Introduction
This article is the first in what will be a series of articles that examines some of the artwork from VOLTRON: DEFENDER OF THE UNIVERSE and the anime programs from which it was adapted.
Like ROBOTECH, VOLTRON: DEFENDER OF THE UNIVERSE (VDU) was adapted from episodes of multiple anime programs. To date, unlike ROBOTECH, VOLTRON never had tie-in art books that featured art from the TV show or the anime programs from which it was adapted.
To appreciate the visual designs of VOLTRON, fans must take a closer look at the show itself. This article begins to do so by examining the vehicles of the “Near Universe” Drule Empire from the Vehicle Team episodes of VOLTRON: DEFENDER OF THE UNIVERSE. These episodes were adapted from the anime program ARMORED FLEET DAIRUGGER XV (DXV), and VOLTRON‘s “Near Universe” Drule Empire was adapted from DAIRUGGER‘s Galveston Empire.
It is somewhat challenging to identify distinct designs from VOLTRON episodes, because:
- The line art is hand-drawn and inked, so shapes, proportions, and details can vary from episode to episode, shot to shot, and even frame to frame.
- The art is hand-painted, so there can be a lot of color variation from episode to episode, shot to shot, and even frame to frame.
- The episodes are available only in standard definition.
- Some vehicles are shown in a small number of shots, and many don’t have great “beauty shots.”
While researching for this article, I examined all 52 Vehicle Team episodes of VOLTRON, and I discovered 35 vehicle types that are clearly associated with the Drule Empire of the Near Universe.
Vehicle Type Identifiers
Neither VOLTRON nor DAIRUGGER established formal names for Drule or Galveston vehicle types, respectively. To facilitate examination of these vehicle types, I defined a unique identifier for each type. The identifiers follow the format:
{Authority Code}-{Category Code}-{Number}
where:
- {Authority Code} identifies the operating authority for vehicles of that type. For each type that is associated with VOLTRON’s Drule Empire of the Near Universe, the Authority Code is “DEN” (for Drule Empire – Near Universe).
- {Category Code} identifies the category of the vehicle type. Category codes are defined in the table below.
- {Number} is a natural number.
| Category Code | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|
| MSX | Military Spacecraft – Carrier/Command | Military spacecraft of this category are large enough to accommodate at least one standing Robeast within the forward hull. The Robeast can exit the craft through a large hatch at the bow. |
| MSA | Military Spacecraft – Battleship | Military spacecraft of this category are presumably smaller than MSX ships, and they seemingly cannot transport or launch Robeasts. |
| MSB | Military Spacecraft – Small | Military spacecraft of this category are presumably smaller than MSX and MSA ships. They seem to operate mainly as personnel transports or ground vehicle carriers. |
| MF | Military Fighter | Military vehicles of this category are small, flying fighter craft. |
| MG | Military Ground Vehicle | Military ground vehicles, such as tanks. |
| N | Non-Military Vehicle | Any type of seemingly non-military craft, such as cars. |
Vehicle Types – Summary Information
The table below provides summary information for each vehicle type. Click the type’s ID to view detail information about, and additional images of, the vehicle type.
