1980s VOLTRON PART 1 - 1982 BEAST KING GOLION GODAIKIN CHOGOKIN BANDAI

You've probably heard of Voltron if you're an 80s kid. It was one of the popular giant robot cartoon of that time. Originally he's known as Beast King Golion and Bandai issued a very cool toy based on it. Later World Events Production (WEP) acquired the license to the cartoon and renamed it Voltron. Therefore this Bandai's Godaikin Golion predates other Voltron toy. What is shown here is the US version. The more valuable piece would be the Japanese Version of Beast King Golion. Here's the box art.

This guy is huge and heavy. It has lots of weapons, missiles (big and small) and tons of play features. These are quite expensive in the secondary market, so if you're planning to get one, check out these unique features of the Golion to ensure it's authentic:

1) The lions have sharp tooth. Subsequent release by Matchbox (renamed Voltron) have 'blunted' the lion's tooth due to safety reasons.

2) They have missiles and weapons. Black Lion have missile launcher on the shoulder. Matchbox's Voltron doesn't comes with any missiles or weapons.

3) Look out for the silver stickers on the lion's belly. Taiwan issued many knock offs (KO) known as Lionbot and it comes with missiles and weapons, but they don't have these silver stickers.

4) Belt buckle is a star. The Taiwan KO versions have 'V', diamond shape and other funny belt buckles shape.

A mint specimen complete with box, inserts, plastic trays, nice chromes, tight joints will fetch about USD680-800 on eBay. The Japan version probably is even more expensive. Definitely a must have if you're into Giant Robots and Chogokin collector.