Voltron Dairugger XV Bandai SOC Soul of Chogokin 2019

[@andrewtaylor940]

A word of caution to anyone picking up this figure. Especially those who aren't major SOC collectors, and just collect Voltron. Read the Instructions or watch an in depth video such as RocketPunchArmy's. There are actually a lot of cleverly hidden lock downs and spring release buttons. The connections aren't all friction fit. And you don't want to force them when taking it apart.
For example;
-the feet. When the wheels are pulled up and in this also clamps the connection joint to the leg. To remove them pull the wheels down first.
-The hands, The wheels on the forearm are more accurate than the MM. They pivot to the underside of the arm (look at the box art and you'll see what I mean) But those pivoted wheels are also the locks for the lower arms. Rotate them back before yanking the arms off.
- The center chest crest is the release button for the head and shoulders. So take the jet off first.
- There is a hard to see little black release button on the back of the hip ship, between the treads, to release it from the torso.
There are also a lot of hidden surprises that the MM doesn't have. All of the air team vehicles have little working landing gear that can pop out. Other hatches open to real the vehicle radars and such. The mechanism of how the face slides forward when you open the doors is a delight.

[@RavenClaw88]

This is all such great info, thank you! It helped me close the deal to buy this. I was pondering over buying this for months, and I just ordered mine today. This info makes so feel like it is worth every penny of $300+ I hate when a company makes a high end figure of a highly sought after IP and then skimps out on the features. Makes it feel so lack luster.

[@AnalogToys]

This is a vintage RetroBlasting video and I love it!

[@akijeff6027]

Man this has been a dream come true to get both bandai Voltrons and they don't disappoint. Always greatful for your voltron/Golion/dairugger reviews, especially this one, thank you guys for the awesome content.

[@areasevenpro]

It also helps that Bandai Spirits released the Dairugger XV series on their TH-cam channel to promote the SOC toy.

[@justinthomas7222]

OMG I must watch these! THANK YOU!

[@andrewtaylor940]

That's cool! And also shows how much WEP must be throwing in behind this.

[@akijeff6027]

If only the GX-71 was promoted like this 😞😞

[@areasevenpro]

@@akijeff6027 Not necessarily, as some Japanese anime fans still remember GoLion. Besides, Lion Voltron sells itself automatically. Dairugger XV, on the other hand, was completely forgotten in Japan. Hell, it never even got a DVD release there. So Bandai Spirits uploaded the series (and they'll have all 52 regular episodes up by next week) to make old fans remember and let new fans know what they're buying before they pull the trigger on GX-88.

[@akijeff6027]

@@areasevenpro actually Dairugger did get a DVD release with the 3rd volume being hella hard to find(the cover shows teles getting stabbed). There out of print now. There's alot of things they did with this that Golion could of gotten like the insert inside the box, the series being uploaded(you are right that it's more accessable to watch Golion then Dairugger as it's on cruchyroll), etc etc. Nonetheless, the gx-88 is awesome and hoping it will hit toty this year.

[@mathiasmorqubus]

What sucks a week before I got mine, I broke my right shoulder. So it now sits as a shiny reminder to hurry the hell up and get healed.

[@jeenkzk5919]

I appreciate you showing towlines I missed as a kid. Shows we watched were limited as my parents were religious and we had to have them approve what we watched. I don’t know why I missed Voltron. I was aware of it but my brothers and I were really into GIJoe and Transformers.

[@andrewtaylor940]

A great review. If you want to complete your collection to date add "Voltron 0", Daltaneous, the Voltron that got fired due to a shipping mistake ;D

[@justinthomas7222]

Voltron Zero! Love it!

[@LatitudeSky]

Voltron Zero is a good way to do it. We got TV ads for the Voltron series featuring Daltanias. Upon seeing the Lion Team, we were complaining it wasn't the same as what was in the ads.

[@ShadowWingTronix]

According to the...I guess it's legend at this point, WEP asked for "the one with the lion" and that's what they sent. WEP watched it and decided to stick with GoLion for their lion Voltron. I actually went over Daltaneous a bit and decided it was the right move. GoLion fit better with Dairugger and Albegas, though possibly ironically GoLion ended up being the only one anyone remembers.

