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日本語/Japanese  Mon 01/07 22:59 JST
Macross celebrates 25 years by releasing a new series - Macross Frontier.

The first episode of this new series was aired late last year but the whole series doesn't start until...not sure when as the official site doesn't say and MBS hasn't listed the schedule. All we know is that its sometime in 2008.

Have been a fan of the Macross series and watched most of them - my fave still being the original and my worst being Macross Zero which started off great but suddenly became a bag of shite very fast.

Macross Frontier keeps a similar theme with the Macross universe - humans traveling across space and the power of song bringing civilizations together.

Below is a short clip which does its best to capture the amazing visuals and sound of the episode - get hold of the HD version which is pretty breathtaking. Awesome music by none other than Yoko Kanno (GITS, Cowboy Bebop, Darker Than Black etc).
Categories
Polls
necrophadian in Cocytus
Stigmata Martyr
Registered on 2007/04/22 12:13
Been a fan of this series since as long as I've been into anime. A lot of people get turned off by Macross and its love stories or music but I think that is its appeal. I don't consider MAcross straight action, more like a space opera with giant robots thrown in. Macross Zero was alright, can't see any fault there. On the other hand MAcross Seven was weak and uninteresting. 

I've seen the first episode of this and it looks promising. The 3D rendering of the mechs is cool and all but I'm a bit nostalgic for the old days of 2D...

(ID #68917) Posted on 2008/01/07 22:48
kaeze in Melbourne, Australia, Earth
Illustrator & Designer
Registered on 2007/04/09 18:37
I saw the 1st ep of Macross Frontier just a week or so ago and thinks it definitely looks pretty cool.  There's a few nods and homages to the original especially towards the end of the episode and I like the how hand up in the sky as a Valkyrie a la Isamu from Macross Plus! ^__^

Great space dog fights and heat seeking missles!  Can't really tell if I love the new VF-25s yet.  The aliens are pretty cool and mean looking though, cross between squid and insect like.  Alien robot mode is kind of like an insect-like EVA, too.

Really high production value and the visuals are amazing so far.  Don't know if I like the main male lead character yet or any of the other character designs.  The mobile phone was pretty cool! LOL.

Anyway, me type too much already.
(ID #68918) Posted on 2008/01/07 22:54
mbern45 in Toronto
Registered on 2007/08/23 06:57
I saw the episode shortly after it came out, and it blew me away.  I had high expectations for it so I was afraid I would be disappointed, but it delivered.

The animation and music are both great, but only time will tell if the story can match them.

And I believe the series will start its weekly schedule in April.
(ID #68919) Posted on 2008/01/07 23:01
Zircor in Murchison, TX, USA
student
Registered on 2007/10/11 10:36
Have watched all of the Macross series (aside from the last Robotech series) and have enjoyed them all; the space opera and romance aspects rule.  Frontier is looking awesome so far.  Love the cell phone too  :D
(ID #68920) Posted on 2008/01/07 23:03
Tempest in New Zealand
Exchange Student
Registered on 2007/11/07 06:56
Haven't seen a single episode from any Macross series yet but looking at the video and the pics, I think that this has to change soon!
The fact that Yoko Kanno does the soundtrack is a plus too, I love her work ^^
(ID #68921) Posted on 2008/01/07 23:08
CrazyAnimeTuga in Portugal
Student
Registered on 2007/01/03 02:12
Macross is great, definitely one of the strongest rivals of gundam. The first season of the 80s is really good, started watching Macross 7 now and I'm enjoying it. Already watched the first episode of Macross Frontier, totally breath taking can't wait for the rest
(ID #68923) Posted on 2008/01/07 23:29
laughingman in Canada
McMaster Engineering Student Fall 08
Registered on 2007/11/18 11:58
haven't seen it, but DAMN does that look good! I think I have something else to look forward to in 2008 :)
(ID #68924) Posted on 2008/01/07 23:34
Tsiry in Tana, Madagascar
Computer Science Student
Registered on 2007/12/06 18:18
I've watched this episode. The animation's just awesome!
(ID #68926) Posted on 2008/01/07 23:53
The_WOZ in Trelew (Chubut) Argentina
Woodcrafter/3D Modeler
Registered on 2006/12/25 04:08
I watched the 1st episode 2 days after it was broadcasted. And rewatched it like 5 times, but at normal speed and frame by frame (just to catch every detail and homage to the previous Macross series/movies/OVAs)

