Movie
Description
Steve Armstrong, originally named Kenichi Gō in Japanese media, leads the Voltes Team and pilots the Volt Cruiser, the head component of Super Electromagnetic Machine Voltes V. As the eldest son of Ned Armstrong (Prince Hrothgar of Boazania) and Mary Ann Collins Armstrong, he is half-Boazanian. This heritage significantly shapes his identity, revealed later in the story, though he initially believes himself fully human. His father's disappearance during his youth shifted him from an adventurous boy into a responsible figure caring for his younger brothers, Robert "Big Bert" and Jon "Little Jon" Armstrong.

His personality blends stern leadership with profound loyalty to family and teammates. He strictly adheres to a moral code, initially enforcing a no-killing policy to avoid matching their enemies' cruelty, though this principle faces challenges in later adaptations. The live-action *Voltes V: Legacy* depicts greater emotional volatility, particularly after witnessing his mother's sacrificial death to save the team. This fuels intense hatred for his half-brother, Prince Zardoz, driving him toward vengeful actions—a contrast to his more compassionate anime portrayal. His leadership involves strategic acumen, frequently identifying enemy weaknesses mid-combat, and prioritizing team unity despite internal conflicts.

*Voltes V: Legacy* introduces romantic elements: he dates Eva Sanchez while secretly harboring feelings for teammate Jamie Robinson. This love triangle creates tension, especially with Jamie's boyfriend Mark Gordon, leading to a physical altercation. Reluctance to confess stems from guilt over his mother's death, adding emotional complexity. The live-action version also shows him initially unaware of Eva's manipulative schemes against Jamie.

As a pilot and combatant, he demonstrates high versatility. He is an ace pilot capable of operating nearly all Voltes machines and a skilled tactician who modifies the prototype Voltman into the Black Voltman. His fighting skills encompass marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat, and swordsmanship, showcased in duels against foes like Heinel (Zardoz). He masters specialized techniques such as the "Butterfly Return," deflecting bullets with rocks during training.

Character development varies across media. The original anime shows him evolving from a hot-blooded, impulsive leader into a more empathetic figure after learning his heritage, advocating understanding between species. The live-action emphasizes internal struggles: betrayal by Zardoz disguised as "Manuel Nobaz," grief over parental losses, and conflicts between duty and personal desires. His live-action counterpart wields a military sword as a primary weapon, differing from the anime's firearm focus.

Trivia notes include his birthdate (June 22), Cancer zodiac sign, and use of derogatory terms like "jiji" for authority figures. In *Voltes V: Legacy*, he holds the rank of Lieutenant Commander and wears a distinct red military uniform.