Graphics by Kate Francisco
Pinoy graphic artists and 80s kids, volt-in!
The Japanese retro mecha anime finally got its first live-action adaptation, with Filipinos to do the honor of bringing it to life. GMA Network’s Voltes V: Legacy premiered on Philippine television screens on May 8, 2023, making it the first Voltes V live-action adaptation produced worldwide.
Voltes V: Legacy is a sci-fi TV adaptation by GMA Network from the 1970s anime produced by Toei Company and Sunrise. Under the direction of Mark Reyes, the series was produced by over 300 Filipino graphic artists and animators and took roughly 9 years in the making.
The TV series follows a similar premise from the original anime: the earth is under attack by flying saucers sent by a gigantic alien mothership from outer space. Humans fight back desperately with all their military power, but alas, they were no match for the alien’s technology. At the verge of peril, a top-secret base deploys its last line of defense by sending out an army of five pilots to fly and fuse their ships together, transforming into a super electromagnetic robot named Voltes V— humanity’s last hope.
It received high praise from many Filipino netizens, applauding GMA for stepping up its CGI and visual special effects. Some even went as far as calling it a milestone in the Philippine entertainment and art industry. Not only that but the show was also recognized internationally, with many fans thanking the show for completing their childhood and bringing Voltes V to life.
Director Mark Reyes calls it one of the most ambitious and, if not, expensive projects GMA has ever done. For the record, the flight suit costumes alone cost more than a whopping P350,000 each, more so the fact that there are at least 5 of them. Moreover, he proudly added that the whole project, from the production, sets, and visual effects, was 100% Filipino-made.
Considering the current level of our country’s entertainment and art industry, they did well in creating a live-action adaptation. It awakened many grown-up Filipinos’ childhood nostalgia (including me!). Storytelling-wise, the show still has a big room for improvement. The set and costumes, compared to their past similar shows, have definitely improved. The CGI and special effects are on a whole ‘nother level. GMA’s production team gave Voltes V’s “volt-in” scene justice. It’s a chef’s kiss moment.
Voltes V: Legacy is currently airing on weeknights at 8 PM on local televisions via GMA Telebabad, GTV, I Heart Movies, and Pinoy Hits. The show is also streaming online via Kapuso Stream on YouTube, where you can watch the previous episodes. Go give it a try and support local!
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