Packaging - **1/2
There are many cool features in the packaging. However, the overall graphics and art are less than impressive for an item of this supposed caliber. Toynami uses a book style box concept similar to their Robotech Masterpiece line. And, where I felt it was a creative idea for that series, it just doesn’t translate as well here. 

The graphics are few and far between. The front of the package is flat out dull! It is far too simple. A nice photo of the toy in robot mode or perhaps an anime style drawing straight from the cartoon would have been a better choice. 

Both the front and back box covers open up to reveal all five lions. They are well packed and displayed. Some of the highlights include: the certificate of authenticity and the Voltron story provided on the inside covers of both sides of the box. The “drawers” used for removing the toys are definitely the best part of the package design! It is a very innovative idea! 

Sculpting - ***
Toynami did a nice job of capturing the look of this iconic robot. It is a fine update from the die-cast one originally released by Bandai in the 1980’s. However, with that said, do I think it is the best Voltron that could have possibly been done? No. Sadly to say, I think if Bandai would have made this toy today (perhaps, as part of their popular SOC Soul of Chogokin series) it would have been an overall better product. There are missed opportunities in some of the minor details. Mostly, in the black lion which happens to be the most dominant piece of the robot. Also, the “wings” on Voltron’s back are a little on the thin side. They look puny and useless.

Paint - ***
Overall, the paint job is adequate. I like the sparkled blues & greens, and the chrome came out rather well. However, there are some problems with the paint matching up with the colored plastic. I also think additional minor paint applications could have been used to help accentuate some of the details. 

Articulation - ***
If you were to compare the articulation of this version with any other Voltron toy, there is no question that the Masterpiece is the most advanced! Toynami found some nice ways to add joints on this robot combiner. However, compared to the stuff the Japanese toy companies are doing these days, Toynami is sill a little inferior. I find this especially true in the arms. Ball joints could have been utilized at the wrists and perhaps the elbows for added articulation. 

Accessories - ****
I give this a perfect score even though all he is accessorized with is a sword and shield. So, why a perfect score? I have no recollection of Voltron having any other weapons. Therefore, nothing else is needed. 

Fun Factor - ***
He’s big, he’s bad and he is a robot formed by five cool Lions! But, he is heavy, fragile and expensive. Those three factors make it difficult to really get down and dirty to play with him.

Value -  ***
This is a tough category. Voltron is a cool toy and something I always wanted. It is slick, full of die-cast metal and has a fair amount of play value. However, he retails for about $150.00. I think that would be classified as a high end item for almost any collector’s pocket book. I feel a hundred bucks would have made this a perfect value for what you get but that extra fifty makes it more of a tough buy.

Overall - ***
Don’t get me wrong. I really like this toy and highly recommend it to any high income robot collector. If I had a choice of the toy or my money back, I would keep the toy. With that said, it is still a lot of money for something that is not quite “a masterpiece”. 

Score Recap- 
Packaging - **1/2
Sculpt - ***
Paint - ***
Articulation - ***
Accessories - ****
Fun Factor - ***
Value - ***
Overall - ***

Where to Buy:
I bought mine from Toynk.com. They had a free shipping price off Ebay. This item can also be purchased through toy importers such as bigbadtoystore.

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