| Image | Vehicle Type ID | First Episode (VDU) | First Episode (DXV) | Last Episode (VDU) | Last Episode (DXV) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | DEN-MSX-1 | #101 “In Search of New Worlds” | #1 “Galactic Clash” | #133 “Captain Newley Returns” | #33 “The New Allied Fleet to the Rescue” |
 | DEN-MSX-2 | #124 “Hazar is Demoted” | #24 “Riot on Galveston” | #150 “The Drules’ World Cracks Up” | #50 “The Struggle for Galveston” |
 | DEN-MSA-1 | #101 “In Search of New Worlds” | #1 “Galactic Clash” | #133 “Captain Newley Returns” | #33 “The New Allied Fleet to the Rescue” |
 | DEN-MSA-2 | #102 “Building a New World” | #2 “The Isolated Regiment” | #133 “Captain Newley Returns” | #33 “The New Allied Fleet to the Rescue” |
 | DEN-MSA-3 | #134 “Hazar Bucks the Empire” | #34 “Planet of the Burning Cave” | #152 “The End of Hazar’s World” | #52 “Galactic Dawn” |
 | DEN-MSB-1 | #117 No, Who’s on Second” | #17 “Orders for Asimov’s Return” | #136 “Peace! A Fish Story” | #36 “A Desperate Undersea Combining” |
 | DEN-MSB-2 | #118 “What’s on First” | #18 “A Touch and Go Situation” | #118 “What’s on First” | #18 “A Touch and Go Situation” |
 | DEN-MSB-3 | #123 “Hazar on the Carpet” | #23 “The Mission to Recapture Planet K” | #141 “Another Solar System” | #41 “Discovery of the New World” |
 | DEN-MSB-4 | #124 “Hazar is Demoted” | #24 “Riot on Galveston” | #150 “The Drules’ World Cracks Up” | #50 “The Struggle for Galveston” |
 | DEN-MSB-5 | #135 “Letters from Home” | #35 “Get Yourself Together, Mutsu” | #135 “Letters from Home” | #35 “Get Yourself Together, Mutsu” |
 | DEN-MSB-6 | #136 “Peace! A Fish Story” | #36 “A Desperate Undersea Combining” | #136 “Peace! A Fish Story” | #36 “A Desperate Undersea Combining” |
 | DEN-MSB-7 | #143 “It’s Anybody’s World” | #43 “Teles and Asimov” | #145 “Coconuts” | #45 “Defend the Third Planet” |
 | DEN-MSB-8 | #147 “Color Me Invisible” | #47 “The Invisible Super-Weapon” | #147 “Color Me Invisible” | #47 “The Invisible Super-Weapon” |
 | DEN-MF-1 | #101 “In Search of New Worlds” | #1 “Galactic Clash” | #142 “Whose World Is It?” | #42 “Impending Crisis on the Inhabitable Planet” |
 | DEN-MF-2 | #101 “In Search of New Worlds” | #1 “Galactic Clash” | #152 “The End of Hazar’s World” | #52 “Galactic Dawn” |
 | DEN-MG-1 | #102 “First Day on a New World” | #2 “The Isolated Regiment” | #115 “In the Enemy Camp” | #15 “Breakdown of the Space Talks” |
 | DEN-MG-2 | #118 “What’s on First” | #18 “A Touch and Go Situation” | #151 “The Drules Surrender” | #51 “Fierce Battle in the Underground City” |
 | DEN-MG-3 | #133 “Captain Newley Returns” | #33 “The New Allied Fleet to the Rescue” | #133 “Captain Newley Returns” | #33 “The New Allied Fleet to the Rescue” |
 | DEN-MG-4 | #132 “A Man-Made Sun” | #32 “Destruction of the Front Line Base” | #132 “A Man-Made Sun” | #32 “Destruction of the Front Line Base” |
 | DEN-MG-5 | #146 “It Could Be a Long War” | #46 “The Fall of the Survey Base” | #146 “It Could Be a Long War” | #46 “The Fall of the Survey Base” |
 | DEN-N-1 | #124 “Hazar is Demoted” | #24 “Riot on Galveston” | #147 “Color Me Invisible” | #47 “The Invisible Super Weapon” |
 | DEN-N-2 | #147 “Color Me Invisible” | #47 “The Invisible Super Weapon” | #147 “Color Me Invisible” | #47 “The Invisible Super Weapon” |
 | DEN-N-3 | #147 “Color Me Invisible” | #47 “The Invisible Super Weapon” | #147 “Color Me Invisible” | #47 “The Invisible Super Weapon” |
 | DEN-N-4 | #147 “Color Me Invisible” | #47 “The Invisible Super Weapon” | #147 “Color Me Invisible” | #47 “The Invisible Super Weapon” |
 | DEN-N-5 | #148 “Time Is Running Out” | #48 “Get Past the Tenth Planet” | #148 “Time Is Running Out” | #48 “Get Past the Tenth Planet” |
 | DEN-N-6 | #150 “The Drules’ World Cracks Up” | #50 “The Struggle for Galveston” | #150 “The Drules’ World Cracks Up” | #50 “The Struggle for Galveston” |
 | DEN-N-7 | #151 “The Drules Surrender” | #51 “Fierce Battle in the Underground City” | #151 “The Drules Surrender” | #51 “Fierce Battle in the Underground City” |
 | DEN-N-8 | #124 “Hazar is Demoted” | #24 “Riot on Galveston” | #124 “Hazar is Demoted” | #24 “Riot on Galveston” |
