Shape-shifting robots continue to entice Hollywood with Variety reporting that the Fox-based production entity New Regency has teamed with the Mark Gordon Company (who make Grey’s Anatomy and produced The Extraordinary League of Gentlemen film) to produce a movie adaptation of Voltron: Defender of the Universe, the 1980s anime TV series, possibly as a franchise. Justin Marks is writing the script.

There have been two Voltron series to date: the 1980s Voltron series was based on two vaguely-related Japanese anime series GoLion and Dairugger XV (both originally produced by Toei Animation and Bandai). The second series, made in 1998 used Computer Generated imagery instead of the traditional animation of original animation techniques. Set five years after the original, it’s not highly valued by many fans, although it does boast the voice of Tim Rocky Horror Curry as Prince Lotr.

Gordon is also working on movie versions of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and DC Comics Green Arrow.

• Check out the official Voltron web site promoting the DVD releases at: www.voltron.com

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.

Categories: Animation, Film