ADVANCE REVIEW: Playmates Toys SDCC 2018 Exclusive Hyper-Phase Voltron

Tapping the nostalgia of the 80’s animated classic Voltron: Defender of the Universe, as well as the excitement of the new Netflix series Voltron: Legendary Defender, Playmates Toys has delivered fans two large and in charge Voltron action figures (read my review of the ’84 Legendary Lion Collection HERE). Both toy collections amaze with their extensive use of electronics, fully transforming ability, and massive 16-inch size when the Lion Force figures are combined to form Voltron. With meaty, solid construction and an affordable price point, Playmates’ Voltron figures equal some of the nicest Lion Force figures ever produced. It’s hard to believe these are mass market toys!

Soon collectors can add a THIRD 16-inch Voltron figure to their collections: Hyper-Phase Voltron!

To achieve Hyper-Phase mode, the Voltron team taps into Princess Allura’s unique connection to the Quintessence to imbue the Lions with energy, upgrading their weapons and supercharging the Lions!

To debut as a complete packaged set at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, this exciting new incarnation of Voltron features blue deco accents (to hammer home the “Hyper-Phase” theme), awesome bird-like wings on Black Lion, and a host of new plug-on weapon modules for the remaining Lion Force figures.

Packaged similar to the Toys”R”Us Gift set (I just got very sad typing that), Hyper-Phase Voltron comes in a HUGE fifth panel window box. It has a handy plastic handle on top, but this is still gonna be a beast to carry around at the show. I’d make a hotel pit stop to drop this bad boy off.

The panel art is all-new – Voltron looking tough with sword at the ready – and in the upper right-hand corner is “PX PREVIEWS Exclusive, San Diego Comic-con 2018, Limited to 3,000”. The set will be priced at $129.99. Retailers that will be selling Hyper-Phase Voltron are listed at the end of this review.

Inside you’ll find all five Lion Force figures: Black (Voltron’s torso), Red and Green (Voltron’s arms), along with Yellow and Blue (Voltron’s legs). Piloted by the team’s leader Keith, the Black Lion stands out with a larger size, as well as lights, phrases and FX. When combined to form Voltron, the Black Lion unlocks over 50 sound effects from the show!

The standout feature on Hyper-Phase Black Lion is his awesome wings. Fully articulated at a joint where they plug in, the wing’s have a Gundam-like design; angelic and cybernetic. Like Black Lion’s new blue highlights, these large wings are cast in a clear blue plastic.

While the Black Lion doesn’t include any accessories, the remaining four Lions more than make up for it.

Unique Hyper-Phase Lion Force weapons included in this set include:

Blue Lion = Hydro Cannon: Fires a blue projectile.
Red Lion = Magma Disc Launcher: Fires three red discs.
Yellow Lion = Missile Launcher: Fires two missile clusters (each with four sculpted missiles)
Blue Lion = Dual Lasers: Launches two blue projectiles.

Other accessories include all five pilots in their signature speeders (these mini figs can fit in a hatch on each Lion), a shield that can be attached to Green Lion (and on Voltron) and Voltron’s iconic sword.