This is likely my favorite HCG video. So much that I tracked down and bought the "Gold Book" from an eBay seller. It's worth every nostalgic word ever spoken about it. Johnny's enthusiasm got me looking for it!
Thank you for sharing your great memories. I recently found your channel and as a Japanese gamer who is in the same generation as you (I'm just couple of years younger than you), it's been such a joy to watch your videos. Most of the games that you talked about on your channel are the games that I played and have memories with. There are still a lot of videos to watch on your channel (I started watching from the very beginning and just came to this point) but I just wanted to thank you. It's always great to know a fellow gamer of the same generation.
1987 was one of the best years of the 80s for me. The Lakers won the title and I also remember getting straight As and playing basketball for my elementary school team. Also out of all the great tv shows, movies, and cartoons/animes, Robotech was the best. I'm still torn on whether I prefer the New Generation or the Macross Saga better. The awesome mecha , music, and drama; Robotech was freakin' dope.
Man, I guess every childhood in every culture are the same! In my time, I was so obsess with the Final Fantasy 5 game and when I see the artbook for the first time, it just drive me crazy! It is so wonderful to see the character in my imagination in real manga drawings. It's quite easy that in my country (Thailand) that there are Japanese book store to buy import Japanese books. And yes! to express what I really love.. I have to draw it. Draw all the characters and write everything, every feelings about it to show your love. However, your drawing is fantastic. Great story and great parents!!!
What's great is that you not only drew the whole comic from memory, you also look like you finished it. That's something I've very rarely achieved.😊 TBH when I was a similar age my mum gave me a really kind talking to after I'd been walking around our town looking everywhere for a specific D&S book that was already a bit of a vintage thing. She was very understanding that I really wanted the book -- and I got it a bit later on -- but she said that even if I got it, would it really make me happy or would it just make me want more? I'm totally not someone who is anti-consumer and now I have money I spend it quite liberally. But honestly that talk was a kind of reboot. She knew I enjoyed my hobby but she was concerned that the drive to own just that one more book was becoming more of an obsession than the hobby itself. Buuuut...you rule. But your folks are really great in a different way and I'm so glad you got your book. My equivalent was a really nice illustrated book based on the Lays of Marie de France when my parents saw I was into fantasy and D&D. I still have my copy thirty + years on. It was more artistic than game-orientated, but it gave me so much inspiration for my games and then pleasure later on when I kind of stopped D&S gaming. So I totally understand the impulse and the way books can get close to your heart. The only other time I've ordered something specialist, I didn't go back to collect it. I hadn't paid for it so...whatever. A while later I was in the same shop and they'd put the CD in question out on the shelves. So I still was able to buy it...
Stories like this are the main reason why I'm subscribed to this channel. I'm starting to see a trend when you want something bad enough as a kid, you ask parents, parents say no, then parents surprise you either on your birthday or Christmas. Your parents are quite devilish in the sneaky kind of way. Still I never had a chance to watch the movie but the original macross saga I absolutely love.
What the-!! You just reminded me of something. I found an SDF-1 toy in someone's trash once. I salvaged it and looked at it and saw "Macross" carved onto the underside of one of its 'legs'(I think). This was back in the 90s, when I was just getting into 'Robotech' and Dragonball Z on 'Toonami', so I didn't know what 'MACROSS' was but I knew that this toy was the SDF-1, but I started wondering why two different shows were using the same model, the same idea. The thing was I'd say around 14 inches tall. I remember that I could rotate the ends of the shoulder columns. Man, I don't even know what happened to that toy. I might've been able to make some money by selling it on ebay today.
Late to the party, but I wanted to say how great this video is! I really appreciate the version you drew of the Macross book; a ton of talent right there!
That is such a heart warming story! The pure passion that we have for our hobbies (especially as children) is an amazingly beautiful thing. Your dad was the real winner that Christmas because the love and dedication you put into your drawings was even better than the real book. Thanks for sharing your wonderful memories with us Johnny.
