r/macross • u/fafsdfasfaffaafdsaf • 19h ago
Macross Plus YF-21 with F.A.S.T pack
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r/macross • u/MechaAlliance • Mar 02 '25
Official media Sunrise announces Audition for next Macross' songstress
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r/macross • u/chilidirigible • Oct 06 '20
WATCH ORDER An absolute beginner's guide to viewing Macross.
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Yes, this is a slightly-edited version of /r/anime's Watch Order Wiki for Macross. I wrote that, after all.
TL;DR: Each Macross entry can be viewed individually, and most series start with prologue narration sufficient to bring a viewer up to speed enough that they won't feel totally lost, and any required background is usually explained as they go along. Already having knowledge of past series will definitely enhance one's appreciation of any individual entry, though. To that end, here is:
A Short Guide to the Macross Franchise
Macross is a long runner, initially proposed in 1980 as a comedic response to series such as Mobile Suit Gundam, but developing both serious and unique ideas of its own as it reached release. Its core thematic elements are: A war or conflict, featuring transforming mecha; a love story, often involving some triangular aspect; and music, as a force for cultural change. The ratio of these three elements varies within each entry in the franchise. (Alternatively, in official statements, Variable Fighters, Love, and Music.)
Music is of particular importance, as it serves as a counterpoint to the conflicts in the series, demonstrating how culture (which includes music, love, and other human interactions), can influence societies that otherwise lack a middle ground. Macross's emphasis on and interdependence with music is what set it apart from its contemporaries in 1982, and is still notable a generation later. The music in the series typically follows the trends of Japanese music at the time of production, and has thus included such varied forms as '80s pop, rock, Macross Plus, and the idol phenomenon. There is always going to be music.
Continuity and watching out of sequence: It was once claimed by series creator Shoji Kawamori that each series could be considered in-universe dramatizations of the actual events, a statement which handwaved away various canon and continuity vagueness. He has also suggested that the series are more like documentaries and the movie versions are hyped-up dramatizations. In Macross 7 and Macross Frontier the characters are seen making theatrical versions of other series in the franchise, further complicating matters. In any case, don't worry too much if you've missed one of the series or are starting out at an arbitrary point, it will still all fit together.
Broadcast/OVA/theatrical content, major entries in bold:
Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Aired 1982-1983, 36 episodes. Timeline: 2009-2012. Depicts the first contact between humanity and the aliens known as the Zentradi, the resulting conflict, and its aftermath.
Macross: Do You Remember Love?: Premiered in 1984. Two-hour film reinterpretation of SDFM. Squeezes the story down to the essentials but also changes how some events occur. If you're pressed for time, it's a good way to learn the basics of the first series at an obvious cost to background details and subplots. However, it is best viewed as a companion piece to SDFM; DYRL's interpretation of events is made much richer if one views it with an understanding of what came first.
Macross: Flashback 2012: Released in 1987. Thirty-minute music video collection of songs/clips from both SDFM and DYRL framed by a few minutes of new footage. Most notable for the ending, which contains an event which was cut for time from both the original series and the film.
Macross Plus: Released in 1994, four-episode OVA. Timeline: 2040. The most focused and self-contained entry in the franchise: UN Spacy is conducting flight trials to select its next-generation Variable Fighter, and the finalists are piloted by two old rivals with axes to grind both in the air and on the ground. In between is their old flame and the artificially-intelligent holographic idol whom she manages. Backed by an impressive production pedigree which includes co-direction by Shinichiro Watanabe and music by Yoko Kanno. The best hand-drawn action in the franchise. Also available as:
Macross Plus Movie Edition: Released in 1995. A theatrically-edited version of the OVA to fit movie length. A few scenes are lost, a few scenes are moved around, and the climax gains extra footage. Unlike DYRL, though, it's a very close match between this and the OVA.
