Macross

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search
The cover to the Macross Memorial DVD Box Set which shows several characters from the first animated series.

Macross (マクロス Makurosu?) is a long-running series of science fiction Mecha anime, created by Kawamori Shoji of Studio Nue in 1982. The franchise features a fictional History of Earth/Humanity after the year 1999. The franchise title features three TV series, three movies, six OVAs, and two manga series.

Within the series, the term Macross is used to denote the main capital ship. This theme began in the original Macross, the SDF-1 Macross.

Overtechnology refers to the scientific advances discovered in an alien starship (Alien Star Ship - One later renamed Super Dimension Fortress - One Macross) that crashed on South Ataria island. With this technology, Earth was able to reverse engineer the technology to create mechas (variable fighters and destroids), a faster-than-light drive Space Fold for starships and other advanced technologies, which show up throughout the series.

Contents

[edit] Title

The series title comes from the name of the main human spacecraft (which is usually shortened from Super Dimension Fortress to SDF-1 Macross as it is version 1.0). The original name for the Macross project was Battle City Megaload (or Battle City Megaroad, as the Japanese transliteration to either "L" or "R" gives the title a double meaning in reference to the story line: Megaload, referring to the spacecraft containing an entire city of people; and Megaroad, referring to the long journey through space back to Earth), however one of the sponsors of the project, Big West, was a fan of Shakespeare and wanted the series and the spacecraft to be named Macbeth (マクベス Makubesu?). A compromise was made with the title Macross (マクロス Makurosu?) due to its similar pronunciation to Macbeth in Japanese and because it still contained connotations to the original title. The word Macross comes from a wordplay combination of the prefix "macro" in reference to its massive size (though when compared with the alien ships in the series, it is only a relatively small gun destroyer) and the distance they must cross.

[edit] Themes

The following are themes commonly seen and established among the various series in the Macross franchise.

[edit] U.N. Spacy

The U.N. Spacy is a fictional military arm of the Earth U.N. Government (地球統合政府 Chikyū Tōgō Seifu?). It was established by the successor to the modern United Nations in order to defend Earth from a possible attack by hostile aliens, and was involved in Space War I against an extraterrestrial race called the Zentradi. Later operations of the U.N. Spacy expanded into interstellar colonization and general peacekeeping of off-world Earth settlements.

The term "Spacy" is an extrapolation of the terms Army and Navy - though some Japanese sources also use the term Space Army and some English-language sources use the term Space Navy, suggesting that the term is a contraction.

[edit] Variable Fighters

A variable fighter is one of a series of transformable aerospace fighters, primarily designed by Studio Nue's Shoji Kawamori and Kazutaka Miyatake. They are generally able to transform into jet/space fighters, a humanoid robot and a hybrid of the two mode, better known as Gerwalk. These crafts are referred to in the original series by the model name "Valkyrie".

[edit] Music

Music plays an integral part in almost every Macross title, having significances in the way a series' antagonists behave towards it. Music idols also play a central role to various Macross stories. Often, the protagonist will be forced into a love triangle with a series' music idol; the most notable of them all is Lynn Minmay.

[edit] Space Fold

Faster-than-light travel in the Macross franchise is achieved via space-folding. This capability was introduced when the SDF-1 crash-landed on Earth. It has since been officially described as a type of space warp (or what is called super-light-velocity spatial displacement) navigation, allowing ultra-long distance travel nearly instantaneously. Simply put, a space-fold transports a spacecraft in a very short amount of time, by first swapping the location of the spacecraft with super dimension space or subspace, and then swapping the Super Dimension space with the space at the destination.

According to U.N. Spacy First Lieutenant Hayase Misa during Space War I (2009-2010), an hour passes in super dimension space as approximately ten days passes in normal space. The latest Macross T.V. series Macross Frontier further expands on that concept by introducing fold faults or dislocations which further slow down fold travel and interfere with fold communications.