The scene where the Bolognese space frigate gets destroyed had the same effect on me as the first Zentradi battleship destroyed on the 1st episode of the original SDF Macross ^_^ (when I was like 7 or 8 years old... a long time ago ^_^')

This series is scheduled to start sometime in April.
(ID #68927) Posted on 2008/01/08 00:07
Tim in Fairfax, VA
Implementation Analyist
Registered on 2007/09/15 23:14
Oh man.  Seeing the screenshots brings back memories of the original series (through it's US mutation, Robotech).  During 1983 and summer of '84, there just wasn't anything to compare against the drama and story that is SDF Macross.

I really hope that this is the spark the reignites the franchise.  Other than the original series/DYRL movie and Macross Plus, Macross has been either nonexistent or disappointing overall.


Oboete imasu ka....?
(ID #68928) Posted on 2008/01/08 00:08
mario87 in Poland
Registered on 2007/08/22 20:35
Saw everything with Macross in name and loved it! First episode of Macross Frontier was great, animation stunning, just like in some movie! Music was also great, like everything from Yoko Kanno, and liked new songs(new version of Ai Oboete Imasu ka!).
But I have deja vu when that red insect crushed that guy(...like a bug, nice irony ;p), it looked just like Eva01 crushing Kaworu, and that bug looked just like Eva02(red, two pairs of eye).
As it was just promo I hope the actual anime will be as good as first ep.
(ID #68929) Posted on 2008/01/08 00:12
Nightshade in Planet Earth, Sol System, Alpha Sector
3D Animation Instructor
Registered on 2007/10/15 18:27
I just love Macross. ^_^  Like so many others the reworked Robotech version was a favorite of my youth, so I'm not too familiar with the original Macross storyline.  I did see Macross Plus and Zero though, loved Plus, Zero not all that much.  

What's the setting for Frontier?  Is this years and years after Plus?  Would love to see this properly dubbed into English.  I know a lot of you are purists when it comes to language but I just find it easier not to have to read and watch at the same time :)

(ID #68930) Posted on 2008/01/08 00:32
WoLF-[x] in Malaysia
IT Consultant
Registered on 2007/01/15 19:58
Loved it and how it gives a nod to every series of Macross ever released. Apparently the series comes out April 2008. 

Hope you don't mind I do a little shameless plug here, Danny. :D

http://www.macrossmalaysia.com

We're having a little macross convention of sorts here.
(ID #68931) Posted on 2008/01/08 00:35
vbob in Florida
Agent of Karma
Registered on 2007/12/06 18:08
Wow, terrific artwork. And I love love love just about everything Yoko Kanno has composed.
(ID #68932) Posted on 2008/01/08 00:48
shiva diva in シンガポール
closet hikikomori
Registered on 2007/10/25 10:45
I loved the battle scenes and that slightly Yaoyi feel injected in the lead. LOL. Other than that . . . 
(ID #68933) Posted on 2008/01/08 00:53
Edward in Michigan U.S.A.
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
Registered on 2006/12/24 12:02
Yes, Macross Zero wasn't all that great.  I like the pre-Space War I history, so that kept my attention.  In my opinion, Macross 7 was the real trash -no pun intended- of the Macross line.  I had a hard time watching half of that series and much better enjoyed the manga Macross 7 Trash.

Macross has always been adaptive to the times in which each series was made.  I suppose that is why it's still around and popular.  When you think about it, Gundam is that same in that aspect.

Have a feeling Macross F will start around late Spring or early Summer, just as WoLF - [x] commented.  I believe Macross F is to be the Gundam Seed of Macross series.  It's a place where new audience can jump on board.  

(ID #68935) Posted on 2008/01/08 01:21
mario87 in Poland
Registered on 2007/08/22 20:35
Nightshade:
Macross Plus take action in 2040 and Macross Frontier in 2059.

