Basically, Voltron started out as a Japanese anime. TWO Japanese animes to be exact. They were the Hyaku Ju-Oh Go Lion (referred to as "Go Lion") and KikouKantai Dairugger XV (referred to as "Dairugger XV"). Both were produced and, I believe still, owned by the Toei Animation Company.
Back in the early 80's, World Events Productions, Ltd. obtained the rights to the shows for American released. They combined the original animation of Go Lion, their own storylines, and American voice actors to create the show we all know as Voltron, Defender of the Universe. They created a first season of 52 episodes using the original Japanese show material. Due to the success, they then commissioned their own artists to create an original animated second season of 20 episodes.
There was another series put out: Vehicle Voltron made using material from Dairugger XV. I know very little about this series, but if you visit some of the links below, one of them should have information regarding this series.
Now, Voltron didn't end with the Fleet of Doom Episodes, which was a crossover of Lion Voltron and Vehicle Voltron. The Lion Voltron series was brought back to life in 1998 with the new series Voltron: The Third Dimension. Instead of traditional cell animation, WEP worked with Netter Digital Entertainment to produce the show completely in CGI! Unfortunately, this series has been canceled. But knowing how the wonderful people at WEP, Inc. operate, I'm sure that someday, Voltron will be back on TV. It's only a matter of time.
In fact, WEP refuses to wait for a television appearance. They recently contracted for a comics release! Put out by Image Comics, Inc. and Devil's Due, the recent 5 issue series Revelations was a great success and now there are plans for a continous monthly series starting January 2004!
Obviously, I haven't even touched the surface of Voltron. Someday this page will expand, but until then, I encourage you to visit the following sites. They have a wealth of information and will most likely answer any questions you have about Voltron:
- WEP's Official Voltron Site - Media files, info and more.
- The Unofficial Voltron Force Homepage - A wonderful site run by Arus. Lots of info and pictures.
- Devil's Due - The latest and best info on the Voltron comic
- The Official Voltron forum - Join in discussion with other Voltron fans. Many are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Join the insanity!
- Devil's Due Official forum - Another great forum geared more towards the comics, obviously.
- Shannon Muir's Voltron Pages - This site has been around for years and is one of the best sources of info I know of. There's a timeline (very well researched), a Denubian Galaxy map and a much, much more. Check it out!
Comments? Complaints? Suggestions? Robeasts? Contact Ryka!