Earlier this week Mecha Anime fans got quite the
bombshell surprise when it was announced that FINALLY, the Macross Franchise is
headed for US shores…and it’s gonna run on Disney+?. Ok I’ll admit that’s a very strange choice of
platform to stream one of the most legendary and long sought after Anime in
history but it’s a major grab nonetheless (maybe Disney is trying to push into
the Anime streaming business but that’s a discussion for another time). Despite it’s longevity, Macross’ presence in
the US has been pretty distant compared to Gundam. Heck, it’s intro to the west was through
Robotech with scant releases of the original series and a couple of OVAs here
and there. Well while Disney+ might not
be getting said original series, nor the franchises first movie, “Do You
Remember Love?”, it still intends to release a crap ton of Macross across the
2024 year…when that starts IDK but let’s just be grateful for what we’re getting. Speaking of, let’s take a look at some of
those treasures coming our way with the Top 5 Macross Titles Coming to Disney+. I’m going to be focusing on the titles that
have not have a US release yet. So as
much as I’m looking forward to watching Macross Plus this year, it wont be
included on this, along with Macross II.
As of this writing, as far as I know, this is the most
recent addition to the Macross franchise annnnnd it’s a bit divisive from what
I’ve heard. Much of the backlash against
Delta comes from the greater focus on the pop band, Walkure, and less on the
exciting mecha dogfighting action Macross is also best known for. I mean yeah, another entry on this list has a
similar setup but as I’ll explain, even though I haven’t seen it, it’s by far
the better option than Delta. Still, it
is new Macross and that has to count for something. Anyone looking to see where the franchise
might be heading (or using as a roadmap to course correct) should check this
out.
#4-Macross Zero
I’m not gonna say too much about this one since (Spoiler)
it’s next weeks review.
All I’ll say
about this prequel is that it is the landmark 20
th anniversary title
for the Macross franchise and it features the debut of Studio Statelite as the
Studio sheparding Macross from this point forward. And I’ve gotta say, from a
visual standpoint, I can see why these guys have been kept on, this OVA looks
freaking great.
#3-Super Dimension Fortress Macross Flash Back 2012
While we still cant get our hands on OG Macross and the Do
You Remember Love movie, we are getting something of a compromise.
Released in 1987 for the fifth anniversary of
the original series, Flash Back 2012 is a compilation film comprised of music
videos featuring footage from both the 1982 epic that started it all and it’s
equally (if not more) beloved first theatrical outing in 1984.
Apparently, the sequence surrounding this
ensemble, a farewell concert for Minmei before going on an intergalactic tour,
was meant to be included as an epilogue scene for Do You Remember Love.
It might be short but hey any classic 80s
Macross is better than none.
#2-Macross Frontier
I actually did see this close to when it aired back in
the day. I don’t remember too much about Frontier but I do remember thinking it
wasn’t bad.
The music certainly still
kicks a ton of ass and I still listen to the tunes of Sheryl Nome and Ranka Lee
to this day.
Speaking of, this series
two idol girls (and two parts of another Macross love triangle) are still
widely regarded as some of the best of their kind since the days of Lynn
Minmei.
The CG Animation Statelite brought
into the franchise with Macross Zero looks even better here too.
I should def give this one a rewatch to see
if it matches the best of the best of the franchise (OG Macross, Do You
Remember Love and Macross Plus btw).
#1-Macross 7
So remember when I was talking about Macross Delta and I
said that it was a show centered on an idol group?
Well Macross 7 did something like that first
and has arguably done it better.
The
first TV sequel, Macross 7 centers on the titular ship leading a fleet into
deep space and the rock band that becomes their secret weapon.
The music of Bosara and Fire Bomber has
become stuff of legends, with multiple albums sold to further boost their
popularity.
From what little I’ve seen,
Macross 7 is a bit on the sillier side but many hail this as one of the franchsies
best.
Hmmm…I wonder if this could make
for a potential Extended Summer Series Review as well.
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