And one thing that stunned me, ther wasn't any panty shoot! And if some one want to ask why I'm so stuned:
http://www.dannychoo.com/fauna_detail/eng/1032/Maid+Panty+Photos/
http://www.dannychoo.com/fauna_detail/eng/1025/Rosario+Vampire/
It's just a couple examples. Fanservice is everywhere today!
(ID #68936) Posted on 2008/01/08 01:25
-XYZPDQ in Pennsylvania, United States
Student Engineer
Registered on 2007/01/01 14:12
I have seen the original Macross Saga (Rick Hunter, etc SDF-1, up to 36 episodes I think) and I liked it- but never thought anything special over it because some of the characters were extremely annoying (Minmei, case and point) and I didn't like the almost constant singing clips almost every episode. The anime also left a lot of unanswered questions and the ending is...... blech. Just kill everyone off and be done with the series.

This looks good! I will be scouting the radar to watch this one.
(ID #68937) Posted on 2008/01/08 01:35
-XYZPDQ in Pennsylvania, United States
Student Engineer
Registered on 2007/01/01 14:12
Ehh I just realized I may have spoiled something, but I would bet a lot of people have seen Macross anyways- Danny if you could edit out that part in my post I would appreciate it- and I apologize ahead of time if I spoiled anything for anyone.

=/
(ID #68938) Posted on 2008/01/08 01:36
Edward in Michigan U.S.A.
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
Registered on 2006/12/24 12:02
@mario87: Macross is not much for panty shoots.  Macross is more of an eyes and shower scene anime. ^^;
(ID #68939) Posted on 2008/01/08 01:39
Benjamin Takeyo in Lieu de la batille decisive
ひきこもり/Hikikomori. Suits my current state more than a 大学生/University Student. ^^
Registered on 2007/12/04 23:16
I have never watched Macross before and Macross Frontier, since the animation looks so wonderful, will be my first Macross ^_^
(ID #68940) Posted on 2008/01/08 01:39
Edward in Michigan U.S.A.
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
Registered on 2006/12/24 12:02
@-XYZPDQ: Watch Macross when you get the chance.  Robotech and Macross are not the same.  
(ID #68941) Posted on 2008/01/08 01:48
zie in Arlington,VA USA
freelance
Registered on 2007/01/09 14:51
Man the new Macross looks really good I can't it for the US to get it. It will be on my watch list.
(ID #68942) Posted on 2008/01/08 01:56
lin-da-kenobi in Long Beach
college student
Registered on 2007/08/16 02:56
i've never watched it before, it looks really cool, animation looks great. on my watch list 
(ID #68944) Posted on 2008/01/08 02:25
D_Blade in Montreal
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Registered on 2006/12/31 22:48
I've only watched Robotech when I was a kid and I remember virtually nothing of it (except for the space opera setting and transformable mecha?), so in terms of Macross series, please count me out. ^^;
(ID #68945) Posted on 2008/01/08 02:33
syrix in U.S.
student
Registered on 2007/03/21 09:30
I too like the original the best, one of the first animes that I ever watched lol.
(ID #68946) Posted on 2008/01/08 02:36
Henry in Makati, Philippines
anime/cosplay events organizer
Registered on 2006/12/25 19:17
i've watched Macross before and Macross Frontier and the production company polished the classic Macross style ^^

Macross revolutionized the mecha genre where they've introduced transforming mecha and j-pop idols to stop an impending war ^___^
(ID #68947) Posted on 2008/01/08 02:54
Barsona in California USA
NEET (no, student...)
Registered on 2007/08/03 08:36
not yet, but I will watch it..
(ID #68949) Posted on 2008/01/08 03:15
zie in Arlington,VA USA
freelance
Registered on 2007/01/09 14:51
Man the new Macross looks really good I can't it for the US to get it. It will be on my watch list.
(ID #68950) Posted on 2008/01/08 03:17
Last{[0]}Raven in ☆DANNYCHOO Site ☆
Raven, AMV & MAD maker, Otaku
Registered on 2008/01/02 12:55
XD WOOOOHOOOO MACROSS FRONTIER XD told ya it came out
(ID #68951) Posted on 2008/01/08 03:27
MorpheusZZ in Malaysia
Marketing - Product Manager
Registered on 2007/12/02 14:00
Macross is one of the original anime that hook me to anime now. In fact i have the full series and proud of my collection too :) 

I have also watched the Macross Frontier for 2 times already, and especially love the part where the fighter turn into Batroid mode....simply way too cool man!
(ID #68952) Posted on 2008/01/08 04:00
theplayster in Canada
Integrator Multimedia and student in Art and Crafts
Registered on 2007/09/16 15:04
I've seen the first episode of Macross F, it was cool and I can't wait for the actual serieto start. XP.  