You're a genius, Johnny. Being inspired to draw a Macross book after seeing it once in a store, and making some forty pages of drawings, is amazing. A $200 book is really something. I know in U.S. dollars, $200 in 1987 would be like $400 now, and I'd guess it's somewhat similar with Canadian dollars. When the 16-bit era dawned, I played Sonic on a Genesis at a kiosk at a Target store and was absolutely convinced that we needed a Sega Genesis. My family already had an NES, and at that time the idea that there would be a series of console generations just hadn't clicked with us. I think this was kind of a widespread attitude - that the NES was all you need - and that the Genesis was just trying to compete with the NES, not usher in a new level of gaming, and so it was just sort of the same thing as Nintendo. So it was hard to convince my parents to spend $200 on a Sega Genesis. Anyway, I pestered the hell out of them for something like eight months to get one on my birthday. And I wasn't always subtle about it. It was more like every conversation with my parents during those months led to me talking about the Sega Genesis, and I had planned every conversation this way from the start. Looking back it seems hilarious, and I'm laughing just thinking of how brazen and obnoxious I must have been. But I was patient and strong-willed. I used to stare at the Genesis after I got it and just admire its beauty. I handled it gently and lovingly and enjoyed it greatly. I'm the same way with books I love: obsessive about handling them properly. The shitty part is so many of my original games and magazines from back then aren't in great shape because after a while my brothers and friends and me used them so thoroughly that they just deteriorated. We didn't have a sense back then that such things would mean so much to us later on and be as prized as they are now. I guess that's what makes such items collectible. People enjoyed them so much that not many remain in their original condition.
Macross was one of my favorite shows growing up (possibly my absolute favorite)! This is incredible. I first watched it after my friend captured it on videotape from toonami. It was slightly out of order haha
I have been subscribed to your videos since a year or two ago. The reason why I mention this is because of your enthusiasm covering games and different minutiae that have added to your life. You sir, are a joy to watch, your happiness over such games is infectious. You remind all of us who watch you why we enjoy games and the culture surrounding it, kudos!!
I'm a huge Macross Fan. I can't believe you actually drew the pictures from memory. I purchased this book from E-bay from a seller from the other side of the country after watching this video. I'm from California. Didn't even know such a book existed back then. We're about the same age too. Thanks so much for your enthusiasm and story!
Yeah, I probably love this episode the best. I just love the part where he makes his own Macross books. It's just so badass and what I use to do as a kid when I was excited about something. It's those treasures that are more valued than the actual book he wanted. I can def relate.
Brings back some of my old birthday and Christmas memories. I have watched and commented on this video before and I have come to watch it again because it is one of the best videos on RUclips! Awesome!
Amazing story, man. Macross was such a milestone. It really ignited your imagination as it did me back in 87. This has to be one of my favorite HCG videos.
I was born in 82 and I never even heard of this as a kid. But that is so fuckin cool that you loved that book so much that you drew your own books! Thats honestly one of the coolest childhood stories i've ever heard!
Johnny, this is one of the best episodes that you've done. It was wonderful for you to share such a story. It reminds me of being young and excited myself around the holidays. There is something about being that age that allows a person to get completely wrapped up in something, to come to a boil with excitement. When you get older, you'll never really reach that youthful exuberance, but boy is it fun to look back and reminisce. Good show and take care Johnny.
I truly was captivated by the passion in that story. I'm so glad how much you were inspired, and at the age where it went more then the world to you. I've always taught high school kids percussion, and I always have one or two students a year that has that twinkle in their eye, and I try to get them excited and love music like you loved that kind of art. Beautiful story man. Thanks for sharing.
This's my fav episode of yours. I just love the thought of hommade sequential art. Captain underpants is about kids making their own comic. And episode of Doug when Doug and Skeeter make their own comic I love that stuff. Seeing April ONeil sketching the turtles in the first movie, seeing art fortunes drawing the white blaster beetle borg in an episode it has gold inspirational value to me.
That is such a cool story. Growing up in the 80's, I too was a huge fan of Robotech. There was not any models or comics with Robotech around but there were Macross model kits that I use to find at stores. I did not see anything Robotech/Macross comic book-wise until Comico started printing all three arcs of the Robotech series. Thanks for the memories!
This was a great story and the excitement and enthusiasm you had for that book reminds me of the anticipation for Christmas morning that many of us had as kids. The thing that separates your channel from most other RUclips gaming/anime channels is your level of sincerity and passion for the topics you discuss. Keep up the great work!
This is why yours is my favourite youtube channel! You have such strong feelings for these objects and for the times. I'm the same but could never exppress it so well! Keep it up!
This is the best story ever. Great job on doing your old book. I found out about the macross movie the same way at a convention in 87. They were also playing the movie on vhs
I absolutely LOVE these stories of yours. Your enthusiasm is terrific. I have all of the Fighting Fantasy books and everytime I open one to play it, I smell the pages to recapture those old days when they were new to me. :)
Your enthusiasm and fond memories of this period in your life made for a very interesting video. My first experience of Robotech came via a stocking filler VHS cassette in 1987 with the first couple of episodes of the TV series. I finally got to see the whole thing years later when I bought the DVD boxset. It was worth the wait.
one other thing, your artwork is amazing! Its always a good idea to keep your old artwork to look back as you just did. I regret getting rid of a lot of the old comics ive drawn when i was younger EVERYTIME i pick up a pencil to start drawing!!!!
Was 1993. I was 9 years old. I was reading the Cable Magazine when I can see a name: Robotech, man, wtf is Robotech? So, i´m ready for the lunch. I turn on the TV, channel 27 (Big Channel, a dead channel in Argentina) and then, Robotech start with the music, aircrafts, ROBOTS!!! Gooood, this looks very good. After that day I become a FAN!!! Any stuff from Robotech (toys, magazines, etc, etc) was imposible to get here, so in 1997 my cousin (a fun too) send me a box by mail, I open up, inside, a fantastic Valkyrie VF-1J Max Jenius version. And that is one of favorite days!!! Macross/Robotech was a before and after......
You have just the best stories and what a great storyteller you are too. I hope you have kept on drawing because that's some impressive work and dedication right there.
Thank you for sharing such a personal story. It was very fascinating to hear you talk about the art book.I wasn't born near the 80's but I can appreciate how hard it must of been to import something like this back then.
The first time i saw DYRL i remember being so drawn in by how Macross city was designed in the movie. There's nothing like Macross and the Macross Saga portion of Robotech.
Great video, childhood memories are usually the fondest, its very good to back to them. I love Macross and is very good to see someone who does as well. Cheers.
I dont get ? not even 20000 views ? This show is great !!!!! I think you guys deserve a higher spot on youtube ? i mean you have very nice ,quality videos .I`m not even 18 yet , but you guys inspired me so much with your memories ,that i found my old genesis system and played it for the rest of my weekend .Becouse of you I`m I relived one of the most fantastic moments of my life and I am living many of them right now .Love the the show , love you guys , don`t lose the enthusiasm to do this !!!
Man, this was a great video, i can really relate to being that little kid begging their parents for rare japanese goods. Its things like this that remind me of why i became an artist ini the first place.
Same thing happened with me and Evangelion! As a child I remember reading SO much about it on the internet. It was everywhere, except crucially absent on network Canada in North America. But it excited me like MAD.
Man what a story. I was a 90's kid but robotech was so awesome. I then learned the real show macross, and of plus, DYRL, 7 and collected all that stuff online. Just imagine being a kid and asking your parents to use their credit card and ordering from shady sites, and really early ebay, especially since internet was such a new concept it was hard convincing them to give anonymous people money in another country and hope they deliver. But alas they did and macross franchise as a whole has always had special place in my heart. I just loved the idea and the journey to acquire stuff that is not available was just something special since it was mostly me and my dad hunting these down. It was those cheap yellow text VHS, I think from hong kong it was so much engrish, But i loved it as a kid. It's a shame these never made it here. I love collecting the remasters on blu ray, but alas I have to rip it to the PC and put anime subs on them to enjoy them. DYRL blu ray is unreal what they did to totally remaster the show. I don't mind the new shows frontier and watching delta. Macross will always be that special franchise and DYRL and SDFM is so nostalgic.
didn't even know what Robotech or Macross was. I got goosebumps after watching your video because you said exactly what is on my mind as I, too, was going through the same exact experience as you were about purchasing Macross merchandise. I wish you good luck with your passion and talent. I usually don't post comments on RUclips, but I think this is a special celebration as I am happy that there is at least also someone out there who has gone through what I went through growing up with Macross.
Great vid Johnny, i love hearing other peoples old stories and nostalgic reminisings. I've never seen Robotech/Macross but i could totally get how much you love it and it really makes me want to see it. I think 3 people have never had a childhood or have a soul though... :/
Robotech is my favorite show! You have a great story, so I'd like to share mine. Although I was told I watched it as a little kid, my interest started when it ran on Toonami's weekly midnight run in 1999. I would record it every week on VHS and wake up every Saturday morning to watch it. I remember the smell of the air condition, which I associated with the show. Toonami then discontinued it, with the last episode being the one where Rick Hunter is lost in the SDF1 and grabs a fish from space. Unfortunately, I recorded over each episode after watching them, so that was the only one I had. I watched it dozens of times and even wrote Toonami an email with my parents' WebTV asking why they cancelled it before it was finished (not knowing there were more episodes they already aired previously in the afternoon slot). On Feb. 16, 2001, I randomly checked if there was a website and signed up immediately. I would log on every day to get points to build my rank. Not long after, I saw the DVD release and bought it, then binge watched the rest of the episodes. Through the years, I bought every DVD version they released. Finding the site also opened my eyes to Macross, and I would watch all the English dubbed versions. I even spent hundreds of dollars to buy the Macross dubbed series. Anyway, that's my story.
Wow..amazing Johnny. Seriously, it is great to see someone have so much passion for something. You make me want to go out and watch Macross haha. You are also making me nostalgic for the old school anime art style.
Oh my god, can't believe you did your own version of the book - I did the exact same thing with an anime art book I saw that I couldn't get. That looked awesome dude
I'm a big Macross fan also which affected me when I was growing up in the 80s to the point that I became a professional illustrator but I have to say you are a fan of the truest kind!
You had/have great parents! I remember when I came across a bootleg VHS of DYRL at a con in 1992, the seller was showing it on a little TV and I bought it on the spot. Not only did I not know the movie existed until then, I wasn't even aware at that point of the history of Robotech with it being made from 3 anime series.
Golden memories. robotech was impressed me like I watched starwars. artworks are awesome. I have forgotten these games, animes etc.., you have been remembering them.
Wow, you were an amazing artist as a kid! And talking about Robotech and Macross tv series, I think Robotech has a way better soundtrack than the original Macross. By the way, those artbooks are amazing and they're still expensive as hell in my country.
Great video! Love your enthusiasm for anime, and your nostalgic anime memories. I'm a big anime fan myself, so this really spoke to me. Keep up the good work! :)
$200 bucks? Man I got mine for $100 bucks at Merlin's books back in the day, only after promising it was to be a birthday gift and Christmas gift combined! Still got it too!!
![[TF2] The Russian Bear Trap](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YFNSwz2_rOA/mqdefault.jpg)
That just shows how much your parents loved you. They sound like they were really supportive.
This is likely my favorite HCG video. So much that I tracked down and bought the "Gold Book" from an eBay seller. It's worth every nostalgic word ever spoken about it. Johnny's enthusiasm got me looking for it!
You drew 40 pages from memory?!
You're a goddamn genius
Dude, you and Rob must have had the best childhood ever.
Thank you for sharing your great memories. I recently found your channel and as a Japanese gamer who is in the same generation as you (I'm just couple of years younger than you), it's been such a joy to watch your videos. Most of the games that you talked about on your channel are the games that I played and have memories with. There are still a lot of videos to watch on your channel (I started watching from the very beginning and just came to this point) but I just wanted to thank you. It's always great to know a fellow gamer of the same generation.
the book still goes for 200 to this day lol
1987 was one of the best years of the 80s for me. The Lakers won the title and I also remember getting straight As and playing basketball for my elementary school team. Also out of all the great tv shows, movies, and cartoons/animes, Robotech was the best. I'm still torn on whether I prefer the New Generation or the Macross Saga better. The awesome mecha , music, and drama; Robotech was freakin' dope.
Man, I guess every childhood in every culture are the same! In my time, I was so obsess with the Final Fantasy 5 game and when I see the artbook for the first time, it just drive me crazy! It is so wonderful to see the character in my imagination in real manga drawings.
It's quite easy that in my country (Thailand) that there are Japanese book store to buy import Japanese books. And yes! to express what I really love.. I have to draw it. Draw all the characters and write everything, every feelings about it to show your love.
However, your drawing is fantastic. Great story and great parents!!!
What's great is that you not only drew the whole comic from memory, you also look like you finished it. That's something I've very rarely achieved.😊
TBH when I was a similar age my mum gave me a really kind talking to after I'd been walking around our town looking everywhere for a specific D&S book that was already a bit of a vintage thing. She was very understanding that I really wanted the book -- and I got it a bit later on -- but she said that even if I got it, would it really make me happy or would it just make me want more?
I'm totally not someone who is anti-consumer and now I have money I spend it quite liberally. But honestly that talk was a kind of reboot. She knew I enjoyed my hobby but she was concerned that the drive to own just that one more book was becoming more of an obsession than the hobby itself. Buuuut...you rule.
But your folks are really great in a different way and I'm so glad you got your book. My equivalent was a really nice illustrated book based on the Lays of Marie de France when my parents saw I was into fantasy and D&D. I still have my copy thirty + years on. It was more artistic than game-orientated, but it gave me so much inspiration for my games and then pleasure later on when I kind of stopped D&S gaming. So I totally understand the impulse and the way books can get close to your heart.
The only other time I've ordered something specialist, I didn't go back to collect it. I hadn't paid for it so...whatever. A while later I was in the same shop and they'd put the CD in question out on the shelves. So I still was able to buy it...
Great Story. I loved Macross as a kid and still do today. Brings back memories of me opening my Macross toys during Christmas.
Ohh yes that is still to come!
Everyone thumbs this up so we don't see this again lol
My favorite video from your channel! I always watch it every Christmas season.
Stories like this are the main reason why I'm subscribed to this channel. I'm starting to see a trend when you want something bad enough as a kid, you ask parents, parents say no, then parents surprise you either on your birthday or Christmas. Your parents are quite devilish in the sneaky kind of way. Still I never had a chance to watch the movie but the original macross saga I absolutely love.
I remember feeling very similar about that giant effing SDF-1 toy I got for Christmas. I sincerely thought I'd never get it. Still have it in the box.
What the-!! You just reminded me of something. I found an SDF-1 toy in someone's trash once. I salvaged it and looked at it and saw "Macross" carved onto the underside of one of its 'legs'(I think). This was back in the 90s, when I was just getting into 'Robotech' and Dragonball Z on 'Toonami', so I didn't know what 'MACROSS' was but I knew that this toy was the SDF-1, but I started wondering why two different shows were using the same model, the same idea. The thing was I'd say around 14 inches tall. I remember that I could rotate the ends of the shoulder columns. Man, I don't even know what happened to that toy. I might've been able to make some money by selling it on ebay today.
Such an inspiring story. I had seen this video before, but I just watched it again with my son, who is also a Macross fan and an artist.
Late to the party, but I wanted to say how great this video is! I really appreciate the version you drew of the Macross book; a ton of talent right there!
Thank you for introducing me to this powerful movie, your artwork is from the heart and is a joy to see. Thank you for sharing.
Awesome Christmas story. My 1987 Christmas I got Decepticon Shockwave. Great year for both of us.
That is such a heart warming story! The pure passion that we have for our hobbies (especially as children) is an amazingly beautiful thing. Your dad was the real winner that Christmas because the love and dedication you put into your drawings was even better than the real book. Thanks for sharing your wonderful memories with us Johnny.
You're a genius, Johnny. Being inspired to draw a Macross book after seeing it once in a store, and making some forty pages of drawings, is amazing.
A $200 book is really something. I know in U.S. dollars, $200 in 1987 would be like $400 now, and I'd guess it's somewhat similar with Canadian dollars.
When the 16-bit era dawned, I played Sonic on a Genesis at a kiosk at a Target store and was absolutely convinced that we needed a Sega Genesis. My family already had an NES, and at that time the idea that there would be a series of console generations just hadn't clicked with us. I think this was kind of a widespread attitude - that the NES was all you need - and that the Genesis was just trying to compete with the NES, not usher in a new level of gaming, and so it was just sort of the same thing as Nintendo. So it was hard to convince my parents to spend $200 on a Sega Genesis.
Anyway, I pestered the hell out of them for something like eight months to get one on my birthday. And I wasn't always subtle about it. It was more like every conversation with my parents during those months led to me talking about the Sega Genesis, and I had planned every conversation this way from the start.
Looking back it seems hilarious, and I'm laughing just thinking of how brazen and obnoxious I must have been. But I was patient and strong-willed.
I used to stare at the Genesis after I got it and just admire its beauty. I handled it gently and lovingly and enjoyed it greatly. I'm the same way with books I love: obsessive about handling them properly.
The shitty part is so many of my original games and magazines from back then aren't in great shape because after a while my brothers and friends and me used them so thoroughly that they just deteriorated. We didn't have a sense back then that such things would mean so much to us later on and be as prized as they are now. I guess that's what makes such items collectible. People enjoyed them so much that not many remain in their original condition.
Macross was one of my favorite shows growing up (possibly my absolute favorite)! This is incredible. I first watched it after my friend captured it on videotape from toonami. It was slightly out of order haha
I have been subscribed to your videos since a year or two ago. The reason why I mention this is because of your enthusiasm covering games and different minutiae that have added to your life. You sir, are a joy to watch, your happiness over such games is infectious. You remind all of us who watch you why we enjoy games and the culture surrounding it, kudos!!
I'm a huge Macross Fan. I can't believe you actually drew the pictures from memory. I purchased this book from E-bay from a seller from the other side of the country after watching this video. I'm from California. Didn't even know such a book existed back then. We're about the same age too. Thanks so much for your enthusiasm and story!
Yeah, I probably love this episode the best. I just love the part where he makes his own Macross books. It's just so badass and what I use to do as a kid when I was excited about something. It's those treasures that are more valued than the actual book he wanted. I can def relate.
Brings back some of my old birthday and Christmas memories. I have watched and commented on this video before and I have come to watch it again because it is one of the best videos on RUclips! Awesome!
Amazing story, man. Macross was such a milestone. It really ignited your imagination as it did me back in 87. This has to be one of my favorite HCG videos.
I was born in 82 and I never even heard of this as a kid. But that is so fuckin cool that you loved that book so much that you drew your own books! Thats honestly one of the coolest childhood stories i've ever heard!
Johnny, this is one of the best episodes that you've done. It was wonderful for you to share such a story. It reminds me of being young and excited myself around the holidays. There is something about being that age that allows a person to get completely wrapped up in something, to come to a boil with excitement. When you get older, you'll never really reach that youthful exuberance, but boy is it fun to look back and reminisce. Good show and take care Johnny.
I truly was captivated by the passion in that story. I'm so glad how much you were inspired, and at the age where it went more then the world to you. I've always taught high school kids percussion, and I always have one or two students a year that has that twinkle in their eye, and I try to get them excited and love music like you loved that kind of art. Beautiful story man. Thanks for sharing.
One of the best videos I have ever seen on RUclips - incredible. And what an artist you are too mate - stunning! And you were so young too....
genuinely couldnt believe it when you started flipping through that hand drawn version of the book. amazing!
This's my fav episode of yours. I just love the thought of hommade sequential art. Captain underpants is about kids making their own comic. And episode of Doug when Doug and Skeeter make their own comic I love that stuff. Seeing April ONeil sketching the turtles in the first movie, seeing art fortunes drawing the white blaster beetle borg in an episode it has gold inspirational value to me.
great story. I really liked how you did the editing of the video.
One of your best videos ! I love how much passion u still have for it even after all this time.
Born in '97 and love Macross and Robotech and aaaaall the classic stuff man ;)
Everyone of your videos reminds me of my childhood. I truly appreciate it
Wow, this is great. Totally not what I expected to find when I typed "Macross Christmas" in the bar
I like Macross I saw this show in 1987 and 89 I was 17 years old long time ago here in Chicago
That is such a cool story. Growing up in the 80's, I too was a huge fan of Robotech. There was not any models or comics with Robotech around but there were Macross model kits that I use to find at stores. I did not see anything Robotech/Macross comic book-wise until Comico started printing all three arcs of the Robotech series. Thanks for the memories!
This was a wonderful personal story. I always love rewatching this vid.
This was a great story and the excitement and enthusiasm you had for that book reminds me of the anticipation for Christmas morning that many of us had as kids. The thing that separates your channel from most other RUclips gaming/anime channels is your level of sincerity and passion for the topics you discuss. Keep up the great work!
This channel is the absolute best
Your video makes me feel nostalgic. Indeed I was not born when this was released. I saw the film last week. Thank you
I love hearing stories like this! And you had some skills when you were a kid. If I saw some kid do something like that, I'd buy it for him myself.
This is why yours is my favourite youtube channel! You have such strong feelings for these objects and for the times. I'm the same but could never exppress it so well! Keep it up!
You truly are the Happy Video Game Nerd, i mean Happy Console Gamer. You got the enthusiasm of a young kid. It's very inspiring. Love the show!
This is the best story ever. Great job on doing your old book. I found out about the macross movie the same way at a convention in 87. They were also playing the movie on vhs
Thanks for sharing, brings back memories of when I discovered Macress when I was 12
You've got some MAD art skills!
Really awesome story, Johnny. Love to hear about great Christmas memories and your inspiration for doing what you do.
I love personal stories with gaming, I try to have a bit of it too on my vids. Great stuff!
I absolutely LOVE these stories of yours. Your enthusiasm is terrific. I have all of the Fighting Fantasy books and everytime I open one to play it, I smell the pages to recapture those old days when they were new to me. :)
Your enthusiasm and fond memories of this period in your life made for a very interesting video. My first experience of Robotech came via a stocking filler VHS cassette in 1987 with the first couple of episodes of the TV series. I finally got to see the whole thing years later when I bought the DVD boxset. It was worth the wait.
Shit, your macros drawings are amazing
I loved your story. I hope that all the world's children have a Christmas as wonderful as yours to treasure.
one other thing, your artwork is amazing! Its always a good idea to keep your old artwork to look back as you just did. I regret getting rid of a lot of the old comics ive drawn when i was younger EVERYTIME i pick up a pencil to start drawing!!!!
Was 1993. I was 9 years old.
I was reading the Cable Magazine when I can see a name: Robotech, man, wtf is Robotech?
So, i´m ready for the lunch. I turn on the TV, channel 27 (Big Channel, a dead channel in Argentina) and then, Robotech start with the music, aircrafts, ROBOTS!!! Gooood, this looks very good.
After that day I become a FAN!!!
Any stuff from Robotech (toys, magazines, etc, etc) was imposible to get here, so in 1997 my cousin (a fun too) send me a box by mail, I open up, inside, a fantastic Valkyrie VF-1J Max Jenius version. And that is one of favorite days!!!
Macross/Robotech was a before and after......
You have just the best stories and what a great storyteller you are too. I hope you have kept on drawing because that's some impressive work and dedication right there.
Fantastic stories, I only hope kids today get to have half the experiences we had during that era!
Thank you for sharing such a personal story. It was very fascinating to hear you talk about the art book.I wasn't born near the 80's but I can appreciate how hard it must of been to import something like this back then.
The first time i saw DYRL i remember being so drawn in by how Macross city was designed in the movie. There's nothing like Macross and the Macross Saga portion of Robotech.
I adore hearing you reminisce about your happy memories
Great story! Macross pretty much changed my life as a child too.
That was such a great video your dedication to your comic was amazing I’m blown away
@HappyConsoleGamer I just love listening to your stories, their just so fun. And you seriously drew that book when you were that young, that's RAW.
Macross is still my favourite anime of all time. Great vid!
Great video, childhood memories are usually the fondest, its very good to back to them. I love Macross and is very good to see someone who does as well. Cheers.
macross captured my imagination as well back in 87. when i went to college in the mid 90's that passion reignited as I discovered the internet
Funnily enough, the movie is actually what got me into Macross. I remember it blowing me away, and I only watched it last year.
I dont get ? not even 20000 views ? This show is great !!!!! I think you guys deserve a higher spot on youtube ? i mean you have very nice ,quality videos .I`m not even 18 yet , but you guys inspired me so much with your memories ,that i found my old genesis system and played it for the rest of my weekend .Becouse of you I`m I relived one of the most fantastic moments of my life and I am living many of them right now .Love the the show , love you guys , don`t lose the enthusiasm to do this !!!
Man, this was a great video, i can really relate to being that little kid begging their parents for rare japanese goods. Its things like this that remind me of why i became an artist ini the first place.
Same thing happened with me and Evangelion! As a child I remember reading SO much about it on the internet. It was everywhere, except crucially absent on network Canada in North America. But it excited me like MAD.
As a child of the 80s & a drawer, I can relate to your story. You were (are?) a pretty sharp artist. Glad your parents came through.
Man what a story. I was a 90's kid but robotech was so awesome. I then learned the real show macross, and of plus, DYRL, 7 and collected all that stuff online. Just imagine being a kid and asking your parents to use their credit card and ordering from shady sites, and really early ebay, especially since internet was such a new concept it was hard convincing them to give anonymous people money in another country and hope they deliver. But alas they did and macross franchise as a whole has always had special place in my heart. I just loved the idea and the journey to acquire stuff that is not available was just something special since it was mostly me and my dad hunting these down.
It was those cheap yellow text VHS, I think from hong kong it was so much engrish, But i loved it as a kid. It's a shame these never made it here. I love collecting the remasters on blu ray, but alas I have to rip it to the PC and put anime subs on them to enjoy them. DYRL blu ray is unreal what they did to totally remaster the show. I don't mind the new shows frontier and watching delta. Macross will always be that special franchise and DYRL and SDFM is so nostalgic.
i had the same feelings for macross back then
That is so awesome, the amount of detail you went into in those drawings is amazing man. What a fantastic story, your parents are so cool!
didn't even know what Robotech or Macross was. I got goosebumps after watching your video because you said exactly what is on my mind as I, too, was going through the same exact experience as you were about purchasing Macross merchandise. I wish you good luck with your passion and talent. I usually don't post comments on RUclips, but I think this is a special celebration as I am happy that there is at least also someone out there who has gone through what I went through growing up with Macross.
Holy crap! He draws better as a kid then I do having taken art class in high school!
Great vid Johnny, i love hearing other peoples old stories and nostalgic reminisings. I've never seen Robotech/Macross but i could totally get how much you love it and it really makes me want to see it.
I think 3 people have never had a childhood or have a soul though... :/
Robotech is my favorite show! You have a great story, so I'd like to share mine. Although I was told I watched it as a little kid, my interest started when it ran on Toonami's weekly midnight run in 1999. I would record it every week on VHS and wake up every Saturday morning to watch it. I remember the smell of the air condition, which I associated with the show. Toonami then discontinued it, with the last episode being the one where Rick Hunter is lost in the SDF1 and grabs a fish from space. Unfortunately, I recorded over each episode after watching them, so that was the only one I had. I watched it dozens of times and even wrote Toonami an email with my parents' WebTV asking why they cancelled it before it was finished (not knowing there were more episodes they already aired previously in the afternoon slot). On Feb. 16, 2001, I randomly checked if there was a website and signed up immediately. I would log on every day to get points to build my rank. Not long after, I saw the DVD release and bought it, then binge watched the rest of the episodes. Through the years, I bought every DVD version they released. Finding the site also opened my eyes to Macross, and I would watch all the English dubbed versions. I even spent hundreds of dollars to buy the Macross dubbed series. Anyway, that's my story.
Wow..amazing Johnny. Seriously, it is great to see someone have so much passion for something. You make me want to go out and watch Macross haha. You are also making me nostalgic for the old school anime art style.
Then suddenly a HCG video appeared.
Happy Christmas HCG and everyone reading this comment!
Oh my god, can't believe you did your own version of the book - I did the exact same thing with an anime art book I saw that I couldn't get. That looked awesome dude
I remember seeing Robotech The Macross Saga as a kid back in the 90s.
You're a genius Johnny, you narrate it with so much passion it just give me chills. Thank you for all your hard work.
This is one of the most adorable stories ever.
I like these videos of you sharing your past. You must have had an awesome childhood! Great video!
This was an excellent christmas story johnny! Your parents sound like good people. merry christmas everyone.
One of your best videos ever. Love this one!
I'm a big Macross fan also which affected me when I was growing up in the 80s to the point that I became a professional illustrator but I have to say you are a fan of the truest kind!
Oh, the lengths some parents go to make a good Christmas for their kids...
Good story, Johnny!
You had/have great parents! I remember when I came across a bootleg VHS of DYRL at a con in 1992, the seller was showing it on a little TV and I bought it on the spot. Not only did I not know the movie existed until then, I wasn't even aware at that point of the history of Robotech with it being made from 3 anime series.
I remember first watch this on PBS! I don't even knew what is Macross back then all I knew was Robotech.
Such an awesome story. I can't even imagine your mother's face when the clerk told her she sold your book.
Robotech didn't have robots, they had mech.
Golden memories. robotech was impressed me like I watched starwars. artworks are awesome. I have forgotten these games, animes etc.., you have been remembering them.
i get rock hard when i see a new happy console gamer on my "things to watch"
Wow, you were an amazing artist as a kid!
And talking about Robotech and Macross tv series, I think Robotech has a way better soundtrack than the original Macross.
By the way, those artbooks are amazing and they're still expensive as hell in my country.
Great video! Love your enthusiasm for anime, and your nostalgic anime memories. I'm a big anime fan myself, so this really spoke to me. Keep up the good work! :)
$200 bucks? Man I got mine for $100 bucks at Merlin's books back in the day, only after promising it was to be a birthday gift and Christmas gift combined! Still got it too!!