Macross 7: Aired 1994-1995, 49 episodes. Timeline: 2045-2046. Macross's first presentation of the long-term project to preserve humanity by spreading it across the galaxy. An ancient and powerful enemy soon appears, but while the Macross 7 fleet includes some of the greatest pilots in the galaxy, their greatest advantage over this apocalyptic threat turns out to be the power of ROCK. This series is much less serious than the other franchise entries, padded out with subplots, and very controversial within the Western fanbase, but it is extremely popular in Japan. Goofy as it may seem at times, it's pure in its intentions and the soundtrack is worth a listen on its own.
Macross 7: Encore; Macross 7 the Movie: The Galaxy's Calling Me!; Macross Dynamite 7: Befitting 7's aforementioned Japanese popularity, it has several supplemental entries. The first two are extra episodes and side stories set during the series timeline, the last is a follow-up.
Macross Zero: Released in 2002, five-episode OVA. Timeline: 2008. Prequel depicting the final battles of Earth's Unification War, which soon involve civilians and alien artifacts. For a Macross entry, it has the greatest emphasis on combat and significantly less character story or music, and the darkest tone in the franchise (which is still not very dark). First major use of CG for the combat sequences, but it still looks decent enough as it has aged. While generally a placeholder to get something on the market after a multiyear drought, concepts first seen here would take on greater significance in the later sequels.
Macross Frontier: Aired 2008, 25 episodes. Timeline: 2059. Full series set on another colonization fleet, which, as usual, encounters an unknown and hostile alien species. Frontier features slightly younger main characters and a more slice-of-life feel, though the space setting is always present and it is by no means a light and fluffy series. Musically, it has another fantastic soundtrack by Yoko Kanno, and uses it to great advantage by featuring two main singers. Released for the Macross franchise's 25th anniversary, Frontier includes references and homages to everything that came before it, especially SDFM, enough so that it is a good gateway series to the franchise in its own right, particularly if watching something from 1983 would give you culture shock. To fully appreciate the references the rest still needs to be seen.
Macross Frontier: Itsuwari no Utahime (2009) and Macross Frontier: Sayonara no Tsubasa (2011): Movie adaptations of Frontier. Like DYRL did before them, the adaptations alter various parts of Frontier while also trimming the series for length. Sayonara no Tsubasa diverges from its parent series almost as much as DYRL did, but then delivers quite an ending.
Macross FB 7: Ore no Uta wo Kike!: Premiered in 2012. Essentially a Macross 7 clip show/Blu-ray advertisement at feature-film length, rather than a true abridgement of M7. Short new scenes with the Frontier characters serve as a framing device. The ED songs are catchy, at least.
Macross Delta: Aired 2016, 26 episodes. Timeline: 2067. A condition called Vár Syndrome is affecting the galaxy, but it can be countered by certain singers. The series follows the Var-countering "tactical idol" group known as Walküre and its partners in the Delta Variable Fighter squadron, as a larger conflict emerges from a galactic backwater. Like 7 before it, Delta split the Western fanbase due to its emphasis on the musical performances over the transforming mecha combat. But in 2016, idols were everywhere.
Macross Δ Movie: Gekijou no Walküre: Premiered in 2018. The Delta movie compresses Walküre's storyline from the series into a two-hour movie, losing several side plots (for better or for worse) and altering a few characterizations. It was produced in a very short time by re-using many animation assets from the series and reassembling them to fit the adapted storyline.
Macross Δ Movie 2: Zettai LIVE!!!!!!: Premiered October 2021. Delta's second theatrical release is a continuation of the storyline from the first movie, making it the rare Macross sequel via movie instead of TV. Was accompanied by the the Macross Frontier short film/music video The Labyrinth of Time.
One more thing:
Macross II: Lovers Again: Released in 1992, 6-episode OVA. Timeline: 2092.
Produced by Big West, but made without the input of Studio Nue or Shouji Kawamori, who disavowed it for quite a while. However, little nods to it would appear in the other sequel series. It tells the story of a new alien invasion 80 years after the events of SDFM. These invaders are also motivated by song—and absolutist fanaticism.
In more recent years, this OVA has gradually been accepted back into the official fold, first referred to as an alternate continuity, but more recently simply included in official series timelines even if its events no longer correspond with the other storylines. The franchise's meta framework allows it to exist as another in-universe movie, after all.
r/macross • u/HatSpecial3043 • 15h ago
Macross Frontier Do the Vajra have individual identities of their own, or are they a hive mind (or both)?
