Huh. I actually forgot the original name for this franchise was “GoLION.” It’s amusing to realize that “VOLTRON” has no apparent, nominal connection to that - - except for, perhaps, the localizers loving nearly-nonsensical puns.
You know this franchise. I know this franchise. We all know the various reboots, tributes and assorted rip-offs that have followed it over the years, so let’s talk about something more interesting than a rote plot recap, shall we?
See, watching this so soon after SPACE ADVENTURE COBRA makes me realize that there really was just something floating in the zeitgeist this show was made in. I like to picture it as some ghostly, radioactive ether that was streaking through the stars like some kind of living borealis.
Hypnotic sound effects, baroque fashion, brutal violence, spacey fantasia and a sense of dread underlying even the most farciful moments….these are all ingredients that also apply to the likes of GALAXY EXPRESS 999, CAPTAIN HARLOCK, GUNDAM, STARBLAZERS, BATTLE OF THE PLANETS, and, of course, COBRA. Hell, if American space hero comics from the 70’s like ADAM WARLOCK and CAPTAIN MARVEL were adapted by these animation studios, they’d most likely feel the same, as well. It’s almost like the popular imagination needed ten years to acclimate to the notion of space travel being a reality before it felt free to toss all sense of realism away again in favor of romance, psychedelia and disco.
Somebody go ahead and write a thesis paper about this, already. I know I’m onto something, here.
Watch this episode, “Escape from Slave Castle" here and decide for yourself.
Tom Pinchuk’s a writer and personality with a large number of comics, videos and features like this to his credit. Visit his website - - tompinchuk.com - - and follow his Twitter: @tompinchuk
