Voltron (SDCC 09 Metallic Paint Version)

I had the oportunity (or should I say I had the "okay" form the wife) to pick up the metal version at Image Anime in NYC two years ago and I passed it up. I think that may have been the right choice because of all of the good points you mentioned in the review.

My only complaint: no chrome! Still, far better than the first plastic version.

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled robots yearning to be collected"

Ok so everyones biggest complaint with the plastic version is the lack of chrome..well it turns out that a chrome version does exist. You have to buy 5 pairs of Reebok Voltron sneakers though. I did manage to buy the green lion without the sneakers and missed a complete chrome plastic version for 32 bux that came with a vacuform tray in its combined mode (anyone know what this release is anyway? Ive never seen a combined version tray layout before, maybe promotional?)

If they could do it in real low numbers with the reebok shoes, couldnt they chrome it for a special release? like THE 25 YEAR METALLIC VERSION!!?? would have made sense for this release, but maybe they are holding out for a 3rd release so they can max out profits from the mold. We'll see I guess.

This will only be made this year, then gone forever (25 year version) Although it was limited at SDCC, it is a normal release and not an exclusive, so it should be relatively easy to find. Look to pay 65-100 at current prices

BTW, if anyone has seized arm sockets, DO NOT force the arms to turn. Instead find a square rod or square shaft screwdriver or something same dimensions as arm socket so you can lodge it in there and slowly turn it to unseize it. I think they metallic paint they used seized the sockets on mine, Im sure there are others out there like that. Great figure though

The price of the die-cast ver was far too high for me. However, this one I would get. I never saw the show, but I do have respect for the Voltron. If I could get the original 80s ver intact, that'd be fine with me, but this would be great to have as well.

I never understood the point of those joints mid-way down the red wings... =/

BTW, Atom, I could instantly tell which had die-cast and which didn't. ;)
------------------------------
CollectionDX Staff

Who'd a thunk it? A toy of Voltron? Hahaha. Nice review Atom.
Thanks for the head's up chachipower about the joints.

Eva, take a closer look at the pic of the black lions, and you'll see the reason for the wing joint. It's cannon to the show, the way the black lion stays manuverable while not flying, or being transmogrified into the statue atop the castle entrance pillar, when the wings are extended, but with the partial fold......dude, you seriously need to watch the first few opening story eps of the show, at Least! You'll like it.

This piece is best bought in-person from your local shop. I had to buy *three* of the earlier plastic Voltron before I was able to get one that didn't have nasty seams, or globbed paint.

And after all that, it really wasn't that nice quality, or design to warrant over $40. The plastic is somewhat nice, but it still feels like a Taiwan bootleg. Just a nicer one from the 80's. I assumed that this feeling would be removed when I bought the die-cast version, but yet again I was severely disappointed. The lions scratch the paint when you transform it, the joints feel cheap, and the fit leaves something to be desired... a quick forum spin will say it all better than I can say it here.

I still like the different boxes that Toynami made for this piece. But that doesn't excuse the high price vs. the quality of this piece.

It's not horrible, but it's a good 50% more expensive than it should be for an all-plastic repressing, especially third time to the well for this mold. It's also around the same price you can get a vintage diecast one for (without the box) which is a much better toy.

It's a shame, because Toynami is the company that everyone in the US *wants so bad* to love.

It's like that girl you tried to date in college... How many times are you gonna let her stand you up before you realize she's not going to show up for your date?

I really wanted to love this piece, but this was a huge disappointment. This toy should have cost no more than $35-40.

I was right when I complained about Golion being bastardised into Voltron. To appreciate better the anime show you should watch the uncensored Golion and see how different (and violent) it is than the bastardised/censored version. As regards the toy, I was wondering of buying the normal colour plastic version too besides the metal version which I already have. I'm also curious to see a Soul of Chogokin version of Golion by Bandai!

I have not noticed any bad paint apps on my plastic versions and I have 8 of them, 5 normal, 3 25 year, maybe it was sorted out by the time I got mine.

If you have a metallic and want a normal, they are readily available and cheaper although the difference in color is very very slight. I really only notice a difference in the green lion. All the others just look like they have a misting of metallic clear coat on them. I am very happy that Toynami is keeping Voltron alive in diecast and plastic.It doesnt have all the gimmicks of the original, but no biggie.

I would love it if they were able to make another version of this but in a golion box. That would be sweet.

Speaking of Golion, I remember thinking Golion was a knockoff like Lionbot because I knew him as Voltron. My memories and love for this character were cemented with the Voltron series. So I jumped on the Voltron DVD wagon only to hit play and say "What the crap? I actually sat through this as a kid? Was I even paying attention to the dialogue?!"

Then lo and behold Golion DVD comes out, I take a chance and buy the DVDs and BAM, Im glued to the screen as a 34 year old adult. Golion is how the show was meant to be..uncut and awesome with some swearing.

I dont know what my fascination is with a robot that breaks down into robot lions.. I absolutely CANNOT STAND robots that turn into animals, but this is a big exception. I will forever be a Voltron/Golion fanatic.

Passion for toys.......No other......