Voltron Electro Mechanical Works LLC

What Voltron Electro Mechanical Works LLC does

Voltron Electro Mechanical Works LLC is the legal entity behind WEP LLC (formerly World Events Productions), a privately held, family-owned entertainment intellectual property holding company founded in 1980 and headquartered at 50 Maryland Plaza, Suite 300, St. Louis, Missouri. The company owns and licenses a portfolio of animated properties headlined by the Voltron franchise — including Voltron: Defender of the Universe (1984), Voltron: The Third Dimension (1998), Voltron Force (2011–2012), and Voltron: Legendary Defender (2016–2018) — alongside Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs, Denver the Last Dinosaur, and Vytor the Starfire Champion, together comprising more than 250 half-hour episodes. Its website is powered by Shopify with integrated PayPal, Visa, and Mastercard payment processing under PCI-DSS compliance, and its social presence spans Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

The company's commercial activity centers on direct-to-consumer merchandise sales through its Shopify storefront at store.voltron.com, with a secondary vintage eBay presence. The catalog spans 253 listed products including apparel ($15–$55), collectibles and toys such as Super 7 ReAction figures and limited-run Robeast statues ($25–$660), DVDs and complete-series box sets, art prints, decals, jewelry, and cosplay items, with gift cards available from $10–$100. Revenue is augmented by licensing royalties from third-party manufacturers and publishers — Super 7 for figures, Han Cholo for jewelry (notably featured in the Deadpool film), and comic publishers Viz Media, Lion Forge, and Dynamite Comics. The largest single content initiative was the co-production of Voltron: Legendary Defender with DreamWorks Animation for Netflix, which concluded in 2018.

WEP sells to three primary consumer segments: nostalgic adult collectors tied to the 1980s original series, families introducing children to modern reboots, and convention attendees and cosplayers purchasing exclusives at SDCC, NYCC, and VoltCon. Pricing is uniformly unit-based across categories with no subscription or recurring revenue component, and the company ships worldwide via USPS Priority. The company is privately controlled by the Koplar family following founder Ted Koplar's death in 2021, with no disclosed external funding, venture capital, or institutional investors, and no public listing.

Name

Voltron Electro Mechanical Works LLC

Legal name

WEP LLC

Website

https://voltron.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

WEP LLC (Voltron.com) is a privately held, family-owned entertainment IP company founded in 1980 that owns, produces, and licenses the Voltron animated franchise and related properties (250+ episodes) through direct-to-consumer merchandise sales and third-party licensing to manufacturers and publishers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Licensed Entertainment Merchandise

NAICS

Hobby, Toy, and Game Retailers (45912)

SIC

Retail-Hobby, Toy & Game Shops (5945)

akta.pro primary industry

Entertainment Memorabilia Retail (Film/TV/Music) (CRALAGAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Miniatures & Figurines (Display/Collectible) (CRALAKAB)

Keywords

• Licensed character merchandise
• Animated series collectibles
• Comic book publishing
• Intellectual property licensing
• Direct-to-consumer merchandise

Headquarters

HQ city

St. Louis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Merchandise Sales: Direct sales of branded merchandise including apparel, toys, collectibles, art prints, DVDs, and accessories through owned e-commerce storefront and third-party marketplaces.
2. Licensing Royalties: Licensing Voltron intellectual property to third-party manufacturers and publishers including Super 7 (ReAction figures), Viz Media (comics), Dynamite Comics, and Han Cholo (jewelry).
3. Publishing Royalties: Sales of comics, trade paperbacks, and chapter books based on Voltron properties through Lion Forge, Viz Media, and Dynamite Comics.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Voltron Electro Mechanical Works LLC is the official direct-to-consumer merchandising and licensing operation for WEP LLC's portfolio of entertainment IP, primarily the Voltron franchise and related properties (Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs, Denver the Last Dinosaur, Vytor). It sells branded merchandise including apparel, toys, collectibles, DVDs, comics, art prints, jewelry, home goods, and cosplay items through its owned Shopify-powered e-commerce storefront and licenses its intellectual property to third-party manufacturers and publishers. The company distributes worldwide and engages fans through social media, newsletters, and convention exclusives.