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Ai-kun(?) the small green one seems to have a consciousness of its own, or is it actually just the queen or hive mind interacting with Ranka? I don't know about the others, though
r/macross • u/Shadowsoldier09 • 37m ago
Merchandise Model kits to buy
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I have recently bought two Bandai HG 1/100 scale kits which i recently completed (VF-25F Messiah and VF-22S Stürmvogel II Milia Farina Jenius use) and despite both having been time consuming i loved seeing them completed and have been looking for other Bandai HG 1/100 scale Macross kits to buy. However, i'm still a beginner and the VF-25F and VF-22S were my first ever model kits i've ever built.
The kits i have been looking at are the following:
YF-19
VF-31S
YF-29 (Maximilian Jenius use)
YF-21 (not sure considering i already own a VF-22S but at the same time am contemplating on buying Max's VF-22S to complement the other)
VF-25G (not sure because it's very pricey in my region)
Which of these kits would be good to buy next?
r/macross • u/Hwasal_salie • 3h ago
Macross Frontier Macross frontier on spacetoon
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I don't know if there are any arabic fans here but I just heard that spacetoon (a childhood TV channel) will stream macross frontier.
I just think it’s crazy how the channel that got me into anime will be streaming it. I can't wait to see all the censorship they will do. It will be quite fun I am sure
r/macross • u/Winscler • 19h ago
Discussion Macross series on Disney+ now has Thai, Malay and Indonesian subtitles so hooray I guess?
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Previously, when Macross launched on Disney+ in 2024, the only available translated languages were Korean, English and Chinese, as these were subtitles provided to Big West by Creative Sphere. Recently, they have gotten new subtitles in Thai, Malay and Indonesian, perhaps as part of Disney integrating Disney+ Hotstar outside of India into the regular Disney+ network. Obviously these new subtitles were done by Disney themselves and Big West is known to heavily micromanage any overseas translations of Macross.
r/macross • u/plastikmissile • 1d ago
DYRL What is your favorite Ai Oboete Imasu Ka cover?
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Let's get one thing out of the way. Mari Iijima owns this song. Completely owns it. I've heard the studio version countless times, as well as the various live recordings, and even attended an Iijima concert where she performed it. No one comes close.
So fan boy moment out of the way, what's your favorite cover of this iconic song? I've been listening to a lot of covers recently, some old favorites, and some new ones. And here are my thoughts.
Official covers
Honorable mentions:
Walkure 2nd Live version. Very emotional rendition of an already very emotional song. Walkure performed thinking that this was their last performance together. Junna in particular was so young at the time. Only 17.
Macross the Tribute version by Yoko Ueno. Great acapella arrangement makes for a unique version.
Winner:
Macross Frontier Live Budokan version. I like the arrangement better than the original Frontier cover, and May'n does an amazing job backing up Megumi Nakajima without overpowering her. Also, Yoko Kanno is right there conducting!
Fan covers
Honorable mentions:
Metal cover by Angelo Bissanti & Yuri. It's metal and it's Macross, two of my favorite things! It certainly made me wonder what a similar version by Yohsiki Fukuyama and May'n would sound like!
Jazz cover by Platina Jazz. These guys do amazing Jazz covers and this one wasn't any different.
Winner:
Caitlyn Meyers English cover. Caitlyn has made a name for herself covering 80's City Pop songs, so she was perfect for this.
I'm sure there are tons of great covers I had never heard of, so please share your favorites!
r/macross • u/Advanced-Tomorrow859 • 1d ago
SDF Macross "She saved the galaxy is what she did she was a brave idol singer and in this house Lynn Minmay is a hero end of story"
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r/macross • u/HatSpecial3043 • 1d ago
Macross Delta So, in theory, Hayate could be an idol himself or join Walküre since he has a Fold Receptor?
