Why Voltes V Still Rules The Philippines

Nearly 30 years after Marcos abruptly took it off the air and scarred a generation, the super robot with five young pilots still resonates among Filipinos. Let's volt in!

1. Five vehicles uniting into one giant robot

images2.fanpop.com

The timing of Voltes V's arrival in the Philippines happened while Martial Law ruled the land. As such, the idea of any small group of people coming together, let alone five youngsters shouting "Let's volt in!" to fight tyranny must have crept into the collective consciousness of the Pinoy youth. The team of Steve, Mark, Big Bert, Little John, and Jamie put any differences aside and literally came together to fight for good. Of course, most of us have pointed to that being a main reason why the old Marcos government pulled Voltes V from the airwaves without giving a proper conclusion!

2. That killer theme song

It's no big surprise to hear the opening beat of the Voltes V as a ringtone, even among today's smartphone users. With vocals from Mitsuko Horie (also the singer of the girl-centric "Candy Candy" anime), and percussion instruments calling to mind a disco age, Pinoys have been singing or humming along to the tune even if they don't know what the lyrics mean. That's a testament to both the good beat and the significance of the story of the Voltes Team.

3. Those eeeeevil Boazanians

tumblr.com

If you had any doubts as to who were the villains in Voltes V, creator Tadao Nagahama actually gave them horns. Yes, like the devil. The entire invading Boazanian race, ranging from handsome Prince Zardoz, beautiful Zandra, brusque Draco, and hideous Zuhl had horns on their heads. It was only revealed later in the series that Boazanians born without horns were treated like slaves and subjugated by the ruling horned class. More Martial Law subtext!

4. Unforgettable weapons

blogger.com

There's a reason why the title of the Eraserheads' debut album sounded suspiciously like Voltes V's ultraelectromagnetic top. Even as Steve Armstrong would shout out what weapon was coming next, we as kids would shout along with him. Ground fire! Chain knuckle! Voltes bazooooooooka! To this day, say the words "Laser Sword!" and you'll get knowing nods from people throughout the archipelago.

5. The search for "Father!"

static.tvtropes.org

The Armstrong Brothers were famously left orphaned when Dr. Ned Armstrong was kidnapped and enslaved by the Boazanians while their mother Mary Ann sacrificed herself in battle. Throughout the show's run, Steve, Big Bert, and Little John struggled to reunite with their missing dad, a sad plot device that falls right into the Pinoy's love for dream reunions and wishful happy endings.

6. The Butterfly Return

images2.fanpop.com

Ask most children who are now in their late 30s to mid-40s what their favorite Voltes V episode is, and you'll more than likely get these three words. Describing a move that judo master Big Bert tries to teach Steve in order to combat a beast fighter that uses a katana, Steve's struggle to learn it left him beat up. However, knowing how important it was to learn the skill, and placing his faith in a weapon he was most familiar with (namely a pistol) meant the oldest Armstrong really was dedicated to the protection of the Earth.

What's your favorite thing about Voltes V? Let us know in the comments section!