 | DEN-N-9 | #124 “Hazar is Demoted” | #24 “Riot on Galveston” | #124 “Hazar is Demoted” | #24 “Riot on Galveston” |
 | DEN-N-10 | #147 “Color Me Invisible” | #47 “The Invisible Super Weapon” | #147 “Color Me Invisible” | #47 “The Invisible Super Weapon” |
 | DEN-N-11 | #150 “The Drules’ World Cracks Up” | #50 “The Struggle for Galveston” | #150 “The Drules’ World Cracks Up” | #50 “The Struggle for Galveston” |
 | DEN-N-12 | #150 “The Drules’ World Cracks Up” | #50 “The Struggle for Galveston” | #150 “The Drules’ World Cracks Up” | #50 “The Struggle for Galveston” |
 | DEN-N-13 | #150 “The Drules’ World Cracks Up” | #50 “The Struggle for Galveston” | #150 “The Drules’ World Cracks Up” | #50 “The Struggle for Galveston” |
 | DEN-N-14 | #150 “The Drules’ World Cracks Up” | #50 “The Struggle for Galveston” | #150 “The Drules’ World Cracks Up” | #50 “The Struggle for Galveston” |
 | DEN-N-15 | #150 “The Drules’ World Cracks Up” | #50 “The Struggle for Galveston” | #150 “The Drules’ World Cracks Up” | #50 “The Struggle for Galveston” |
Vehicle Types – Detailed Information
Military Spacecraft – Carrier/Command (MSX)
DEN-MSX-1
DEN-MSX-1 Robeast-launching carriers generally serve as command ships for officers such as Quork and Mongo.
DEN-MSX-1 ships seem to be used primarily on the front lines.
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DEN-MSX-2
DEN-MSX-2 Robeast-launching carriers generally serve as command ships for officers such as Borgum and Twyla.
DEN-MSX-2 ships first appear in #124 “Hazar is Demoted,” as Hazar and Dorma depart Planet Drule in an DEN-MSX-2 ship. The ship appears again in recap footage in #125 “Just Like Earth.” After that, DEN-MSX-2 ships are not seen until #134 “Hazar Bucks the Empire,” and from this point onward, DEN-MSX-2 ships seem to have replaced DEN-MSX-1 ships entirely.
DEN-MSX-2 ships look like scarier versions of DEN-MSX-1 ships. Compared to DEN-MSX-1 ships, DEN-MSX-2 ships have additional spires and “hooks” that extend from various points along the fuselage.
DEN-MSX-2 ships can “land” on a planetary surface. When landed, a hatch on either side of the fuselage can be lowered to the ground, enabling DEN-MG-2 tanks to enter or exit storage bays within the ship.
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Military Spacecraft – Battleship (MSA)
DEN-MSA-1
DEN-MSA-1 ships are presumably smaller than the DEN-MSX-1 ships that they typically accompany. These ships’ first and last appearances are the same episodes as those of DEN-MSX-1 ships.
DEN-MSA-1 ships have blunt noses, twin large, ventral pods, and a single, hook-like bridge stalk that extends dorsally from the dorsal rear hull.
DEN-MSA-1 ships seem to be used primarily on the front lines.
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DEN-MSA-2
DEN-MSA-2 ships are presumably smaller than the DEN-MSX-1 ships that they typically accompany. These ships’ last appearance is the same episode as those of DEN-MSX-1 and DEN-MSA-1 ships.
DEN-MSA-2 ships have twin spikes that protrude forward from the bow. They also have a large wedge that protrudes ventrally from the fuselage.
DEN-MSA-2 ships seem to be used primarily on the front lines.
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DEN-MSA-3
DEN-MSA-3 ships are presumably smaller than the DEN-MSX-2 ships that they typically accompany.
Whether by deliberate intent or coincidence, DEN-MSA-3 ships look like scarier versions of DEN-MSA-1 ships.
DEN-MSA-3 ships have a vertical spire that protrudes to dorsal from the bow, and a barbed spire that protrudes to ventral from the bow.
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Military Spacecraft – Small (MSB)
DEN-MSB-1
DEN-MSB-1 ships appear in only two episodes.
When viewed from the side, DEN-MSB-1 ships are relatively sleek “space planes.” They seem to be similar in size to a 20th-century passenger airliner of Earth. They have a port-side hatch through which passengers can enter and exit the ship.
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DEN-MSB-2
DEN-MSB-2 ships appear in just one episode.