[@TheShinyFeraligatr]

@@ShadowWingTronix Meanwhile in Japan, Daltanius was the last of a well remembered series, Albegas and Dairugger get occasionally brought up, and Golion is typically only mentioned in context of... well, how fucking bad it was.

[@Lio_Convoy]

“We reached the end of the journey……until that LioConvoy guy told me about that Blitzway one. Curses!”

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

You really made a great review of this in such a small amount of time.
I saved my lunch money for this and when I returned to the store...it was already sold out! They told me to wait for another week or two and this made me feel more salivating to the toy!

[@christopherulichney]

Ok you've gone and opened up Pandora's Box. Now I want, no now I need, a Voltron 2 toy review.

[@kaylemathewcomendador7614]

Same here 😁😅.

[@andrewtaylor940]

If Mike actually has one, there is no way on earth he would physically touch it. There is a huge problem with Voltron II/Albegas that pretty much guarantees that there are virtually none left. The Blue Robot is made of the infamous Popy/Bandai Blue Plastic. Something wasn't right about this plastic formulation, and it gets unbelievably brittle over time. The Blue Robot will crumble to dust. Even if you find one mint in packaging, it is likely broken. If you find one intact, don't breath on it, don't shake it, don't touch it.
The only other ones made were the Evolution Toys/Dynamite Action Magnamatic one, which is plastic with steel magnetic balls for joints and was grossly overpriced at MSRP. Evoltion Toys and Action Toys (not the same company) both have larger 10-11" Gokin versions in the works. No indication if either will be any good, but based on past products Action Toys will be the better option. ET tends to be well sculpted and painted but poorly engineered. There is also a smaller 5" non transforming modern stylized one out there, I think also from Action Toys. It resembles the Bandai SRC line and looks nothing like the cartoon.

[@kaylemathewcomendador7614]

@@andrewtaylor940 Hearing him rant about the fragility of that part of the Voltron II sounds funny 😂😂😂. Although I didn't really find his angsty video about the G1 Transformers as amusing as I expected, so who knows at this point 😂😅.

[@Cavillier1970]

Right with you cowboy. Read my comment and see what I thought of V-2

[@dropdemon979]

Got mine today!!😀 it has WAY exceeded my expectations!!👍

[@BobbyHo2022]

As a kid I was puzzled why this was considered a Voltron. We all loved the Lion Voltron though. 😂

[@CharlieNagoo]

Great review. This is why I enjoy and watch Retroblasting. Positive, objective, knowledgeable.

[@PrimeTimeTreasureHunter]

Really cool video and great review as always! Thanks Michael!

[@ryanstahl5239]

Thank you for the review. Was on the fence about purchasing this one and you helped make the decision. Keep up the great work!

[@darthbretticus9951]

So cool that Peter Cullen was the Narrator of the series too!!!

[@mikesamuels899]

I love this channel. I've been watching since I was 11. I would have never known about all these awesome toys if I hadn't seen your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@ranwolf76]

As much as I wanted the Lion Force Voltron when I was a kid, I loved the Vehicle Force Voltron I got. Played with it every day.

[@somarriba333]

I got mine last week. LOVE IT! Now I hope they do make a Voltron II set.

[@andrewtaylor940]

If Bandai doesn't then Action Toys has a rather nice if pricey looking one in the pipeline. Keep an eye out for Albegas.

[@justinthomas7222]

That. Is. BEAUTIFUL. My Matchbox Voltron I 15-piece was my all-time favorite toy (that wasn't a building set of some sort). When I win the lottery, I want this. I'd get the Miracle too for "changing it up." Great review, objective yet still passionate, and THANK YOU.

[@killerpitdbo]

Honestly I put the GX-88 on par with GX-71 and that is saying a lot for this new Dairugger. I do need the SOC Albegas though before I die.

[@ShawnSJames]

Got mine. Now I'm waiting for Bandai to give us a SOC Albegas, also known as Voltron II!

[@nashhussan4568]

Great review. No messing, to the point; I like it

[@DougPalumbo]

Damn! New respect for vehicle Voltron! Great video!

[@AL-ws5yi]

Voltron brings back memories.

[@VeeGee77]

I always liked Voltron, and the vehicle Voltron was cool,too! I don't know what the Japanese called toys like these, but I always liked them! Dairugger Chokogin - I don't know what that means, but this is a good toy

[@Nicopelli77]

Wow great review, you brought out all the good and bad between in a positive way.

[@zathras61]

Even though I am not a fan of Voltron I understand now why so many love them. Keep making great videos Michael

[@jeremypickard2372]

Must be something in the water here in Tennessee or something. I never watch these to see every little thing about them. I want to see them combined and see a few positions it can do. That's it. Refreshing to just see what I want instead skipping threw to the end. Thanx Michael

[@AfoteyAnnum]

Best version of Voltron EVER!

[@TheFallenStarlight]

The review I've been waiting from you and it is wonderful. I'm very lucky to buy both Voltrons (Golion and Dairugger) this year, and I'm very happy to have these two beautiful figures.
Thanks TH-cam for selling out the TH-cam content creators, so we can face the mercy of FTC and COPPA law with over $42k per video. Yah.

[@lordjs9726]

Looking forward to next part of the Defiant restoration project.

[@kenchun24]

Cool! I still have a Dairugger/Vehicle Voltron from Japan during my time there as a late '70s early '80s Navy Brat, with many Diaclone:.aka would become the Transformers line a few years later, Godaikin, Takara, Dougram & Robotech robot & mecha toys of that era (with a couple giant size Shogun Warriors vinyl ribit too).
It's not in great shape since I you know, played with it. Scuffed up paint and shoulder blades "chrome" has eroded. Came in a really nice fake "leather" like maroon collectible box.
These new Soul of Chogokin robot series are really awesome, had no idea about them until a year ago when I subbed to the RB channel. I gotta start collecting my old faves.

[@anthonysiguido1116]

Well written michael. Im sold. Now the real challenge is getting my wife to not kill me for buying another toy.

[@superdaddy1973]

Remember Michael, SOC also has a "DX" line. So maybe in a few years you will be reviewing a larger version lol!

[@RocketPunchArmy]

The Miracle Voltron and that ebay VV may or may not have been planned for release under a certain manufacturer who had the Voltron license who shall remain nameless.

[@grimecrimetime]

Yo! Did you know about the third Voltron? It was three gladiator robots that stacked together. I dont know much about it, but I had the matchbox adaptation. Love your channel, we gotta be the same age.

[@grantwelsh7594]

Now I want to make a LEGO VV...great review!

[@justinthomas7222]

With mini-figs!

[@andrewtaylor940]

The same fan who designed the Lion Voltron they released also designed a VV. Plus a few other classic robots.

[@damientaylor7480]

I was waiting for this

[@AY-sp4nn]

True that!!!! Great video RB!!!

[@riderbuzz2606]

once again great job on this video rb,cannot wait for your next one

[@thunderrobots1980s]

you know what you need to do , a feature on the voltron third dimension show and its toys , because its a direct sequel to voltron and its success at the time resurrected the voltron brand , and gave us all the merchandise we have now

[@Cavillier1970]

Nice look guys and I know what you said about Voltron 2, but I have to say I think it's worth looking at. My brother feel into the "Not that Voltron..." group mentioned in past videos, but he'd had red and blue and those were solid toys, plastic and metal similar but unique looks and combined well. I once read online that had the third series been added to the lineup on TV, the ideas was the three bot team were on Earth to defend the planet. Personally I'd like to have seen what it could have been.

[@gl0087]

It's always weird to me when I hear how vehicle Voltron was never that popular. It was actually the first one shown in my hometown, and the lion Voltron was aired as the continuation.
I guess it just makes the entire history of the show and toys more interesting in my case.

[@wallaroo1295]

My parents bought me the action figure line Voltron when I was a kid, and I hated it because I wanted the Matchbox version... and I feel bad about being a fussy kid... I tried to make the best of it, but... the kids at school were vicious... My parents didn't know about those intricacies... All they knew was that I wanted "Voltron." I should have been more grateful.

[@IrishKyokushin]

The retailer i preordered mine from only got him in on Thursday. So I definitely have him in time for Christmas. :(

[@Deluna_arts_studio]

We got here at the speed of justice.

[@pittsburghboyertown3821]

I broke the white connection tabs on the red fighter chest piece of my matchbox version as a kid. Was hoping the chogokin would do something different than tab attachments but at least i know to be delicate this time around.

[@IrishKyokushin]

Its a shame Bandai didn't go with the Magney like MMWs did.

[@novax-ig9yt]

Great review. Sadly, I just have the 1980s Matchbox Lion Voltron, Panache Place Lion Voltron, and a Tomy Voltron around the same size as the mini matchbox lion voltron. Always wanted a vehicle Voltron, and the Bandai SOC may be the one I get.

[@kek23k]

I got mine last week, it's really awesome! Just waiting on the Daltanious renewal version next year now :)

[@kaylemathewcomendador7614]

That was a great video about a great looking figure 😁👍. Now your making me want to a COC Voltron II and a video about the vintage one from you 😅.

[@jovisalcedo921]

Excellent channel my dude thanks for always keeping it retro.truly love all your retro 80s content but my absolutely favorite vids are of Voltron.

[@standepain]

How have they not done a live action Vehicle or Lion Voltron movie??? ...then again the way movies have been lately it would probably be a horrific mess.

[@LucLightWolf121]

Probably a blessing in disguise that we haven't. I saw how DreamWorks screwed up the franchise after Season Six.

[@justinthomas7222]

As long as we don't end up with Bay-Tron or Lucas-Tron...
Well, if it's actually GEORGE Lucas & not Disney Lucasfilm...

[@KJ-tz7vc]

Speaking of Voltron II, I noticed that the red and black Gladiators seem easy to find but the blue robot appears to be rarer. One of the few on eBay currently is broken, shattered in pieces. The Collection DX review confirmed my suspicions: "As a kid, I remember getting one of the three Gladiator robots - I think it was the blue one, but my memory is hazy. I remember the toy practically disintegrating after a short period of play. As cool as the concept was, these toys were really fragile. The connection joints where the legs attach to the body are pretty flimsy on their own, but add in Popy’s trademark fragile blue plastic, and you have a recipe for disaster. To this day, finding an unbroken set is a rarity. Other common problems were fists breaking off (they were just glued in), and slouching. Over time the middle plastic on the robots cannot support the heavy weight of the metal chest, and the robots 'slouch'."

[@billpagan3070]

Great review Michael!
I have to admit I am almost completely ignorant when it comes to the history of Voltron and all the toys! I loved the show as a kid and only knew about Go Lion! Wow, a person could fall into a money pit trying to collect everything Voltron. The piece you reviewed is very sharp looking. 😁👍

[@new2vero2]

I think right after your Robotech coverage .. I said IF Vehicle Voltron wasn’t branded as “Voltron” Or came out before the Lions... the show wasn’t bad.. I’m guilty as a kid I disappointed when they slipped vehicle Voltron in .But as an Adult I had to ask myself WHY .. why no fondness for this? I LOVE Robotech... Insane about StarBlazers... I’m glad you showcased this and WE ( as community) should give Vehicle Voltron reverence. If you are like me ... rewatch those episodes and do whatever to remove associating with Lions ( do NOT watch Fleet of Doom ) lol

[@ZZtheDark]

Also,Bandai Spirits gotten ALL of the episodes on their TH-cam Channel. I'm not joking.

[@CHASEMARC]

i keep them in the team modes, each one next to the classic 1980's version

[@brenoferreiraferreira4409]

I don't have any kind of relation to these characters because the animation and the toys were never aired or released in Portugal. Even though I never even saw most of the animations, I think the Soul of Chogokin line from Bandai is still one of my favorite high end line of action figures and I own a couple of them. I missed out on Golion and I'm going to miss this version to but eventually I will end up getting one or the other, when that time comes I think I'm going for the Golion, it's more emblematic and has a way cooler concept (five robotic lions that transform into a giant robot is a very hard to beat concept). Thanks for the review.

[@BoltHardcheese]

I would love it if Lego released a Vehicle Voltron set.

[@TabbyTimeOut]

That would be Phenomenal. Lego Lion Voltron is amazing.

[@ogre1331]

I do prefer magnets over clips, if something goes wrong with the magnets, you can replace them. Clips, once they are broke, your screwed. I’ve had many figures where the magnets failed and just went to the craft store and got a new one.

[@truckrobo147]

ive been waiting for this!

[@kaylemathewcomendador7614]

I honestly want a video tackling that Voltron II figure, even just a quick one. And maybe some quick thoughts on the anime that would have become Voltron II.

[@justinthomas7222]

Geez, I remember seeing them in a departkent store - all 3 Voltrons. I will admit, Voltron II was not that attractive at the time. But now... Oh, if only we'd known! I'll give a Voltron I arm & a Voltron III leg for a Voltron II!

[@WiSMs]

100th like! Thank you for the nice review.

[@impossiblepie]

Great review Michael, do you have a favourite between the two SOC's? based on design and presentation.

[@retroblasting]

Yes. The Dairugger.

[@impossiblepie]

@@retroblastingAwesome, cant wait to pick mine up.

[@J-T-A]

A long, floppy, rubber, yellow... thingie.

[@GenXToysGeek]

that made me laugh out loud, literally !

[@christopherdeleon2095]

It's a tape worm.

[@justinthomas7222]

@@christopherdeleon2095 😂😂😂😂

[@andrewtaylor940]

I'm terrified if he ever gets a Combatler V Chogokin and has to explain the literal "Crotch Rocket".

[@Cavillier1970]

Was thinking it needs Viagra. LOL

[@mrheroprimes]

it's kind of ironic if you think about it Voltron fans reacted to vehicle voltron the same way Transformers g1 fans reacted to Beast Wars.

[@justinthomas7222]

Hopefully we never have to react the same way G1 fams reacted to Bay-Formers!

[@mrheroprimes]

@@justinthomas7222 I have my doubts that a Voltron movie will ever happen given that every time they tried to get one off the ground since 2005.

[@justinthomas7222]

@@mrheroprimes I'm actually okay if there never is a movie, uness it's done ground-up by WEP & true fans who know the spirit of the show. There's just nobody I trust to be faithful. Nothing can be pure anymore. They've broken pretty much everything.

[@jonnycrookvideo]

What would be the best version to get for a 4-year old to play with? (ie. durability) Thanks

[@thenuclearsandwich]

I warmed up to vehicle Voltron back in 84 eventually but because of the way they introduced him I was not interested at first. That was due to them just abruptly inserting this vehicle Voltron in the middle of lion Voltron's story line and claimed this is Voltron without any clear explanation. I was confused and annoyed as a child. It was a very poorly thought out intro. Anyway glad vehicle team Voltron finally got some love.

[@justinthomas7222]

I keep watching this... Must... Turn... Away... Dinner time! Aaaaaaaaarrrrrrggggghhhhhh!

[@christopherdeleon2095]

I think I like the miracle version more because it has the Super-Robot proportions. The SOC version looks so much more crisp, but I find the proportions to be too modern.
I think that's why there's an inconsistency between the perfect transformation hands and the pre-posed hands; to make him look more modern.

[@Tannishbrown]

I like to take apart and put the together myself

[@retroblasting]

It doesnt arrive assembled. What are you talking about?

[@Tannishbrown]

You said you probably don’t want to take it apart constantly

[@ultramagnus638]

I dunno I like Dairugger way more then the Lion version. There were more characters and the Japanese story is awesome.

[@01nardo]

Soo truue!

[@tyreemondesir9885]

The up to date armored fleet dairugger xv aka vehicle voltron is better than the matchbox and miracle version put together and I regret that I ever bought it in the first place and that's my opinion.

[@CubanPete1990]

When are you going to do a Review Of 90’s Vintage Toys/Action Figures like Batman The Animated Series Action Figures from Kenner Hercules The Legendary Journey Action Figures From Toy Biz Star Trek The next Generation Action Figures from Playmates Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Action Figures From Bandai Godzilla King Of The Monsters Toys from Trendmasters Robocop Action Figures from Kenner Aliens Vs Predator Action Figures from Kenner Marvel Superheroes Action Figures from Toy Biz Jurassic Park Dinosaurs 🦖 Toys 🧸 from Kenner Independence Day Action Figures From trendmasters or The Real Adventures Of Jonny Quest Action Figures From galoob?

[@skabcat242]

LOL Miracle whip.

[@LatitudeSky]

FOUR Voltrons, not three or two. Daltanias was first. They goofed that up with Toei and got GoLion instead. Then Albegas and Dairuggar. Anyway, Dairuggar was the best anime of them, by a huge margin. GoLion is fun. But nowhere near as good a show.