Voltes V vs Combattra
 Our own JWM and Mikey have dared to do what others have failed.....to open Combattra and Voltes V and display them : ). Now they have pictures for us to enjoy and share.
 To me Combattra (Godaikin name pictured at right) or Combattler (Japanese name) represented Voltes V's Sister. Silly me, I was completely wrong-- 9 year old thinking here-- but in a figurative sense my hunch was right. Combattra represents a more crude, often underappreciated step-sister to Voltes V. The truth of the matter is that Combattra was the predecessor to Voltes V and maybe deserves more respect than the Venerable V5.
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What is so interesting to me and hopefully other collectors,
is that Combattra is pictured to the left piece by piece
for a comparison. You will notice that the 5 anmie character,
5 vehicle, one super-tank, one Super-robot design appears
the same as Voltes V; cookie-cutter similar. Voltes V
is a refinement in toy design. Combattra's design did
all the innovation. |
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The head design in Voltes (pictured at left) has a
more sculpted complex pivot joint. Vetran collectors
already know that joint broke often. BUT when it was
new it was a toy engineering novelty and great design.
No longer did the toy's wings have to be a loose stick-on
part. Volt Crewzer, V-1 the ship / the head, had about
the best diecast jet sculpt to that time. I would argue
it is about the best design for asthetics. |
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Then as JWM and crew have noted, the rubber belt and
magnets used to secure Combattra were removed for Voltes.
Combattra magnets didn't quite hold the chest to the
legs in heavy play. Sadly many-a Combattra legs ended
up dropped and broken. So the locking leg design of V5
was superior. |
The engineer has spoken. Now the
artíst will speak. Combattler is funky, chunky, primative,
innovative, and a evocative design. No sculpture can be perfect
at first. Revisions are necessary. I like the more crude
and primeaval design of C V.
You decide. Anime fans have lusted over the drawings of Voltes V so there may be an edge there to V5. Both designs are superb and tip the scales at near 5 pounds. Debate and collect and enjoy these classics for yourself.
Thank you JWM and Mikey for sharing the pictures!
-Ed
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