Much like the vehicles of the Voltron Sea Team, and the Aqua Fighter, DEN-MSB-2 ships can operate underwater, and they can rise to the surface of a body of water. DEN-MSB-2 ships are smaller than the Aqua Fighter.
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DEN-MSB-3
DEN-MSB-3 ships are small, sleek spacecraft. They have a set of laterally arranged front windows, and a single spire that protrudes dorsally from the aft dorsal hull. DEN-MSB-3 ships can land on a planet’s surface. The ships can be launched from the Robeast-launching bow hatch of DEN-MSX-2 ships.
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DEN-MSB-4
DEN-MSB-4 ships consist of a forward fuselage connected by spindly struts to large twin pods. The ships can land on a ski beneath each of the twin pods. DEN-MSB-4 ships can carry multiple DEN-MG-2 tanks in the fuselage.
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DEN-MSB-5
DEN-MSB-5 ships appear in a single episode.
DEN-MSB-5 ships have twin ventral pods, four rocket-like propulsion engines, a pointy nose, and twin dual-laser emitters on the dorsal hull.
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DEN-MSB-6
DEN-MSB-6 ships are flying submersible vehicles that are equipped for combat underwater. The ships are sleeker than DEN-MSB-2 ships.
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DEN-MSB-7
DEN-MSB-7 ships are small personnel transport craft. They have chunky proportions, twin side pods, and an access hatch and circular portholes on either side of the fuselage.
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DEN-MSB-8
DEN-MSB-8 ships are secret attack ships that can be rendered invisible.
The nose of an DEN-MSB-8 ship resembles the tip of a harpoon, with a pointy tip and vanes that protrude to dorsal and to ventral. The stern has spires that also protrude to dorsal and to ventral.
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Military Fighters (MF)
DEN-MF-1
DEN-MF-1 fighters are chariot-like vehicles with an exposed platform for a standing pilot, who operates the fighter by gripping twin control spires. DEN-MF-1 fighters can fly in space or in planetary atmospheres.
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DEN-MF-2
DEN-MF-2 fighters vaguely resemble a bee stinger. They have a pilot compartment with a single seat. The compartment has an open top, offering no protection from outside elements. DEN-MF-1 fighters can fly in space or in planetary atmospheres.
The DEN-MF-2 fighter is most prominently featured in “A Temporary Truce,” when it is flown and crashed by Sandu, repaired by the Voltron Vehicle Team and technicians from the Stellar Ship Explorer, and then shot down by Drule captain Zabor.
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Military Ground Vehicles (MG)
DEN-MG-1
DEN-MG-1 tanks can be dropped from ventral launch bays of planet-orbiting DEN-MSX-1 and DEN-MSA-1 ships. The tanks can descend from orbit in single file. DEN-MG-1 tanks have dual, downward pointing thrusters on either side of the body. The most prominent feature of the tank is a dome-like turret with a long twin barrels.
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DEN-MG-2
DEN-MG-2 tanks can be dropped from ventral launch bays of larger, planet-orbiting ships. The tanks can descend from orbit in single file. DEN-MSB-4 and DEN-MSX-2 ships can carry multiple DEN-MG-2 tanks in the fuselage.
DEN-MG-2 tanks can hover over a planetary surface for extended periods, whether fully upright or pitched downward slightly. DEN-MG-2 tanks have an upper body, which is armed with multiple cannons and is connected by an underside strut to the lower body, which drives the tank treads. Tank operators occupy a compartment in the upper body, which is accessible through a topside hatch.
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DEN-MG-3
A single DEN-MG-3 “attack car” is featured briefly in a single episode. It moves along the ground and fires weapons at Krik and Cinda.
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DEN-MG-4
DEN-MG-4 armed transports are open-top hovering craft with a forward-pointing cannon and front and rear bench seats that, in total, can comfortably accommodate at least four occupants. The cannon can be aimed and fired manually.
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DEN-MG-5
DEN-MG-5 transports are open-top hovering craft that can accommodate at least three occupants.
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Non-Military Vehicles (N)
DEN-N-1
DEN-N-1 hover cars are sleek vehicles that transport up to two occupants. DEN-N-1 hover cars resemble a catamaran, with two large side assemblies, one on either side of the passenger compartment. DEN-N-1 hover cars have small wings near the rear. DEN-N-1 cars have retractable, transparent tops.
On Planet Drule, Dorma frequently drives a DEN-N-1 hover car.
