The internet is all volted in! In case you’ve been living under a rock lately, GMA’s live-action adaptation of the hit '70s anime Voltes V has netizens in a frenzy filled with nostalgia.
Titled Voltes V: Legacy, the series hit local waves with its first episode on May 8, following the classic tale of three brothers Steve (Miguel Tanfelix), Big Bert (Matt Lozano), and Little Jon Armstrong (Raphael Landicho), alongside their friends Mark Gordon (Radson Flores) and Jamie Robinson (Ysabel Ortega), as they battle humanoid robots through the help of a super-electromagnetic robot, a.k.a. Voltes V.
But for a generation who tuned in to the show on weekend mornings, that plot is already a given. What’s different this time around is its all-Filipino cast, helmed by a homegrown production in partnership with Japan’s Toei Animation. And while a Filipino take on a classic anime might sound peculiar on paper, netizens, so it seems, are delighted in surprise with the final results.
LOOK: Netizens React to the Premiere of “Voltes V: Legacy”
The hashtag #VoltesVLegacyTVPremiere quickly climbed up the trending topics list on Twitter, with most users noting its nostalgia-tugging moments and the “goosebumps” that ensued.
Let’s volt in! 👊ðŸ¼âš¡ï¸
— â Kelvs  (@KelvinCasamayor) May 8, 2023
Just watched the first episode of @VoltesVLegacy and it gave me serious goosebumps! Seeing the iconic mecha in action again after all these years brought back so many memories of sitting in front of the TV as a kid. #VoltesVLegacyTVPremiere #VoltesVLegacy pic.twitter.com/lY0kyEXlD4
I tuned in to #VoltesVLegacyTVPremiere because the original series was a huge part of my childhood. I sobbed during the volt-in sequence, because GMA-7 got it right. It looked just like the one in the original. Miguel Tanfelix gave me goosebumps when he yelled, "Voltes...FIVE!"
— Juliansocool (@JulianMauricio) May 8, 2023
They even recreated part of the opening for Voltes V!#VoltesVLegacyTVPremiere #ボルテスVレガシー #VoltesVLegacy pic.twitter.com/WmFWe5npf9
— NegiKitsu | 🇵ðŸ‡ðŸ‡ºðŸ‡²/ENVtuber Predebut (@NegiKitsu) May 8, 2023
Most couldn’t help but praise its effects and general production levels, which they call a “major step” for the local TV and film industry.
The hype is real. I am shocked. Based on the pilot--- ang ganda ng Voltes V Legacy. iba talaga ang work ng mga tao na may RESPETO sa material. The pace, build-up, composition, the effects, and the details were beyond belief.
— Amber 💫ðŸ (@AltheyuhMoves) May 9, 2023
It just had a lot of heart and I could tell it was… pic.twitter.com/spWHBh1X8N
Just watched #VoltesVLegacyTVPremiere.
— Justine Roberto (@RealJustine125) May 8, 2023
I think that the Philippine TV and entertainment industry still has a long journey ahead to totally match (or even beat) productions from giants like Hollywood and Hallyuwood.
And #VoltesVLegacy is a major step forward towards that goal. pic.twitter.com/w46CXvujEk
WORTH THE WAIT.
— ET (@escapingthought) May 8, 2023
The live action did not disappoint. Few scenes could have been better but overall, I was very entertained. The CGI is the best I've seen so far in Philippine TV. Di nakakahiya ipakita sa international audience. Almost +#VoltesVLegacyTVPremiere#VoltesVLegacy pic.twitter.com/cQpPtXvBbb
The Voltes V assemble is the highlight of today's episode but this scene deserves a nomination. Ganda nung effects especially when Dokugaga lifted the Battle Ship and threw it sa mga Tanks!
— Nick â¤ï¸ðŸ”¥ (@BlueUnohana) May 8, 2023
💪💪💪#VoltesVLegacy#VoltesVLegacyTVPremiere pic.twitter.com/1MoFwPl3FP
Others noted its striking similarities with Hollywood superhero and mecha blockbusters, including Avengers and Pacific Rim.
If you were able to watch the cinematic experience, it will give you that Pacific Rim vibe swear. CGI is in another level. You can see it from the very small detail of the robot.
— Euwan Pascual (@EuwanPascual) May 8, 2023
Here’s #VoltesVLegacyTVPremiere volt-in sequence comparison from the Live-Action adaptation vs Anime pic.twitter.com/ikdnW4HfwR
Bet ko to. It’s giving me 2012 avengers. When Loki tried to invade Earth. 🫶#VoltesVLegacyTVPremiere pic.twitter.com/2xnvj8WMbm
— Luty Fierce | VVL Enjoyer Era (@lutyfierce) May 8, 2023
Meanwhile, some even developed a bit of infatuation with the Voltes V robot itself. (LOL, we’re not judging!)
this particular shot is so attractive as hell. man voltes v is so hot 😩#VoltesVLegacyTVPremiere pic.twitter.com/8Yqh2Xdm4P
— aoi (@smolxiao_) May 8, 2023
Normal bang kiligin kay Voltes V Robot? Ang pogi ng robot! HAHAHA #VoltesVLegacyTVPremiere
— sydneymingming (@sydneymingming) May 8, 2023
But here’s a fair note from one netizen: To bask in unadulterated fun with Voltes V: Legacy, release the cringe and watch it through the lens of a kid. It’s a sure-fire way to enjoy it!
Feeling a little cringe while watching Voltes V? Don't worry, I get it too. But remember that this anime was originally made for children, so it's best to watch it with a child's perspective. This is a milestone for PH entertainment, so let's enjoy it! #VoltesVLegacyTVPremiere pic.twitter.com/tXRVLevm5F
— GЯLD (@slsgrld) May 8, 2023
Voltes V: Legacy airs every weeknight on GMA.
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