Voltes V is a classic Japanese anime television series that first aired in 1977. It was created by Tadao Nagahama and produced by Toei Animation, and quickly became a cultural phenomenon in Japan, as well as in other parts of the world where it was broadcast. The show was groundbreaking at the time, blending together elements of science fiction, giant robot action, and drama, and paving the way for many other anime shows that followed in its footsteps.
The Plot and Characters of Voltes V
Voltes V takes place in a world where Earth is threatened by an evil empire known as the Boazanian army. Led by the ruthless Prince Zardoz, the Boazanians have conquered numerous planets and are now targeting Earth as their next conquest. To combat this threat, Dr. Kentaro Gō, a brilliant scientist, creates the ultimate weapon - the Voltes V robot.
The titular Voltes V is comprised of five individual vehicles that combine to form the giant robot. These five vehicles are piloted by the Gō siblings: Kenichi, Daijirō, Hiyoshi, Megumi, and Ippei. Each sibling brings their unique skills and abilities to the team, making them a formidable force against the Boazanians.
Other notable characters in the series include Dr. Gō's loyal assistant, Professor Hamaguchi, and the Gō siblings' mother, Mitsuko. The Boazanian army is led by Prince Zardoz and his top lieutenants, including the treacherous Count Egobossler.
Themes and Impact of Voltes V
One of the most prominent themes in Voltes V is the power of teamwork. The Gō siblings each have their own strengths and weaknesses, but when they work together, they become a force to be reckoned with. This message of cooperation and collaboration is still relevant today, and is part of what makes the show timeless.
Another key theme in Voltes V is the importance of standing up to tyranny and oppression. The Boazanian army is a clear stand-in for real-world dictatorships and imperial powers, and the Gō siblings are portrayed as heroic freedom fighters. This message resonated with audiences at the time, and continues to be relevant today, as people all over the world struggle against oppressive regimes and systems.
Voltes V was also groundbreaking in its depiction of giant robots. While shows like Gundam and Mazinger Z had already established the genre, Voltes V took it to the next level, with intricate, detailed designs and intense action scenes. The show's impact on the genre cannot be overstated, and it remains a beloved classic among anime fans to this day.
Legacy of Voltes V
Voltes V remains an iconic anime series, and has had a lasting impact on popular culture. It has spawned numerous spin-offs, sequels, and adaptations, including video games, manga, and even a live-action movie. The show has also been referenced and parodied in countless other works, from other anime shows to music videos and advertisements.
Perhaps most importantly, Voltes V has inspired generations of anime fans and creators. Its themes of teamwork, bravery, and standing up to oppression continue to resonate with people all over the world, and its influence can be seen in countless other anime shows and media.
Voltes V is a classic anime series that has had a lasting impact on popular culture. Its themes of teamwork and standing up to tyranny continue to resonate with audiences today, and its influence can be seen in countless other anime shows and media. As a groundbreaking and beloved classic, it will always hold a special place in the hearts of anime fans everywhere.
Why was Voltes V banned in the Philippines
Voltes V was banned in the Philippines in 1979, at the height of its popularity. The exact reasons for the ban are complex, but there were several factors that contributed to it.
Firstly, the show was seen as promoting violence and rebellion, which was a concern for the authoritarian government of President Ferdinand Marcos. The show's themes of standing up to tyranny and oppression were seen as potentially subversive, and the government may have been worried that the show could inspire anti-government sentiments among the youth.
Secondly, there were concerns about the commercialization of the show. Merchandising of Voltes V toys and other merchandise was a major industry in the Philippines, and there were concerns that the show was promoting consumerism and materialism among young people.
Finally, there were issues with the show's dubbing and translation. The show was originally produced in Japanese and was dubbed into Filipino for its broadcast in the Philippines. However, there were concerns that the dubbing and translation were poor, and that the show was promoting incorrect grammar and pronunciation among young viewers.
All of these factors contributed to the decision to ban Voltes V in the Philippines. The ban remained in place for many years, and the show was not widely available in the country until the early 2000s, when it was finally released on DVD and video. Despite the ban, however, the show remained popular among Filipino fans, and its influence can still be seen in Filipino popular culture to this day.
Did Voltes V promote violence
Voltes V, like many other giant robot anime shows, featured a lot of action and fighting, including scenes of robots battling each other and destroying buildings. However, the show was not necessarily promoting violence.
Instead, the violence in Voltes V was used to tell a story about heroes standing up against tyranny and oppression. The show's themes of teamwork, bravery, and standing up to injustice were all intended to inspire young viewers and encourage them to be heroes in their own lives.
Furthermore, the violence in Voltes V was not gratuitous or excessively graphic. The show was primarily targeted at children and young adults, and the violence was generally depicted in a way that was appropriate for that age group.
It is important to note that different cultures have different standards for what is considered violent or inappropriate for children. In Japan, where the show was produced, the standards for violence in children's programming were different than in the Philippines, where the show was eventually banned. What may be considered acceptable in one culture may not be in another.
Overall, while Voltes V did feature violence, it was not promoting violence as an end in itself. Instead, it used violence as a storytelling device to convey its themes and message of heroism and standing up against injustice.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
