Yesterday, I saw a post on Gizmodo calling the silver version of the “transformer” pictured above as the “Most Disappointing Transformer Ever”…because he “transforms” into a cube (which was later changed to rectangular solid – since, you know, it’s not a cube).

The poster of the article, no offense intended, did no research on the character…but once I saw this thing, I had to know what it was, and why someone would make an 18k Gold robot that turns into a box.

It turns out that the character’s name is Golden Lightan, and he’s not turning into a box, he’s turning into a lighter. You know, a cigarette lighter. Because nothing in the 1980s said fun for kids like smoking. Golden Lightan was the star of a 1980s anime series that ran for 52 episodes. In addition to Lightan himself, there were other transforming robots on the show. The turned into things like a Scope, a Timer, a Magnifying Glass and Compass, a Tool Chest Box, a Coin Case, a Print Stamp, a Light, a Measurement Device, a Processing Unit (whatever that is) and – you guessed it – a Pencil Sharpener.

So – the robots on this show turned into some pretty damn lame things, to be sure – but here’s what’s cool about Golden Lightan. Most anime robots had a “finishing move” during these old shows. For example, Voltron had the “Blazing Sword” – well, Lightan had one too, and it makes him a certified bad ass.

What did he do?

When he was ready to finish off an opponent, Golden Lightan would burst through their chest with his fist, and pull out their robotic heartboxes.

Oh HELL yeah. I have to see this show.

The series was apparently released on DVD recently, but I can’t seem to find it, and searches online have turned up nothing but the intro video, which you can watch after the jump. I’m very intrigued by this series – the animation in the opening looks excellent. Maybe one day I’ll get to check it out.

If anyone knows where I can find it – send me an email at michael (at) apple gazette (dot) com. Or leave a comment below.

Find out more about the series on Wikipedia

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