When Toonami debuted in 1997, the block was filled with some popular 80s shows. One of those shows was Voltron. The Defenders of the Universe helped establish the Moltar era of the block. After playing on Toonami, the show saw several reboots including the Mainframe 3D series Voltron: The Third Dimension (1998), the Nicktoons series Voltron Force (2011) and eventually the popular Netflix series Voltron: Legendary Defenders (2016). Unfortunately, Netlfix has since taken that series off its platform, and unless you buy the series digitally or physically, it is nowhere to be found streaming online. To me, this is the perfect time for Adult Swim to bring Voltron home and play it on Toonami.
Much like Thundercats (2011), Voltron: Legendary Defenders is a reboot of the original series. It follows a team of humans who stumble upon the Blue Lion which is hiding on Earth. The Blue Lion proceeds to take the crew to planet Arus. From here, the heroes revive princess Alura and the story begins as the pilots seek and revive the other 4 lions and Voltron returns. (You can read more about the first season of Voltron and my review of the show by clicking here). One thing about this series I should note is that it was originally made for kids. Netflix rated Voltron TV-Y7, which means the show is suitable for children aged 7 and up. Adult Swim typically focuses on adults aged 18-49. While it may potentially be a barrier to bringing this show to the block, it hasn’t stopped Toonami from showing programs like Invincible Fight Girl and My Adventures with Superman, both of which are family shows with a broad audience appeal. Interestingly, Studio Mir animated both Voltron and My Adventures with Superman, so the show would be in good company.
Much like My Adventures with Superman, Studio Mir definitely brings out the best in both 2D and 3D animation with a clear, crisp HD picture that leaves you wanting to binge every episode of this series. This version of Voltron has its own story while sticking to the original characters as well as some key elements from the original and as a result fans of the original Voltron series will enjoy this series. Finally, IMDB gave Voltron a rating of 8/10. These are reasons why Voltron Legendary Defenders should be on Toonami.
Currently, Legendary Defenders is not streaming anywhere on any major platform. The only way you can see the series is if you purchase it digitally online and by getting a physical copy on DVD. It makes perfect sense to put it on TV and even on HBO Max as this series does not have a home. It’s also worth pointing out that a live action Voltron is coming, so it’s the perfect time to bring the series back. Voltron being on Toonami makes sense given that historically the block has aired previous incarnations of the series, and I feel it’s the perfect time for Adult Swim to go outside of anime and play this American action cartoon. Toonami is, at its core, an action cartoon block, so why not play this show? It’s also likely that there are viewers who haven’t even seen the show who also watch Toonami on a weekly basis. Let’s bring Voltron home and play it where the show belongs. Come home Voltron. I miss you.
Paul Pescrillo is the Founder of toonamifaithful.com. Feel free to follow him on Twitter @paulpescrillo.
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