Interestingly: In 1984 Robotech ends with Rick Hunter (Hikaru Ichijo) disappearing in deep space on the SDF-3 (Fate uknown) In 1987 Macross: Flash Back 2012 Hikaru Ichijo is on the SDF-2 Megaroad and disappears in deep space. (Fate Unkown) Also, Robotech changes Macross from a philosophical war to one of fuel and resources. While maybe not as "deep" I do enjoy the grounded realism of Robotech's three generational war between four alien species over a limited fuel supply.
@@bobsamurai Bit's, back when my dad bought them subbed on VHS back in the early 90s. Macross is nearly left untouched. Basically being a direct dub with only some name changes. Biggest is Protoculture is a Cold Fusion Fuel source every one needs and wants. It becomes the Spice from Dune if you get that reference. Funny for a long time Macross was held up to a standard of NOT being Americanized (For the 80s) and left uncensored/unedited for the most part compared most Anime of the time. It's the other two that were changed to be adapted into Macross. MOSPEDA isn't changed all that much, Stick is changed to Scott, Ivib is Invid etc but it's probably 85% the same. Flower of life is a fungus that grows on Protoculture making it useless to Humans, Zentrati, and Robotech Masters but the Invid is able to eat and live on it. Southern Cross is completely overhauled to fit Macross, being a canceled flop in Japan and a lot of people think it's superior in Robotech but it's still the weakest of the three. Example is Jeanne Françaix is Max (Maximilian Jenius) and Miryia (Milia Fallyna Jenius) daughter Dana Sterling. Robotech's strength is changing Macross (At the time) from a single show into a multi generation Space Opera over several wars that each feel different and distinct. The hatred today is directed at the Product of Robotech but really Robotech is an alternate take (like others) of Macross. I think the true issue is Harmony Gold and it's business practices that has lead to the backlash of the product. Finally at the time Robotech was made it was originally being dubbed a 100% accurate adaptation of just Macross. They even did three episodes before being told it wasn't long enough and it could not be put on TV. Harmony Gold already paid for the rights and this is 1983 in the US, there is no Home Market for VHS Anime yet. Carl Macek was given I think 6 weeks to create a solution so he got Mospeda and Southern Cross, rewrote the scripts, cast the series, dubbed it, scored it, and got it on TV. Robotech was created by necessity in an era when people were shot by stun lasers in cartoons and always had parachutes and they didn't show death on "Adult" TV and Robotech kept it all. Robotech is really triumph against adversity of the time and I feel the end result is distinctive. Also the Japanese were so excited to even get Anime into the US they wrote the original contract at a dinner party on a napkin. There is a belief (to what extent I don't know) is if there was no Robotech in 1984 on TV there is no Anime fandom in the US. There was already Anime here but it was edited into Thundercats and GI Joe style stand alone programming. What made Japanese Animation Anime was edited out, it was Robotech that left it in.
@@gungriffen woah thats interesting. thanks for taking the time to write this. I pinned your comment so others can see. It kinda makes sense now since their initial intentions were to properly adapt it.
@@bobsamurai There is also an OVA made specifically for Robotech called Robotech II The Sentinels. Unfortunately it was in production when Japan had it's early 90s economic collapse and it was released unfinished. It does bridge the gap between the First and Second Robotech War but that's it. Originally it was about Rick and Lisa and SDF-3 fleet fighting the Invid King on a distant planet. It was eventually turned into a novel series. If your wondering how they were adapted together, Macross is unchanged mostly. Southern Cross is about an Alien Invasion of Earth. It's dragged out because the Army of the Southern Cross is short handed as the SDF-3 Fleet (REF/Robotech Expeditionary Force) takes a majority of the military personnel and equipment. The REF left with the Zentrati to fight the Robotech Masters. On the way to Tirol the Masters home planet they find the Invid has defeated and occupied planet. As the REF uses Protoculture (The Invid eats the stuff) they get into a war with the Invid. Back on Earth The Army of the Southern Cross is undermanned and are mass producing crap for defense. This is to explain why the Veritechs (Variable Technology) is inferior to the Macross era. Veritechs is any Transformable Mecha. The VF's of Macross are Veritech Fighters but that line of Aircraft are still called Valkyries. I.E. Roys fighter is a (Veritech Fighter) VF-1S Valkyrie. In MOSPEDA they use a VFA-6 Legioss (Veritech Fighter Alpha - 6 Legioss) The Masters who had to flee Tirol arrive at earth to take the remaining Protoculture. Issue is the Southern Cross is undermanned and the Masters while Superior numbers and equipment are low on Fuel. This is why they kinda probe and pull back. Neither side can go all out because a single defeat could be the end of the war so it kinda becomes a Cold War with small amounts of conflict here and there. MOSPEDA is about the occupation of Earth. While the REF is fighting the Ivid King on Tirol the Invid Queen invades earth. Upon arrival the Invid is easily able to wipe out the Army of the Southern Cross and the Robotech Masters. The REF sends a detachment to Earth to try and buy time till the REF can defeat the Invid King and return to liberate the planet. Scott (Stick) is part of the Mars division sent under orders of Rick Hunter. The Mars Division is wiped out and Scott begins guerilla warfare against the Invid Occupation until the REF returns at the end to Liberate the planet. The series ends with the Fleet jumping back to Earth but the SDF-3 doesn't return and Scott boards his Veritech to link up in orbit with the REF and go look for the ship. Finally there was another Robotech Film using Megazone 23 but Carl Macek adapted it to take place right after the the SDF-1 Folded to Pluto and the Earth Government hid that fact. Unfortunately after it was done Cannon Films reedited it for realease splicing it with Southern Cross footage and made it a jumbled inconsistent mess and Carl Macek said don't count that one as no one was really in control of it's production. That's why the Sentinels is called Robotech II
@@bobsamurai I've watched all of Macross and some of MOSPEADA. Macross remained the closest to intact, which makes the deviations the most frustrating. The people who made Southern Cross where apparently surprised the US turned it into something people wanted to watch.
August 2024, NYC. I just went to a screening of Macross Plus and there was a Q&A with Shoji Kawamori. I enjoyed that film and now I'm doing research on where to start in the Macross universe. This video really helped.
This is a fantastic summary that also does a good job of differentiating this series from “Gundam”, but I would offer a polite & friendly counterpoint to your claim that “Gundam” is about meeting violence with more violence: That *can* be the case with some Gundam protags & series, but I’d say that more than that, the overarching theme of most entries in the franchise is “lasting peace through mutual understanding”. The Universal Century’s Newtypes are basically superpowered über-empaths. Amuro Rey, the original protagonist of the Gundam franchise, never wanted to fight - and certainly never wanted to kill *anyone*. He only ever wanted to protect his home and his loved ones. His storyline culminates years later during thefinale of Char’s Counterattack, where his longtime rival Char Aznable has decided to drop a meteor onto the earth. Amuro is able to convince all of the mobile suits actively engaged in combat, on both sides of the conflict, to cease fire & prevent this asteroid from hitting earth. Both franchises, Gundam & Macross, have an ideal about people trying to understand one another & thereby eliminating conflict, that I greatly admire.
I have been a Macross fan for quite along time. Of course it all started with Robotech but after seeing the original there was no going back. I enjoyed your overview of the franchise. I always like seeing what others have to say about one of my favorite anime series.
@@caballerosalas sacrilege! 😂 Robotech is a watered down mess of a show whith two of its main characters having completely different personalities from the original (Rick Hunter and Minmay). I will admit it took some creative writing to meld three disparate anime series into one single narrative but Robotech doesn't hold a candle to its original counterparts.
Coming by late as a big gundam fan to say thank you for giving me a good jumping point into watching this series. I've always been intrigued by Macross/Robotech, I saw some episodes when I was a kid but never bothered to really get into it, and getting the tabletop game for it finally convinced me to watch the series to know what's going on.
Yeah Robotech (1985) is the red-headed stepchild of the Macross franchises. Carl Macek was a visionary genius when he worked his ass off to adapt the Macross story and bring it to American audiences as well as incorporating three separate anime franchises into Robotech's 85-episode story. Unfortunately, Robotech has been neglected. Robotech II: The Sentinels (1988) was a pilot episode that never got off the ground after Robotech's 85-episode run ended and Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles (2006) was supposed to shed some light on the plot parts that were in limbo but left people with more questions than before (and nothing has been released since then). But the good news is that Harmony Gold (owner of Robotech) and Tatsunoko/Big West (owners of Macross) have reached a legal agreement after years of court battles to finally be able to move forward with new projects so we might finally see a live action Robotech movie within the next few years (about damn time!).
Waiting for _Macross_ to be widely available. "I haven't seen Robotech." Yeah, you look too young. Trust me, those of us who saw it when it first came out thought it was amazing. And They DID make a coherent story out of 3 separate series. And the books help really flesh out the universe. Now if only they had finished _The Sentinals._
I tell people that the Macross arc of Robotech hits just about all of the story beats of SDF Macross … but the two cannot be fairly compared as too many of the finer points had to be edited to at least some degree for BS&P reasons and it takes some of the edge off of a few important events. I loved Robotech (I am old enough), and I will always have a place for it in my heart. But SDF Macross has a deeper story. The same one, sure, but the two are best enjoyed for what they are rather than lamenting that Robotech's Macross arc is something it never could've been. The SDF Macross is said to have been "Zor's battle fortress", the Zor in Southern Cross are called "Robotech Masters" and Seifriet is "Zor Prime", an alien who is brainwashed but recovers his memory and voluntarily chooses to side with the Southern Cross rather than a human who is programmed/de-programmed, and the ending is changed for the Robotech Masters to fear that protoculture (reintroduced and somewhat redefined weirdly from Macross) will attract the Invid. Which of course it does. In other words, although the changes seem like they have to be large … the changes are basically "it's the same except that…" with some bridge exposition for how Southern Cross follows Macross, and a slight modification to the end of Southern Cross to lead into minor changes to Mospeada. The only reason Macross lovers actually hate Robotech is that Harmony Gold has been using their stranglehold on anything remotely connected to the Robotech franchise or its source material resulting in them pissing off fans of other things and keeping us from having access to unfiltered Macross for so long.
@@knghtbrd Well said, especially the part explaining how Harmony Gold being just terrible. I'm gad we have Robotech because of them but this has gotten ridiculous. I literally had to go all the way to Singapore, on unrelated work, to find all kinds of Macross toys/collectables that would sell like hotcakes if they were available in the US. Yes, some of that stuff can be found on the internet these days but it's nothing like it is in Asia and that is all Harmony Gold's fault for fighting the US distribution of anything Macross without renaming it Robotech and getting their cut. Probably the biggest tragedy in the history of Anime in the West, that younger people probably don't even know about, is that with all the Anime now available in the US, and the massive fanbase, one of the great granddaddies of Anime, that was the tipping point for popularity in the West, will like never be seen the way it should be or with the expanded universe and shows derived from it in the US unless Harmony Gold is sued into oblivion of forced to sell it's US Distribution Right. After 40 years they haven't shown any sign that either of those things are likely to happen.
I grew up in Japan, didn’t know about Robotech until 98 when my new stepsisters told me about it after moving back to Hawaii, As I was watching it I was able to see the three anime that I knew about in Japan, Macross, Southern Cross and Mospeda in a different way. I kinda hated how bratty the made Minmay compared to her Macross character but it all went together quite well. The Macross Frontier movies are still my favorite as in story and character development with Delta being one of my favorite love story endings.
This is a great beginners' guide. I grew up on Robotech, and when I found out about Super Dimensional Fortress Macross I had to watch the original and fell more in love with it than I did with Robotech, and I love Robotech back in the day, but now I don't hold as much love for Robotech other than it being the entry into my exposure to Macross. From my experience, there isn't much change between Super Dimensional Fortress Macross and Robotech: The Macross Saga (the first 36 episodes of Robotech), mainly just name changes the main hero in Macross being Hikaur Ichijo, his name is changed to Rick Hunter in Robotech, Misa Hayase in Macross, her name is changed to Lisa Hayes in Robotech, there's several other name changes too, even some of the mechas are renamed, the transforming fighters in Macross are called Valkyries, in Robotech they're called Veritech Fighters. Where Robotech really falls apart is because they attempted to combine 3 completely unrelated anime into one series, is in Robotech: The Next Generation I remember an episode where they are supposed to be on Earth, the episode ends with them staring off into the sunset, but the sunset if a binary star system. Continuity error much? lol And Robotech: The Movie wasn't any better, it was basically just scenes from the Robotech TV series edited together with anime movie Megazone 23. Personally I'd just recommend watching Megazone 23. I haven't watched all of the Macross series, I've avoided Macross 7 because of some of the things I've heard about it, and I have seen clips that verify what I'd heard about it, the Firebomber's Valkyries being controlled by musical instruments. Yes it fits with the them of using music and love to in wars, but why not just use the neural interface that the YF-21 has in Macross Plus? The concept of having a pop band play instruments to pilot fighters/robots is seems extremely lame to me. I think Macross II: Lovers Again had a better option, though it's not considered to be canon, that is holographic musical performances projected over the battle area. Though I enjoyed Macross Frontier, I had a problem with one of the characters, Ranka Lee. I've noticed, and normally don't have a problem with it, that a lot of Japanese artists get their inspiration of the real world, one of my favorite Manga artists does this a lot, Masamune Shirow, I have one of the Intron Depot books that shows several of his illustrations, he gets a lot of inspiration from insects, he'll start with a study drawing of a bumble bee for example, and then he'll redraw it as a mecha, then he'll redraw it over and over until he comes to the version he likes and you have an awesome looking mecha/power armor initially based on a bumble bee. Ranka Lee's artist obviously did something similar with her, if you look at images of her after I say this you'll probably notice it too. Ranka Lee's hair style is clearly based on a shih tzu, the hair on the sides of her head are shih tzu's ears, and the little curl on the back of her head is a shih tzu's tail. I think mainly the reason I'm irritated by her hair style is because every shih tzu I've ever known were really stupid dogs. Every time I'd see her in Macross Frontier all I could think is, "why'd they model her hair off of one of the stupidest breeds of dog?"
Appreciate this video, sold me on trying out to the series. Been a fan of Gundam and had heard of this but hadn't delved too much into it. As a fan of Ace Combat and mecha media I think this will have appealing action that combines both of them.
Thanks for releasing this badass recomendation video for those who wanted to get into the amazing Macross series. Seriously who doesn't like transforming jets that battle aliens that aren't all evil.
2:52 should be rephrased "When a giant starship crashes down to earth ENDING the current world war." Governments were all freaked out and decided to unite together against a possible threat that they all realized could easily destroy the entire planet
I would also recommend watching Macross: Do You Remember Love. It's a movie retelling the events of the show but changing quite a lot of it up. Its soundtrack is fantastic and its animation is absolutely beautiful.
Been a Macross fan for over 23 years. Started with Robotech, but after finding the original series. I could never go back. Your video is awesome and very well done at explaining Macross and the viewing order. Thank you and keep up the great work!
I loved Macross Frontier back when it aired. First and only Macross I've seen. Never new the original SDF series was the same director as LoGH though. I'll check that out.
As far as I know, DYRL is a movie retelling of the original because it's an in-universe movie. As in, the movie you're watching exists in the world of of the main series post the end of the original. And you know how movies about historical events are, they are changed and spiced up to make it more entertaining even if it loses historical accuracy in the process. I dunno if that's the case for the other retellings, though.
Gundam - "solution to war is violence" Macross - "solution to war is love" Sort of... Macross' solution to war is love AND more violence. It's love, some love song, and LOTS of explosions
I just saw DYRL for the first time and was blown away, the atmosphere was just pure bliss. Boy is 80s anime special, can't wait to get my hands wet with SDF Macross
Thank you sooooo much for creating this video and clearing up all the confusion for me. As a huge Macross fan back in the 90s and early 2000s (when I was a kid), I loved SDF, but was so confused with all the sequels, later on. Also props on the pinned comment!! Thank you you two ♥️
0:51 you can say that again i was downright drained after finishing 0079 and zeta back to back that i had to take a long break before continuing with CCA you should check out robotech one day and make a comparison video with that and macross
I understand your point about Robotech. However, as someone that has watched both, you are wrong and right. The Macross saga of Robotech, is practically untouched. Even in dialogue. The biggest change is the changing of the meaning of Protoculture. Though today, there is really no need to watch it. Further by not watching Robotech, one can watch Macross and Genesis Climber Moespeda and not feel compelled to watch Southern Cross.
Maybe someone already said this? Shōji Kawamori was the Chief Director for Plus and is also the creator. Watanabe is my favorite anime director, so I had to double check because I don't generally credit him with Macross Plus.
Thanks for this great video. But I must say concerning Delta movie 1. It's entirely false to claim there's no new footage. It's an alternative take on the season's plot, yes, and there's a lot tweaked footage reused in mostly clever way, but there's a lot of new footage and a TON of new music. I definitely don't recommend to watch it instead of the series, but It's a great supplement if you liked the season. It would be more accurate to say that there's no new plot in this movie.
The second Macross Delta Movie 2 is pretty good I saw the Japanese release. I suggest that anyone wanting to view it has to be familiar with all of what has happened since it connects to a lot of areas. The mini movie on the Labyrinth of Time was also done well although I think it was a teaser of what could be coming but no official announcements where made. I always have liked and followed the series since I was young the translated version in English was aired on TV (I guess it was a direct purchase from Japan by passing Harmony Gold but it was short lived) where I lived in south east asia. The comment on the whole series being centered on love thru challenges is really true and probably why I keep coming back to it. Hopefully with the fiasco on licensing that Harmony Gold caused this series will finally be made more available to those who watch anime and will grow in popularity but until then I guess its the generations who where able to watch and follow it who will be the ones promoting it.
The reason why i want to get into macross is because of the music and mechs. I bought the original anime soundtrack on vinyl and even though i havent seen the anime yet, the music is beautify writen.
I've read somewhere that the movies starting from Frontier is it's own timeline and do you remember love is something like a in univers documentary about Lynne Minmei. I don't know if it's true though
The game "Macross Do You Remember Love" on PSX/Saturn have an intro of 2min15sec. This intro is the real start of "Macross Do You Remember Love" movie.
The saddest part about Macross is how it could have been massive in the West but Harmony Gold ruined all that and I say that as a Robotech fan too. Just the Macross saga of course as the other 2 series never made sense to me even before the answer was provided to me by the internet in the mid 90s
I like the way you compare the series and the extra bits as well, but im just here to ask, what about (if i remember the name) Macross FB7? I havent watched that one yet so I was wondering if there is some info about that one in this video.
i watched everything Macross at the time and for the sake of brevity, I mentioned everything A. relevant to continuity, B. popular, and C. things people might encounter and become curious about. I felt like FB7 didn't fall into any of those categories. I watched FB7 and barely remember it honestly
Best way to watch Macross, watch it chronologically it makes it easier to understand the whole lore of Macross. That is just my opinion. Unlike gundam and other mech anime from my personal experience I might be wrong but unlike other mech anime Macross lore is insanely detailed. The Macross Mecha Manual explains all the lore from Macross Zero to Frontier. All the terminologies, and technology, and mechs vehicles, plus all the feats with real numbers like thrust to weight ratio, Max G force Load. What type of engines, all the armaments, and the in lore to the creation and RND behind the vehicle. There is so much love poured into the series.
One way to distinguish Gundam from Macross is that, the former's plot moves the characters, and the latter is vice versa. There's definately detail in Gundam, with its lore, at least in the UC series, being based around the psychological effects of warfare and artificial intelligence. But then you have the cyberpunk world of VOTOMS, which is a desolate, degenerate, decaying world where bribery, gambling, prostitution, and war profiterring are commonplace. Yet, that's just my preference, and I like both along with Macross!
You left out the Macross Frontier movies… and Frontier is my favorite of the series. An actual love triangle with a clear winner. While Macross Delta wasn’t really a love triangle I still enjoyed the character development. And the music from the original and Frontier are the best imo.
When i saw Robotech i got confused in why the show as so different from each other and was a big part of my childhood especially playing the Battlecry game on Xbox back in the day. So Robotech has been a big part of my life. Its mind blowing getting into the Macross Series and seeing the Canon and Lore. Like it feels like im going into a alternative universe where my childhood self would have had there way if they just continued Robotech using the season assets. Its so wierd because it feels like im watching fan fiction but its actually Canon. Damn Harmony Gold for making a great TV show and to only find out its three completely different shows just put to together and edited to seem as if it was all one universe.
That's been done, an agreement has been reached. Also, he made a critical error in his watch order. Everything Macross, from Macross Plus to Macross Delta and in between, is based exclusively on the continuity from the film Macross: Do You Remember Love. DYRL is essentially a reboot of the franchise. The original TV series SDF Macross is a standalone story with no sequels. Macross 2 was a bad fan fiction sequel to DYRL made by a completely different studio, and thus isn't considered canon by true Macross fans and the original creators of Macross. You can skip it. Everything else, watch it, they're good, especially Dynamite 7. It has the BEST song from Fire Bomber in the entire series, "Angel Voice".
Nah illegal pirate anime websites all the way. Due to Harmoney Gold and even with the new agreement the only Macross to once again hit the big screen in the West was Macross plus. I mean a very good Macross entry but the problem with that, just like Macross Zero are more mature and war related OVA's and Movies which for a new comer that is cool but when they explore to other series especially Macross 7 and Delta it can be really difficult for them to enjoy it due to the fact it is almost a complete 180 to the war with love and music in the background to love and music being the main focus and war being somewhat a background thing.
@@TheZorch Macross 2 may have been terrible, but the VF-2SS is still a badass Valkyrie. A great action figure of it has been made by Bandai from the Hi-Metal line.
"For whatever reason"? The alternative retellings of Macross are actual retellings WITHIN the series - they are fictional media pieces within the world of Macross recreating historical events with potential exaggerations and variation of events to explore alternate themes, character motivations or simply to heighten drama. For example, showing what would happen if certain side characters did/didn't die or exploring how romances would have ended up had certain events transpired differently. They aren't necessary to understand the basic character and story, no, but if you enjoy those characters and stories they're incredibly fun, often including a boosted animation budget and new music as well as serving as a nice way to conveniently recap major events if needed (as a film is easier to watch in a day than an entire season). The only exception is Macross Δ Movie: Absolute Live!!!!!! which serves as a direct sequel and brings the Delta/Freyja story to an end. It's the only anime I've seen where the events on screen are not actual historical events nor the subjective viewpoint of a specific character, but rather a canon of fictional media retelling the general idea of history within the world that history took place in, emphasizing the themes and repetition of wars, love triangles and the power of culture and emotional connections (source; Kawamori Shoji interview 1998)
yeah, I only watched macross frontier. if I remember correctly, there was a love triangle which I didn't like HAHA. but love triangle aside, I thought it was pretty good- for being one of the first anime's me seeing at age idk... maybe 11? But now, I found out it's actually a series! so I can't wait to binge all of them xD
I convinced my partner to start watching Macross Plus with me because she likes Bryon Cranston. I tried to summarise the general concept of what makes Macross, Macross, but struggled to not harp on at length or make it sound goofy. Might just show her this instead 😅
"Just ignore Robotech", words I wish Battletech could also live by. Unfortunately, we also have to deal with the same legal entanglement if not more so than Macross fans. The recent legal news involving Harmony Gold just adds confusion, as Sony mght be putting it up behind paywalls.
Robotech is still worth the watch, then go on to enjoy Macross for what Macross is as I did. I enjoyed all of, well, not a fan of Macross 7 to be honest.
Super Dimension Fortress Macross and Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross are actually spiritually related to each other. They are both part of a trilogy of shows with Super Dimension Century Orguss sandwiched between Macross and Southern Cross. 1. Macross, 2. Orguss, and 3. Southern Cross are referred to as the "Super Dimension Trilogy."
Just wanted to ask if you ever intend to review either of the other super dimension shows. Also I learned about Macross through BattleTech, it was only after that I learned about RoboTech, so it’s interesting seeing so many people talk about RoboTech when I only know it as a dead franchise causing problems for one I like (BattleTech) and one I’m interested in getting into (Macross)
I hope macross will become a thing that will transcend time. Like I hope there will be new seasons, new stories, every decade for at least a century Until the story reaches a peaceful end.
You need to understand with the Macross theatrical releases like DYRL are actually "in universe movies" about the events of the respective series they are connected too. You see them actually filming a movie about macros Zero in Macross Frontier... This is why the films are different, they are a retelling of the story, but in a more digestible movie format Just like real movies about historical events don't actually depict they most accurate history.
I think its a huge mistake to not acknowledge that everything that came after Do You Remember Love is based on it and not the series. The original series is basically stand alone, where as DYRL formed the basis for everything that came after it, not the other way around.
i started the series with The Macross Frontier coz the animation suited my taste so far. It is okay ? when I see the picture of older Macross , it doenst attract my attention
When watching a series I prefer robotech and DYRL when a prefer a movie, at least when it comes to the macross saga of robotech since the story of that first robotech war of saga that adapted is pretty close to the original macros plot just changing the names of some stuff. Is the second and third robotech war arcs that are infact completely change from Southern cross and Mospeda but that is to blend their plots to the basis made by the macross saga or robotech. I tend to call the characters by their robotech names, but a like quite a look the macross OST and I think robotech managed to pull and almost just as good OST.
My impression from the games was that macross was about space transformer-jets pilots, who are powered by the power of idol music. And after watching this video, I'd say I wasn't far off.
It makes sense that majority of the battles are in Fighter mode, we don't want drag to slow down your mech, yes in space it doesn't have that drag problem but when in other modes you have a way bigger surface area to be hit, Which is why dogfighting in fighter mode will still be the prominent way of Macross battles. Why only have your mech stay humanoid and have a higher chance of being hit than staying in fighter mode. Unless your like Max. Which is why the combination of all 3 modes in a battle make the Variable fighters so dang powerful.
I've been looking to start Macross for ages now, but I think because I'm not into the style of music that moments that are heavily weighted by those elements will be a bit of a drag that I will have to push through. But I am very interested in every other aspect of it. Hope to satan that Funi rereleases the OG macross with the 5.1 ADV dub, cuz screw rereleasing robotech for the 50th time and no Macross
The music is just a small part. It’s impact outweighs the amount of time you’re having to watch people sing. I don’t think they’ve ever played a song to completion in a concert without it being interrupted so there’s something more interesting going on most of the time
@@bobsamurai well there is Basara who sings the same song for every episode almost all the time and for me it felt like I was listening to another Opening song. It kinda got to my nerves but I was able to watch through it all.
@@mrdriver2988 I suggest then that you watch the Macross Plus OVA where the music, albeit still a central part of the story, is placed a bit in the back burner in favor of the story of two competing test pilots who are rivals amidst the military searching for a new successor to the old Valkyrie fighters.
Although you claim that Robotech would undermine Macross, I've watched both and the storyline between super dimension fortress and Robotech remain almost unchanged. Later Macross sequels could even make perfect sense as robotech sequels, as the "megaroad" is essentially the same as the SDF3 in the unfinished Robotech storyline
No! No! What are you doing!? Macross DYRL is required viewing. It sets up a new continuity which is the setting for everything Macross starting with Macross Plus and ending with Macross Delta. Macross Zero is the prequel to DYRL. Macross 2 is a bastard child created by a completely different studio, and isn't considered official canon by the Macross creators. Also, there's been an agreement reached in the Macross Licensing debacle. Macross can finally come to the US.
They both do, but the series tells the story better. DYRL is good, but if we’re talking about the mainline continuity, there can be room for only one entry that tells that portion of the story.
I watched the original series 5 years ago, and I needed to rewatch it. it just depends on how much you remember. I forgot about the micloning process, which was an important feature
I'd argue the DYRL version of the first series is canon. The reason why is that the SDF-1 in DYRL with the space platforms attached vs the sea based carriers are seen on the "arms" of the ship in all depictions after. Also, Exedol in Macross 7 looks more similar to the DYRL version of his character.
I agree that Macross DYRL is cannon, but not because it is an accurate depiction of the events of the first Macross series, but that it is instead the version of the ‘truth’ that is propagated to masses after the fact. Basically, we are watching a future movie that is historically retelling the Macross saga. I think it is safe to say, we have all seen historical movies and have remarked silently or out loud, “that’s not exactly how/why it happened”.
Can you tell me why some people hate Macross? I heard it's due to it copying scenes from other mecha anime and I'm not sure if that's true or Not. Regardless I will still give it a chance, but When giving it credibility I'm not sure how much of it I can give.
I’ve never heard anything about that. I’ve seen a decent amount of mech and I never thought it copied anything. Some people also just hate mech for being mech
I think the main reason for most people is the sining and love stories Maybe mostly singing. Unless you are able to enjoy or at least understand why there is even singing in the first place then for the most mecha fans will be turned off by this. Which is why watching it chronologically is the best way to understand why there is even singing in the first place. (I started from Macross plus but I am totally fine with the music because after seeing how cool these transforming jets where I was invested to the whole lore and story) In simple terms somewhere along the timeline of Macross people discover that singing has more Quantum effects and there needs to be a certain criteria for music/sining to give of these effects, but there is one main criteria that has to be met for this to happen a certain crystal found in different living beings and planets must be mine or extracted which most of the technology in Macross actually uses from the ancient galactic race to humans due to their reverse engineering, the technology uses type of material/crystal, the second way is by the biological beings themselves might have them it can vary from race to race some only having a few while others the whole race has it. Macross is very different from most mech anime and shows which can put off a lot of mecha watchers.
@@mrdriver2988 I will have to do more research on it myself. I can't just go on peoples words I must dive into the mech fandom and see things for myself. Thanks for the comment though, I appreciate it.
@@theanimelogician3588 I just had to explain a bit why there is singing in space. Because I know a lot of people will be like why and how can they sing in space this is stupid.
That is not technically true. You CAN watch the original series of Robotech in English up until the episode "to tne stars" (final episode) and still have that be Macross, because it is, technically the same as all other english dubbed anime and it dkes tell the origin in full of the beginning of Macross for those who don't like subtitles.
ok so the first anime I ever watched was robotech my dad had a VHS of the first episode I watched it so much the tape broke I think I was 7 when I saw the whole show air and I was hooked it had a huge place in my heart then when I was like 14 or 15 I was at a sam goodie or something and saw a VHS that just said macross on it and I remembered the island was called macross from the show they also had a macross plus movie as well I bought both and watched them so much then toonami aired robotech the macross saga and I recorded it all then ADV made DVD and I bought the collector sets I don't know why I waited so long to look up macross I was hoping they would get an official US release but I've waited long enough I'm laid up in bed with a screwed up knee with nothing to do so ya thanks for the list I'm going to try to put it to good use
This is an awesome review of Robotech and Macross. Nice job! At 2:50 though, should be rephrased from "When a mysterious starship crashes down to Earth sparking the Final World War. " to "When a mysterious starship crashes down to Earth Ending the Final World War. "
Interestingly:
In 1984 Robotech ends with Rick Hunter (Hikaru Ichijo) disappearing in deep space on the SDF-3 (Fate uknown)
In 1987 Macross: Flash Back 2012 Hikaru Ichijo is on the SDF-2 Megaroad and disappears in deep space. (Fate Unkown)
Also,
Robotech changes Macross from a philosophical war to one of fuel and resources.
While maybe not as "deep" I do enjoy the grounded realism of Robotech's three generational war between four alien species over a limited fuel supply.
That's interesting. Have you seen Southern Cross or MOSPEDA to compare also?
@@bobsamurai Bit's, back when my dad bought them subbed on VHS back in the early 90s.
Macross is nearly left untouched. Basically being a direct dub with only some name changes.
Biggest is Protoculture is a Cold Fusion Fuel source every one needs and wants. It becomes the Spice from Dune if you get that reference.
Funny for a long time Macross was held up to a standard of NOT being Americanized (For the 80s) and left uncensored/unedited for the most part compared most Anime of the time.
It's the other two that were changed to be adapted into Macross.
MOSPEDA isn't changed all that much, Stick is changed to Scott, Ivib is Invid etc but it's probably 85% the same.
Flower of life is a fungus that grows on Protoculture making it useless to Humans, Zentrati, and Robotech Masters but the Invid is able to eat and live on it.
Southern Cross is completely overhauled to fit Macross, being a canceled flop in Japan and a lot of people think it's superior in Robotech but it's still the weakest of the three.
Example is Jeanne Françaix is Max (Maximilian Jenius) and Miryia (Milia Fallyna Jenius) daughter Dana Sterling.
Robotech's strength is changing Macross (At the time) from a single show into a multi generation Space Opera over several wars that each feel different and distinct.
The hatred today is directed at the Product of Robotech but really Robotech is an alternate take (like others) of Macross.
I think the true issue is Harmony Gold and it's business practices that has lead to the backlash of the product.
Finally at the time Robotech was made it was originally being dubbed a 100% accurate adaptation of just Macross.
They even did three episodes before being told it wasn't long enough and it could not be put on TV.
Harmony Gold already paid for the rights and this is 1983 in the US, there is no Home Market for VHS Anime yet.
Carl Macek was given I think 6 weeks to create a solution so he got Mospeda and Southern Cross, rewrote the scripts, cast the series, dubbed it, scored it, and got it on TV.
Robotech was created by necessity in an era when people were shot by stun lasers in cartoons and always had parachutes and they didn't show death on "Adult" TV and Robotech kept it all.
Robotech is really triumph against adversity of the time and I feel the end result is distinctive.
Also the Japanese were so excited to even get Anime into the US they wrote the original contract at a dinner party on a napkin.
There is a belief (to what extent I don't know) is if there was no Robotech in 1984 on TV there is no Anime fandom in the US.
There was already Anime here but it was edited into Thundercats and GI Joe style stand alone programming.
What made Japanese Animation Anime was edited out, it was Robotech that left it in.
@@gungriffen woah thats interesting. thanks for taking the time to write this. I pinned your comment so others can see. It kinda makes sense now since their initial intentions were to properly adapt it.
@@bobsamurai There is also an OVA made specifically for Robotech called Robotech II The Sentinels.
Unfortunately it was in production when Japan had it's early 90s economic collapse and it was released unfinished.
It does bridge the gap between the First and Second Robotech War but that's it.
Originally it was about Rick and Lisa and SDF-3 fleet fighting the Invid King on a distant planet.
It was eventually turned into a novel series.
If your wondering how they were adapted together,
Macross is unchanged mostly.
Southern Cross is about an Alien Invasion of Earth.
It's dragged out because the Army of the Southern Cross is short handed as the SDF-3 Fleet (REF/Robotech Expeditionary Force) takes a majority of the military personnel and equipment.
The REF left with the Zentrati to fight the Robotech Masters.
On the way to Tirol the Masters home planet they find the Invid has defeated and occupied planet.
As the REF uses Protoculture (The Invid eats the stuff) they get into a war with the Invid.
Back on Earth The Army of the Southern Cross is undermanned and are mass producing crap for defense.
This is to explain why the Veritechs (Variable Technology) is inferior to the Macross era.
Veritechs is any Transformable Mecha.
The VF's of Macross are Veritech Fighters but that line of Aircraft are still called Valkyries.
I.E. Roys fighter is a (Veritech Fighter) VF-1S Valkyrie.
In MOSPEDA they use a VFA-6 Legioss (Veritech Fighter Alpha - 6 Legioss)
The Masters who had to flee Tirol arrive at earth to take the remaining Protoculture.
Issue is the Southern Cross is undermanned and the Masters while Superior numbers and equipment are low on Fuel.
This is why they kinda probe and pull back.
Neither side can go all out because a single defeat could be the end of the war so it kinda becomes a Cold War with small amounts of conflict here and there.
MOSPEDA is about the occupation of Earth.
While the REF is fighting the Ivid King on Tirol the Invid Queen invades earth.
Upon arrival the Invid is easily able to wipe out the Army of the Southern Cross and the Robotech Masters.
The REF sends a detachment to Earth to try and buy time till the REF can defeat the Invid King and return to liberate the planet.
Scott (Stick) is part of the Mars division sent under orders of Rick Hunter.
The Mars Division is wiped out and Scott begins guerilla warfare against the Invid Occupation until the REF returns at the end to Liberate the planet.
The series ends with the Fleet jumping back to Earth but the SDF-3 doesn't return and Scott boards his Veritech to link up in orbit with the REF and go look for the ship.
Finally there was another Robotech Film using Megazone 23 but Carl Macek adapted it to take place right after the the SDF-1 Folded to Pluto and the Earth Government hid that fact.
Unfortunately after it was done Cannon Films reedited it for realease splicing it with Southern Cross footage and made it a jumbled inconsistent mess and Carl Macek said don't count that one as no one was really in control of it's production.
That's why the Sentinels is called Robotech II
@@bobsamurai I've watched all of Macross and some of MOSPEADA. Macross remained the closest to intact, which makes the deviations the most frustrating.
The people who made Southern Cross where apparently surprised the US turned it into something people wanted to watch.
We need Macross more than ever right now ❤
August 2024, NYC.
I just went to a screening of Macross Plus and there was a Q&A with Shoji Kawamori. I enjoyed that film and now I'm doing research on where to start in the Macross universe. This video really helped.
I love how you manage to accurately explain what makes Macross within the few 1-2 minutes.
This is a fantastic summary that also does a good job of differentiating this series from “Gundam”, but I would offer a polite & friendly counterpoint to your claim that “Gundam” is about meeting violence with more violence:
That *can* be the case with some Gundam protags & series, but I’d say that more than that, the overarching theme of most entries in the franchise is “lasting peace through mutual understanding”.
The Universal Century’s Newtypes are basically superpowered über-empaths. Amuro Rey, the original protagonist of the Gundam franchise, never wanted to fight - and certainly never wanted to kill *anyone*. He only ever wanted to protect his home and his loved ones. His storyline culminates years later during thefinale of Char’s Counterattack, where his longtime rival Char Aznable has decided to drop a meteor onto the earth. Amuro is able to convince all of the mobile suits actively engaged in combat, on both sides of the conflict, to cease fire & prevent this asteroid from hitting earth.
Both franchises, Gundam & Macross, have an ideal about people trying to understand one another & thereby eliminating conflict, that I greatly admire.
Thank you for this video! Macross is my absolute favorite anime franchise and I think it's greatly underrated in these parts of the world.
I have been a Macross fan for quite along time. Of course it all started with Robotech but after seeing the original there was no going back. I enjoyed your overview of the franchise. I always like seeing what others have to say about one of my favorite anime series.
Robotech is better.
@@caballerosalas sacrilege! 😂
Robotech is a watered down mess of a show whith two of its main characters having completely different personalities from the original (Rick Hunter and Minmay). I will admit it took some creative writing to meld three disparate anime series into one single narrative but Robotech doesn't hold a candle to its original counterparts.
Coming by late as a big gundam fan to say thank you for giving me a good jumping point into watching this series. I've always been intrigued by Macross/Robotech, I saw some episodes when I was a kid but never bothered to really get into it, and getting the tabletop game for it finally convinced me to watch the series to know what's going on.
Never knew there was a tabletop game, sounds awesome. Enjoy Macross!
Yeah Robotech (1985) is the red-headed stepchild of the Macross franchises. Carl Macek was a visionary genius when he worked his ass off to adapt the Macross story and bring it to American audiences as well as incorporating three separate anime franchises into Robotech's 85-episode story.
Unfortunately, Robotech has been neglected. Robotech II: The Sentinels (1988) was a pilot episode that never got off the ground after Robotech's 85-episode run ended and Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles (2006) was supposed to shed some light on the plot parts that were in limbo but left people with more questions than before (and nothing has been released since then).
But the good news is that Harmony Gold (owner of Robotech) and Tatsunoko/Big West (owners of Macross) have reached a legal agreement after years of court battles to finally be able to move forward with new projects so we might finally see a live action Robotech movie within the next few years (about damn time!).
Waiting for _Macross_ to be widely available. "I haven't seen Robotech." Yeah, you look too young. Trust me, those of us who saw it when it first came out thought it was amazing. And They DID make a coherent story out of 3 separate series. And the books help really flesh out the universe. Now if only they had finished _The Sentinals._
They did finish The Sentinals in novel form, a complete story ending with the stand alone one that was my fave, End of the Circle.
I tell people that the Macross arc of Robotech hits just about all of the story beats of SDF Macross … but the two cannot be fairly compared as too many of the finer points had to be edited to at least some degree for BS&P reasons and it takes some of the edge off of a few important events. I loved Robotech (I am old enough), and I will always have a place for it in my heart. But SDF Macross has a deeper story. The same one, sure, but the two are best enjoyed for what they are rather than lamenting that Robotech's Macross arc is something it never could've been.
The SDF Macross is said to have been "Zor's battle fortress", the Zor in Southern Cross are called "Robotech Masters" and Seifriet is "Zor Prime", an alien who is brainwashed but recovers his memory and voluntarily chooses to side with the Southern Cross rather than a human who is programmed/de-programmed, and the ending is changed for the Robotech Masters to fear that protoculture (reintroduced and somewhat redefined weirdly from Macross) will attract the Invid. Which of course it does.
In other words, although the changes seem like they have to be large … the changes are basically "it's the same except that…" with some bridge exposition for how Southern Cross follows Macross, and a slight modification to the end of Southern Cross to lead into minor changes to Mospeada.
The only reason Macross lovers actually hate Robotech is that Harmony Gold has been using their stranglehold on anything remotely connected to the Robotech franchise or its source material resulting in them pissing off fans of other things and keeping us from having access to unfiltered Macross for so long.
@@knghtbrd Well said, especially the part explaining how Harmony Gold being just terrible. I'm gad we have Robotech because of them but this has gotten ridiculous. I literally had to go all the way to Singapore, on unrelated work, to find all kinds of Macross toys/collectables that would sell like hotcakes if they were available in the US. Yes, some of that stuff can be found on the internet these days but it's nothing like it is in Asia and that is all Harmony Gold's fault for fighting the US distribution of anything Macross without renaming it Robotech and getting their cut.
Probably the biggest tragedy in the history of Anime in the West, that younger people probably don't even know about, is that with all the Anime now available in the US, and the massive fanbase, one of the great granddaddies of Anime, that was the tipping point for popularity in the West, will like never be seen the way it should be or with the expanded universe and shows derived from it in the US unless Harmony Gold is sued into oblivion of forced to sell it's US Distribution Right. After 40 years they haven't shown any sign that either of those things are likely to happen.
I grew up in Japan, didn’t know about Robotech until 98 when my new stepsisters told me about it after moving back to Hawaii, As I was watching it I was able to see the three anime that I knew about in Japan, Macross, Southern Cross and Mospeda in a different way. I kinda hated how bratty the made Minmay compared to her Macross character but it all went together quite well. The Macross Frontier movies are still my favorite as in story and character development with Delta being one of my favorite love story endings.
this is literally what is going on in the world right now crazy. Great content man!
This is a great beginners' guide.
I grew up on Robotech, and when I found out about Super Dimensional Fortress Macross I had to watch the original and fell more in love with it than I did with Robotech, and I love Robotech back in the day, but now I don't hold as much love for Robotech other than it being the entry into my exposure to Macross. From my experience, there isn't much change between Super Dimensional Fortress Macross and Robotech: The Macross Saga (the first 36 episodes of Robotech), mainly just name changes the main hero in Macross being Hikaur Ichijo, his name is changed to Rick Hunter in Robotech, Misa Hayase in Macross, her name is changed to Lisa Hayes in Robotech, there's several other name changes too, even some of the mechas are renamed, the transforming fighters in Macross are called Valkyries, in Robotech they're called Veritech Fighters.
Where Robotech really falls apart is because they attempted to combine 3 completely unrelated anime into one series, is in Robotech: The Next Generation I remember an episode where they are supposed to be on Earth, the episode ends with them staring off into the sunset, but the sunset if a binary star system. Continuity error much? lol
And Robotech: The Movie wasn't any better, it was basically just scenes from the Robotech TV series edited together with anime movie Megazone 23. Personally I'd just recommend watching Megazone 23.
I haven't watched all of the Macross series, I've avoided Macross 7 because of some of the things I've heard about it, and I have seen clips that verify what I'd heard about it, the Firebomber's Valkyries being controlled by musical instruments. Yes it fits with the them of using music and love to in wars, but why not just use the neural interface that the YF-21 has in Macross Plus? The concept of having a pop band play instruments to pilot fighters/robots is seems extremely lame to me. I think Macross II: Lovers Again had a better option, though it's not considered to be canon, that is holographic musical performances projected over the battle area.
Though I enjoyed Macross Frontier, I had a problem with one of the characters, Ranka Lee. I've noticed, and normally don't have a problem with it, that a lot of Japanese artists get their inspiration of the real world, one of my favorite Manga artists does this a lot, Masamune Shirow, I have one of the Intron Depot books that shows several of his illustrations, he gets a lot of inspiration from insects, he'll start with a study drawing of a bumble bee for example, and then he'll redraw it as a mecha, then he'll redraw it over and over until he comes to the version he likes and you have an awesome looking mecha/power armor initially based on a bumble bee. Ranka Lee's artist obviously did something similar with her, if you look at images of her after I say this you'll probably notice it too. Ranka Lee's hair style is clearly based on a shih tzu, the hair on the sides of her head are shih tzu's ears, and the little curl on the back of her head is a shih tzu's tail. I think mainly the reason I'm irritated by her hair style is because every shih tzu I've ever known were really stupid dogs. Every time I'd see her in Macross Frontier all I could think is, "why'd they model her hair off of one of the stupidest breeds of dog?"
Appreciate this video, sold me on trying out to the series. Been a fan of Gundam and had heard of this but hadn't delved too much into it. As a fan of Ace Combat and mecha media I think this will have appealing action that combines both of them.
Thanks for releasing this badass recomendation video for those who wanted to get into the amazing Macross series. Seriously who doesn't like transforming jets that battle aliens that aren't all evil.
I hope it’s helpful. A lot of people are cynical about mecha. They just haven’t seen the right shows
2:52 should be rephrased "When a giant starship crashes down to earth ENDING the current world war." Governments were all freaked out and decided to unite together against a possible threat that they all realized could easily destroy the entire planet
I would also recommend watching Macross: Do You Remember Love. It's a movie retelling the events of the show but changing quite a lot of it up. Its soundtrack is fantastic and its animation is absolutely beautiful.
I saw Disney+ got all this Macross and wanted to know what it was and what order to watch it in. This helped a ton.
Been a Macross fan for over 23 years. Started with Robotech, but after finding the original series. I could never go back. Your video is awesome and very well done at explaining Macross and the viewing order. Thank you and keep up the great work!
Thanks!
I loved Macross Frontier back when it aired. First and only Macross I've seen. Never new the original SDF series was the same director as LoGH though. I'll check that out.
As far as I know, DYRL is a movie retelling of the original because it's an in-universe movie. As in, the movie you're watching exists in the world of of the main series post the end of the original. And you know how movies about historical events are, they are changed and spiced up to make it more entertaining even if it loses historical accuracy in the process.
I dunno if that's the case for the other retellings, though.
This helps. It's been a while since I've started a long running anime franchise.
Great video! But I still don’t know where to watch the entire series. I only found SDF macross on RUclips.
Gotta consult google on that one since region plays a big part
Gundam - "solution to war is violence"
Macross - "solution to war is love"
Sort of...
Macross' solution to war is love AND more violence.
It's love, some love song, and LOTS of explosions
dude you make the best anime review of youtube
Thanks!
I just saw DYRL for the first time and was blown away, the atmosphere was just pure bliss. Boy is 80s anime special, can't wait to get my hands wet with SDF Macross
Great narration, man.
DYRL is absolute must- if you watch Robotech as its own thing it is ok- parts 2 and 3 are a little hard to get through 😆
I'll give the rest of the series a look, sucks that I have to watch most of them subbed but I will deal with it.
Thank you sooooo much for creating this video and clearing up all the confusion for me. As a huge Macross fan back in the 90s and early 2000s (when I was a kid), I loved SDF, but was so confused with all the sequels, later on. Also props on the pinned comment!! Thank you you two ♥️
Glad to hear! Enjoy :)
Damn thanks bob you sold me on this show. Will definitely check it out
Enjoy!
0:51 you can say that again i was downright drained after finishing 0079 and zeta back to back that i had to take a long break before continuing with CCA you should check out robotech one day and make a comparison video with that and macross
thanks for your sharing this information
This content is truth!!!
I understand your point about Robotech. However, as someone that has watched both, you are wrong and right.
The Macross saga of Robotech, is practically untouched. Even in dialogue. The biggest change is the changing of the meaning of Protoculture.
Though today, there is really no need to watch it. Further by not watching Robotech, one can watch Macross and Genesis Climber Moespeda and not feel compelled to watch Southern Cross.
Excellent!! Excellent!! Excellent !!!
Maybe someone already said this? Shōji Kawamori was the Chief Director for Plus and is also the creator. Watanabe is my favorite anime director, so I had to double check because I don't generally credit him with Macross Plus.
Where can I watch all these? I can't seem to find them.
Thanks for that watch order chart, it's super useful👍
Thanks for this great video.
But I must say concerning Delta movie 1. It's entirely false to claim there's no new footage.
It's an alternative take on the season's plot, yes, and there's a lot tweaked footage reused in mostly clever way, but there's a lot of new footage and a TON of new music. I definitely don't recommend to watch it instead of the series, but It's a great supplement if you liked the season. It would be more accurate to say that there's no new plot in this movie.
This is a great synopsis!! Where would you put "The Shadow Chronicles" in the watch order, please?
I love the F-14 and Macross
The second Macross Delta Movie 2 is pretty good I saw the Japanese release. I suggest that anyone wanting to view it has to be familiar with all of what has happened since it connects to a lot of areas. The mini movie on the Labyrinth of Time was also done well although I think it was a teaser of what could be coming but no official announcements where made. I always have liked and followed the series since I was young the translated version in English was aired on TV (I guess it was a direct purchase from Japan by passing Harmony Gold but it was short lived) where I lived in south east asia. The comment on the whole series being centered on love thru challenges is really true and probably why I keep coming back to it. Hopefully with the fiasco on licensing that Harmony Gold caused this series will finally be made more available to those who watch anime and will grow in popularity but until then I guess its the generations who where able to watch and follow it who will be the ones promoting it.
The reason why i want to get into macross is because of the music and mechs.
I bought the original anime soundtrack on vinyl and even though i havent seen the anime yet, the music is beautify writen.
Thank you for another great video Bob!!!
I've read somewhere that the movies starting from Frontier is it's own timeline and do you remember love is something like a in univers documentary about Lynne Minmei. I don't know if it's true though
The game "Macross Do You Remember Love" on PSX/Saturn have an intro of 2min15sec.
This intro is the real start of "Macross Do You Remember Love" movie.
Thanks, this video help me a lot
The saddest part about Macross is how it could have been massive in the West but Harmony Gold ruined all that and I say that as a Robotech fan too. Just the Macross saga of course as the other 2 series never made sense to me even before the answer was provided to me by the internet in the mid 90s
I like the way you compare the series and the extra bits as well, but im just here to ask, what about (if i remember the name) Macross FB7? I havent watched that one yet so I was wondering if there is some info about that one in this video.
i watched everything Macross at the time and for the sake of brevity, I mentioned everything A. relevant to continuity, B. popular, and C. things people might encounter and become curious about. I felt like FB7 didn't fall into any of those categories. I watched FB7 and barely remember it honestly
Thank you, for the video.
Can I get a list of the names of the individual ADV volumes?
Best way to watch Macross, watch it chronologically it makes it easier to understand the whole lore of Macross. That is just my opinion.
Unlike gundam and other mech anime from my personal experience I might be wrong but unlike other mech anime Macross lore is insanely detailed. The Macross Mecha Manual explains all the lore from Macross Zero to Frontier. All the terminologies, and technology, and mechs vehicles, plus all the feats with real numbers like thrust to weight ratio, Max G force Load. What type of engines, all the armaments, and the in lore to the creation and RND behind the vehicle. There is so much love poured into the series.
My order is also chronological, just saves time by separating what’s optional, especially considering how macross 2 was removed from the canon
One way to distinguish Gundam from Macross is that, the former's plot moves the characters, and the latter is vice versa. There's definately detail in Gundam, with its lore, at least in the UC series, being based around the psychological effects of warfare and artificial intelligence. But then you have the cyberpunk world of VOTOMS, which is a desolate, degenerate, decaying world where bribery, gambling, prostitution, and war profiterring are commonplace. Yet, that's just my preference, and I like both along with Macross!
You left out the Macross Frontier movies… and Frontier is my favorite of the series. An actual love triangle with a clear winner. While Macross Delta wasn’t really a love triangle I still enjoyed the character development. And the music from the original and Frontier are the best imo.
When i saw Robotech i got confused in why the show as so different from each other and was a big part of my childhood especially playing the Battlecry game on Xbox back in the day. So Robotech has been a big part of my life. Its mind blowing getting into the Macross Series and seeing the Canon and Lore. Like it feels like im going into a alternative universe where my childhood self would have had there way if they just continued Robotech using the season assets. Its so wierd because it feels like im watching fan fiction but its actually Canon. Damn Harmony Gold for making a great TV show and to only find out its three completely different shows just put to together and edited to seem as if it was all one universe.
now you have hte opportunity to experience the true story! enjoy!
Was playing macross triangle frontier it's only in Japanese and I've only seen robotech good looks w the watch order list
I didn't like 7 at all and skipped whole thing after couple of episodes but still got the references here and there in delta and frontier.
7 is pretty important and gets better
I think I'll check out the Macross series but only when they can fix the licensing issues and releases BluRays of the series in the US.
That's been done, an agreement has been reached. Also, he made a critical error in his watch order. Everything Macross, from Macross Plus to Macross Delta and in between, is based exclusively on the continuity from the film Macross: Do You Remember Love. DYRL is essentially a reboot of the franchise. The original TV series SDF Macross is a standalone story with no sequels. Macross 2 was a bad fan fiction sequel to DYRL made by a completely different studio, and thus isn't considered canon by true Macross fans and the original creators of Macross. You can skip it. Everything else, watch it, they're good, especially Dynamite 7. It has the BEST song from Fire Bomber in the entire series, "Angel Voice".
Nah illegal pirate anime websites all the way. Due to Harmoney Gold and even with the new agreement the only Macross to once again hit the big screen in the West was Macross plus.
I mean a very good Macross entry but the problem with that, just like Macross Zero are more mature and war related OVA's and Movies which for a new comer that is cool but when they explore to other series especially Macross 7 and Delta it can be really difficult for them to enjoy it due to the fact it is almost a complete 180 to the war with love and music in the background to love and music being the main focus and war being somewhat a background thing.
@@TheZorch Macross 2 may have been terrible, but the VF-2SS is still a badass Valkyrie. A great action figure of it has been made by Bandai from the Hi-Metal line.
"For whatever reason"? The alternative retellings of Macross are actual retellings WITHIN the series - they are fictional media pieces within the world of Macross recreating historical events with potential exaggerations and variation of events to explore alternate themes, character motivations or simply to heighten drama. For example, showing what would happen if certain side characters did/didn't die or exploring how romances would have ended up had certain events transpired differently. They aren't necessary to understand the basic character and story, no, but if you enjoy those characters and stories they're incredibly fun, often including a boosted animation budget and new music as well as serving as a nice way to conveniently recap major events if needed (as a film is easier to watch in a day than an entire season). The only exception is Macross Δ Movie: Absolute Live!!!!!! which serves as a direct sequel and brings the Delta/Freyja story to an end. It's the only anime I've seen where the events on screen are not actual historical events nor the subjective viewpoint of a specific character, but rather a canon of fictional media retelling the general idea of history within the world that history took place in, emphasizing the themes and repetition of wars, love triangles and the power of culture and emotional connections (source; Kawamori Shoji interview 1998)
Why did the original macross logo no longer appear in other series?
yeah, I only watched macross frontier. if I remember correctly, there was a love triangle which I didn't like HAHA. but love triangle aside, I thought it was pretty good- for being one of the first anime's me seeing at age idk... maybe 11? But now, I found out it's actually a series! so I can't wait to binge all of them xD
Can you do a review on Seinfeld and Fraiser?
I convinced my partner to start watching Macross Plus with me because she likes Bryon Cranston. I tried to summarise the general concept of what makes Macross, Macross, but struggled to not harp on at length or make it sound goofy.
Might just show her this instead 😅
Imagine a War of Worlds ending due to singing. You get Marcross.
reminded me of Close Encounters ending
Delta movie 1 got new scene at end
"Just ignore Robotech", words I wish Battletech could also live by. Unfortunately, we also have to deal with the same legal entanglement if not more so than Macross fans. The recent legal news involving Harmony Gold just adds confusion, as Sony mght be putting it up behind paywalls.
Man, I was just getting into Robotech and found out it used one of the Macross shows.
But then your video came out lol.
saved you just in time lol
Robotech is still worth the watch, then go on to enjoy Macross for what Macross is as I did. I enjoyed all of, well, not a fan of Macross 7 to be honest.
Where can I watch them in order?
Super Dimension Fortress Macross and Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross are actually spiritually related to each other. They are both part of a trilogy of shows with Super Dimension Century Orguss sandwiched between Macross and Southern Cross. 1. Macross, 2. Orguss, and 3. Southern Cross are referred to as the "Super Dimension Trilogy."
Just wanted to ask if you ever intend to review either of the other super dimension shows.
Also I learned about Macross through BattleTech, it was only after that I learned about RoboTech, so it’s interesting seeing so many people talk about RoboTech when I only know it as a dead franchise causing problems for one I like (BattleTech) and one I’m interested in getting into (Macross)
i'll get around to them eventually since I'm doing anime in order
Well, thanks for that. For the longest time Macros was 'Those Guys who are the reason Battletech had to redesign a bunch of their mechs'
DS9 was awesome!
I personally wanna watch Macross Frontier and Macross Delta, because studio Satelight very good animation like Symphogear.
I hope macross will become a thing that will transcend time. Like I hope there will be new seasons, new stories, every decade for at least a century Until the story reaches a peaceful end.
You need to understand with the Macross theatrical releases like DYRL are actually "in universe movies" about the events of the respective series they are connected too. You see them actually filming a movie about macros Zero in Macross Frontier...
This is why the films are different, they are a retelling of the story, but in a more digestible movie format
Just like real movies about historical events don't actually depict they most accurate history.
Shorter guide: only SDF exists, Macross ended in DYRL
I think its a huge mistake to not acknowledge that everything that came after Do You Remember Love is based on it and not the series. The original series is basically stand alone, where as DYRL formed the basis for everything that came after it, not the other way around.
Exactly what I was thinking too. I noticed that the OG series is overrided by DYRL, where all Macross after is based on the movie
i started the series with The Macross Frontier coz the animation suited my taste so far. It is okay ? when I see the picture of older Macross , it doenst attract my attention
When watching a series I prefer robotech and DYRL when a prefer a movie, at least when it comes to the macross saga of robotech since the story of that first robotech war of saga that adapted is pretty close to the original macros plot just changing the names of some stuff. Is the second and third robotech war arcs that are infact completely change from Southern cross and Mospeda but that is to blend their plots to the basis made by the macross saga or robotech. I tend to call the characters by their robotech names, but a like quite a look the macross OST and I think robotech managed to pull and almost just as good OST.
My impression from the games was that macross was about space transformer-jets pilots, who are powered by the power of idol music. And after watching this video, I'd say I wasn't far off.
i have to say, i hope you didn’t miss macross frontier movie 2 in theaters yesterday, because that movie was killer
It makes sense that majority of the battles are in Fighter mode, we don't want drag to slow down your mech, yes in space it doesn't have that drag problem but when in other modes you have a way bigger surface area to be hit,
Which is why dogfighting in fighter mode will still be the prominent way of Macross battles. Why only have your mech stay humanoid and have a higher chance of being hit than staying in fighter mode. Unless your like Max.
Which is why the combination of all 3 modes in a battle make the Variable fighters so dang powerful.
Which one is the one with the pink hair girl dancing to Earth wind and fire's September.
Macross Delta
imo macross frontier is a 10/10 tied with the original.
I've been looking to start Macross for ages now, but I think because I'm not into the style of music that moments that are heavily weighted by those elements will be a bit of a drag that I will have to push through. But I am very interested in every other aspect of it.
Hope to satan that Funi rereleases the OG macross with the 5.1 ADV dub, cuz screw rereleasing robotech for the 50th time and no Macross
The music is just a small part. It’s impact outweighs the amount of time you’re having to watch people sing. I don’t think they’ve ever played a song to completion in a concert without it being interrupted so there’s something more interesting going on most of the time
@@bobsamurai Good to know, thanks!
@@bobsamurai well there is Basara who sings the same song for every episode almost all the time and for me it felt like I was listening to another Opening song. It kinda got to my nerves but I was able to watch through it all.
@@mrdriver2988 I suggest then that you watch the Macross Plus OVA where the music, albeit still a central part of the story, is placed a bit in the back burner in favor of the story of two competing test pilots who are rivals amidst the military searching for a new successor to the old Valkyrie fighters.
@@Duomaxwell02M I watched almost every Macross so yes.
Although you claim that Robotech would undermine Macross, I've watched both and the storyline between super dimension fortress and Robotech remain almost unchanged. Later Macross sequels could even make perfect sense as robotech sequels, as the "megaroad" is essentially the same as the SDF3 in the unfinished Robotech storyline
Robotechs different definition of protoculture undermines the lore of the entire macross universe
No! No! What are you doing!? Macross DYRL is required viewing. It sets up a new continuity which is the setting for everything Macross starting with Macross Plus and ending with Macross Delta. Macross Zero is the prequel to DYRL. Macross 2 is a bastard child created by a completely different studio, and isn't considered official canon by the Macross creators. Also, there's been an agreement reached in the Macross Licensing debacle. Macross can finally come to the US.
They both do, but the series tells the story better. DYRL is good, but if we’re talking about the mainline continuity, there can be room for only one entry that tells that portion of the story.
As someone who watched SDF Macross such a long time ago that I remember little of it, should I just rewatch it entirely, or continue down the list?
I watched the original series 5 years ago, and I needed to rewatch it. it just depends on how much you remember. I forgot about the micloning process, which was an important feature
@@bobsamurai Ok then, rewatching it is. Thanks Bob.
@@yuu-kun3461 enjoy!
Did you review Macross Plus because I don't see it.
Yep! Macross Plus - Spectacular Animation - Spoiler Free Anime Review 272
ruclips.net/video/hdyKFDtsHSE/видео.html
@@bobsamurai thank you. I'll watch it later.
I'd argue the DYRL version of the first series is canon. The reason why is that the SDF-1 in DYRL with the space platforms attached vs the sea based carriers are seen on the "arms" of the ship in all depictions after. Also, Exedol in Macross 7 looks more similar to the DYRL version of his character.
I agree that Macross DYRL is cannon, but not because it is an accurate depiction of the events of the first Macross series, but that it is instead the version of the ‘truth’ that is propagated to masses after the fact. Basically, we are watching a future movie that is historically retelling the Macross saga.
I think it is safe to say, we have all seen historical movies and have remarked silently or out loud, “that’s not exactly how/why it happened”.
I prefer SDF Macross and also Macross 7
Can you tell me why some people hate Macross? I heard it's due to it copying scenes from other mecha anime and I'm not sure if that's true or Not. Regardless I will still give it a chance, but When giving it credibility I'm not sure how much of it I can give.
Also diggin the new look, looks nice 👍
I’ve never heard anything about that. I’ve seen a decent amount of mech and I never thought it copied anything. Some people also just hate mech for being mech
I think the main reason for most people is the sining and love stories Maybe mostly singing. Unless you are able to enjoy or at least understand why there is even singing in the first place then for the most mecha fans will be turned off by this. Which is why watching it chronologically is the best way to understand why there is even singing in the first place. (I started from Macross plus but I am totally fine with the music because after seeing how cool these transforming jets where I was invested to the whole lore and story)
In simple terms somewhere along the timeline of Macross people discover that singing has more Quantum effects and there needs to be a certain criteria for music/sining to give of these effects, but there is one main criteria that has to be met for this to happen a certain crystal found in different living beings and planets must be mine or extracted which most of the technology in Macross actually uses from the ancient galactic race to humans due to their reverse engineering, the technology uses type of material/crystal, the second way is by the biological beings themselves might have them it can vary from race to race some only having a few while others the whole race has it.
Macross is very different from most mech anime and shows which can put off a lot of mecha watchers.
@@mrdriver2988 I will have to do more research on it myself. I can't just go on peoples words I must dive into the mech fandom and see things for myself. Thanks for the comment though, I appreciate it.
@@theanimelogician3588 I just had to explain a bit why there is singing in space. Because I know a lot of people will be like why and how can they sing in space this is stupid.
I like the Delta movies over the series.
Is there version of Macross with Robotech soundtrack?
Never heard of one
One of the few reasons why the Humans are good at war is because they made it an Art.
Kind of sucks that Harmony Gold is holding on to the rights so tightly they could turn coal into diamond.
That is not technically true. You CAN watch the original series of Robotech in English up until the episode "to tne stars" (final episode) and still have that be Macross, because it is, technically the same as all other english dubbed anime and it dkes tell the origin in full of the beginning of Macross for those who don't like subtitles.
You can, but should you? They did change culture into an energy source which undermines the core themes of the macross franchise
Patrick bateman but a hillbilly... Damm dude you won life
So is macross a genre or a series?
It’s a franchise which consists of series. Genres are a general grouping like action, drama, comedy, etc
ok so the first anime I ever watched was robotech my dad had a VHS of the first episode I watched it so much the tape broke I think I was 7 when I saw the whole show air and I was hooked it had a huge place in my heart then when I was like 14 or 15 I was at a sam goodie or something and saw a VHS that just said macross on it and I remembered the island was called macross from the show they also had a macross plus movie as well I bought both and watched them so much then toonami aired robotech the macross saga and I recorded it all then ADV made DVD and I bought the collector sets I don't know why I waited so long to look up macross I was hoping they would get an official US release but I've waited long enough I'm laid up in bed with a screwed up knee with nothing to do so ya thanks for the list I'm going to try to put it to good use
Enjoy Macross, and have a speedy recovery
This is an awesome review of Robotech and Macross. Nice job! At 2:50 though, should be rephrased from "When a mysterious starship crashes down to Earth sparking the Final World War. " to "When a mysterious starship crashes down to Earth Ending the Final World War. "