Watch Voltron: Defender of the Universe

Voltron: Defender of the Universe is a thrilling science-fiction animated series that premiered in syndicated television in 1984. The series was produced by the American animation studio World Event Productions and the Japanese animation studio Toei Animation. It ran for two seasons, with a total of 72 episodes, until 1985.

The show tells the story of the Galaxy Alliance, a coalition of planets that is threatened by the evil forces of King Zarkon, who rules over the dark empire of Planet Doom. The Galaxy Alliance is protected by five robotic lions, piloted by a team of brave space explorers known as the Voltron Force. When the situation becomes dire, the lions can join together to form a giant humanoid robot named Voltron, armed with a powerful sword and an array of weapons, to fight against Zarkon's minions.

The show's protagonist is Keith Kogane, a young pilot who is the leader of the Voltron Force. He is joined by four other pilots, each piloting a different lion: Lance, piloting the Red Lion, Sven, who later is replaced by Princess Allura, piloting the Blue Lion, Pidge, piloting the Green Lion, and Hunk, piloting the Yellow Lion. Each of the pilots has a unique set of skills and personalities, which make them well-rounded characters that viewers can relate to.

The villains of the show are led by the evil King Zarkon, who seeks to conquer the universe with his army of robotic soldiers and destroy the Galaxy Alliance. He is aided by a dangerous witch named Haggar, who uses magic to conjure up monsters and spells to defeat the Voltron Force. Zarkon's son, Prince Lotor, also serves as a recurring antagonist, trying to overthrow his father and take over the empire for his own.

The animation of Voltron: Defender of the Universe is an interesting mix of Japanese anime and American cartoons. The characters have a distinct style, with exaggerated features and colorful outfits, which makes them memorable and recognizable. The lions, on the other hand, are majestic creatures that move with a combination of grace and power, emphasizing their robotic nature.

The show's action scenes are one of its most impressive features. The battles between Voltron and Zarkon's minions are intense and exciting, with the pilots using their various abilities and weapons to take down their opponents. The transformations of the lions into Voltron are also well-choreographed and seamless, adding to the show's overall sense of spectacle.

Aside from the action, Voltron: Defender of the Universe also features some moments of humor and drama. The pilots often engage in witty banter and comedic situations, which relieve the tension and add some levity to the show. There are also some emotional scenes, particularly in relation to Allura's tragic backstory, which give the show some depth and resonance.

The show's voice cast is also deserving of praise. Lennie Weinrib voices Keith, Michael Bell voices Lance, Neil Ross voices Pidge, Kevin Michael Richardson voices Hunk, B.J. Ward voices Princess Allura, Jack Angel voices King Zarkon, Peter Cullen voices Commander Coran, and Tress MacNeille voices Witch Haggar. All of the voice actors bring their characters to life with skill and passion, creating a memorable cast of heroes and villains.

Overall, Voltron: Defender of the Universe is an entertaining and action-packed science-fiction anime that is worth watching for fans of the genre. Its mix of humor, drama, and action make it a well-rounded show that has something for everyone. Its memorable characters, epic battles, and imaginative universe make it a classic of the 80s that continues to be enjoyed by audiences today.

Voltron: Defender of the Universe is a series that ran for 7 seasons (179 episodes) between September 10, 1984 and on Syndicated