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DEN-N-2
DEN-N-2 hover cabs are used on Planet Drule to transport a small number of passengers. The single-occupant seats of the DEN-N-2 are arranged front-to-back, facing forward. DEN-N-2 hover cabs have a pointy nose, a streamlined fuselage, twin engine nacelles at the top of the fuselage, and an engine nacelle on either side of the fuselage.
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DEN-N-3
Seen in just one shot of one episode, the DEN-N-3 hover cab is presumably similiar in function to the DEN-N-2 hover cab. The DEN-N-3 has two engine nacelles at the top.
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DEN-N-4
DEN-N-4 hover trains are street vehicles on Planet Drule. They consist of a small cab with a pointed nose, windows on the front and sides, three cylindrical nacelles on top, and a door on either side. The cab can pull at least two boxy cars.
Drule rebel Bakki uses a DEN-N-4 hover train to capture Dorma and convince her to join the Underground Resistance Force.
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DEN-N-5
DEN-N-5 hover cabs are used on Planet Drule to transport a single passenger. Superficially similar to DEN-N-1 hover cars, the DEN-N-5 hover cab’s passenger compartment contains two single-occupant seats arranged front-to-back, facing forward. The passenger comparment is accessible by a large, transparent roof hatch that opens upward about a hinge at the rear. The DEN-N-5 resembles a catamaran, with two large side assemblies, one on either side of the passenger compartment. DEN-N-5 hover cabs have small wings near the rear.
In the DEN-N-5’s single appearance, a Drule robot drives a hover cab to transport Mozak to his home.
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DEN-N-6
DEN-N-6 hover sedans are used on Planet Drule. The hover sedan has a boxy body with a pointed nose, large windows on the front, back, and sides, small wings on the sides, and a left-side hatch that hinges upward.
On Planet Drule, an DEN-N-6 hover sedan is seen parked among other hover cars. Dorma and Hazar use the sedan to flee from pursuing Drule robots.
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DEN-N-7
DEN-N-7 hover cars are used on Planet Drule. They have wide but sleekbodies, a topside fin at the rear, and single front driver seat, and a single rear seat. Each seat has an open top.
Dorma and Hazar use an DEN-N-7 hover car on Drule.
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DEN-N-8
DEN-N-8 hover cars have a large fin on the back of the body, and they have at least two spikes that protrude forward from the front of the vehicle. On Planet Drule, multiple, identical DEN-N-8 hover cars are seen traveling on a busy street.
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DEN-N-9
DEN-N-9 hover cars are adorned with numerous forward-pointing and rearward-pointing pointed protrusions, giving the vehicle a Gothic aesthetic.
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DEN-N-10
DEN-N-10 hover cars appear to have a cylindrical structure that protrudes from the top of the vehicle body, behind the passenger compartment. On Planet Drule, multiple, identical DEN-N-10 hover cars are seen traveling on a busy street.
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DEN-N-11
With stubby, chunky proportions, an DEN-N-11 hover car resembles a toy jet. On Planet Drule, an DEN-N-11 hover car is seen parked among other hover cars.
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DEN-N-12
In the DEN-N-12’s only appearance, only the front of the vehicle is seen. Its passenger compartment has highly stylized windows. On Planet Drule, an DEN-N-12 hover car is seen parked among other hover cars.
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DEN-N-13
DEN-N-13 hover cars have side pods with pointed front ends and, at the rear, topside and outboard fins. On Planet Drule, an DEN-N-13 hover car is seen parked among other hover cars.
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DEN-N-14
DEN-N-14 hover cars resemble highly stylized small planes. On Planet Drule, an DEN-N-14 hover car is seen parked among other hover cars.
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DEN-N-15
In the DEN-N-15’s only appearance, only the front of the vehicle is seen. The vehicle’s passenger compartment has a bulbous overhead window, and the vehicle body has an underlung pod. On Planet Drule, an DEN-N-15 hover car is seen parked among other hover cars.
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Conclusion
It is somewhat surprising that, in an anime program that was produced to air one episode per week for 52 consecutive weeks, ARMORED FLEET DAIRUGGER XV contained so many vehicle designs – 35 for the Galveston Empire alone. VOLTRON benefited from this variety of impressive artwork, and fans of both programs have as well.
Future LionsAndPilotsAndBots… Dot Com articles will examine even more designs from VOLTRON: DEFENDER OF THE UNIVERSE.