The act of entering Super Dimension space is called "fold in". When arriving at the destination, the act of leaving Super Dimension space is called a "defold" or a "fold out".

[edit] Series chronology

Several sequel series and one prequel have followed, with most using a chronology created by the Studio Nue creators, the rest followed their own storylines regarded as "parallel storyline" by the studio. The main Macross production consists of (in chronological release order):

Release Dates Episodes Work Title (original) Chronology
1982/10 to
1983/06		 36 TV series The Super Dimension Fortress Macross[1]
Original work adapted by Harmony Gold to become Robotech: The Macross Saga in 1985.[2]		 2009-2012
1984/07 NA Movie The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love?[3]
Alternate telling of the events in The Super Dimension Fortress Macross, specifically episodes two through 27.		 2031
"movie" within story
1987/06 1 OVA The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Flash Back 2012[4]
Epilogue of the Movie, segments were added in the movie's definitive "Perfect Edition".		 2012
1992/05 to
1992/11		 6 OVA series The Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers, Again[5]
"Macross 10th Anniversary"
TV series' sequel OVA created without Studio Nue.		 2089
"parallel" world alternate continuity
1994/08 to
1995/06		 4 OVA series Macross Plus[6]
TV series' sequel OVA created by Studio Nue. A side-story.		 2040
1995/03 to
1995/07		 4 OVA series Macross Plus: International Version[7]
Alternative OVA version with English cast and songs.		 2040
1994/10 to
1995/09		 49 TV series Macross 7[8]
TV series sequel to Macross Plus. First of the sequels to touch upon the metaplot.		 2045-46
1994/10 to
2001/05		 8 volumes Manga series Macross 7: Trash
Comic side-story first serialized in Shōnen Ace magazine then released as volumes.		 2046
1995/09 NA Movie Macross Plus: Movie Edition[9]
Alternative movie version with different editing and additional scenes.		 2040
1995/09 NA Movie Macross 7 The Movie: The Galaxy Is Calling Me![10] 2046
1995/12 3 OVA Macross 7: Encore[11]
Three '94 TV series additional episodes.		 2046
1997/12 to
1998/08		 4 OVA series Macross Dynamite 7[12]
"Macross 15th Anniversary"
'94 TV series' sequel.		 2047
2002/12 to
2004/10		 5 OVA series Macross Zero[13]
"Macross 20th Anniversary"
Original '82 TV series' prequel.		 2008
2007/12 1 TV series pilot Macross Frontier (Deculture Edition)
"Macross 25th Anniversary"
'94 TV series' sequel pilot episode.		 2059
2008/04 25 TV series Macross Frontier[14]
'94 TV series' sequel.		 2059
2009/Fall (subject to change) NA Movie Macross Frontier Movie Edition
2008 TV series' theatrical movie adaptation.		 2059

A feature film, subtitled Do You Remember Love? (愛・おぼえていますか Ai Oboete Imasu ka), was released in 1984, with a condensed version of the storyline and cutting-edge animation. This movie was later described as a "historical drama" movie within the Macross universe (similar to, for example, Braveheart in the real world). In Macross Plus and Macross 7, it is revealed that there was a movie produced after Space War I (the original Earth-Zentradi conflict). (A shortened, English-dubbed version of the feature was also released to video as Clash of the Bionoids, though this is largely lambasted).

Macross II, the only animated project without Studio Nue's direct involvement, was declared a parallel-world story by Studio Nue.

In March 2007, Studio Victor placed a casting call for a voice actress to play the heroine, Ranka Lee [15] , in a then untitled new Macross series.[16] 18 year old Nakajima Megumi was selected in the nationwide singing and acting audition for the role of Ranka Lee in Japan. The project was given the tentative title of Macross 25. Later, as part of the 25th anniversary concert, a trailer was shown that revealed the new tentative title of Macross F (Frontier). During the concert, Kawamori Shoji mentioned that the timeframe of Macross Frontier was about 2070 A.D. Kawamori also announced that Yoko Kanno would be the music co-composer of the new Macross series. According to Newtype Magazine, this new series were supposed to take place in a school. The pilot episode aired in December 23, 2007. The new series were finally set in the year 2059 A.D. and took place in a new Macross Colony Fleet called "Macross Frontier". The new show was produced by Satelight and its episodes began their regular broadcast on April 4, 2008 in MBS channel of Japan. The final episode aired on September 25, 2008, what brought the series to a total of 25 episodes. A Macross Frontier Movie Edition was announced just after the ending of the new T.V. animated series.

[edit] Video games

Macross video games are based on its universe, sometimes expanding it with original characters and sidestories, latest games often include newly created anime footage. All of them were exclusively released in Japan.[17] These include:

  • The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: A 2D sidescrolling shooter game released in 1985 for the Nintendo Famicom by Namco and Bandai.[18] The main objectives of the lone Valkyrie are to battle Zentradi forces, penetrate the Zentradi's Nupetiet Vergnitzs flagship, and destroy it. A simplified midi rendition of the song "Shao Pai Long" is the game's only background music.
  • The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Eternal Love Song - A turn-based 2D strategy videogame released in December 1992 for the NEC PC Engine Super CD-ROM²[21] that follows the continuity of Macross II and is a sequel to Macross 2036.[22]
  • The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? - A 2D shooter created for the Sega Saturn in 1997 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Macross franchise,[24] it was co-programmed by Sega and was later ported to the Sony PlayStation in 1999.[25] It is closely based on the movie, with a mix of 2D and 3D action and special effects. The game's two CDs contained footage and soundtrack from both the Macross movie and Flashback 2012 as well as brand new cutscenes. The intro cutscene, in particular, shows Hikaru and his fellow pilots just taking off the carrier Prometheus when a sudden Zentradi attack destroys the warship.
  • Macross Digital Mission VF-X - The first ever 3D graphics and polygonal game of the franchise made by Bandai Visual for the PlayStation in 1997.[26] Set in 2047, the game focuses on a UN Spacy squadron assigned to rescue a girl band called the Milky Dolls. The game was re-released with a lower price as a PlayStation The Best Collection Series title in 1998.[27]
  • Macross Digital Mission VF-X2 - Released for the PlayStation in 1999.[28] The game is set three years after the events of VF-X. This is the only Macross game planned for an American release, but due to unknown reasons it was canceled.[29]
  • Macross Plus: Game Edition - Released for the PlayStation in 2000. It is based on Macross Plus, with cutscenes from the movie version included.[30]
  • Macross M3 - A 3D shooter released for the Sega Dreamcast in February 22, 2001. M3 takes place around 2014, and covers the story of Maximilian Jenius, Milia Fallyna Jenius, and their adopted Meltlandi daughter Moaramia Fallyna Jenius (whose original name was Moaramia Jifon) as they continue to serve as Valkyrie pilots.[31]
  • The Super Dimension Fortress Macross VO (Valkyrie Overdrive) - A space combat simulator released in 2001 for the PC.[32] It was compatible with Windows 95, 98 and ME.[33] A Windows XP version was released (The Super Dimension Fortress Macross VOXP) in 2002.[34] The game was unique in the fact that it enabled players to sortie online using the vehicles used by the different factions (Zentradi, Meltlandi and U.N. Spacy) featured in Macross DYRL. It has become quite popular recently among western players (thanks to translation patches and reference files) with multiple online tournaments being done regularly.[citation needed]
  • Macross 7 Ginga no Heart wo Furuwasero!! (Let's Reveal the Galaxy's Heart!!) - A 2D side scrolling shooter released on the Game Boy Color in 2000.[36] It features Macross 7's Fire Bomber band and their special Valkyries, plus some from the UN Spacy.
  • There were three arcade games released by Banpresto during the 90s, all of which were scrolling shooters: The Super Dimension Fortress Macross (1992)[37][38], The Super Dimension Fortress Macross II (1993)[39][40], and Macross Plus (1996).[41][42] The first game follows the events of the Do You Remember Love? movie.[43]

[edit] References

  1. ^ The Super Dimension Fortress Macross (TV Series). Macross Official Website. Series Section. 04-09-09
  2. ^ ADV Films Official Macross English Dub Page. Main Section. 04-09-09
  3. ^ The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? (Movie). Macross Official Website. Series Section. 04-07-09
  4. ^ The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Flash Back 2012 (OVA). Macross Official Website. Series Section. 04-07-09
  5. ^ The Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers, Again (OVA). Macross Official Website. Series Section. 04-09-09
  6. ^ Macross Plus (OVA). Macross Official Website. Series Section. 04-09-09
  7. ^ Macross Plus (OVA). Macross Official Website. Series Section. 04-09-09
  8. ^ Macross 7 (TV). Macross Official Website. Series Section. 04-09-09
  9. ^ Macross Plus (OVA). Macross Official Website. Series Section. 04-09-09
  10. ^ Macross 7 The Movie: The Galaxy Is Calling Me!. Macross Official Website. 04-09-09
  11. ^ Macross 7 (TV). Macross Official Website. Series Section. 04-09-09
  12. ^ Macross Dynamite 7 (OVA). Macross Official Website. Series Section. 04-09-09
  13. ^ Macross Zero (OVA). Macross Official Website. Series Section. 04-09-09
  14. ^ Macross Frontier (TV Series). Macross Frontier Official Site. 04-09-09
  15. ^ Yoko Kanno, Heroine's Voice Announced for New Macross
  16. ^ Follow Up: Victor Voice Actress Auditions for Macross
  17. ^ Macross Video Games Official Release Information at the Original Macross Compendium Page
  18. ^ Nintendo Family Computer System Compatible Cartridge Video Game. The Super Dimension Fortress Macross. NMR-4500. Namco/Bandai. Japan. Y4800. 1985, December 10
  19. ^ NEC PC-Engine Compatible CD-ROM2/Super CD-ROM2 Video Game. The Super Dimension Fortress Macross 2036. NSCD-2007. Nihon Computer System (Masaya). Japan. Y7400. 1992, April 3
  20. ^ Macross 2036
  21. ^ NEC PC-Engine Compatible CD-ROM2/Super CD-ROM2 Video Game. The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Eternal Love Song. NSCD-2014. Nihon Computer System (Masaya). Japan. Y7400. 1992, December 4
  22. ^ Macross: Eternal Love Song
  23. ^ Nintendo Super Family Computer System Compatible Cartridge Video Game. The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie. SHVC-M9. Zamuse. Japan. Y8800. 1993, October 29
  24. ^ Sega Saturn Compatible CD-ROM Video Game. The Super Dimension Fortress Macross:Do You Remember Love?. T-23403G. Sega/Bandai Visual. Japan. Y6800. 1997, June 6
  25. ^ Sony PlayStation Compatible CD-ROM Video Game. The Super Dimension Fortress Macross:Do You Remember Love?. SLPS-02005~7. Sega/Bandai Visual. Japan. Y6800. 1999, May 27
  26. ^ Sony PlayStation Compatible CD-ROM Video Game. Macross Digital Mission VF-X. SLPS-00386. UNiT Inc/Bandai Visual. Japan. Y6800. 1997, February 28
  27. ^ Sony PlayStation Compatible CD-ROM Video Game. PlayStation The Best Collection Series: Macross Digital Mission VF-X. SLPS-91058. UNiT Inc/Bandai Visual. Japan. Y2800. 1998, May 28
  28. ^ Sony PlayStation Compatible CD-ROM Video Game. Macross Digital Mission VF-X2. SLPS-02237. Studio GONZO/UNiT Inc/Bandai Visual. Japan. Y6800. 1999, September 2
  29. ^ Sony PlayStation Compatible CD-ROM Video Game. Macross Digital Mission VF-X2. SLPS-02237. Studio GONZO/UNiT Inc/Bandai Visual. Japan. Y6800. 1999, September 2
  30. ^ Sony PlayStation Compatible CD-ROM Video Game. Macross Plus: Game Edition. SLPS-02791. Shoeisha/Takara. Japan. Y6800. 2000, June 29
  31. ^ Sega Dreamcast GD-ROM Videogame Macross M3. Instruction Booklet. Shoeisha Inc., Japan. T-21502M. Y6800. 02-22-2001
  32. ^ Microsoft Windows 98/Me Japanese Compatible CD-ROM game. The Super Dimension Fortress Macross VO (Valkyrie Overdrive). Bothtec, Japan. Y7800. 2001 June 22
  33. ^ Microsoft Windows 98/Me Japanese Compatible CD-ROM game. The Super Dimension Fortress Macross VO (Valkyrie Overdrive). Bothtec, Japan. Y7800. 2001 June 22
  34. ^ Microsoft Windows 98/Me/XP Japanese Compatible CD-ROM game. The Super Dimension Fortress Macross VOXP (Valkyrie Overdrive XP). Bothtec, Japan. Y7800. 2002 July 4
  35. ^ Sony PlayStation 2 Compatible DVD-ROM Video Game. The Super Dimension Fortress Macross. SLPM-65405. Sega-AM2/Bandai. Japan. Y6800. 2003, October 23
  36. ^ Nintendo GameBoy Color Compatible Cartridge Video Game. Macross 7 Ginga no Heart wo Furuwasero!! - Let's Reveal the Galaxy's Heart!!. Shooting game. Epoch, Japan. Y3980. 2000, March 17
  37. ^ Chou-Jikuu Yousai Macross
  38. ^ Arcade game. Chou-Jikuu Yousai Macross. Vertical Scrolling Shooting Game. Banpresto. Japan. 1992
  39. ^ Chou-Jikuu Yousai Macross II
  40. ^ Arcade game. Chou-Jikuu Yousai Macross II. Horizontal Scrolling Shooting Game. Banpresto. Japan. 1993
  41. ^ Macross Plus
  42. ^ Arcade game. Macross Plus. Vertical Scrolling Shooting Game. Banpresto. Japan. December, 1996
  43. ^ Arcade game. Chou-Jikuu Yousai Macross. Vertical Scrolling Shooting Game. Banpresto. Japan. 1992

[edit] External links

v • d • e
Macross series
TV series
Movies
OVAs
Manga
Characters
Audio
Video games
Universe
U.N. Spacy · New U.N. Spacy (N.U.N.S.) · Fire Bomber · Marduk · Emulator · Protoculture · Zentradi · Meltlandi · Zolan · Protodeviln · Supervision Army · Varauta · Vajra · Vajra Biomecha · X-9 Ghost

Macross ships: SDF-1 Macross · SDF-2 Megaroad-01 · Megaroad-13 · Macross 5 · Macross 7 · Macross 04 (Global) · Macross 21 (Macross Galaxy) · Macross 25 (Macross Frontier)

Variable Fighters (Valkyries): VF-0 Phoenix · SV-51 · VF-1 Valkyrie · VF-4 Lightning III · VF-6 · VF-9 Cutlass · VF-11 Thunderbolt · VF-17 Nightmare · YF-19 · VF-19 Excalibur · YF-21 · VF-22 Sturmvogel II · VF-171 Nightmare Plus · VF-171EX Nightmare Plus EX · YF-24 Evolution · VF-25 Messiah · VF-27 Lucifer · VF-2SS Valkyrie II · VF-XX Zentradian Valkyrie · Metal Siren
See also: The Super Dimension meta-series · Big West Advertising · Studio Nue · Artland
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macross"
Personal tools