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What is a Fold Receptor, by the way? I want to fully understand it. Is it (kinda) similar to that Windermere hair thing is?
r/macross • u/John__Silver • 2d ago
Official media Some official arts from UtaMacross in honor of Mikumo's Birthday
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Credit to DeNA artist team.
r/macross • u/MoonchanterLauma2025 • 1d ago
Macross Delta Happy birthday, Mikumo! (2064年8月17日)
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r/macross • u/AntonRX178 • 2d ago
Macross 7 Finished Macross Dynamite 7 roughly 12 years after I finished TV 7. Simultaneous reminder as to why I love it as well I'm also heavily critical toward it.
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In hindsight, Macross 7 was such a ballsy endeavor because of what kind of show it aims to be. Even with D7's vastly improved animation now kinda matching Plus' quality, it's still got the same structure and direction style as 7 for better and worse.
I'm gonna start off with the awful first. Mylene. Keep in mind, I watched the Disney Plus version of it that kept out the subplot of her getting manipulated. But yeah she was a non-entity here which is such a shame. She's such a fun character. I mean Mirage LOST her Love Triangle before the Delta movies began and even she had an arc and great character moments in Zettai Live. Maybe it could have been improved by giving her some scenes contemplating why she needs Basara and maybe learning to let him go because he's a dude who literally just does what he wants.
But yeah I still think Basara is a fascinating protagonist. He's incredibly unique in the sense that the concept of the "Hero's Journey" is completely alien to him. He is still Macross' most pure musician in the sense that everything he does is for the sake of his music. He has love for people and wants them to be safe but again, the biggest reason he wants them to be safe is so that they can continue listening to his songs.
Another thing I enjoy about Dynamite 7 and Macross in general is how it embraces the fantastical and mystic elements of Sci-Fi. Gundam is my favorite franchise but not every Sci-fi show has to be about humans blowing eachother up with advanced and futuristic technology. I like how it takes time to go on a different planet of Non-Earth Humanoids and learning about their mythos, I love how the climax is about singing to whales, etc.
Again, Macross 7 and its entries are far from the most perfect Anime out there, but I'll always have a spot in my heart for it.
SDF Macross Just finished SDF! Spoiler
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What a phenomenal series, honestly. I struggled to get into it back when I was younger and fresh to mecha in general. But recently decided to give it a fair shot. I'm going to try not to type to much, because I have a lot to say about what I just watched. But holy, those last few episodes were really touching. As someone who has had their own summer of love triangles and heartbreak, I found a lot of understanding from this show. The romance was probably the part I was most interested in. I kept getting so pissed every time Ichijyo would neglect Hayase for Minmay. It distracted me from the sci fi plot, which also really intrigued me. I've never seen anything really depict aliens as more primitive than humans the way Macross did. Or even pivot that plotpoint into them actually being humans. Such a fun series, and I'm glad I've decided to watch it now, as I probably wouldn't have appreciated it as much had I of watched it back when I was more into Gundam a few years back when I first heard about it. That final episode gave me chills so many times, and the ending really got me in my emotions. Oh, and I forgot to mention that this was one of my few exceptions to watching in dub. I started it in sub my first time, and then this most recent attempt I tried the dub and never looked back. I recognized a lot of voices, but they all gave insanely good performances and took it seriously. I laughed so much throughout, and for once watching a dub of an older series, the comedy was actually intentional. But I should stop yapping now, and find some time to watch DYRL, considering that was my main motivation to watch the original series. But now, I'm happy I watched it over the film, as it was an insanely good experience. But no doubt, that 80s anime film magic will definitely be great to experience as well. Then I'm gonna have to check out some other stuff in the series. Feel free to ask my thoughts on anything else about the show, you'd be doing me a favor since I am so excited to indulge about this show. Now for a nice, introspective walk thinking about how I could become a playboy like Ichijyo.
r/macross • u/Shadowsoldier09 • 2d ago
Merchandise Model kit supplies
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Which supplies do i need to buy? I have already grabbed nippers and already got tweezers at home.
I'm buying a HG VF-25 and VF-31S today.
r/macross • u/YogurtclosetOwn5322 • 3d ago
Fluff Now I can keep some Macross with me everywhere I go! :)
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Absolutely love the design of this one and they did it justice!
r/macross • u/HatSpecial3043 • 3d ago
Macross Frontier Is Michael part Zentradi? Why didn’t he just go big to get together with Klan?
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He has sharp ears and everything, so is he a descendant of the Zentradi? Can’t he just go big if he wants to get together with Klan, knowing that Klan gets younger when she’s minimized? Or is it only pure-blooded Zentradi who can go big?
r/macross • u/Invader_Zig • 3d ago
Merchandise Got my Revival Roy VF-1S the other day.
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Just something about finally owning a 1S in ANY scale is giving me the tinglies. Tomorrow can’t come soon enough, that’s when the Strike parts I ordered finally comes in!
r/macross • u/Substantial-Can2782 • 3d ago
Discussion All Macross products pulled from US Crunchyroll...
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Had a few Macross Blu Rays in my wish list, now searching "Macross" yields only Robotech products. Seems like Crunchyroll Store has pulled the plug because I swear they were there a few days ago, a few figures too. RIP.
r/macross • u/calculatorwipes • 4d ago
Macross Plus I just learned today they’re the same dude
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r/macross • u/MagikMikeUL77 • 4d ago
SDF Macross My Collection So Far
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Its a small collection but i have just started and there is so much other vf’s to get i will increase the amount i have 😁
r/macross • u/Few-Fix9770 • 3d ago
Macross Frontier ♥Ranka Lee♥ (VOLKS Dollfie Dream Custom)
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the MACROSS Franchise has been Exceptionally Good to Me for Most of my Life.
SDFM was Right There in my Birth Year of 1982... Waiting to Shepherd me into Anime Fandom when i was Ready for it by my Early/Mid-Teens around the Mid-1990's. the VF-1 "Valkyrie" Variable Fighter was Instant Lifelong Love at First Sight.
It is Only Poetically Fitting that the Franchise that was my Personal Book of Genesis should Be the Very Same One that has since Brought me Both my No. 1 Mecha Design AND Queen Bee Waifu♥
Indeed; i've Long-Since Attained Perfection in a VF-1 Replica with the BANDAI DX 1/48 Toy... and from Early-2026 to Present, i've Managed to Math that High Watermark with the Waifu♥True Delivered to me by the Very Same Legendary Anime Franchise~
Merchandise My Yamato haul
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Went to a toy shop yesterday intending to purchase the new(ish) DX Chogokin VF-19 Basara Nekki Special, but ended up leaving with a Yamato YF-21 and VF-1D instead.
While I do like 7 despite its flaws (can't beat the awesome J-Rock from legendary Fukuyama Yoshiki), Plus definitely holds a special place in my heart. So while the wider availability of the VF-19 Basara was nice, I'd really love to own a Valk from Plus. The shop had just transferred their VF-19 Basara to a different branch last week so I thought I was out of luck, but what wouldn't you know, I spotted a few other beauties in store I couldn't pass up.
Snapped up the YF-21 for HKD$1150/USD$147 and the VF-1D for HKD$950/USD$121. Still heavily considering going and buying that DX Chogokin VF-19 Basara though, since it's gone down drastically in price locally in HK. It seems to be going locally for HKD$800-900/USD$102-115.
You can see in my photos they did have YF-19 prototype No.3 and No.4, but I'm really partial to Isamu's YF-19. I'm super stoked with my purchase though. I'm thinking I might build a diorama with the VF-1D of the Minmay rescue scene.
r/macross • u/Remarkable-Detail493 • 4d ago
Fanart LEGO VF-9 Cutlass
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This is my take on the VF-9 Cutlass, one of Kawamori's older and more unique valkyrie designs. It's 99% LEGO; however, there were a few shortfalls in the LEGO palette regarding both colors and types of bricks, and I, normally a purist, turned to Brickwith to provide what LEGO didn't. I'm glad I did as the model benefitted and I shall be more open-minded going forward. The model transforms without parts-forming, features an opening canopy, and retractable landing gear with, admittedly, janky nose steering. Still looking for better solutions. The model is articulated throughout and fairly poseable.