrases and effects

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9

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...

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Green Lion close-up

Green Lion close-up

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9

The Green Lion has a missile launcher and Voltron’s shield.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Blue Lion close-up

Blue Lion close-up

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Yellow Lion close-up

Yellow Lion close-up

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Red Lion close-up

Red Lion close-up

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9

The Red Lion comes with Voltron’s sword.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Black Lion close-up

Black Lion close-up

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9

The Black Lion is the biggest and most expensive of the bunch.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Green Lion card back

Green Lion card back

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9

Now we’ll show you the card backs which have info on each lion, and its pilot.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Blue Lion card back

Blue Lion card back

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Yellow Lion card back

Yellow Lion card back

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Red Lion card back

Red Lion card back

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Black Lion card back

Black Lion card back

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Black Lion bottom

Black Lion bottom

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9

We thought this image of all of them together, on the bottom of the Black Lion box, was cool.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Let the unboxing begin

Let the unboxing begin

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9

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.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

The instructions

The instructions

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9

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+.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Green Lion and accessories

Green Lion and accessories

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9

As you can see, besides the main figure, each lion comes with a few other gizmos.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Top view

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Awwwwww

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9

This is the Black Lion when you take it out. It’s so precious with its baby legs!

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

All hooked up

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9

Here you see the Blue Lion with everything attached.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Hello Yellow

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9

The Yellow Lion is stopping in to say “Hi.”

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Unboxing complete

Unboxing complete

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9

After lots of razor action, we were able to unbox all five lions with their accessories. Let’s form Voltron!

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

It all starts here

It all starts here

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9

Creating Voltron starts by setting up the Black Lion: flipping out the wings, the head, etc.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Lions as limbs

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9

Then you transform each of the lions into their compressed states.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Legs and arms

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9

A different angle.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Sword in mouth

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9

We love how the lion is biting down on the sword.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Form Voltron!

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9

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.)

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Glorious

Image for article titled Voltron's 40th Anniversary Set Proves Dreams Come True
Photo: Germain Lussier/io9

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement