Let's Voltron: The Official Voltron Podcast

Latest Episodes:

[012]: WEP VP Bob Koplar (Part 1) Mar 27, 2014

Show notes

In Part 1 of a 2-Part Episode, Marc and Mike interview the Vice President of World Events Productions, Bob Koplar.

Bob shows his appreciation for all of the Voltron Fans and gives us a preview of what we can expect to see at the Wizard World Comic Con St. Louis Convention that will take place April 4-6 in “Voltron's Backyard”, the home of World Events Productions, St. Louis, Missouri.

Bob gives us a look into his own personal Voltron history over the past 30 years. He also talks about the business side of how Voltron Force was made and the factors that held it to just 1 season.

And to get to the heart of what's on the thoughts of many Voltron Fans, Bob goes into great detail about the status of the Voltron Live-Action Movie that everyone is excited about.

Part 2 of this interview with WEP VP Bob Koplar will be released next week, and will include Bob's answers to almost all of the fan questions that were posted on Facebook, Twitter, email and voicemail.

Get more information for Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con here.

‎Thanks for listening!

[011]: Voltron Superfan Mark Oliver Mar 20, 2014

Show notes

We loved recording this episode with our special guest, Mark Oliver. He really is a superfan for everything Voltron. Mark takes us to school on what it takes to make your very own homemade Voltron costume. He gives tips on how to approach the project if you plan on doing it yourself.

Mark takes us back in time to when he first became a Voltron fan at age 3! Then, how he evolved into a premiere Voltron collector. We ask him about each of the Voltron TV shows and find out how he just loves everything that Voltron has appeared in over the years.

Mark takes us through his collection of Voltron toys, collectibles and merchandise, and talks about some specific items. Then, he gives us the rundown on all his favorites in the world of Voltron.

It doesn’t get any better than to live vicariously through the eyes of a Voltron superfan. Mark is very appreciative of all the fans, the people responsible for bringing us Voltron, and all the people who have been involved with the Defender of the Universe over the years.

Mark will be in St. Louis, April 4-6, to attend Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con. If you are going, look for the guy in the Voltron costume. He would love to take a picture with you, and hang out and talk about Voltron.

At the beginning of the episode, Mark mentioned the Voltron Collectible Nutcracker that is now available for sale on the Voltron store.

Make sure you let us know what you think about this episode by commenting below.

Thanks for listening!

[010]: Original Series Writer Marc Handler (Part 2) Mar 10, 2014

Show notes

Part 2 of the Let’s Voltron Podcast Exclusive Interview with Voltron Writer Marc Handler continues in this episode, as Marc describes the differences of localizing a Japanese anime show today compared to the time when Voltron: Defender of the Universe was made. We open up the fan questions from Facebook, Email, Twitter, and our new voicemail account.

That’s right! Let’s Voltron: The Official Voltron Podcast has a Voicemail Number you can use to submit questions and comments for the podcast. Whenever we ask you to submit questions to any of our guests on the podcast, please call 860-4MULLET (860-468-5538). The MULLET should make it easy to remember.

Marc Handler really means it when he says “Thank you!” to all the fans that continue to support Voltron, in all of the different shows. Marc encourages people who want to be writers in animation to follow that dream. If you are from China, or working in China, and/or you want to break into the business of Chinese animation, send us a note at letsvoltronpodcast@gmail.com, and we’ll be happy to forward your questions or comments to Marc Handler.

Let’s Voltron wants to thank Marc Handler for joining us for this wonderful 2-Part Interview, as Marc was up until the wee hours of the morning to record with us. Thank you, Marc!

Thanks for listening, Voltron fans!

[009]: Original Series Writer Marc Handler (Part 1) Mar 04, 2014

Show notes

In part one of a two-part episode, Marc, Mike and Jeremy all interview Marc Handler, the head writer for the Original series after Jameson Brewer, who also wrote the Fleet of Doom special, which brought together the Lion Force Voltron and the Vehicle Voltron teams. Marc Handler was the Head Writer for Voltron: The Third Dimension, the first US-produced 3D animated series.

Marc Handler is currently living and working in Shanghai, China, and was the WEP representative that worked with Toei Animation in Japan when WEP commissioned Toei to produce the 20 original episodes of Lion Force Voltron back in 1985. Just to show how much Marc loves the fans, he recorded these two episodes with us between 12:30 AM and 2:45 AM in Shanghai. His enthusiasm is still very strong for Voltron and the fans of the series. Thank you, Marc!

Marc gives our hosts a lesson about the original creators of the the Voltron animation from Japan. Humbly, Marc pays homage to the Japanese animators and writers that brought us this wonderful hero and characters that we have loved for 30 years!

If you ever wondered what story Marc would pitch for the Live-Action Voltron Movie, you'll hear it here first on the Let's Voltron Podcast.

We know you all gave us great questions for Marc Handler. Those questions will all be answered in Part 2 of our interview with Marc Handler, coming next week. So, come back here for Part 2, because Marc Handler will give great insight for writers. If you want to become a writer, or improve on your writing, Marc gives some great tips.

Thank you for listening!

[008]: 30th Anniversary Voltron Book Author Brian Smith Feb 25, 2014

Show notes

Marc interviews Brian “Smitty” Smith, author of the 6-volume Voltron Force Graphic Novels from Viz Media, but not before introducing his son, Lucas, to give the 10-year-old perspective for the first time on the Let’s Voltron Podcast.

Marc gives a shout-out to Chee-Toy for the latest artwork inspired by the podcast, an Olympic Voltron Snowboarding, with Blazing Sword covering the entire bottom of the snowboard. That image is now the background image on the Let’s Voltron Facebook Page.

We talked about the new 30th Anniversary Voltron Logo, introduced by WEP on Voltron.com, symbolizing 30 years of defending the universe. Just in time for the 30th Anniversary, WEP has unveiled a new and updated store.voltron.com where you can find all the greatest Voltron merchandise as well as products from other classic WEP shows. Check out the new look today!

Voltron 30th Anniversary Logo

Brian “Smitty” Smith is also the author of the new 30th Anniversary Voltron ‘Encyclopedia’, due out later this year (with the Introduction by Let’s Voltron Podcast Host Marc Morrell). In this podcast, you hear a complete run-through of every issue of the Voltron Force Graphic Novel Series, still available on (store.voltron.com) if you haven’t picked these up yet. If you liked the Voltron Force Nicktoons animated series, you will love Brian’s Graphic novels, because they are just like watching an episode in each volume.

Brian also gives us a tease of something you might see in the 30th Anniversary Voltron Book by Viz Media, but don’t expect much more than that at this time. Brian has agreed to come back and talk to us about the book when it is released.

Brian lets us know about other projects he is involved with right now, as well. See Brian's work on his personal website, the Voltron Store, and the Stuff of Legend Omnibus.

[007]: Voltron DDP Comics Author Dan Jolley Feb 11, 2014

Show notes

Never underestimate the power of Voltron Fans! That’s what we learned this week when a Twitter conversation started a string of events that led us to our special guest this week: Voltron DDP Comics Author Dan Jolley.

As you will find out from listening to this podcast episode, Dan Jolley is overwhelmed by the fan support for his version of the Voltron story. Since he was the first one to create true character backstories and bios for many of the characters we were introduced to by the original TV series, he was given free reign by WEP to make this universe his own. Dan’s intuition served him well as the major plot points came together, and we saw these characters mature before our eyes with every issue of the DDP Comics from 2003-2004.

As this episode begins, Marc makes the colorful connection between Voltron and the Olympics, and Mike remarks that both Lion Force Voltron and Vehicle Voltron could be our team to cheer for in the best Olympics ever.

Then, we welcome Dan Jolley to the podcast and we go back in time to 2003, when Dan first started working with Image Comics/Devils Due Publishing on the Voltron: Defender of the Universe Comics. This enlightening conversation hits many aspects of the Voltron story, from the origin of Voltron to why the space mice won’t be wearing any tutus. You may even hear what Dan would write about if he was able to continue writing some more Voltron comics. He is certainly open to the idea, and would love to work with World Events Productions.

For those of you that submitted questions, listen carefully, as Dan answers your questions, and chooses one of you to receive a signed copy of one of the original Dan Jolley DDP Voltron Comics Issues in Mint Condition!

Dan also tells us about two current projects he is working on with Dark Horse Comics:

It was a real blast having Dan on the Let’s Voltron Podcast, and we have all of you to thank for it!

Give us more suggestions for people you would like to hear us interview on the podcast in the comments below. Let’s Voltron!

Follow Dan Jolley on Twitter and on his website, The Jolleyverse.

The Voltron Omnibus is available here.

[006]: We're Space Explorers Feb 04, 2014

Show notes

This episode is exciting for our hosts, Mike French and Marc Morrell, because they finally get to talk about the original series in detail, starting with the first 4 episodes, out of 52, in the Lion Force Series.

As an added bonus, Mike French gives the Beast King GoLion perspective as we go through the episodes.

Space Explorers Captured
Escape to Another Planet
A Ghost and 4 Keys
The Missing Key

Before they discuss these episodes, Mike prepares the listeners to be on the lookout for the 2nd Issue of the Robotech/Voltron Crossover Comic Series, due out later this month. The 3rd issue cover has already been teased through Facebook and Twitter.

Marc announces the “Challenge the Chee” selection for our resident podcast artist, Chee-Toy. Our superfan listener, Cryoflyte, posted this suggestion that our hosts have chosen:

@LetsVoltron @Chee_toy @Voltron ooh ooh...the space explorers taking on that robeast they never got to fight in the arena! #ChallengeTheChee
— Cryoflyte (@Skechek) January 29, 2014

Our hosts wanted to see an image of the fight between the Space Explorers and the Blue Robeast, so when Chee-Toy is finished, she will post that to the Let’s Voltron Facebook Page. Thanks, Chee-Toy, and thanks to Cryoflyte for the great suggestion!

Thanks for listening!

[005]: George Sohn & Toynami's 30th Anniversary Voltron Collector's Set Jan 21, 2014

Show notes

If you are excited about Voltron's 30th Anniversary, nothing will be get you more excited than Toynami's 30th Anniversary Die-Cast Voltron Collector's Set. Marc, Mike, and Jeremy are joined in this episode by the man who brought this fantastic, one-of-a-kind collectible to the fans, George Sohn, the President of Toynami. George talks about his own Voltron fandom, explains the process behind the making of this special 30th Anniversary Voltron, and answers questions from the loyal Let's Voltron Podcast listeners.

Marc announced the release of the new Acidfree Gallery Limited Edition Print by artist Dave Perillo.
voltron-acidfree.png
We are excited to announce this new, officially licensed print that is coming to you on Thursday, January 23, 2014 at 12:30 pm EST!

Stay tuned to the Let's Voltron Facebook and Twitter to see images of the original drawing by Dave Perillo! And check out Acidfree Gallery's Facebook and Twitter links below for more information.

Also, Artist and Super-Fan Cheetoy wants you to “Challenge the Chee”. She is asking listeners of the Let's Voltron Podcast to come up with ideas for what you want her to draw, within the Voltron universe. It can be anything. Come up with your craziest ideas. She has already drawn Allura and Keith on a wrecking mace, based on the idea we gave her from an earlier Podcast episode. So, post your ideas for “Challenge the Chee” by posting on @LetsVoltron on twitter or on our Let's Voltron Facebook Page with the hashtag #ChallengeTheChee and your idea.

The rest of the episode belonged to George Sohn, the President of Toynami. George talked about a great many things, but we wanted to highlight some of the major points of the discussion here:

George told us about the origin of how WEP and Toynami came together when the 20th Anniversary Voltron Die-Cast was forged.
Jeremy, Marc and Mike are some the first people outside of Toynami to hear the sounds that are made when the key is opened on the base of the 30th Anniversary Voltron, and our fantastic listeners are now part of that select group.
George tells us that a 24-inch Jumbo Voltron is in the works, unlike any other large scale Voltron you've ever seen. There is some discussion about the scale of a Blazing Sword on a Voltron that big, and Lion heads that shoot off the arms, just like in the TV show. George opens it up to the listeners who are the truest fans. He wants to know what you guys would like to have for a Jumbo Voltron. There may still be enough time to make some changes before it goes into production. So, post on the comments here or go to the Facebook page for Let's Voltron, and let George know what you would like for a 24-inch Voltron. After those suggestions are posted, we will send that data to George.
George lets us know that he would really like to make a Vehicle Voltron Masterpiece, at the same scale as the 20th Anniversary Voltron Die-Cast, but he needs support from the fans. Jeremy tells the fans to send your posts to DreamWorks Classics twitter account @DWAnimation.
The Toynami 30th Anniversary Die-Cast Voltron Collector's Set will continue to be sold through the 2014 year, but once it's gone, it's gone, and will never be sold again. So, make sure you get yours by Pre-Ordering at http://store.voltron.com – Shipments will go out in April.
Look for an “unboxing” video review coming from Mike French soon, for this wonderful Toynami 30th Anniversary Die-Cast Voltron Collector's Set. When Mike posts it, we will share it with you everywhere (Twitter, Facebook, this page, etc.).

Thanks for listening!

[004]: The History of Voltron Toys Jan 13, 2014

Show notes

In this first full episode of the Let's Voltron Podcast for 2014, Marc is joined by Mike French once again, and the discussion is a chronological History of Voltron Toys, from the era preceeding the 1984 launch of the Original Voltron Series to The Present.

Mike French is the administrator of the Official Voltron Facebook and Twitter accounts. He also runs the retroblasting.com website, which includes a video channel, where you can see reviews of movies, cartoons, and toys from the 80's.

In this episode, Mike talks about his interactions with the Voltron fans, now that he has been the administrator of the Official Voltron Facebook and Twitter accounts, since the new year began. Marc tells the listeners about the email address for the Let's Voltron Podcast, which is:

letsvoltronpodcast@gmail.com

Feel free to send us an email, and we'll put you on the list for notifications when we post a new episode, and possibly a future newsletter.

Marc and Mike spent the rest of the episode talking about the History of Voltron Toys, in chronological order, starting in the early 80's, when the first Beast King GoLion and Dairugger toys were available from Popy in Japan.

One of the toys we mentioned was the LJN Giant Voltron Commander Radio Controlled Robot. We talked about a commercial that promoted that toy, and here is a link to that 30-second blast from the past.

If you follow the links from that one, you'll see there is a whole page of old Voltron commercials available to view. I'd say commercials have come a long way since then.

We didn't mention it in the Podcast, but it has just been announced that the 30th Anniversary Voltron Collector's Set from Toynami will be available on April 30. That news broke here.

You can still pre-order that set here.

We also mentioned in the podcast that we would provide you with links for some of the Voltron Toy Archives that have been available on the web for fans of all the toys mentioned in this episode. Here are those links: