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Voltes V

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Voltes V
File:Voltes V Title.jpg
GenreMecha, Drama, Super Robot
Anime
Directed byTadao Nagahama
StudioToei co-produced by Nihon Sunrise

Super Electromagnetic Machine Voltes V (超電磁マシーン ボルテスＶ, Choudenji Machine Borutesu V) is a Japanese anime television series that was first aired on TV Asahi starting April 6, 1977. It was created by Tadao Nagahama as the second part of his Robot Romance Trilogy , of the Super Robot genre.

Conceived as a second part/remake of its predecessor Combattler V , was released in Italy and Spain dubbed in their respective languages.

However, when released in The Philippines, it quickly became one of the most successful TV shows ever. Ironically, what really made Voltes V a landmark of Filipino history was its controversy with then-President Ferdinand Marcos, who banned this program along with other Super Robot shows. (See the "Ferdinand Marcos issue" section below)


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Creator and history

Tadao Nagahama is a creator of classic Japanese super robot television series. Apart from the epic Voltes V, Nagahama also created other classic Super Robot anime such as Combattler V and Daimos. Voltes V is the second series in what is called Nagahama's Romantic Trilogy, with Combattler V being the first, and Tōshō Daimos being the third.

Being the second of the Robot Romance Trilogy, Voltes V story narrates the heroic exploits of the young robot pilots known as The Voltes Team and their trials against alien invaders from planet Boazan. Armed with Super Electromagnetic Machine Voltes V, the five pilots drive back the invaders one Beast Fighter at a time. The series illustrates many human sentimentality and common values without being overly melodramatic or didactic. Underlying themes such as the love of family, equality, selfless sacrifice, team work, and patriotism are part of the show. The themes are developed through believable interactions between the Voltes Team members. Voltes V also revolutionized anime by introducing enemy characters with considerable depth. Voltes V's Prince Hainel (Prince Zardoz in the English dub, Sirius in the Italian one) for example, sets a standard on anime villains with a back story and personality in an era when most anime villains were thoughtless formulaic characters with menacing appearance and sinister laughter.

Voltes V is a work that has heavy revolutionary undertone. The series ends with Voltes V's spectacular counterattack on planet Boazan to liberate the slaves from the oppression of tyrannical ruler, Emperor Zu Zanbajiru. After Voltes V, Tadao Nagahama created Rose of Versailles which leaves a speculation that perhaps Voltes V was influenced by Nagahama's research on French Revolution for his future project. The theme of enslaved population rising up to overthrow an aristocracy lend support to theory.

Voltes V's arsenal consists of variety of missiles, a bazooka, beams, and unique weapons such as Super Electromagnetic Top and Tenkūken(天空剣 Sky Sword, "Laser Sword" in English dub). With Tenkūken, Voltes V started the trend in super robots genre in using sword as the finishing a.k.a. "Hissatsu" weapon.

The outward similarity between the robot Voltes V and its five-person crew to Combattler V has led many critics to call the former a rip-off of the latter. Voltes V, however, deviates from the robotic design of the Combattler V. The plot of Voltes V also has a more serious tone than Combattler V's comedic storyline. Voltes V's formula is also similar to that of the story of Nagahama's Daimos series.

The plot

In 1997, an armada of horned humanoid aliens known as Boazanians invade earth and launch their "beast fighters" all over the world. Their first humiliating defeat by Super Electromagnetic Machine, Voltes V brings the invaders to focus their attacks on Japan. Voltes V was designed by Dr. Kentaro Gō, his wife Dr. Mitsuyo Gō and a their trusted colleague, Dr. Hamaguchi and built by large scale construction effort backed by United Nations Earth Defense Force and General Oka. Voltes V is piloted by Ken'ichi Gō; five "Volt Machines" that comprise the robot are piloted by Ken'ichi, Daijiro, Hiyoshi, Megumi Oka, and Ippei Mine respectively. Kenichi, Daijiro, and Hiyoshi are three sons of Kentaro and Mitsuyo Gō. Megumi Oka is the only daughter of General Oka. Ippei is an orphan cowboy with considerable talent drafted into service.

Voltes V's home base is Camp Big Falcon, a fortress situated on a bird-shaped island along the coast of Japan. Voltes V's enemy are the Boazanians namely Prince Heinell, his advisors Rui Kazarin, Jyangaru and Do Zuuru. The series focuses on the struggle against Boazan invaders, and Gō brothers' search for their long-lost father, Kentarō Gō. As the series progresses, three major characters, Dr. Mitsuyo Gō, Do Zuul, and Dr. Hamaguchi' dies. Zuul and Hamaguchi are replaced by characters Belgan and Dr. Sakunji. Later in the series, the brothers learn of their unique heritage of being half Boazanian. The characters deal with their identity's impact on their own lives and that on both their close friends and bitter enemies.

Characters

The Voltes Team


After the disappearance of Dr. Gō, the Earth International Defense force trained five young people to be highly skilled Earth Defense Agents. Resolute and dedicated fighters, these agents act as both special commando units and pilots of the Super Electromagnetic Machine Voltes V, against the invading Boazanians.

  • Kenichi Gō (Steve Armstrong in Philippine English dubbed version) is the Voltes V team Leader. He is a marksman, a Motocross champion, an ace pilot and is the eldest of the three Gō brothers. He was a very adventurous child, but the disappearance of his father changed him. He became more responsible, caring for his younger brothers as well as for people who depended on him. Voiced by Yukinaga Shiraishi in the original version of Voltes V.
  • Daijirō Gō (Big Bert Armstrong in Philippine English) is the defense tactician. He was once a playful child but Daijirō's outlook in life suddenly changed when his father disappeared. Alarmed by this change in his personality, Mrs. Gō sent him to live in the country where a martial arts master taught him different martial arts methods and forms of meditation. Upon rejoining his brothers, Daijirō was already a master of different hand-to-hand fighting styles. The naginata (fighting staff) became his favorite weapon. Together with Ken'ichi and Hiyoshi, Daijirō started training as a member of the Voltes Team. Unlike in the group portrait above his uniform was dark green, not brown. Voiced by Tesshou Genda in the original Voltes V.
  • Hiyoshi Gō (Little John Armstrong in Philippine English) is a genius in inventing automatons. He has been interested in learning mechanics, robotics and electro-magnetism since a very young age. He was considered a genius by many university professors. He even created a funny little octopod robot called Tako Chan (Octo One). But to his big brothers Ken'ichi and Daijirō, Hiyoshi will always be a little brother, a child who never felt the warmth and love of a real father. He also excels in swimming and diving. Because of his exceptional talents, Hiyoshi was asked to join the Voltes Team as a technical handyman, specifically for repairs during field operations. Voiced by Noriko Ohara in the original Voltes V series.
  • Ippei Mine (Mark in Philippine English) is a rodeo champion. He was orphaned while still a young boy. His mother died trying to save him from a pack of wolves. After his mother's death, he grew bitter, aloof, but cool under crisis. He learned how to live in the streets and perform odd jobs. This kind of life strengthened his personality. Upon joining the rodeo, he learned to ride horses and how to use a whip. He found his greatest friend in a white stallion known as Aiful (a.k.a. Alpha in the Philippine English dubbed version). The two, man and beast, became inseparable. He won two rodeo championship contests with Aiful as his horse. Then one day, The Earth International Defense Force asked Ippeo to join the team. When he refused, he was taken forcibly, so for the first time, Ippei and Aiful where separated. Dr. Hamaguchi has Aiful brought to Big Falcon early in the series. Voiced by Kazuyuki Sogabe in the original Voltes V series.
  • Megumi Oka (Jamie Robinson in Philippine English) is a Kunoichi (female ninja) and the 18th Heir of the Koga style. Young, slim and beautiful, Megumi received special training during her childhood. By 13, she already possessed extraordinary skills and lightning reflexes. She also learned the gentle arts from her oriental mother. Through her mother's guidance, Megumi became a person with a calm yet alert disposition. Joining the Voltes Team, she was the voice-of-reason among the male Voltes Team members, especially whenever Ken'ichi and Ippei were about to clash during personal conflicts. Her cool demeanor and uncanny skills qualified Megumi as the fifth and only female member of the Voltes team. Voiced by Miyuki Ueda, who also played as the voice of Chizuru Nanbara in Combattler V, as Erika in the Daimos series, and as Marie Antoinette in Rose of Versailles. The latter was another series which Nagahama, the creator of Voltes V, was one of the contributing directors.
  • Dr. Kentarō Gō (Dr. Armstrong in Philippine English) or Prince Ragoul is the father of the three Gō brothers and also of the Boazanian attack force leader, Prince Hainel making Prince Hainel half-brothers with the three Gō brothers. He is a royal-blooded Boazanian born without horns. Due to this abnormality, based on Boazanian physical characteristics, he had to wear fake horns in order to avoid stigma and scandal. When his secret was revealed, he was branded a traitor, stripped of his title and imprisoned, until he was able to escape, leading him to earth. After the birth of his youngest son, Hiyoshi, he left earth with the intention of returning to Boazania and putting an end to the tyrannical rule of Emperor Zu Zambajil. Voiced by Yuu Mizushima in the original Voltes V.
  • Dr. Mitsuyo Gō is the wife of Kentarou Gō and the mother of the three Gō children. She raised her children on her own when her husband left, and continued to care for them until her death. She sacrificed herself to prevent one of the Boazanian beast warriors from destroying the fortress known as Big Falcon.
  • Dr. Hamaguchi is the commander of Camp Big Falcon fortress at the beginning of the Voltes V series. He helped to design and build the Voltes V robot. He managed Big Falcon on Dr. Gō's behalf until his death. Voiced in the original Voltes V by Seizo Katou.
  • General Oka (General Robinson in the Philippine dub) is Megumi Oka's father. He is the 17th Heir of the Kōga style, a co-designer of Voltes V and commander of the Earth International Defense force. He dies late in the series saving his daughter from a Boazanian monster that was controlling her mind. Voiced in the original by Hiroshi Masuoka.
  • Dr. Sakonji (Dr. Hook in the Philippine dub) is another commander of Big Falcon. After Hamaguchi's death, Sakonji, a former student of Hamaguchi, is called upon to take over command of Big Falcon. He is a hard-nosed commander who continually pushes the Voltes Team to their limits during training, sometimes to the point of risking their lives. Voiced in the original by Tamio Ouki, who also played General Miwa in Daimos and Captain Tashiro in Gunbuster. Although he first appeared cruel, he has also shown his soft side as the series went through, especially that he was concerned about the people of the Earth more than anything else.

The Boazanian Invaders

They came from the world called Boazan.

Boazan is the eighth planet of a star cluster which is said to be the seat of the Boazanian Star Empire (Empire of the Horn). In this planet lies the great imperial court that houses all the executive functions of the Empire. Due to the liberal reign of Makron XII, a deceased Baozanian emperor, the planet was able to avoid becoming a mechanized city. During Makron XII's time, Boazan remained a natural world and retained much of its natural life support systems. The planet was divided into feudal zones and sectors. Each member of the nobility had his own administrative function. They also appear in the imperial court from time to time. Boazan has an estimated population of fifteen trillion. The populace is divided into two classes namely the horned and the non-horned.

The characteristic of having horns signifies a higher-class status. Such a horned individual enjoys the rights and privileges enjoyed by the nobility. While the non-horned are treated as slaves and should be subservient. The individuals without horns are not free. They are not allowed to have property or other possessions. They cannot marry unless their masters give them permission. These slaves perform 97.3 percent of all manual labor. Most work comprise of agricultural duties but others also work as servants, messengers, and clerks. Boazan is self sufficient but very few industries related to machineries and technology are developed. Thus, Boazania had to rely on imports. However, Boazanina primarily offers many resorts and other entertainment facilities. Its a vacation spot with a rating of 83%, an ideal tourist planet.

The emergence of Boazan as a stellar invader came during the reign of Hakkor IV. The development of rocket propulsions enabled the Boazanians to reach many other worlds. But plans for the explorations of space were shelved due to impracticality.

The so-called intra-stellar drive was perfected during the later years of Hakkornian rule. Although still slow and crude, the utilization of Generation ships were affected due to the growing Boazanian population. And it would take decades to reach the next stellar systems. Old Boazanians would have to die while others will give birth to new Boazanians during the journey. But upon the invention of the interstellar drive, a drive powered by light converted into electromagnetic propulsion, everything in Boazan changed.

However, there was a setback. The chrono-spatio development was not applicable to arms and weaponry. So, the Boazanians developed more conventional weapons, progressing along the lines of atomics and nucleic weaponry. Eons ahead of Earth in terms of technology, Boazan's military forces were more sophisticated and prevailing.

The Beast Fighters was the apex of the Boazanians' war efforts. These massive machines are cybernaut warriors that could come to life upon the transplantation of Boazanian minds into the robotic computers. The Beast Fighters made Boazan a great threat to any civilization in the galaxy. A destructive military force in Boazan supported the imperial explorations.

The Galactic Center was finally brought under Boazan's imperial rule. And in the year 2094, Boazan reached the periphery of the Galactic Center where Earth was the first of the outer worlds assaulted. The Imperial war officials supposed planet earth as the easiest to subjugate. However, this was not the case. Earth has Voltes V.

The Boazanian Nobility

This is the dictatorial regime under Emperor Zu Zambajil, the most despotic emperor in history. During the reign of Emperor Zambajil, the main headquarters was called the Celestial Tower, the symbol of Zambajil's might.

Emperor Zu Zambajil

  • Emperor of Boazan. He is extremely racist, cruel, and selfish, but ultimately a coward, typical characteristics of super robot villains of the time. The bastard son of the previous emperor and his mistress, he overtook the thrown when he revealed the hornlessness of his cousin, Lagour. Driven by greed and the desire for conquests, he ordered his people to create beast fighters as a tool to expand his empire further. His ambition knew no bounds: Under his rule, horned and hornless alike who dared oppose him were imprisoned, enslaved, and executed. He sent Prince Hainel, the son of Lagour, to earth, as a means of removing a perceived threat to his rule. As time wore on, he sent others to pretend to aid Hainel while spying on him. When Voltes V and the Big Falcon reached Boazan, the people rebelled against him and the few still loyal to him turned against him and fled. He met his end when, while trying to escape with a wagonload of riches, he was found by Prince Hainel, who killed him in repayment for betraying his planet and people.

Prince Hainel (Prince Zardos)

  • Half-brother to the Gō brothers at their father side. He was born the son of a traitor, bitter and more of the noble villain. As a child, he had a rough time being called a traitor's son, with no memory of his parents and only loved by his grandparents. He wanted to clean the stain, but being a possible heir makes his second-degree uncle Zambajil hate him secretly and was hesitant to appoint him. Though first shown as a villain, he is later seen to be having noble qualities like playing fair in contrast to most of his comrades who prefer to use cheating methods like most super robot princes. He has a high sense of honor, like most warriors and regards himself more of a soldier than a prince. Due to his repeated failure, his second degree uncle Zambajil removed him from duty and he sought to restore Boazania to glory, which is after all, he was only a scapegoat. He would rather die in battle than die a loser. He later realized that he was fighting against his own father and his own half-siblings, in battle. When he saw Zambajil try to escape, he threw a dagger (which came from his mother) to kill the despotic Emperor to redeem himself. In the end, he died a redeemed man, peaceful, enjoying a few moments of peace having saved his younger half-brother Ken'ichi's life.

Rui Katherine (Xandra)

  • Hainel's aide and would-be lover. Motivated by love, she remained loyal to her prince until the end, when she took a sniper's bullet, saving his life. As she died, she confessed her love to him, and he realized that he loved her, too.

Jangal (Draco)

  • General sent to Earth with Heinel and Katherine. Fiercely loyal, he later chose death over surrender.

Zuhl

  • One-horned, toothless scientist, one of Hainel's original aides. Eventually, he attempts to betray Prince Hainel but is caught and executed.

Bergan (General Oslack)

  • The second general sent by the Emperor, sent by Emperor Zambajil to keep an eye on Prince Hainel and kill him if necessary. He keeps his identity concealed most of the time with a blank mask. Upon arrival, he creates a combat beast with a special alloy called Maxingal, which is supposedly impervious to Voltes' weapons. Using this alloy, he intends to defeat Voltes and take over Prince Hainel's position. During the battle to liberate Boazan, he died when the starship he and Gururu were on was destroyed by Voltes V.

Gururu

  • The Last commander appointed who is highly confident. Killed during the liberation of Boazan.

Cast

Japanese Cast

Tagalog Cast Hero TV Version

The machines

Trademark tag-lines of the Voltes Team: Let's Volt-in! and V Together!

Cruiser 1

Code: Ph-Red balance A
Model No. Ci – J
Category: Attack Fighter Interceptor
Operants: AW/2M
Primary: Atmos
Landing: S.T.O.L
Flying Speed: Mach 20
Height: 6.82 meters
Weight: 95 tons
Length: 17.73 meters
Width: 17.73 meters
Pressure Power: 400 tons
Armaments: Cruiser Missiles, Cruiser rockets, Cruiser cannon, Claw boomerang, Cruiser Claw Cutter
Target Definition: Radar-Sonar-Thermal guidance
Armor: Titanium- Platinum Alloy with Diamond reinforcement
Thermal Capacity: 1.43 millisol
Shock Capacity: 15 megatons
Control: Guardian Computer assisted with manual override.
Volting-In: Forms the Head of Voltes V

Bomber 2

Code: Ph-Red balance B
Model No. Bx-4G
Category: Attack Bomber Interceptor
Operants: AW/2M
Primary: Atmos
Landing: S.T.O.L
Flying Speed: Mach 18
Height: 3.48 meters
Weight: 100 tons
Length: 18.93 meters
Width: 18.18 meters
Pressure Power: 500 tons
Armaments: Bomber Missiles, Bomber Concealed Bazookas, Bomber Cannon, Bomber Hook, Bomber Rings, Bomber Chain Knuckles, Bomber Bombs
Target Definition: Radar-Sonar-Thermal guidance
Armor: Titanium- Platinum Alloy with Diamond reinforcement
Thermal Capacity: 1.50 millisol
Shock Capacity: 15 megatons
Control: Guardian Computer assisted with manual override.
Volting-In: Forms the shoulders and arms of Voltes V.

Panzer 3

Code: Ph-Red balance C
Model No. PZ-4D
Category: Defense Tank fighter
Operants: AW/Delta M
Primary: land
Landing: V.T.O.L
Flying Speed: Mach 15
Height: 18.18 meters
Weight: 220 tons
Length: 13.94 meters
Width: 16.21 meters
Pressure Power: 350 tons
Armaments: Panzer Missiles, Panzer Arms, Panzer cannon, Panzer Knuckles, Panzer Knife launchers
Target Definition: Radar-Sonar-Thermal guidance
Armor: Titanium- Platinum Alloy with Diamond reinforcement
Thermal Capacity: 1.47 millisol
Shock Capacity: 15 megatons
Control: Guardian Computer assisted with manual override.
Volting-In: Forms the Upper Torso of Voltes V.

Frigate 4

Code: Ph-Red balance D
Model No. F1-C
Category: Attack Fighter Submersible
Operants: AW/2M
Primary: Atmos/Nautical
Landing: S.V.T.O.L
Flying Speed: mach 16
Height: 13.77 meters
Weight: 105 tons
Length: 24.85 meters
Width: 26.67 meters
Pressure Power: 300 tons
Armaments: Frigate Missiles, Frigate lasers, Neptune rocket, Frigate freezer and heat rays, Magic Hands
Target Definition: Radar-Sonar-Thermal guidance
Armor: Titanium- Platinum Alloy with Diamond reinforcement
Thermal Capacity: 1.41 millisol
Shock Capacity: 15 megatons
Control: Guardian Computer assisted with manual override.
Volting-In: Forms the lower torso and legs of Voltes V

Lander 5

Code: Ph-Red balance E
Model No. LDR – 5F
Category: Multi – Terrain Defense Interceptor
Operants: AW/Delta M
Primary: Land/ Multi-terrain, Subterranean
Landing: .V.T.O.L
Flying Speed: Mach 17
Height: 11.82 meters
Weight: 80 tons
Length: 14.69 meters
Width: 16.66 meters
Pressure Power: 200 tons
Armaments: Lander Missiles, Lander Drill, Lander Cement (Chemical thrower), Lander Underground Camera, Lander Shuriken (Star blades)
Target Definition: Radar-Sonar-Thermal guidance
Armor: Titanium- Platinum Alloy with Diamond reinforcement
Thermal Capacity: 1.49 millisol
Shock Capacity: 15 megatons
Control: Guardian Computer assisted with manual override.
Volting-In: Forms the feet of Voltes V.

Technical information

Technical data of the Voltes V Super Robot Defense System

Pilot: GOU Kenichi (in Voltes V's right eye)

Height: 58 meters

Weight: 600 tons

Classification: Super Robot defense system with multi functioning units.

Type: Gattai (Combining Cybernaut)

Maximum Speed:' mach 20

Pressure Power: 2000 tons

Energy: Super Electromagnetic Energy

Assembly time: 8.0 seconds (6.8 seconds after Power Up Ultra Magucon implanted)

Finishing Move: "V No Ji Kiri" (Letter "V" sword cutting)

The Development of Super Electromagnetic Machine Voltes V

Voltes V was conceived and created primarily by Earth International Defense scientists, Dr. Kentaro Gō (Dr. Ned Armstrong) and Dr. Hamaguchi (Dr. Richard Smith). They gained support from General Oka (Commander Robinson'), a member of the Earth International Defense Force.

Very much aware of the invasion threat from the Boazanians, the Earth International Defense constructed a powerful 58 meter high super robot that is powered by intense, ultra electro-magnetic energy. And instead of creating only a single defense system, Dr. Gō suggested the creation of five, multi-functioning Earth Defense machine components. These massive machine components came to be known as Volt Machines. These components have the capability to integrate, forming a colossal powerhouse defense system, the giant robot known as Voltes V. In the process of Voltes V’s creation, several technological breakthroughs were made, such as the following:

  • The creation of a titanium-platinum alloy reinforced with diamond crystals for extreme heat resistance.
  • The development of an instantaneous response system through the use of massive computerized hydraulic devices.
  • The creation of thrust velocities that could attain the speed of mach 20 through the use of fusion-type drive engine nuclear reactors.
  • The ability of component machines to integrate through the release of tremendous electro-magnetic energy that polarizes the locking mechanisms of each machine.

Note: In times of crisis, according to the story, Voltes V's energy absorbing mechanism is improved by the strange aircraft (a flying mechanical eagle) boarded by a mysterious and unknown pilot. After such improvement obtained from the mechanical eagle, the robot would be able to absorb tremendous amounts of electrical energy from lightning, and at the same time, release that energy, thus becoming an effective defensive weapon against the enemy. Yet such release of energy doesn't affect Voltes V's reserved energy. From this absorption-and-release energy scheme, Voltes V was able to create a weapon called the Chōdenji Ball or Super Electromagnetic Ball.

Once finally completed, Voltes V became a scientific breakthrough, a technological achievement that surpassed all other current technological inventions. With Voltes V, the earth now possessed with a defensive weapon that surpasses the military force of the Boazanian Empire.

Voltes V is always at hand to defend planet earth.

Weapons of the Super Electromagnetic Machine Voltes V

The development of the Super Electromagnetic Machine provided planet earth a defense system loaded with varied arsenals of lasers, rays, beams, missiles and other deadly projectiles.

These are as follows:

  • Gatling missiles (Finger Missiles): These are powerful barrage missiles launched from the hands of Voltes V. These could blast a beast fighter robot.
  • Chōdenji Beam (Super Electromagnetic Beam): A purple beam that shoots out from the yellow beam button of Voltes V’s chest. This could burn a beast fighter’s electronic innards.
  • Chodenji Wave (Super Electromagnetic Wave) : A yellow ray that has oblong-like shapes, a ray that delivers a high dose of pure Super Electromagnetic energy against any Beast Fighter. It shoots out very similarly from the yellow button from Voltes V's chest, just like the Chodenji Beam.
  • Chain knuckles : These are giant, ninjitsu-like projectiles that consists of massive chains, fitted with rocket-like drills at each end. These are launched from Voltes V’s hands and can bore holes into a beast fighter’s body. Voltes V can drag away the enemy with this weapon.
  • Grand fire (Ground fire): A powerful beam of pyro-energy that spews out of Voltes V’s belt buckle. It could burn a beast fighter.
  • Voltes bazooka: This is Voltes V’s revolver. Voltes V's right hand could be bent and transformed into a gigantic revolver-like cannon. Voltes V uses this to shoot down a beast fighter robot.
  • Chōdenji goma (Super Electromagnetic Tops): These are giant steel tops that could be fitted with highly sharp steel blades. They are launched from Voltes V’s torso. The tops can even carry explosives that could blow up a beast fighter warrior robot.
  • Chōdenji strings (Super Electromagnetic Whips): These are extremely sharp, high-tension steel blades that could cut through a beast fighter robot like samurai swords. These weapons are composed of Voltes V’s belt, and could be used in conjunction with the ultra electro-magnetic tops.
  • Grand missile (Voltes Missile): A powerful nuclear missile launched from Voltes V’s belt buckle. This could blast a beast fighter.
  • Chōdenji Ball (Super Electromagnetic Ball): A powerful ball of electro-magnetic energy. It could be created after Voltes V has harnessed energy from lightning. It is launched from his sword. This lethal energy ball could imprison a beast fighter, weakening their armors. For a few episodes it drained all of Voltes V's power when used.
  • Tenkūken (the lightning sword, Also known as Laser Sword): It is deployed from the large, V-shaped breast plate of Voltes V. This extremely sharp and tensile alloy sword is re-charged by lightning before Voltes V can use it to cut a beast fighter in a V-shape manner.

The home base

Big Falcon is located on a bird-shaped island called Ootori (大鳥 Big Bird) Island. It is also often referred to as 'Camp Big Falcon. It is the headquarters of the Super Electromagnetic Machine known as Voltes V.

Camp Big Falcon is a self-sustaining facility. It has its own housing, research, factory, medical and defense stations. The front facade is stencilled with large numbers ranging from 1 to 5. It acts as the Volt Machine's launching bay.

The base also has a built-in training facility, both in-door and out-door, for specific use by the Voltes Team and the Volt machines. It is protected by a multitude of laser and missile launchers which are strategically located in many parts of the island. It is also equipped with a powerful force field barrier to repel enemy attacks.

In the last episodes of the Voltes V story, Camp Big Falcon was what we can call as more than meets the eye. The Ootori Island was really a large fortress that is usually docked with an ally known as the Solar Bird. Combined with Solar Bird, Camp Big Falcon would transform into a powerful bird-like space station that could journey throughout the galaxy to planet Boazan.

The Ferdinand Marcos issue

Around 1980, Voltes V and other similar super-robot-anime shows were altogether cancelled and banned by President Ferdinand Marcos from Philippine TV airwaves citing its supposed negative effects on children due to the violence it showed.

This was a significant event for a generation of youngsters, now in their thirties or forties, and eventually became a subject of historical speculation & discussion. Here are some theories as to the reasons why the super-robot-anime shows, with Voltes V as the leading representative, were banned:

One theory suggests that the cancellation of Voltes V was not because Ferdinand Marcos, then President (turned dictator) of the Philippines, thought that it conveyed messages of rebellion. It was cancelled because the television station that aired Voltes V then was the number one station in the country, surpassing other two government-owned TV stations.

To negatively affect the ratings of the stations that aired Voltes V, and other super robot shows for that matter, Marcos banned not only the airing of all of them, but also other top rating television shows including Charlie's Angels. Marcos stated that the violent contents had a negative effect on children. However, the aforementioned Charlie's Angels and its like resumed airing during the martial law era which brings up the question as to why Voltes V and the other super robot shows remained banned.

Speculations also abound that the show could be used by leftist activists who might use it as a tool and an inspration to create a revolution similar to the Ilokula, or use it as part of a class struggle leading to socialism or communism, or the freeing the "slave" class in the Philippines (or a coup d' etat. Voltes V might serve as a code name by the Mutineers and its song as a password, such as the phenomena of Grândola Vila Morena in Portugal's Carnation Revolution in 1974). Most of the scenes in Voltes V carries some leftist meaning, like the class structure, the treatment, as well as the struggle of the oppressed class similar to the revolutions in Europe and in Asia. The 70's during that time was full of revolts, like the sandinista revolution in Nicaragua, and the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, which were Communist Oriented. As well as a growing number of leftists starting from student activism to the ranks of the New People's Army, which the government tried to pacify Communism.

Another issue claimed by some was that the Emperor Zambajil's name (sometimes spelled Zambojil or Zambujil) was changed into Ferdinand, General Bergan's name was changed to Fabian or Vergan(for Fabian Ver - Marcos's Chief-of-Staff of the Philippine Military at that time), etc. which intended to mock the administration. Also, Voltes V was planning a people's revolution throughout the series and Marcos feared he would end up like Zambajil, overthrown by his own people including the "nobility".

This is also similar to a comparison, which was later formed into a conspiracy theory, that the Emperor Zambajil, was a representation of Marcos and that Dr. Ned Armstrong (creator of Voltes V) represented his political rival Benigno Aquino, Jr..

The previous paragraphs, of course, would look good as the premise of a scholastic thesis, but it bears little merit due to the overwhelming preoccupation of the youngsters who enjoyed the adventures & the action-packed anime stories Voltes V and its like brought. They are highly unlikely to see any "deep political" messages in Voltes V - if there was ever.

Voltes V's creator, Tadao Nagahama, made Voltes V as part of his "Romance Super Robot Trilogy" and is characterized, not only as a narrative fiction on love (as was shown in Daimos), but as a fantastic general fiction of heroism, adventure & elegiac elements for youngsters. It was made for pure entertainment & enjoyment (initially for Japanese children), and it is highly unlikely that Tadao Nagahama was in tune with the political atmosphere of the Philippines during the 1970s and thus could not have patterned his characters & his story as allusions to the mentioned Philippine leaders or to the troubled political situation of the country at the time. Although, Nagahama often uses the political theme of revolution & uprising in several of his other works like, more notably, Rose of Versailles & Daimos.

These presumptuous & pretentious theories sprang from the drastic changes which influenced the mindset of the generation who tried to formulate a good reason why the shows were banned. For that generation, it was the "longest story ever told" for they waited the ending of the tale of Voltes V, which eventually came close to 20 years later.

There is another conspiracy theory which states that because of the enormous profits the Super Robot anime shows were generating at that time (in terms of merchandising, TV exposure, advertisement revenue, licensing deals & etc.) were so great that Marcos wanted a share of it. But this didn't push through smoothly and as an act of retaliation, and a chance to flex political muscle to impress the conservatives (which was speculated to have been spearheaded by ultra conservative Pili Cayetano, a friend of Marcos' wife Imelda, at the time), Ferdinand Marcos banned the shows altogether.

With this in mind, the cancellation of the Super Robot shows, with Voltes V as the vanguard, could be concluded as a combination of a display & execution of political showboating, media manipulation & censorship characteristic of a repressive dictatorial singularity, failed under-the-counter-dealing and post-war values.

As for "post-war values", Marcos, in some ways, represented a generation that underwent the horrors of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War 2. Voltes V was a product of Japan - the former aggressor. Marcos' generation was in prominence & in power during the 70's and their outlook was shaped by these tumultuous events several decades earlier. It is characterized by a stern, singular & disciplined principle which eventually reconstructed a war-torn nation. This is reflective of Marcos' policies during the early years of the Martial Law/Bagong Lipunan or New Society era. Compounded by these, it is likely that animosity towards anything Japanese and a strong desire to pass on the values of "discipline" to the younger generation that prompted whatever moral motivation Marcos might have had in banning the cartoon show/s. Marcos, who called imaself a WW2 veteran, was a japanophobe in spite of good foreign relations with Japan.

This disciplinarian act was short-lived and it sowed the seeds of anger in the young who loved the shows. Several years later, Marcos would repeat his political "kill-joy" tactics when he banned coin-operated video games - mostly made in Japan & were causing a stir in the youth who he wanted disciplined (just like Voltes V and the other robot shows before). These were but the seeds which will eventually blossom into one of the flowers of the 1986 EDSA Revolt.

The Triumphant Philippine Return

The Voltes V cartoon series resumed its TV run shortly after the People Power Revolution that toppled Marcos in 1986. Ironically, it was the government-run People's Television Channel 4 (PTV-4, now National Broadcasting Network or NBN-4) that aired the program. However, the comeback was lackluster and Voltes V found itself "unfinished" in its story-telling-run and was shuffled from one TV station to another as a cartoon filler. The show was aired on ABS-CBN Channel 2 then on sequestered TV stations RPN-9 and IBC-13. The late 1980s had its share of anime shows & Japanese live-action programs like Bioman, Shaider, Voltron & etc. But fifteen years later, around the late 1990s, a new wave of anime appreciation came to the Philippines (and all over the world for that matter) represented by shows like Yu-Yu Hakusho, Rurouni Kenshin (a.k.a. Samurai X), Fushigi Yugi, Flame of Recca & etc.

But the spark which truly brought Voltes V back into the limelight in the late 1990s, oddly & strangely enough, came from a skit of a TV comedy show called Bubble Gang. The skit-in-concern was a parody of a controversial religious television show called Ang Dating Daan (The old path), which in turn was comically entitled Ang Dating Doon (The old there). In the skit, the Voltes V opening theme song was sung as both its opening and closing theme. The song was sometimes sung without instrumental augmentation, relying on the guests' voice to give the song a funny yet anthemic sound. It was the "spark that ignited the fuse".

The Rising popularity of the Filipino Band the "Eraserheads" in the early 90's also popularized its nostalgia with the release of the major record label album " Ultra Electro Magnetic Pop".

In January 1999, despite protests from some minor conservative groups, the show returned to its original primetime slot in GMA-7, the station where it was aired during the Marcos years. But fan enthusiasm for the show waned somewhat later that year when a movie containing the last five episodes was shown in theaters as "Voltes V: The Liberation." The decision by GMA-7 executives to show the movie was reportedly to give the Friday primetime slot to Pokemon. But with the movie having been shown in June 1999, many fans of the series had their "closure" and lost interest in the TV run.

Currently, a new Filipino language dubbed version of VOLTES V (an earlier Filipino dubbed version was shown briefly & unsuccessfully around 2002) is being shown in Hero TV a cable channel. The show is called VOLTES V: Evolution.

Despite being a product of Japan, VOLTES V is a significant cultural & historical focal point in Philippine society. For a generation of youngsters dubbed as the Martial Law Babies (born within the period of the late 1960s - early 1970s), Voltes V was not only an enjoyable part of their youth, but a subconscious rallying cry for revolution. It's revival also makes it a multi-generational phenomena, much like Star Wars or Lord of the Rings, wherein the children of the generation-in-concern appreciate it as much as their parents did. VOLTES V, figuratively, is as Filipino as the kalesa or the jeepney and unique as a historical force in shaping the destiny of a country.

Trivia

File:Super Robot Romance Trilogy Mechas on the PS2.jpg
Tadao Nagahama's: "Super Robot Romance Trilogy Mechas" screenshot in Banpresto's Super Robot Taisen Alpha 3 game on the Sony PlayStation 2 console. From left to right: Combattler V, Daimos and Voltes V
  • In one episode, Dr. Sakunji (or Dr. Hook in the Filipino Version) trains the Voltes Team to perfect a new move to counter against the Boazania's new monster. The move is a "spin maneuver" using Voltes' V-Formation in which all five machines spin in incredible speed & deadly synchronization with the Volt Cruiser's Claw Boomerang extended in front. The technique is similar to Combattler V's finishing move: the Choudenji Spin.
  • Noted Philippine theatre actor Joonee Gamboa was the voice talent director for the Philippine English dubbed version of Voltes V. He provided the voices of Dr. Smith (Dr. HAMAGUCHI) & Dr. Hook (Dr. SAKUNJI). However, in the first episode, he only provided Smith's voice for the first five minutes. The remainder of Dr. Smith's dialogue for the episode was voiced by Dodo Crisol, who also performed Prince Zardoz (Prince Heinel). For the rest of the series, Dr. Smith (Dr. HAMAGUCHI) was voiced by Gamboa.
  • Voltes V uses a classic anime/sentai formula of casting 5 heroic characters. Usually and in earlier times, as in the case of Voltes V, they are composed of: a handsome athletic leader, another handsome athletic hero, an overweight/bulky strongman, the short/youngest member & one female lead. Such line-ups are visible in anime series like Combattler V, Golion (a.k.a. Voltron-Lion Force), Flame of Recca, Gatchaman & sentai shows like Goranger. This has taken variations over the years but the basic content is usually five main characters. In Japanese culture, the number 5 is considered a lucky number.
  • In the Philippines, a Voltes V comic sequel was created under the title "Camp Big V" where Big Falcon was converted into a school for both humans and Bozanians.
  • The only times you can see all three Super Robot Romance Trilogy mechas, featured in one package, namely Combattler V, Voltes V and Daimos, are in the following games: Super Robot Taisen Advance for the Game Boy Advance, Super Robot Taisen Alpha 2 and Super Robot Taisen Alpha 3 for the PlayStation 2 under the company Banpresto. The last features a special combination attack of the trio, the opening of the attack features Daimos' Fire Blizzard, Combattler's Grand Light Wave and Voltes' Choudenji Ball. Daimos then finishes it off by transforming into his Battle Truck mode and starts to accelerate on top of the Grand Light Wave to increase his momentum before delivering his devastating move: the Reppu Seikenzuki. Super Robot Taisen Alpha 3 is so far, THE only Super Robot Taisen game that features this move which is also dubbed as the "Final Nagahama Special" among Super Robot Taisen fans.
  • The Japanese word "choudenji," meaning "super-electromagnetic," is owned by Tadao Nagahama's estate, and can only be used in Japanese media with their permission.
  • In the original Japanese version, the planet Boazan is pronounced BO-AH-ZAN. In the Philippine English version, Boazan is known as Boazania & is pronounced BO-ZAY-NEE-AH (the "a" after "o" is, strangely, silent).
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