Netflix's Voltron: 5 Reasons It's The Best Animated TV Series Of 2016

2016 has been an amazing year for animation on TV, with shows new and old earning critical acclaim and high ratings all around the world.

From returning TV favourites like Steven Universe, Adventure Time and Star Wars: Rebels to brand new and exciting ones like Son of Zorn, animation fans have been treated to some incredible variety throughout 2016.

But of all the animated series to come out this year, the best is one that nobody has really been talking about: Voltron: Legendary Defender.

Based on the iconic Voltron series, the story follows a team of five young heroes as they must take the mantle of Paladins, operators of five giant mechanical lions when combined form the humanoid robot Voltron, created to defend the galaxy from the villainous Galra Empire and it's leader, the powerful Emperor Zarkon.

It's fantastic reboot of the classic 80s show, blending a surprisingly dramatic story, a variety of unique young heroes, beautiful animation, and a number of intense giant monster battles to name a few. If you love animation or are looking to add a new series to your list, this is recommended for anyone with a Netflix account.

The writers should give themselves a pat on the back for delivering such a dramatic and mature take on the eighties franchise, especially with the developments on the characters as they have to take responsibility to protect the galaxy. What was surprising, though, was how well done the twists were, and how they gave the show some brilliant dramatic scenes.

Firstly, our main characters meet after uncovering a crashed spaceship that contained Shiro, an escapee from the dominating Galra Empire. Suffering from amnesia, we see Shiro's memories slowly coming back to him and it's eventually revealed that he was the leader of a small team of explorers with no idea where they could be. But while he takes responsibility as the leader of this newly-formed group, his returning memories add tension as we constantly question his true intentions.

What makes twists and turns like this one intriguing is that they are all linked to the Galra Empire. This menacing and massive force remains a mystery in terms of how they managed to dominate the galaxy and in a series with strong sci-fi elements, their power turns out to be dark magic and brings in a surprising twist to what viewers might not have expected. From our heroes to the victims they assist to entire planets, the threat towards the galaxy and their seemingly impossible defeat keep our heroes and the audience constantly guessing to what they could do next.

But while these twists are just as effective as the biggest dramas on Netflix, the very last episode has the biggest one of all, and is guaranteed to leave you stunned and excited for season two.