REVIEW: Playmates Toys’ Voltron Metal Defender Collection – Blue Lion

As reported HERE, Voltron is receiving new die-cast figures, a treatment fitting for the legendary Super Robot. Produced by Playmates Toys, the Voltron Metal Defender Collection features all five Lions based on the hit Netflix animated series Voltron Legendary Defender. These are hitting retail now priced at $14.99 each.

To give us a better impression on this new series, Playmates was kind enough to send over a sample: the Blue Lion. The packaging immediately impresses with its slick design. Front and center is a clear view of the Blue Lion collectible, while the angled right side shows off its animated counterpart. A “Diecast Metal!” call out makes it clear that this figure is a Metal Defender. A small graphic on the front and the entire back of the package is devoted to showing you what body part each Lion forms  when combined to create Voltron.

Currently piloted by Allura, the Blue Lion forms the right leg of Voltron. As such, it doesn’t include any accessories, such as Voltron’s sword and shield. However, the Blue Lion makes up for it by being one of the larger Lions (only the Black Lion is bigger). The Metal Defender Blue Lion measures 6 inches long from the tip of its snout to the end of its extended tail.

The die-cast metal content in this Lion is substantial, but not extreme. There’s a nice heft to the figure, the Lion’s metal torso giving the collectible some bulk. Other than the die-cast  torso, the figure also contains metal in it’s rear thigh joints. Speaking of joints, articulation on this figure is solid and quite good. The Blue Lion’s legs are the most articulated. While this is primarily for transformation purposes, the added leg joints make posing the Lion a blast. Being the leg of Voltron, the Lion’s head is only able to move up and down, but it also has an opening jaw, a really fun feature.

While each Lion is great on its own, the main allure to collecting this line is the ability to combine all five Lions to form Voltron. “Collect them all!” has never rang truer. As mentioned, the Blue Lion forms Voltron’s right leg. Transformation is easy and pretty straight forward, but in case you’re having issues, an illustrated instruction guide is provided. Once combined, the Metal Defender Voltron stands 8 inches tall. It looks to be an impressive figure, but $75 impressive? That’s about what it will cost you to collect all 5 Lions to form Voltron. Since I only have one Lion to judge by, the jury is still out. $14.99 per Lion isn’t terrible, but in the case of the accessory-less Blue Lion I feel it’s almost $2 too much.

I own a modest Voltron collection, including toys from Trendmasters, Toynami, Funko, and Mattel. Playmates Toys’ new Metal Defenders Voltron Legendary Defender series fits right in with its classic design and solid construction. Blue Lion is a fine placeholder until I get around to collecting the other four Lions.  Form Blazing Sword!

Scroll on for more photos!

Review and Photos by Jeff Saylor

Review Sample Courtesy of Playmates Toys

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