My first Macross was Macross Plus, it's still the top 10 in my list to watch. One of the best story, animation and music in my opinion.  I always dreamt, ever since I've first seen it, to pilot a Veritech.  But I probably be too old to get the chance to pilot one, if it ever gets constructed or invented.  XD
(ID #68954) Posted on 2008/01/08 04:38
G-Unit in Earth, Asia, Malaysia
Student
Registered on 2007/12/25 11:09
never watched any of it... may try it.. if got chance
(ID #68955) Posted on 2008/01/08 04:48
Dedale in S'pore after France
Labyrinth builder
Registered on 2007/12/04 17:28
Wow ! Looks good !
(ID #68956) Posted on 2008/01/08 04:54
passerby117 in Somewhere with corn
Giant Radioactive Cockroach
Registered on 2007/12/14 00:04
Macross was not the first to introduce transforming mechs... It was the first one to have a realistic transformation sequences. (The other being Zeta Gundam)

Anyhow, this first episode was impressive in terms of animation quality, but it doesn't seem to fit the overall context of Macross. (It felt more like a cross between Gunbuster and Starship Troopers...) It reminds me of the Patlabor spin-off movie, WXIII. Which didn't quite fit the world fans were familiar with. 

The character design is great, but almost feels like they're trying to stray into the moe type...

The combat/aerobatics are also not as intensive as the series before it. Even the trademark Itado Circus has been downplayed...

The saving grace for me was the ED which reminded me of all the good things about the series, but wonders if there's any chance that it'll turn into another Zero... (Which looks like it might...)

Yoko Kanno's music makes it worth watching even if it turns out badly. (Just like Darker Than Black) So I guess this will be one of the must watch of 08.
(ID #68958) Posted on 2008/01/08 05:02
junta in Japan
Nara
Registered on 2007/11/05 08:56
マクロスFRONTIER第一話はかなりよかったんじゃないでしょうか。
メカの動きも凄いの一言。
早く放送がスタートして欲しいなぁ。
(ID #68959) Posted on 2008/01/08 05:50
Sotb in Malaysia
Manufacturing
Registered on 2007/08/22 12:29
watch it 2 weeks ago and yup it is fantastic! Gundam OO should be ashame.....

too bad we still have to wait for quite a while till it really air!
(ID #68961) Posted on 2008/01/08 06:20
radical anime fan in Singapore; starting to freeze up. Mmm, end-of-year weather.
Polytechnic Freshman. Mmm... fresh.
Registered on 2007/01/25 21:20
@sotb: yes, gundam 00 should be ashamed. and their design was so good... 

it looks to me like Sento Yosei Yukikaze done in space. which means excellent. *adds to watch list*
(ID #68962) Posted on 2008/01/08 06:56
zero in NyC
online media planner
Registered on 2007/01/02 12:23
great success! this 1st ep was kick ass
all the way. i love the shout outs to past macross shows like Mplus [the scene where the kids were practicing thier flying with thier hands] and the minmay ending theme.

i've been a macross fan since i was a kid watching the show in the philippines, and though M7 and MZero was not up to snuff compared to Mplus, this one shows promise. i guess i need to be on the torrent again for this series.

i sure wish that the writers would elaborate on what happened with hikaru and Misa though...
(ID #68963) Posted on 2008/01/08 07:02
gbrgn in Los Angeles
Speedgrapher
Registered on 2007/07/11 12:05
So anyone know where I can get the HD version? Any downloads of the episode available with English subtitles?
(ID #68965) Posted on 2008/01/08 07:20
shippoyasha in NYC
NEET
Registered on 2007/06/10 15:34
I really loved Macross Zero. I can understand the qualm that it doesn't connect too directly with the original story, but neither was Macross Plus. I don't understand how far people take that gripe and say it is the low standard of the series. I'll never understand that.

Also, I have full faith in the Macross Zero staff that will be making this Frontier series. 
(ID #68966) Posted on 2008/01/08 07:26
gbrgn in Los Angeles
Speedgrapher
Registered on 2007/07/11 12:05
Never mind. found the episodes on youtube. also found the torrent.
(ID #68967) Posted on 2008/01/08 07:42
10116222 in QC, Manila, Philippines
Not sure anymore
Registered on 2007/01/28 21:37
I haven't seen any of the Macross series. I will start from the first ones and will do the same with Gundam series.

This one looks promising :)
(ID #68968) Posted on 2008/01/08 07:59
gbrgn in Los Angeles
Speedgrapher
Registered on 2007/07/11 12:05
just saw the entire video. quality was pretty good!
especially liked the ending , I think those songs were from the movie right? I like them. too bad the roy focker clone dies in the first episode this time :P
(ID #68969) Posted on 2008/01/08 08:21
bolt in Tampa Fl.
security/student
Registered on 2007/04/17 14:53
well according to most of the info i've seen.. looks like it will start this april.. some info saying 26 episodes.. but will see.. so watch 00 then watch macross till 00 starts again.. win win on that one !
(ID #68971) Posted on 2008/01/08 09:08
MooMooCow1314 in 存在いないの所
Student
Registered on 2007/07/08 19:42
i think my fav macross was Macross Seven...that was the first macross (thx to Super Robot Wars) i watched. I like FireBomber's songs...alot
(ID #68972) Posted on 2008/01/08 09:20
Mr.Boy in Graceland
Simulation
Registered on 2006/12/31 20:26
I've seen the Macross Frontier episode 1 HD and "regular" definition fansubs. The story is great and it looks great. If any one is looking, I'm sure there are some fansub dedicated sites that will help you locate all the versions available. :)
(ID #68973) Posted on 2008/01/08 09:34
lowlife187 in Atlanta, Georgia USA
Contraband Distrabution Specialist
Registered on 2007/09/29 04:30
Please don't suck like Macross 7!!Please don't suck like Macross 7!!Please don't suck like Macross 7!!Please don't suck like Macross 7!!Please don't suck like Macross 7!!Please don't suck like Macross 7!!Please don't suck like Macross 7!!

Sorry, I'm a big Macross fan and I really want some quality Macross, not Nekki Basura forcing me to hear his song!!!!  I know why the protodevlin ran away, I would too.  

Keep an eye out Danny and let us know more as soon as you can.  
(ID #68974) Posted on 2008/01/08 11:15
Gundam Otaku in Tropical Singapore
Student
Registered on 2006/12/30 22:16
I have not seen the previous series of Macross other than Macross Zero. Yeah, I totally agree with you Danny, I was quite amazed by Macross Zero at first, but the lousy climax turned me off later on.

But hey, I think Macross Frontier would do well:D
(ID #68975) Posted on 2008/01/08 11:36
Uru in manila
Art Student
Registered on 2007/10/18 15:17
oh, a new macross...me like to see that. i just had one prayer, i hope it won't be like macross 7. 
(ID #68977) Posted on 2008/01/08 11:59
GundamJehutyKai in Foundation II Stellvia
IT Client Support
Registered on 2007/09/12 21:33
*looks at poll*

Have I seen any macross shows? I think it would be faster for me to list the ones I haven't seen!!!

Flashback 2012 (a music vid set at the end of the DYRL movie)
& Dynamite 7 (stand alone OVA for macross 7)
Heck, I even have the PS2 Macross game, Macross M3 for the Dreamcast and Macross V0 on the PC! So yeah, I'm pretty well versed in Macross...

And I can say this much for frontier, I think I drooled a bit when I watched it...
Says a lot. It was just so beautiful. Can't wait for when it starts airing in April. If history has anything to tell us, we can expect a 52 ep series.
I am worried about the plot details, given that Shouji Kawamori is directing and he was the great guy who gave us all than nonsense at the end of Macross zero about the birdman and all, but I'm hopeful that they remenber what made the original great (character interactions and a proper sense of drama) as opposed to what made M7 suck so bad (seriously, sound weapons, WTF???). Cutting out all than crap from the end of zero would be good too!

@gbrgn: Fokker (that is actually his name) didn't die. It was one of his underlings.

@zero: don't hold your breath regarding hikaru and Misa. The director has long said that he considers their story past so at best, we might find out the fate of the megaroad 1 but nothing more.

@shippoyasha: I think the main gripe ppl had about zero was not that it didn't fit into the timeline well, but simply that it lacked alot of things which macross was known for. There was little character interaction and no Love triangle. It did the fights really well but other than that, the rest of the stuff were things macross fans would like to forget, such as song doing "magical things" and Kawamori Shovelling his philosophy into a show which wasn't made to accomodate it at the last minute! 
(ID #68978) Posted on 2008/01/08 12:02
Rockman_Zero in Honduras
Registered on 2008/01/07 22:09
good animation but I still wasn't really impressed by the episode itself since it wasn't anything I haven't seen before...
(ID #68980) Posted on 2008/01/08 13:16
lostandfound in a UFO... catcher...
Part human, part student, 100% loser
Registered on 2007/10/22 02:10
Cute girls... Skimpy outfits... Mecha fights... I need to watch this!
(ID #68981) Posted on 2008/01/08 13:38
Risedawn in Singapore_-_ Isolated in the Dark Side
Currently Serving National Service in The Singapore Armed Forces
Registered on 2008/01/06 10:49
Im a total noob for the Macross Series. But I have to say that Macross Frontier really shocked me with it's top quality animation. Will be catching it once it starts airing. 
(ID #68982) Posted on 2008/01/08 13:51
Karl in TEH Philippines
Student/Evil Overlord
Registered on 2007/10/27 01:26
Very Star Wars-ish. I like.......
(ID #68983) Posted on 2008/01/08 14:23
Sean in San Francisco / Tokyo / London / Dublin
Video Editor / Sound Designer / DJ
Registered on 2007/01/23 17:06
Great animation, but the story is a little boring, especially compared to Gundam, etc.

And the singing in every episode? Eeew.


Can't someone put some money into making an anime version of DOMU (by Katsuhiro Otomo) or some of the other stories in the "MEMORIES" collection?

Anyone agree with me? Does ANYONE want to actually watch a gripping, amazingly written anime anymore?!???
(ID #68995) Posted on 2008/01/08 15:54
kazemizuhi in Phobos
/1337
Registered on 2007/11/16 23:54
Sean (SF) gotta agree with you 100%.

Pretty as it looks, it's not as gripping a tale as Gundam.

Never seen DOMU, what's that about?
(ID #69000) Posted on 2008/01/08 16:16
kazemizuhi in Phobos
/1337
Registered on 2007/11/16 23:54
...thought I might add: while everything is really nicely drawn and the 3D animation is perfectly smooth (as all 3D is), the 2D animation is 2nd rate.

They spent too much money on the 3D and forgot to hire animators for the in-between frames.
(ID #69001) Posted on 2008/01/08 16:20
GhstBster in Florida U.S.A.
Registered on 2007/09/05 11:31
danny how did u not like macross zero...i thought it was so good
(ID #69002) Posted on 2008/01/08 16:45
BIG BOSS in Asuka's bed.
--
Registered on 2007/12/06 12:47
Sean, I couldn't agree more. DOMU is truly a masterpiece. I haven´t read/seen Memories but I will soon.
(ID #69003) Posted on 2008/01/08 18:21
BeLe in Davao, Philippines
.NET/Web Developer
Registered on 2007/01/03 16:36
I've watched the original Macross and I'd have to say nothing beats the original.  It was awesome back in the day.  
(ID #69004) Posted on 2008/01/08 18:27
CyberSynaptic in Northern California
Lab Technician
Registered on 2006/12/25 19:10
Well I have to strongly disagree with kazemizuhi and Sean.  The original Macross series and the "Do You Remember Love" movie were more gripping and amazingly written than anything Tomino and the Gundam franchise ever put out IMHO.

Also, if DOMU is anything like Akira (Otomo-sensei's more well known work), I'll pass.  As classic as it is, I just don't think I could watch a whole series full of that stuff.  A movie was just fine.

As far as Macross Frontier goes, I'm totally ecstatic.  After Macross Zero, my expectations for the Macross franchise dropped a bit, but this first episode of Macross Frontier blew me away.  The 3D and 2D animation flowed well together, and all the characters seemed pretty interesting (especially Ranka).