The new Voltron series from Netflix began streaming all 11-episodes today, including its hour-long pilot. What's the verdict? We've scoured the net and have yet to find a negative review. We'll have our first impression up later this weekend and full-series review at a later date. In the meantime, check out a few excerpts from some fellow entertainment sites who had the chance to view the pilot and/or series ahead of its June 10 release.
Are you curently watching the show? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.
Collider.com
Score: 4 out of 5 stars
Excerpt: "Voltron Legendary Defender is a worthy successor to the original series that stays true to its roots, though its ambition is tempered by its adherence to tradition. The animation is beautiful to behold, and the action is fast-paced and fun while striking a balance with the show’s comedic and sometimes touching character moments. Whether you’re a fan of the original or are new to the game, this Netflix series is worth the watch."
AnimeNewsNetwork.com
Score: N/A
Excerpt: "The press materials for Voltron: Legendary Defender describe it as a comedic action series, but it doesn't seem that way to me. It feels more like a pure action series with some jokes. It definitely does not feel like a classic Toei super robot series—it's a little too restrained and modern to go that route. But with the first story arc behind me, I'm eager for more. As I watched, I found myself wondering who this Voltron was really for. Would kids latch on to it? Would teens and twentysomething hipsters buy in, based on the jokes and character chemistry? Or was it just a cynical grab at my generation, who watched the original in the 80s and now have money to spend and nostalgia to wallow in? As the sneak preview wound to its conclusion, I was left with one theory: This Voltron is for everyone."
The LA Times.com
Score: N/A
Excerpt: "Made by a team associated with Nickelodeon's anime-inspired "Avatar: The Last Airbender” and "The Legend of Korra," it is much handsomer than any previous iteration, more dimensional, with a delicate and fluid line and a palette that subtly shifts with the changing light; the wider screen and sharper focus allows for more detail and a greater sense of scale – those mechanical cats look darn huge. At the same time, it's more character-driven (even the machines have personalities – "the green lion has an inquisitive personality … the yellow lion is caring and kind") and more overtly comical. "
Nerdist.com
Score: 4 out of 5 Burritos
Excerpt: "The first major takeaway for me when I watched the pilot was just how well defined each of the major characters were. Everyone has a personality and an ethos all their own, and each one could be the main character of their own show. And it helps anchor the series: very strong characterization across the board makes them working together more than just a bunch of side characters revolving around a central hero. It seems like Lance is going to be our main character, but with each subsequent introduction, we rethink that—and not in a bad or confusing way at all."
DenofGeek.com
Score: 5 out of 5 stars
Excerpt: "DreamWorks Voltron Legendary Defender is the show you’ve been waiting your whole life for. Whether you’re a fan of classic Voltron, mecha, sci-fi, Avatar/Legend of Korra, Star Wars, or even Power Rangers. "
GeekTyrant.com
Score: 9 out of 10
Excerpt: "The series has a very modern anime style to it — not just in the visuals, but in the storytelling and character development as well. It’s full of fun, wacky, and charming anime mannerisms. At the same time, the show is loaded with extreme badassery. I had a blast watching the first episode, and when it ended I was sad I couldn’t watch the rest of it. "
Forbes.com
Score: N/A
Excerpt: "Voltron was originally a kid’s show with fairly standalone episodes. Here though, the dialogue is more involved and there are clearly many narrative elements that are being foreshadowed in the first episode alone. That said, the pacing was definitely rushed in places and some of Shiro’s repetitive dialogue about the importance of teamwork was a bit cringe worthy at times, as it was out of place from the rest of the dialogue."
Voltron, was an American cartoon which premiered in 1985. It utilized footage from the 1981 Japanese anime series Hyaku Jūō Goraion (Beast King GoLion). The two shows have vastly different storylines but share the same battle footage (similar to how Power Rangers repackages Sūpā Sentai Shirīzu (the Super Sentai Series). The second season of Voltron, which forms the giant robot from vehicles instead of Lions, uses footage from Kikō Kantai Dairagā Fifutīn (Armored Fleet Dairugger XV). Dreamworks Animation purchased the rights to Voltron in 2012 and the animated Netflix series was announced in April 2016. Lauren Montgomery (Superman: Doomsday, Green Lantern: First Flight) and Joaquim Dos Santos (Justice League Unlimited, Avatar: The Last Airbender) serve as showrunners.
In the new series,five Earth teenagers get tossed into the middle of an intergalactic war and into the cockpits of those iconic mechanized beasts in order to save the universe.