Product overview

Voltron.com is the official e-commerce storefront for WEP LLC (formerly World Events Productions), a St. Louis-based entertainment company. The storefront offers a broad merchandise portfolio spanning multiple intellectual properties — primarily the Voltron franchise alongside its associated brands Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs, Denver the Last Dinosaur, and Vytor the Starfire Champion. The product lineup includes digital video and DVD releases (notably complete series sets of Voltron: Defender of the Universe, Voltron: Legendary Defender, Voltron Force, and Denver the Last Dinosaur), audio soundtracks, collectible action figures and model kits (Super 7 ReAction figures, MODEROID model kits, Robeast collectibles), apparel and accessories (T-shirts, sweatshirts, jerseys, tote bags, wristlets, hats), home goods (pillow cases, bandanas), jewelry (rings, cufflinks), cosplay items (helmets), decals and stickers, art prints, and comic books across multiple publishers (Dynamite Comics, Lion Forge, Viz Media). The store also sells digital gift cards. Products are primarily collectibles, apparel, and media releases targeted at fans and collectors of the Voltron animated series and related franchises.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Voltron-branded Apparel and Costumes Officially licensed apparel and costume merchandise including T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, hockey jerseys, baby onesies, and character-inspired costume shirts, available in kids and adult sizes. Targeted at fans of the Voltron franchise for everyday wear and cosplay use.
• Voltron Toys and Collectible Figures Collectible action figures, model kits, plush toys, and limited-edition collectibles including Super 7 ReAction figures ($25-$29), Robeast Dieklops (14-inch vinyl figure limited to 500 units, $65), MODEROID Voltron model kit ($70), and Denver the Last Dinosaur plush dolls. Targeted at adult collectors, children, and cosplay enthusiasts.
• Voltron DVD and Digital Video Releases Physical DVD sets and individual discs of the original Voltron: Defender of the Universe (124 episodes on 14-disc set, $52), Voltron: Legendary Defender (complete 12-disc set, Seasons 1-8), Voltron Force, Vehicle Team Voltron, and Denver the Last Dinosaur. Region-specific releases (NTSC and Region 4 PAL) are available. Targeted at fans and collectors seeking physical media of the animated series.
• Voltron Comic Books and Chapter Books Comic books and chapter books based on Voltron properties, including Voltron: Legendary Defender (5-issue mini series by Lion Forge), Voltron Force comic volumes (Viz Media), Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs comics, and chapter books. Targeted at younger readers and franchise fans.
• Voltron Art Prints and Posters Limited edition art prints, screen prints, and posters by licensed artists such as Tom Whalen (18x24 limited edition of 300, published by Acidfree Gallery) and Brent Engstrom (Wizard World STL exclusive). Targeted at art collectors and franchise fans seeking premium wall art.
• Voltron Jewelry and Accessories Licensed jewelry including Voltron rings (by Han Cholo, sizes 7-13) and Voltron: Legendary Defender stainless steel cufflinks, featured in the Deadpool film. Targeted at adult fans and gift purchasers.
• Voltron Cosplay Items Hand-painted, 3D-printed wearable cosplay items including the Voltron Cosplay Helmet ($350, fits up to 28-inch head) inspired by Voltron: The Legendary Defender, crafted by Fen's Fantasy Filaments. Targeted at cosplay enthusiasts and convention attendees.
• Voltron Decals and Stickers Full-color all-weather vinyl decals and stickers featuring lion characters (Black, Blue, Green, Red, Yellow Lion), team characters (Keith, Lance, Allura, Pidge, Hunk), family car decals (6 decal pack), and artist-designed special editions. Targeted at fans for personalizing vehicles, laptops, and accessories.
• Voltron Store Gift Cards Digital gift cards delivered by email in $10, $25, $50, and $100 denominations, redeemable at checkout with no additional processing fees. Targeted at gift purchasers and fans shopping for other fans.
• Voltron Original Soundtrack CD Remastered CD soundtrack featuring over 50 tracks and musical cues composed by John Petersen for the original Voltron series, with bonus tracks, a dance remix, dialog excerpts, and sound effects. Targeted at fans and soundtrack collectors.
• Voltron Home Goods and Lifestyle Accessories Home goods and lifestyle accessories including tote bags, pillow cases, bandanas, wristlets, wallets (by Buckle Down), accessory pouches, and collectible Voltron keys (Kwikset and Schlage). Targeted at everyday fans seeking branded lifestyle products.

Quantifiable outcome

• Voltron: Defender of the Universe became the number one children's program in the US and around the world upon release in 1984.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• DreamWorks AnimationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-produced Voltron: Legendary Defender (2016-2018), an 8-season Netflix original series reimagining the classic Voltron franchise. This partnership brought the property to a new generation and expanded global brand awareness.
• ShopifycoreTechnology or IntegrationE-commerce platform provider powering store.voltron.com. Provides online storefront, payment processing, and inventory management. PCI-DSS compliant infrastructure for secure credit card transactions.
• Netter Digital EntertainmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-production partner for Voltron: The Third Dimension (1998), the first all-CGI series entirely animated in the US.
• Mike Young ProductionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-production partner for Voltron: The Third Dimension (1998), providing animation services for the CGI series.
• Kickstart ProductionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLos Angeles-based production company that co-produced Voltron Force (2011-2012) with WEP.
• Classic MediaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew York-based media company co-producer of Voltron Force (2011-2012) with Nickelodeon's Nicktoons Network premiere.
• Super 7coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLicensed manufacturer of Voltron ReAction figures in retro 3.75-inch style. Produces collector figures including 40th Anniversary SDCC exclusive.
• Dynamite ComicsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPublisher of Voltron comic series including Voltron Force and Voltron Year One.
• Viz MediaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPublisher of Voltron Force comic volumes for younger readers.
• Lion ForgeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPublisher of Voltron Legendary Defender comic adaptations from the Netflix series.
• Han CholominorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLicensed jewelry manufacturer producing Voltron rings and cufflinks seen in the Deadpool film.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products: Major entertainment IP holder and licensor with vast merchandising operations across categories. Comparable as a large-scale IP licensor/manufacturer in entertainment memorabilia retail, though vastly broader in scope.
• Funko: Larger pop culture collectibles manufacturer and retailer with broad entertainment IP licensing. Directly comparable as a mass-market collector figure and merchandise retailer targeting nostalgic and franchise-driven consumers.

Direct peers

• Sideshow Collectibles: Specialty retailer of high-end licensed film and TV collectibles, statues, and props. Comparable as a premium collectibles DTC operator serving dedicated fans of entertainment IP.
• Mondo: Specialty collectibles retailer producing licensed vinyl figures, art prints, posters, and soundtracks tied to film/TV properties. Highly comparable DTC merchandise model with similar product categories (figures, art, audio) and collector-driven marketing.
• Ripple Junction: Licensed apparel and gift manufacturer producing officially licensed pop culture T-shirts and accessories. Comparable as a small-to-mid-sized licensed merchandise company serving nostalgic fan segments.
• Super7: Manufactures collectible figures and merchandise including Voltron-licensed ReAction figures. While WEP is the IP licensor and Super7 is the manufacturing licensee, both operate in the same collectibles/hobby retail category and compete for the same collector audience.
• Just Funky: Licensed pop culture merchandise manufacturer producing apparel, accessories, drinkware, and home goods for entertainment brands. Comparable as a licensing-driven collectibles/apparel producer targeting the same fan demographic.
• Diamond Select Toys: Licensed collectibles manufacturer producing action figures, statues, and busts tied to film/TV and comic properties. Overlaps with Voltron's collectibles category and licensed manufacturer-distributor model.

Emerging players

• Bif Bang Pow!: Licensed retro-style collectible figure and merchandise producer targeting nostalgic entertainment properties. Comparable product style (retro figures, collectibles) and collector demographic, though operating at smaller scale.
• The Loyal Subjects: Designer collectible action figure brand producing stylized licensed figures tied to pop culture and entertainment properties. Comparable aesthetic and collector focus, though smaller and more boutique-oriented.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/voltron
• Facebookfacebook.com/VoltronOfficial
• Instagraminstagram.com/voltronofficial
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/voltron-electro-mechanical-works-llc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Voltron Electro Mechanical Works LLC