'Voltron: Legendary Defender' News: How the Original 'Voltron' Differs from Netflix Reboot
Voltron is Back in a New Netflix Reboot
Netflix and Dreamworks have teamed up to reboot the '80s cartoon classic "Voltron." However, the Netflix reboot has carefully been able to find ways not fall into the reboot cliché and actually make a new update to a series while keeping an air of nostalgia.
The Netflix reboot, entitled "Voltron: Legendary Defender," is drawn in the style of another popular series "The Legend of Korra." This is not surprising as the animation team that worked on "Korra" is also responsible for "Voltron."
But what makes this version of "Voltron" such a success when other series have tried in the past and failed? Many believe it is in the subtle yet distinct differences in the reboot and the original.
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The Voltron Paladins
First off the difference in the name of the team is already apparent to anyone who watched the original series. The pilots are now called Voltron Paladins instead of Voltron Force. The name of the team is not entirely important but it is noteworthy.
Now, Let's Talk About the Paladins
Shiro is the pilot of the black lion and the leader of the group. Originally, the black lion was piloted by Keith. Shiro is taken from the Japanese version of "Voltron" on which the American version was based on and called it "Go-Lion." Those of the original fans can equate him to Sven, who also wore black and was taken off the team when he got injured.
Keith is the pilot of the red lion in this series. Keith's personality has changed drastically from what it was in the original "Voltron." Previously, he was the cool headed, organized leader of the group. Now, he is kind of the daredevil or rogue of the group who seems to take things to the extreme.
Lance is now the pilot of the blue lion instead of the red lion. His characteristics have not change much as he plays second fiddle to Keith in many episodes.
Pidge is still the pilot of the green lion and the brains/tech person of the group. The way Pidge has changed is that the character is now obsessed with finding her brother and father who captured in the series first episode.
Hunk is still the pilot of the yellow lion and and the heart and brawn of the group. While kind hearted in nature, he protects the other paladins. Out of all the characters, he is the closest to his original counterpart.
Princess Allura now pilots the castle, which can fly like a spaceship. Originally, she took the blue lion after Sven was hurt and could no longer fly. She still is brave, headstrong and strives for justice just like in the original series.
Voltron
The show would not be called "Voltron" without the lead robot. The design of Voltron is still similar to the original version with a few minor upgrades and stylistic changes. The paladins no longer have keys to activate the transformation but, instead, need to complete a team synergy to form Voltron.
Voltron's weapons stay mostly the same, using the lions to grab, bite and tear enemies. Also, it still yields its signature blazing sword. The reboot lacks the flare of the original as the team no longer needs to shout what they are doing -- they just do it. (Sorry, fans. No more Form Blazing Sword call outs!)
Overall, the series has a perfect blend of new and old, making "Voltron: Legendary Defender" a good watch for everyone.
