by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor,
Thanks to the efforts of the Paladins and the legendary defender known as Voltron, the threat of the evil King Zarkon ended with the completion of Season Two. While the universe rejoiced, our heroic warriors were faced with the grim reality that one of their own was lost during the battle. Shiro, the pilot of the Black Lion, had vanished. As if things weren’t bad enough, they would soon be faced with taking on the mysterious Prince Lotor. Fear not my friends, for Voltron: Legendary Defender – Season Three has finally arrived on Netflix! Thanks to our Netflix friends, ComicsOnline has had the pleasure of reviewing the first two episodes of the new season, and we are definitely ready for more new adventures.
Minor Spoilers for “Changing of the Guard” and “Red Lion”
A short time has passed since the end of Season Two, and our heroes are still struggling with the fact that Shiro is gone. While some members of Team Voltron step up to fill the void left by their fallen leader, others are reluctant to take on new responsibilities. Hunk and Lance have made progress uniting worlds to join against the remaining Galra forces, Pidge continues to search for her missing brother, and Allura attempts to fill the void left by her father. While the rest of the team attempts to move forward, Keith struggles to cope with the final wishes of Shiro and refuses to take command.
Following the defeat of Zarkon, a power vacuum has formed within the Galra Empire, and his former generals begin to make their moves to rise up in the ranks. With the sudden arrival of Prince Lotor, Zarkon’s minions soon find that the game has entirely changed. While Zarkon ruled with fear, Lotor has taken a more political and psychological approach to control his forces. With help from his intimidating new generals, Lotor begins to make his moves against the allied worlds and Voltron.
With this new threat on the horizon, Allura makes the call that they must seek a new pilot for the Black Lion. While Shiro entrusted Keith to take the lead, all of the Paladins make the attempt to win the favor of the Black Lion. New bonds will form, a hero will rise before all is said and done, and fans will be excited to see where this new development leads.
While we are still left with many questions, there are some exciting twists and impressive fan service moments included in the first episodes of the new season. If you were a fan of the original 80s cartoon, you might have an idea about the impending direction for Team Voltron, but you will be surprised with how events transpire. Just like the first two seasons, the best part about Voltron: Legendary Defender Season Three is the journey. All of the pieces have been strategically placed by Co-Executive Producers Lauren Montgomery and Joaquim Dos Santos, and you will be amazed with the payoff when the moment comes. Everything about the character development and overall story feels cohesive and organic. You will truly feel for these characters by the time you are through these episodes. The addition of A.J. Locascio (Back to the Future: The Game) as Prince Lotor was a perfect casting decision, as his villainous charm shines through with ease. The Paladins are in for a fight, and they will need all the help they can get to save the day.
Overall
Like the rest of you, we at ComicsOnline plan to binge the rest of the episodes as soon as they become available. Season Three promises to incorporate exciting new elements to the series, and we can’t wait to see what they pull off.
ComicsOnline gives Voltron: Legendary Defender – “Changing of the Guard” and “Red Lion” – 5 out of 5 evil schemes by Prince Lotor.
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